2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch

DURAND, Mich., – Chevy’s most popular sedan has been converted into a hatchback style car for 2017. The Chevy Cruze is Chevrolet's best-selling car around the world and with all the Cruze features you love, and the extra cargo space of a hatch, how could you pass up the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch? Features include:

• MyLink Technologies including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Safety features including Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Park Assist
• 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space
• Heated steering wheel and seats
• Leather seating surfaces
• Halogen projector headlamps
• 18" Wheels

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch is also 200 pounds lighter than the Chevy Cruze. Keeping the style and performance of the popular sedan model, the Cruze Hatch has a slightly more solid and light architecture, providing easier handling. This model promises to be even more fuel-efficient than the earlier models and is going to be available in three different trim levels. The new Chevy Hatchback will be on sale later this fall!

If you can’t wait until the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch goes on sale, you should check out the downloadable electronic brochure for the 2016 Chevy Cruze! Read about the best selling car and it’s features and capabilities. For even more Chevy fun, check out our new vehicle inventory for all of our Chevrolet makes and models. Be sure to stop by with any questions, or to have a sales professional help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need, while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesse Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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10 Awesome Camping Hacks

DURAND, Mich., – Summer in Michigan is the perfect time to go camping! If your family is planning any camping trips this summer, be sure to read our 10 awesome camping hacks to make your life a little easier in the wilderness. We think these tips and tricks make camping much more convenient!

1. Store Matches in a Mason Jar

Before you leave home, transfer your matches from their cardboard box into a mason jar. This will ensure they stay dry in the case of rain! Be sure to buy strike anywhere matches and glue a piece of sandpaper to the lid before you leave!

2. Gallon Jug Lamp

Bring a gallon jug and a headlamp to make an easy lantern for your tent or picnic area. By filling the jug with water and facing the headlamp inward, you can create a ton of ambient light.

3. Pre-whisk Eggs

Mealtime can be crazy when you’re cooking over a fire! Save some trouble by whisking your eggs at home and storing them in a plastic container. This also saves you from having crushed eggs in your cooler.

4. Toothpaste Dots

Rather than bringing a whole tube of toothpaste, you can create lighter, more portable, toothpaste dots. Be sure to allow enough time to dry before you head out on your trip.

5. DIY Fire Starters

Don’t struggle to get the fire started! Fill empty toilet paper tubes with lint from the dryer and light with a match to get your fire going.

6. Prepare Salad in To-Go cups

For an easy campsite lunch, prepare chopped salad at home before you leave. Store the salad in plastic to-go cups to keep them fresh and dry in the cooler!

7. Store Snacks in Plastic Containers

Rather than bringing bags or boxes of snack foods, transfer your snacks into plastic containers before leaving. This way your snacks will stay dry and fresh, and they wont get crunched!

8. Store Plastic Cutlery and Napkins

To keep your picnic area more organized, you can keep your plastic silverware and paper napkins in a recycled drink holder!

9. Collapsible Trash Can

Use a collapsible mesh laundry basket lined with a trash bag to keep your trash accessible and contained!

10. 2-Liter Toilet Paper Holder

Keep your toilet paper dry by storing it inside a repurposed 2-liter. Just cut off the bottom and excess plastic, pop in the TP, and pop the bottom back on!

We think these 10 awesome camping hacks will make your camping adventures much more convenient and enjoyable! Do you have any favorite camping tips you’d like to share with us? Let us know what we missed!

If you’re interested in a new car for your adventures this summer, you may want to check out the Chevy Cruze or the Chevy Malibu! Both popular sedans are great options for your family! Be sure to download their electronic brochures to get more info and see photos! Don’t forget to keep your current vehicle in good shape by reading our Summer Car Care pages at Graff Durand!

Come see us at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429. Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! For any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We proudly serve Durand, as well as the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesse Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and others.

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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Brochure

DURAND, Mich., – Explore the spacious Chevrolet Cruze by downloading the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze online brochure. Chevy’s spacious sedan provides drivers with the ultimate in performance and technology. Check it out for yourself!

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Brochure

With the Chevy Cruze’s efficiency, never stop exploring this summer! At an estimated 42 MPG highway, the 2016 Chevy Cruze will take you further! Whether you’re going up north, or across the country. Chevrolet wants to get you there in style, without breaking your budget. With efficiency that’s hard to beat, Chevrolet’s popular small sedan is the perfect vehicle for you this summer.

Available with all of the latest technology features, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will keep you connected wherever you go. 4G LTE data plans, provided by AT&T and OnStar have never been more affordable. Connect up to 7 devices at once so the kids can stream movies in the backseat, while you navigate in the front. Connect your favorite music and sports apps, so you can listen while you drive. Learn more by reading the downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze brochure.

Get the most out of your 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and head over to Graff Durand to buy or lease your new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, we want to revolutionize your car buying experience. We strive to bring the customer satisfaction you want, and the transparency you need. Contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesse Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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General Motors Just Launched Car Sharing Service Maven

DURAND, Mich.–– Auto companies have been making moves towards becoming mobility companies, and General Motors is the latest to take a big step. Combining the company's multiple programs under one umbrella brand, General Motors just launched car sharing service Maven.

The company's programs include Zipcar and Sidecar, which are paired with Google car-sharing experts to create Maven. The goal of Maven is to increase easy of mobility with highly personalized on-demand services. Maven has launched it's car-sharing services in cities around the U.S. including one right here in Michigan, Ann Arbor.

The GM vehicles will be available in 21 parking spots across the city of Ann Arbor and will be focused on University of Michigan faculty and student users. More city programs will majorly launch later this year.

“GM is at the forefront of redefining the future of personal mobility,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “With the launch of our car-sharing service through Maven, the strategic alliance with ride-sharing company Lyft, and building on our decades of leadership in vehicle connectivity through OnStar, we are uniquely positioned to provide the high level of personalized mobility services our customers expect today and in the future.”

Maven users will use the app to find and reserve a vehicle by location. Once they find and pick one they will be able to unlock the vehicle with their smartphone and enable other functions like starting. The cars will have the connectivity technology which will make the experience feel more like ownership than sharing. Maven will allow users to choose from three different vehicle sizes, is affordably priced by the hour, and includes insurance and gas.

Ride sharing is a large portion of the future in mobility. If you're interested in testing it out you can find more information here. If you're interested in owning a vehicle, we can help you! We have great new models like the affordable Chevy Cruze and Chevy Equinox that have the same connectivity as sharing models and get great fuel-economy, too. 

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Car Hacks to Make Your Winter Mornings Easier

DURAND, Mich. –– Who can say they genuinely love going out into the frozen tundra, A.K.A. Michigan in the winter, to clear their driveway and car in the morning? No one? We thought so. Winter is the season of inconvenience if you park your car outdoors. Waking up in the morning knowing you’ll have to put some arm into scraping ice off your windows isn’t exactly a mood booster, and requiring extra time to allow your car to warm up is a pain to plan around. To ease the pain of winter, we’ve come up with some car hacks to make your winter mornings easier. 

1. Raise Your Windshield Wipers: You just need to remember to do this before you go inside for the night. You can also put long socks over your wipers to prevent your wipers from collecting ice. 
2. Put Plastic Bags on Your Mirrors: Gallon-size bags should fit your cars mirrors. Covering your mirrors with bags should prevent ice and snow from accumulating so you can see clearly when you’re rushing to get out of the driveway!
3. Make Your Own Window De-Icer: Store bought de-icer sprays can get pricey if you’re using them a lot. A great recipe you can make at home is as simple as using an empty spray bottle, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and water. Alternatively you can mix three parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle, which may not completely work with a thick layer of ice. 
4. De-fog Your Windows Easily: It may seem silly, but keeping a whiteboard/chalkboard eraser in your vehicle makes the process quick. You can also roll down the windows or blast the AC to quickly defog on the go. Another solution is keeping a sock filled with kitty litter in your car, which will contain odor and condensation. 
5. Scrape Ice in a Pinch: If you’re really in a pinch and can’t seem to locate your ice scraper you can use a plastic card, like a credit card, or spatula to scrape off ice.
6. De-Ice Frozen Locks: There are a few solutions. You can use a straw to blow your warm breath onto the lock. You can also use a squirt of hand sanitizer, which contains rubbing alcohol that makes those stubborn locks movable again. Finally, running your key under a lighter will warm it up enough to then unfreeze the lock as you gently push it in. Spraying a little WD-40 ahead of time will prevent the lock from freezing.
7. Prevent Freezing Doors: Cooking spray can do wonders for many things, including your car in the winter. Spray a little in the cracks of your doors and on the rubber. The spray will prevent melted water from sticking in one place to freeze.

Although winter can be a real drag, we hope these car hacks to make your winter mornings easier will help! We understand an old car can really be a pain because of the issues that come along with it. If you’re in need of a new battery, windshield wipers, or even a new car, we can help! We have great new models like the affordable Chevy Cruze and Chevy Equinox that warm up fast and run well in the winter. 

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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5 Healthy Slow Cooker Meals to Try

DURAND, Mich. –– Eating healthy is a cinch when all you need to do is set and forget until it's time to eat. Slow cookers  have been a life saver for many busy families because of the time saving factor and convenience of, typically, only having one pot to clean. There are so many meals you can make in a slow cooker including some surprisingly healthy options. We've come up with 5 healthy slow cooker meals to try this weekend, or prep for the upcoming week to save you some time.

A restaurant quality meal boasting health factors to boot, all in one. Check out this Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green Beans recipe. It feeds four. 

Feeling spicy? Try this Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas recipe to cure your greasy Mexican food craving in a healthy way. 

But what about Asian food cravings? We've got you covered. Try this easy Crockpot Orange Chicken and serve with brown rice.

Who doesn't love soup on a cold winter day?  This Slow Cooker Skinny Loaded Potato Soup will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

These Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are super filling, flavorful, and fun to eat!

Try to stay warm this weekend with these 5 healthy slow cooker meals. If your car isn't keeping you warm, we have some awesome options with heated seats and climate control like the 2016 Chevy Equinox and Cruze. They'll also keep your wallet full and warm by saving you on gas, too! Stop by our dealership and we'd be happy to show you some options that fit your needs and budget.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Battery and Drivetrain Set Benchmark

DURAND, Mich. –– The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV made a big splash in the electronic vehicle market with its debut at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) last week. The Chevy Bolt EV's battery and drivetrain set a benchmark for the EV future.

The well-touted, selling factor of the Bolt EV is the long range GM-estimated distance of 200 miles. Engineers designed the propulsion system to deliver a sporty, sedan-like, tuned driving experience. The Chevy Bolt truly raises the bar in EV driving.

The Bolt uses a single high capacity electric motor to propel the vehicle like most other EV's on the road, but it has a quiet motor and different gear configuration that separate it from the rest. The 200-mile estimated drive range is thanks to the offset gear and shaft configuration. The motor can produce up to 266 lb-ft of torque and 200 hp of motoring power, which can take the Bolt from 0–60 mph in less than seven seconds.

Chevrolet's first Electronic Precision Shift system controls the power delivery in the Bolt EV. The shift and park-by-wire system makes for a more precise feel and delivery of power and torque. This system also takes up less space, meaning more interior space and a better interior layout.

At the heart of this EV is its battery. With the EV experience of the Chevy Volt, battery engineers and partner LG Electronics developed a new cell and battery pack that offers the extensive driving range of 200 miles. The specs include: a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack, 288 lithium ion cells, all of which weighs 960 pounds. The battery pack spans the entire floor of the vehicle and uses active thermal conditioning, like the Chevy Volt, to keep it operating at optimum levels in whatever climate it drives in.

“You usually have a battery cell that delivers either the desired levels of energy or power, but not traditionally both. With this cell design and chemistry we were able to deliver a battery system with 160 kilowatts of peak power and 60 kilowatts hours of energy,” said Gregory Smith, Bolt EV battery pack engineering group manager.

The Bolt has the ability to charge for a 50-mile commute in less than two hours. Using the optional DC Fast Charging system the Bolt can be charged in 30 minutes for up to 90 miles of range. If you're interested in an EV car now, the Chevrolet Volt is a great and very green option. While Chevrolet continues to make leaps and bounds in the EV market, they also have great cars in their lineup now that provide great gas mileage like the Chevy Trax and Chevy Cruze.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Chevy Cruze Sales Pass 3.5 Million

DURAND, Mich.– Regarding customer trust and loyalty, the numbers do all the talking for Chevrolet. As Chevy Cruze sales pass 3.5 million, the rest of the automotive industry is left gazing in amazement across the aisle.

As Chevy’s top-selling vehicle, the Cruze recently achieved this new benchmark in sales across 115 countries. Its top markets include China, the United States, Brazil and Canada, but the Cruze did exceptionally well in its home country.

When Chevy Cruze sales pass 3.5 million, you can bet there has been an increase in sales. In 2014, Cruze sales in the United Sates shot up 10 percent from the previous year to 273,060, placing the Cruze at second-best in sales to customers under 25 in the United States. Cruze sales also showed a 35 percent increase in new Chevy customers and a 56 percent Chevy customer retention rate, while 23 percent of customers traded in their current Cruze for a new one.

These impressive numbers make way for the upcoming 2016 Chevy Cruze that will debut on June 24. The bar is set high for the next generation Cruze, but Chevy seems to be confident in their spectrum of new model features. To give you a glimpse, the 2016 Cruze is larger and lighter than the current model, and happens to be armed with 25 new technologies, two of which include the touted Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

If the Chevy Cruze sales numbers and expected updates aren’t enough to woo you, perhaps it’s time to do a little extra research on the reliability of Chevrolet’s other vehicles. Our inventory of New Chevy Cars and New Chevy Trucks at our Genesee County Area Chevy Dealership is the perfect place to begin.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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