9 Tips to Help Clean Your Car Before a Road Trip

DURAND, Mich., – After washing your car, either at home or at the local car wash, and vacuuming up the interior, you'll notice there is still a lot to tidy up before your next big road trip. Try using our 9 tips to help clean your car before a road trip to give yourself peace of mind and start your trip off on the right foot. Cleaning the inside and exterior of your vehicle periodically is also just a good thing to do keep up its resale value as well!

Use a foam paint brush to clean air vents

Squishy foam paint brushes can be used to reach into and help clean your air vents from dust particles and other debris that would otherwise be blown into your face and breathing air. The foam can squeeze through the small vents, and dirt and dust will cling to it, making it an ideal tool for cleaning your air vents and plenty of other areas of the interior of your vehicle.

Remove bug splatter from your windshield and hood with wet dryer sheets

Grossed out by all the bug splatter on your windshield and the hood of your car? It can be tough to scrape and wash all those little guys off, but a simple trick that works amazingly well is to use wet dryer sheets as washcloth to remove them. They'll come right off! Also, if you're planning a trip to Northern Michigan, you may want to use this tip after the trip as well!

Clean your floor mats

Vacuuming only does so much to clean your carpeted floor mats, and they can get pretty gross. A professional auto dealer can clean them properly for you, but why do that when you can clean them at home? Start by taking your floor matts out of the vehicle, spray stain remover on them, and then toss them in the washing machine with laundry detergent. Put the washer settings on gentle, and let it run. When you pull them out, they look as clean as the day you bought the car! 

Use a squeegee & water to remove dog hair from seats

There's a better way to remove all of that pesky dog hairs from your seats and interior than vacuuming or using a lint roller. Use a spray bottle of water to spray the surfaces of your seats, and then use a hand squeegee to pull the dog hair up. You'll be amazed on how much better this method is a picking up clingy dogs hairs quickly.  

Clean your windshield wipers to improve their capability

Here's another clever trick to clean a vehicle component that will in-turn improve you driving and safety on the road. When your windshield wipers start to smear water across your windshield and leave gunky, slimey streaks its time to clean them off. Simply wipe down your wipers with generous amounts of rubbing alcohol and let them dry. This won't keep your wipers working perfectly forever, but it will extend their lifespan considerably.

Use a thin cloth covering a flathead screwdriver to clean small cracks

There's plenty of smalls cracks and crevices that accumulate dust, dirt, and grime in your vehicle. Unfortunately they're usually very hard to vacuum out or reach with a regular rag. The perfect way to clean clean out those hard to reach places is by covering a flathead screwdriver with a thin cloth and running it through the cracks and crevices. It may take some time to clean all over, but it will make your car look brand new. Q-tips and toothbrushes are also a good alternative!

Clean up crayon, melted wax, and other sticky messes with a clothes iron and newspaper

Seemingly impossible-to-clean-up sticky messes like crayons or melted wax are actually very simple to clean up on virtually any surface. All you need is a clothes iron and some newspaper. Simply turn on the iron and put lay the newspaper over the mess, then apply the iron to the newspaper directly over the spot of the mess and it will heat the residue up until its a liquid and soaks right into the newspaper. Remove the newspaper and voilà, good as new!

Purchase some air fresheners for the long drive

Long car rides can naturally get stuffy and smelly, so it's worth purchasing air fresheners either to hang from your rear view mirror or to plug into your air vents. They will help keep your ride nice and pleasant.

Use fitted sheets on the seats, under dogs and car seats

To keep you young kids and dogs from spilling, making messes, and shedding on your seats, cover the seats with fitted bed sheets to save yourself the clean up!

So if you're heading out of town this weekend, use our 9 tips to help clean your car before a road trip. It will make your trip all the more enjoyable to start out fresh and clean! Additionally, make sure to keep your vehicle running in top shape before your road trip as well by following our Summer Car Care tips or scheduling an appointment at our Graff Chevrolet Durand Service Center to get any maintenance you need done.   

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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8 Things to Check on Your Car Before a Road Trip

DURAND, Mich., – Before taking a long road trip for vacation or driving up north for a holiday weekend, it's important to make sure your vehicle is up to the task! Prolonged periods of driving can put lots of stress on your vehicle's components and systems and you don't want anything to break down while you far away from home and the service centers you know and trust. So be prepared and keep your vehicle in top working condition by consulting our list of 8 things to check on your car before a road trip.

Fluid Levels 

Most vehicle fluids have recommended mileage or time amounts needed for replacement or refilling. Engine oil and radiator, transmission, and coolant fluids are all crucial to your vehicle running properly. If you go on a long trip with prolonged periods of driving you could cause serious damage to internal components if these fluids aren't at proper levels. So before you head out of town, make sure to get your fluids topped off! Check your windshield wiper fluid as well, it's always important to keep your windows clean so you have a clear view of the road.

Tire Tread & Pressure

You can't always avoid getting a flat tire, but you can make sure your tires are fully inflated before heading out on your road trip. You can refill your tires at most gas stations or our service staff would be happy to do so for you next time you visit our Service Center. The recommended PSI level to fill your tires up to can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual, on the inside of the driver's door, or in some cases on the side of the tires themselves. To ensure your vehicle's tires can grip the road, stop, and handle properly, make sure your tire's tread isn't too worn down. You can test this by performing the famous "Penny Test" to check the tread level. If you can see the top of Abe Lincoln's head, your tires should really be replaced for your safety out on the road.

Brake Pads

Often overlooked in terms of routine maintenance by the average driver, brakes and brake pads are extremely important and should be maintained and inspected regularly. Pay attention to any grinding or squealing sounds, reduced brake pedal responsiveness, and pulling or shaking of the steering wheel as signs that your brake pads need replacing. It's not a repair that can be put off either, as you run the risk of an accident happening or serious and costly component break down. Typically, you should have your brakes checked about every 5 months or every 5,000 miles and definitely before embarking on a long road trip.

Air Conditioning & Air Filter

Long drives in a hot car can be unbearable, so you should make sure to get your air conditioning system checked or fixed by our friendly and skilled service staff to make sure everyone on your road trip rides comfortably. Additionally, getting your air filter replaced (recommended every 35,000-45,000 miles) if it's clogged up and dusty can help improve engine performance, ideal for long periods of driving. 

Lights

Bring your vehicle into our Service Center or grab a friend to check if all of your lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly. To ensure safety out on the road, make sure all your lights are illuminating and replace them if need be. Road trips often require night time driving, and the last thing you want is to have a headlight out, reducing your visibility for yourself and oncoming vehicles. Plus, you won't want to get a ticket for having a taillight out on your trip!

 

Hoses

It's quick and simple to get your hoses checked by our service technicians before your road trip. Hot engine fluid temperatures and other stressors can wear down hoses over time, making them more susceptible to cracks and leaks. Don't get stuck on the side of the road trying to replace a hose to your engine or radiator because they sprang a leak and now can't circulate important fluids to other components!

Battery

The average vehicle battery lasts about four years, but when you should always have it checked when you're visiting our Service Center. It takes only a moment for our technicians to check how well your battery is running and if it needs to be replaced soon. Your battery, like other components on this list, can derail your trip and keep your vehicle from running if it unexpectedly dies on you. As a precaution, we recommend always keeping a set of jumper cables in your car just in case.

Belts

Your vehicle's engines and other internal components are mostly run by belts that can wear down and crack over time. If while you're on your road trip, something major like your serpentine belt breaks, you'll be stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck to come make a costly repair. It's more much cost-effective to get your belts checked and replaced if need be at your local automotive service center. You can check your engine belts yourself by turning them sideways with your hand so you can see the friction surface. Look for ragged, torn, cracked surfaces or if you can see fiber cords, which are all signs that the belt needs to be replaced. Also, if you hear loud screeches when you pull away from a stoplight, a loose belt is probably the cause. If you think your belts need to be replaced, schedule an appointment at our Graff Chevrolet Durand Service Center and we'll get them taken care of right away.

Every component of your vehicle plays a huge part in making sure you reach your destination safe and sound on a road trip. If you bring your vehicle into our Service Center, we can inspect it to make sure it's ready to handle your adventures! Use our list of 8 things to check on your car before a road trip to maximize your fun and ensure a smooth drive! In our opinion, even the best road trips seldom go according to plan, but that doesn't mean they should be derailed by breakdowns and other automotive issues! If you need any automotive maintenance done, schedule an appointment at the Graff Chevrolet Durand Service Center.

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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Summer Car Care

DURAND, Mich., – Summer is finally here and we know that means travel plans for many families. With that in mind, we recommend consulting our Summer Car Care tips to get your vehicle ready for long drives and hot conditions. It’s easy to be more excited about vacation time than taking your vehicle into our service center, but it’s important to stay up-to-date on your vehicle maintenance this time of year. We’ve outlined some of the basic maintenance you should keep up on your car during the summer, including cooling and A/C systems, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, and sun protection.We want to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely and comfortably. Read on to learn about some of the steps you can take to prepare your vehicle for the summer months.

Cooling and A/C Systems

The importance of your cooling and A/C systems working properly during the summer months cannot be overstated. Both of these systems are crucial during hot weather for the safety of your passengers and your engine. A car's cooling system keeps the engine from overheating and having internal damage, while your A/C system keeps everyone in your vehicle, including adults, children, and pets, cool and in no danger of getting heat stroke. Learn the warning signs that could tip you off to a dysfunctional cooling or A/C system, and may ultimately help you recognize a problem with your car. Don’t get stuck on the side of the road due to an unchecked cooling or A/C system.

Cosmetic Damage

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on and fix all of the cosmetic damages on your vehicle that occurred last winter and all of the inclement weather conditions. Learn about some basic cosmetic fixes and why they are important to the life of your car to get them fixed. Plus, some cosmetic damages can cause rust, which greatly decreases the value of your vehicle. So save yourself time and money in the long run by fixing cosmetic damages as soon as possible.

Exterior Lights

Long drives up north on Friday nights and the general increase in nighttime driving during the summer mean it's even more important that your exterior lights are in proper working order. Light maintenance often gets overlooked when it comes to routine vehicle care, but exterior lights are very important to your safety while driving. Learn about the different types of headlights and how you can change them yourself at home, as well as an easy test to make sure your exterior lights are working properly.

Fuel System

On this page, we explain what your fuel system does for your vehicle and about it's different components. You'll learn about some of the warning signs that mean your fuel system may be not working efficiently and why it’s important to maintain the fuel system in your vehicle. With all the driving you're likely to do this summer, you'll want your fuel system working as best it can so you can go farther between trips to the pump. If the fuel system isn’t working properly, you could also be causing expensive damage to your vehicle. If you notice the warning signs, don’t wait to get your fuel system serviced.

Sun Protection

On the Sun Protection page, we discuss a number of tips and tricks for protecting your vehicle from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Yes, they're not just harmful to your skin, they can also do damage to your vehicle. Learn about the types of damage that can be caused by the sun and what you can do to prevent them. You wouldn’t go out in the sun all day without sunscreen on your skin, so why would you want to leave your vehicle unprotected from the sun during the summer?

After you’ve read through all of our Summer Car Care pages, we hope you'll understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle during the hot summer months. We’d be more than happy to help you with your cooling and A/C system, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, or sun protection to get your car in great working condition for all of the summer plans you have this season. Be sure to give us a call at (989) 288-2657 or make a service appointment online. If you have any other questions or concerns about your vehicle maintenance, you can check out our FAQ section on our service page.

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 atwww.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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10 Summer Bucket List Ideas

DURAND, Mich., – Summer is a great time in Michigan! It means nice weather, and hopefully, free time. If you’re finding you’ve got tons of time of your hands, maybe you can use our 10 summer bucket list ideas! Whether you need something to keep your kids entertained, or to keep yourself entertained, this list should have something for everyone!

1. Attend an outdoor concert

Live music is always a fun time, but take advantage of the good weather and go to an outdoor show! Whether it's your favorite artist or a small local band, you’re sure to have a great time listening to some music under the sun or the stars!

2. Go camping in the backyard

Camping is great summer bucket list item because you can make it as much work as you want! Setting up a tent in the backyard with the kids can be just as much fun as planning a camping trip over a long weekend. Not only are you within close range of running water, running inside is easy in the case of inclement weather! You can still do all the fun camping things like roasting marshmallows over the fire pit and sleeping on air mattresses in sleeping bags, all while being a few steps from indoor bathrooms!

3. Cook a meal from farmers market ingredients

The Durand Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday through October. A great meal to prepare from farmers market ingredients would be a fresh omelet! You can find farm fresh eggs, veggies and cheese to cook a delicious breakfast, all while supporting your local farmers! Not to mention you can usually find delicious baked goods and beautiful flowers too.

4. Take a road trip

Taking a road trip doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. It doesn’t call for much planning either! Grab a friend, pack some snacks, fill up your tank, and just drive! You might be surprised at the fun things you find on your little adventure! If you're the type of person who needs to have a plan, check out our blog about 5 Traverse City destinations, and head there for the day!

5. Try something new

Summertime presents a great opportunity to try new things! What is something you’ve always wanted to do but never actually done before? Have you ever gone paddle boarding or kayaking? What about hiking or rock climbing? Make a commitment to yourself this summer to try something new and exciting! It could be something as small as trying a new food or recipe! Step out of your comfort zone!

6. Tie Dye

Do you have some old dingy white clothes lying around? Run to the local craft store and pick up a tie dye kit! Turn your unwanted clothes into works of art. You could also try tie dying old white shoes or sheets! Tie dye is a great outdoor activity for kids and adults!

7. Read a new book

Make yourself a list of books you’ve been dying to read. Maybe they’re the classics you never got to or by an author a friend recommended. Whatever the case, summer is a great time to catch up on the reading you’ve been falling behind on.

8. Watch fireworks

Summer is pretty much the only time to catch a fireworks show. Fourth of July will be here before you know it, so make sure you plan to head to a fireworks display. If you’re bringing the kids along, sparklers are always a fun activity! Just be sure to review safety with them and make sure sparklers are allowed if you’re in a public park.

9. Start a garden

Have you always wanted to start a garden in your backyard? Summer is the perfect time! If you don’t have space in your yard for a garden, you could try these fun DIY window box gardens! Plant fruits, veggies, herbs, or flowers! Watching something grow is always rewarding!

10. Plan a picnic

Whether it’s you and a friend, you and your kids, or you and your significant other, who doesn’t love a good a picnic? Pack up a lunch and blanket and take it to your favorite beach or other outdoor area! If the weather isn’t looking so great, you can always try an indoor picnic on the living room floor!

We hope our 10 summer bucket list ideas gave you a kick-start on your summer planning! If any of your summer adventures call for your vehicle, make sure your seasonal maintenance is up to date! Check our Summer Car Care pages at Graff Durand to help you keep your car in good shape. We offer advice on your cooling and A/C systems, your fuel system, your exterior lights, cosmetic damages, and sun protection!

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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Summer Car Care at Graff Durand

DURAND, Mich., – Summer is finally here and we know that means travel plans for many families. With that in mind, we’ve created our new Summer Car Care at Graff Durand pages. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of vacation time, but it’s important to stay up-to-date on your vehicle maintenance. We’ve outlined some of the basic maintenance you should keep up on your car during the summer, including cooling and A/C systems, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, and sun protection. If you have any adventures planned during the warm weather months, it’s especially important that you keep your vehicle in good traveling condition. We want to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely and comfortably. Check out the pages below:

Cooling and A/C Systems: On this page we run through the importance of your cooling and A/C systems. Both of these systems are crucial during hot weather. We outline some warning signs that could tip you off to dysfunctional cooling or A/C systems, that may ultimately help you recognize a problem with your car. The cooling system keeps your engine from overheating and the A/C system keeps you and your passengers cool. Don’t get stuck on the side of the road due to an unchecked cooling or A/C system.

Cosmetic Damage: Here we discuss why it’s easiest to fix cosmetic damages on your vehicle during the summer. We go over some common cosmetic fixes and why it’s important to the life of your car to get them fixed. Many cosmetic damages can cause rust, which greatly decreases the value of your vehicle. Save yourself time and money in the long run by fixing cosmetic damages as soon as possible.

Exterior Lights: On this page we talk about the different exterior lights found on your vehicle and why it’s important to keep them in working condition. Light maintenance often gets overlooked when it comes to routine vehicle care, but exterior lights are very important to your safety while driving. We go over different types of headlights and how you can change them yourself at home, as well as an easy way to make sure your exterior lights are working properly.

Fuel System: Here we go over what your fuel system does for your vehicle and the components that make it up. We talk about some warning signs that mean your fuel system may be working inefficiently and why it’s important to maintain your fuel system in your vehicle. Gasoline is the main source of power in your vehicle. If the fuel system isn’t working properly you could be causing expensive damage to your vehicle. If you notice the warning signs, don’t wait to service your fuel system.

Sun Protection: On the Sun Protection page, we discuss some tips and tricks for protecting your vehicle from the harmful UV rays of the sun. We go over the types of damage that can be caused by sun and what you can do to prevent them. You wouldn’t go out in the sun all day without sunscreen on your skin, so why would you want to leave your vehicle unprotected from the sun during the summer?

After you’ve taken a look at all of our pages on Summer Car Care at Graff Durand, we hope you understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle during the hot summer months. We’d be more than happy to help you with your cooling and A/C system, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, or sun protection to get your car in great working condition for all of the summer plans you have this season. Be sure to give us a call at (989) 288-2657 or make a service appointment online. If you have any other questions or concerns about your vehicle maintenance, you can check out our FAQ section on our service page.

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 atwww.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Chevrolet Will Continue Its Major League Baseball Sponsorship

DURAND, Mich. – Since 2005 Chevrolet has partnered with Major League Baseball (MLB), offering sponsorship and support to major and minor league baseball teams, as well as baseball at the youth level in communities across the country. Last week it was announced that Chevrolet will continue its Major League Baseball sponsorship. They will continue to be the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball and also become the Official Automotive Sponsor of MLB. Chevy will also continue to support USA Baseball’s Play Ball initiative.

The Play Ball initiative is an effort to promote baseball and softball activities among youth across the country. It includes local events throughout the year, as well as an inaugural Play Ball Weekend that took place on May 14 and 15. Although Chevy’s relationship with the Play Ball initiative is rather young, its commitment to youth baseball is not. Since 2006 Chevy has supported youth baseball through the Chevy Youth Baseball program. Teams who participate in the Chevy Youth Baseball program receive equipment, sponsorship checks, and fundraising opportunities, as well as instructional clinics and MLB experiences.

The announcement that Chevrolet will continue its Major League Baseball Sponsorship shows the continuation of Chevy’s commitment to communities across America. It connects our National Pastime to our all American brand. Chevrolet will also continue to present the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award and the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

Are you a Tiger’s fan? Don’t drop the ball on your vehicle maintenance! Make sure you’re covering all your bases so your vehicle can get you to every game! Schedule an appointment in our service center and we’ll even check your alignment for free! If your week is looking busy, you can bring your vehicle in during our Saturday service hours to ensure everything is running smoothly. Are you in the market for a new car? Take a look at our selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles or our New Car Inventory. Come in to the dealership today and let us help find you the right vehicle for your needs and your 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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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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Winter Car Care Tips & Vehicle Maintenance at Graff Durand

DURAND, Mich. – Winter is in full effect, which means if you haven’t thought about it already, it’s time to think about winter vehicle maintenance and car care. At Hank Graff Chevrolet in Durand, we understand that buying or leasing a vehicle is a big investment, so we want to help you extend the life of your vehicle through every season. Whether you have a car, truck, or SUV, during winter your vehicle can suffer from damaging factors like salt, freezing temps, and ice. With the proper winter car care though, you have no need to worry! We have just launched a new service section on our website that is dedicated to our helpful winter car care tips and vehicle maintenance at Graff Chevrolet. With these simple tips your vehicle will run great through the winter season and beyond!

On our Winter Car Care Page you’ll find winter vehicle maintenance tips on –

• Tires: Understand why winter tires are important. Since the thick treads are designed specifically for winter weather, winter tires can help significantly with traction on slushy and icy roads. Click to learn more about winter tires.
• Batteries: Freezing temperatures are rough on your vehicle’s battery life, but do you know why you may want to replace your battery if it is any older than two to three years old? Click the link to learn about your car battery.
• Brakes: Keeping up with brake maintenance throughout every season is important to ensure safety every time you hit the road, however brake maintenance during winter is even more important since your vehicle can require a longer distance to stop in winter weather. Read more about winter brake care by following the link.
• Oil Changes: Routine oil changes extend the life of your engine and ensure your vehicle is ready to perform for years to come. During the winter, oil changes are even more important because of the effect extreme cold temperatures can have on oil. Click the link for a list of signs your vehicle needs an oil change.
• Wiper Blades: A Clear view is crucial to safe winter driving. Your vehicle’s wiper blades work hard to remove precipitation from your windshield, and can become worn by winter weather in particular. Follow the link to find out if your wiper blades need to be replaced.

Winter weather can make for treacherous driving conditions and it can take a toll on your vehicle. To make sure your vehicle is prepared to protect you through the coldest season of the year, visit our Graff Durand winter car care and vehicle maintenance pages for more information. These pages will teach you how to take the proper steps you need for your car to run its best in the winter season. You can also schedule a service appointment with us online if you’d like us to help with your tires, battery, brakes, oil changes, or wiper blades. We’re always happy to service you here at Graff Chevrolet Durand.

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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Road Trip Maintenance Tips

DURAND, Mich.– It’s almost summertime, a season when many families set out on a classic road trip to explore America. If you’re planning a road trip for your family, you’ll want to include certain items for your journey like snacks and an emergency kit. But it’s also important that your vehicle is fit for the long distances it will be transporting you to. On that note, here are some road trip maintenance tips to keep in mind before you hit the road:

Get your air conditioning recharged. If you notice that your vehicle isn’t cooling down as efficiently as it should, stop in to get your A/C recharged before you’re two states over with all of the windows down trying to avoid heat stroke.

Make sure your battery is fully functional. This is one most people don’t think about until it’s too late. Avoid breaking down in the middle of the night on a dark highway and make sure your battery functions correctly. Assuming your vehicle still starts, look for these signs of a dying battery:

• Lights are weak/dim when engine cranks
• Engine has trouble starting
• Engine cranks slowly

Have a technician inspect your brakes. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your brakes are good-to-go just because you’re stopping. You should get them checked every 10,000 miles, and especially before you travel long distances. Look for these signs to tell if your brakes are unsafe:

• Grinding/high-pitched squealing noises when stopping
• Steering wheel vibration when braking
• Increased braking distances
• Feeling the car pull left or right when stopping
• A burning smell when stopping
• A weak emergency brake

Keep your tires properly inflated and rotated. You should have your tires rotated every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or as recommended by your Vehicle Owner’s Manual. Along with regular rotation, your tires should never be under-inflated or over-inflated. You should also keep an eye out for tread loss or bald spots on your tires.

Get a good view with new wiper blades. It’s time to replace your wiper blades if they leave streaks on your windshield, don’t clear it completely or seem to be cracking and peeling. The last thing you want is for everything else on your vehicle to be in good working order, but then suddenly be forced to pull over when it starts raining because you can’t see out your windshield.

When it comes down to it, your safest option will always be to stop in at a vehicle service center where professionals can determine the quality of your vehicle, but these road trip maintenance tips are definitely major things to think about while you plan your journey this summer.

Our vehicle service technicians are some of the best, and would be happy to take a look for you. Schedule a vehicle service appointment online or call (989) 288-2657 and get a thumbs-up from us before heading out! You can also take a look at our New Chevy Cars and New Chevy Trucks, perfect for road trips, at our New Lothrup Area Chevy Dealership!

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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