Easy Ways to Improve Your Car's Gas Mileage

DURAND, Mich., – Tired of costly trips to the pump to repeatedly fill up your gas tank? Thankfully there's a number of quick tips you can start using to improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. We've put together a list of easy ways to improve your car's gas mileage to help you get from point A to point B with better fuel efficiency! Some of these tips are simple maintenance fixes that we can take care of at our Service Department, and our staff will be more than happy to assist you with anything you may need!

1. Drive Slower & Avoid Rapid Acceleration

While driving fast can be exhilarating, it can also severely cut down on your gas mileage! If you drive at speeds over 65mph on a regular basis, it can cause your gas mileage to drop down by up to 15% of its efficiency! Keeping a consistent and fairly slow speed can help to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Use your cruise control to maintain a safe speed and maximize the efficiency of your vehicle. Also, avoid rapidly accelerating as it burns gasoline more quickly. Accelerate smoothly and you'll go farther!

2. Check Your Tire Pressure

Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your driving efficiency by up to 3.3%. While that may not seem like a big number, it makes a huge difference that you'll notice over the long run! Properly inflating your tires to the right size can also help to improve your traction on the road, keeping both you and your passengers much safer. Low tire pressure can increase the resistance of the tires against the road, causing your vehicle to face more friction and robbing it of its efficiency. Check your owner's manual to see the recommended PSI for your tires!

3. Change Your Air Filter

Your air filter protects your engine from clogging from the dust, dirt, and pollen accumulated while driving. Over time, the filter will become excessively clogged from all the debris it is absorbing, making it harder for your engine to suck in air from the filter. Getting your vehicle's air filter replaced once a year will measurably increase your vehicle's mileage, giving it more power on the road to retain fuel and increase your engine's health.

4. Lighten the Load

This may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your vehicle lighter will make a big different to its fuel efficiency! Sometimes, you may forget to take a few things out of your vehicle from a vacation, and that excess weight can slow you down on the road. Carrying extra luggage or passengers regularly can cause your engine to put more effort in while driving, causing an uptick in fuel usage.

5. Replace Your Gas Cap Seal

Your gas cap seal protects your tank from filling with excess oxygen, and excess oxygen can cause fuel to be burned at a much quicker rate. Over time, your gas cap's seal can degrade, creating openings that allow oxygen to seep into your tank. Getting your gas cap seal replaced can prevent this from occurring, and the repair is typically very inexpensive! Give us a call at our service center for an estimate on pricing and we'll be able to find the best deal to help you!

The best way to save money and maximize fuel efficiency is to have your vehicle regularly looked at! Our Service Center at Graff Durand is home to the free alignment check and tire price match guarantee. Now that you know how to improve your car's gas mileage, you'll be able to get back on the road with some more spending money! From replacement filters to cleaning your vehicle, we hope these handy tips extend your gas tank and keep your summer fun going as long as possible!

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, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

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10 Things to be Happy About Right Now

DURAND, Mich. – Sometimes you just feel a little blue and you don’t really know why. At Graff Chevrolet in Durand we think it's important to remember that there is always something to be happy about, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 things to be happy about right now. It can be tough to make it through a long work week but hopefully we can remind you that even the little things in life are a reason to smile.

Good food
Does it really even need to be stated? Your favorite meal or snack is always something to be happy about. What’s your comfort food? What’s your cheat snack or favorite restaurant? Indulge yourself and don’t feel bad about it.

Coffee
Need we say more? Sometimes a pick-me-up is just what you need to get through a long afternoon. Whether it’s a five-dollar latte from your favorite café, or a plain cup of joe from the pot, let the caffeine comfort you.

Visiting new places
Know that home will always be there waiting. Even if it’s just a new restaurant around the corner, sometimes it takes leaving your comfort zone to realize what you already have.

Your favorite pen
Something so simple is easy to take for granted. Bask in the glory that is a smooth-writing ball-point and remember all the times you had to use a sub-par writing utensil. 

Dogs
Or cats, whatever does it for you. Animals are great stress relievers and great friends. Do you really want a human to listen to your crazy rants? Dogs are judgment free. (We're not so sure about cats, but like we said, whatever floats your boat.)

That what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Seriously, take a second to think about this. You’ve survived everything up until this point, haven’t you? If that’s not something to celebrate then what is?

Nice weather
Whatever “nice” means for you, when your favorite weather rolls around take advantage of it! Maybe that means going for a swim at the lake or building a snowman, either way appreciate it.

Knowing the words to an old song
And unashamedly belting out the lyrics. Go ahead and sing that classic rock song and you be proud about it! On another note, be happy that your memory works well enough to recall the lyrics to your old favorites.

Warm clothes from the dryer
And the smell. The smell of fresh laundry is heavenly. Put on a cozy, clean, warm sweatshirt and it’s game over.

Realizing that there are far better things ahead than any you’ve left behind.
No matter where life takes you keep moving forward and always remember to laugh.

If these 10 things to be happy about right now aren’t cutting it for you, maybe a new car can put a smile on your face. Make your way over to our new car inventory and look at all of our awesome 2016 vehicles. Still can't find what you're looking for? We’ve got tons of used cars for you to check out too. We’d love to help you get into the best vehicle that fits your lifestyle. Let our team at Graff Chevrolet Durand assist you with all of your car buying needs.

Does your current vehicle need some cheering up? Let our ASE certified technicians help you with your vehicle maintenance. You can schedule a service appointment online or call our service center at (989) 288-2657. Our body shop now offers Saturday hours so you can find a time to fit your car maintenance into your busy schedule. We want to keep you and your car happy, so stop by the dealership today!

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! We proudly serve Durand and surrounding communities including Owosso, Flint, Swartz Creek, and Genesse Charter Township. 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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Top 5 Recycled Spring Gardening Hacks

DURAND, Mich.­ - With spring in full force, it’s time to get gardening! Whether you’re a beginner gardener or have a seasoned green thumb, these top 5 recycled spring gardening hacks using things you’d probably throw away will definitely help your garden bloom this season. We hope these clever tricks will help inspire you to get outside and maybe encourage you to do a little spring-cleaning!

Don’t throw away your eggshells! Instead, crush them up and feed them to your plants. 

Have a pest problem? Try this recipe to keep bugs off of your plants. 

Don’t toss the coffee grounds from your morning brew! Fertilize your garden with them. 

Have some empty milk jugs lying around? Turn them into shovels and watering cans.

An old shower caddy makes a creative hanging garden. 

This spring get creative in your garden! Try our top 5 recycled spring gardening hacks and spark your ingenuity. Need to get out of the sun for a little while? Head over to the Graff Chevrolet Durand dealership showroom and check out our extensive selection of new Chevrolet vehicles. Looking for something used? We’ll help you find the perfect Certified Pre-Owned vehicle for both your needs and your budget. Your garden isn’t the only thing that needs a little sprucing up for the season, check out our Spring Car Care page for ways to keep your car in tip-top shape and safe on the road. We’d be happy to help you with all your auto needs including service. Schedule an appointment with our team of experts at the Graff Chevrolet Durand Service Center!

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 atwww.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Top 5 Mother’s Day Brunch Items

DURAND, Mich. – Plan something fun for this Mother’s Day by hosting a brunch party. Gather the grand mothers, aunts, and of course your mom and celebrate all they do! Planning a brunch doesn’t have to be hard with our top 5 Mother’s Day brunch items. With everything from savory to sweet the mother’s in your family will love these classic foods with a delightful twist. Take a look at what items you can make this Mother’s Day.

Berries and Feta Salad

Spinach, Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata

French Toast Sticks in Syrup

Ham and Cheese Croissants

Berry and Granola Parfaits

This Mother’s Day show off your party planning skills with a Mother’s Day Brunch! These top 5 Mother’s Day brunch items will get all of the mothers in your family smiling. Looking for another way to get a smile on mom’s face? Head over to Graff Chevrolet Durand and get her behind the wheel of a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The new technology, top safety features, and sleek style will make it the car she never expected. You could also help mom by fixing up her current vehicle. Take a look at our Spring Car Care page for ways to get her car ready for Spring and Summer. Does her current vehicle need some repairs? Our team of experts can help her in no time! Schedule an appointment with our Graff Chevrolet Durand Service Center today!

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 atwww.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Chevrolet Will Offer a Limited Number of 2016 Silverados with eAssist

DURAND, Mich. ––A truck with improved fuel-efficiency. sounds enticing, doesn't it? Chevy will be adding a little more electrification to its already impressive lineup. Chevrolet will offer a limited number of 2016 Silverados with eAssist, which will achieve 13% better fuel economy in city driving.

The electric Chevrolet family of vehicles including the Volt, Malibu Hybrid, Spark EV, and Bolt EV-starting production in late 2016- will see a new member joining them in a limited number in 2016 and possibly larger number in 2017. Chevrolet will be producing 500 eAssist Silverados for 2016 and, based on feedback from consumers, will adjust the number for 2017. The eAssist Silverados will be released exclusively to dealerships in California in 2016. These trucks will utilize technology from the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Chevrolet Volt, specifically the battery from the Malibu and software controls from the Volt.

What is eAssist exactly? It's a propulsion system powered by a 24-cell lithium-ion battery pack located under the center console or front bench. The eAssist will be a $500 premium over a 2-wheel drive 1LT comparable, and is powered with a 5.3L EcoTech V-8 automatic transmission. EPA estimates the Silverado eAssist will get 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway which is a 13% increase from its non-eAssist counterpart.


How exactly does the eAssist save you on fuel in the Silverado?

• The electric on-board motor provides 13-hp and 44 lb-ft of extra power during acceleration and passing. 
• The electric motor actually allows the engine to work longer in 4-cylinder mode which leads to the improved fuel economy. 
• Better fuel economy is also achieved through the seamless stop/start engine capability, so when you're sitting in traffic you'll be saving instead of wasting. The engine automatically turns back on when the accelerator is pressed.
• Regenerative braking is also utilized for recycled power to the on-board battery. 

“Silverado already leads the full-size truck segment in V8 fuel economy,” said Sandor Piszar, marketing director for Chevrolet Trucks. “For customers and small-business owners who use their trucks for more urban driving, the addition of eAssist can further reduce their fuel costs without sacrificing the utility they expect in a full-size truck.”

Not only does this truck lead in fuel economy, but the 2013 Silverado HD also leads the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment in dependability from JD Powers latest study. If you're itching to get your hands on the steering wheel of a long-lasting truck, or can't simply wait for the eAssist Silverado to make it to a dealership near you, we have 2016 Chevrolet Silverados waiting for you to test-drive. We also have JD Powers' other leading vehicles in dependability- the Midsize Malibu and the Compact SUV Equinox.

We're here to help you with any vehicle need you might have, like seasonal maintenance, with our expert certified technicians in our Service and Collision Centers. For any vehicle questions you might have, check out our newly updated FAQs page for answers to all your pressing maintenance questions. We also have a large selection of reliable used vehicles including Pontiac, Buick, Chrysler, and Ford.

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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