Five Water Intrusion Tests Endured by the 2015 Chevy Colorado

DURAND, Mich - Visually and mechanically dynamic, truck enthusiasts can't help but bask in the overall beauty of the 2015 Chevy Colorado. Sometimes we get so distracted by our Chevy vehicle's advanced technological features or its glossy finish that we forget about what each vehicle must experience before it is able to make its way to the dealership. A great example? The Chevy Colorado. There were five water intrusion tests that had to be endured by the 2015 Chevy Colorado prior to  it rolling off of the delivery truck and onto our lot!

1. The Dunk Tank - This particular test was inspired by the severe flooding that occurred in Thailand during the 2011 monsoon season. The 2015 Chevy Colorado is driven into a tank which is then flooded by water up to the truck's rocker panel. From there, GM engineers are able to examine the effect on the underbody and chassis components that contain electrical wires and venting systems. 

2. The Universal Water Test - General Motor's universal water test is made up of 330 nozzles that spray 3,123 liters of water per minute for eight minutes straight. This puts the robustness of the vehicle's door and window seals to the test to determine long-term reliability. The test also helps to ensure that no water leaks into the cabin during wet weather conditions and the water does not interfere with powertrain venting systems or other underbody components. 

3. Mist Test - The universal water test has a function that simulates misty conditions, which can result in water creeping into areas of a vehicle that large drops of water do not. This could cause a leak by having water wick through weatherstrips with low compression.

4. Deep Fording Trough Test - A 15-meter deep outdoor fording trough simulates slow treks through water when water intrusion can impact the transmission fluids and powertrain components such as the rear exhaust.

5. High-Pressure Sprayers - Engineers at General Motors use high-pressure sprayers to test the strength of components such as charge ports, powertrain vents, fuel vent systems, and vehicle air induction systems behind grille openings. 

The five water intrusion tests endured by the 2015 Chevy Colorado were completed so that customers will never have to worry about the performance of their truck. No matter where your destination may be, General Motors wants to ensure that your truck can get you there no matter what weather conditions are outside your door. Flooded roads, river crossings, or even the most terrible of storms don't stand a chance against the Chevy Colorado. 

Interested in getting behind the wheel of your very own 2015 Chevrolet Colorado? Visit us at Graff Chevy 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!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram 

Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season

DURAND, Mich - If you've seen the photos from our Busted Bumper Buck Pole Contest, you'll notice that the deer-collisions in the Durand area are beginning to steadily increase. It is that time of the season when deer come out the play, raising the potential for dangerous crashes out on the road. To avoid an unpleasant encounter with a doe-eyed friend, we are here to provide you with some safe driving tips for deer season.

Being that the fall months are the peak of breeding and hunting season, it is an especially dangerous time for drivers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deadly crashes are more likely to occur in rural areas and on roads that have a speed limit of 55 MPH or higher. However regardless of the road you are driving on, it is important to be extra cautious during this time of the year.

Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season -

• Deer are most active around sunset and sunrise, so it is in your best interest to be exceptionally alert if you are driving during these times.

• Deer tend to travel in groups so it is safe to assume that if you see one, another one is probably nearby.

• If you are driving at night when there is no opposing traffic, use your high beams. This will help you to scan for deer's illuminated eyes or dark silhouettes on the side of the road. If you do see one, no matter how far, start to slow down drastically. 

• This one is VERY IMPORTANT.....DO NOT SWERVE to avoid hitting a deer. Swerving can lead to hitting another vehicle, tree or other object and is more likely to cause an even more dangerous accident. As you are about to hit the deer brake firmly, stay in your own lane, hold onto the steering wheel and bring your vehicle to a complete and controlled stop.

• If you do hit a deer, be sure to turn on your emergency flashers and pull to the side of the road so that you are visible to other drivers. Stay inside of your vehicle. Never approach the deer because their hooves are extremely sharp, powerful and dangerous. 

• Finally, utilize the OnStar button inside of your Chevrolet vehicle. OnStar is there to assist you through ANY type of situation.

If you've recently had an unfortunate encounter with a deer, Graff Durand can help! We are here to assist you with ALL of your vehicle repair needs AND we will also give you the chance to WIN $1,000 CASH with our Busted Bumper Buck Pole Contest!

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!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram 

Is This the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro?

DURAND, Mich - Rumor has it that another highly anticipated General Motors vehicle has been spotted out on the road near Detroit while undergoing testing. Although nothing can be certain, the people at Top Speed noticed that this vehicle had been camouflaged with additional roof-obscuring padding which made them question: could this be the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro? 

Speculators believe that this camouflaged vehicle may be powered by a turbocharged, four-cylinder as a response to the turbo 2.3 liter four-banger that was recently added to the Mustang's power plant 2015 lineup. The 2016 Chevy Camaro will ride on GM's Alpha platform that can be found on the Cadillac ATS and CTS. This new platform makes for improved proportions, a clean-cut shape and will also provide 2016 Camaro drivers with rear-wheel drive. Spies believe that the design of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro has not be completely redone, but will definitely feature a sleeker, more dynamic look.

Is this the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro? The truth will soon be told! Keep up with the latest updates with Graff Chevy 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!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram 

Help Durand High School Win "Celebrate My Drive"!

DURAND, Mich - Okay so, how about the bad news first? Did you know that teens die more from car crashes than any other cause? The first year of driving tends to be the most dangerous, which is why we are here to bring you the good news: Together we can DO something about it!

Celebrate My Drive celebrates this a new life of freedom that comes with a driver's license. A new life which includes making smart choices when behind the wheel and spreading the message of 2N2 - 2 eyes on the road, 2 hands on the wheel. One simple habit can reduce the number of distracted drivers out on the road.

So where is our role in all of this? Well, we can join in on the celebration and help Durand High School Win "Celebrate My Drive" starting on Wednesday, October 15th thru the 24th! Each day we can make a safe driving commitment at www.celebratemydrive.com, which will count as 1 vote towards Durand High School! Your vote will get Durand High School one step closers to receiving up to $100,000 in grants AND  a special concert from The Band Perry!

Last year, over six million safe driving commitments were made in North America! Let's be apart of this amazing celebration and help Durand High School Win "Celebrate My Drive"! Visit www.celebratemydrive.com every day starting Wednesday, October 15th thru the 24th and make a safe driving commitment!

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!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram 

5 Core Strength Elements on the Chevy Silverado

DURAND, Mich - In order to be one of the most reliable, long-lasting full-size pickups on the road, everything on the truck from the foundation to the engine must be built with the most durable of materials. There are 5 Core Strength Elements on the Chevy Silverado that Chevy engineers have worked vigorously to develop that will continue to help take the full-size pickup to the next level of capability and efficiency.

1. Full Boxed Frame - The Chevy Silverado's full boxed frame -which includes main rails and major cross members composed of high-strength steel- creates a firm base for maximum hauling capability, exceptional crashworthiness AND the life span that customers demand. Developed by General Motors many years ago, this full boxed frame uses highly pressurized fluid to shape the frame rails, making a tougher and lighter frame than of those made from welded multi-piece components.

2. High-Strength-Steel-Reinforced Body Structure - High-strength steel not only earned the Silverado a 5-Star overall rating in government crash tests, but it is also the perfect compliment to the truck's fully boxed frame. High and ultra-high-strength steel makes up roughly 67 percent of the cab, enhancing the frame's overall strength and safety performance. Since this steel can be up to 30 percent lighter with the same amount of strength as carbon steel, customers will benefit from a lower overall vehicle cost.

3. Tough Cargo Box and Tailgate - The floor of the industry's most innovative cargo box is made up of a roll-formed steel that is stronger AND lighter than the normal stamped steel. This helps to control the Silverado's overall mass and in turn will improve efficiency and durability. Additional elements like a spray-on stone protection help to improve paint protection and corrosion resistance. As for the strength of the EZ Life-and-Lower tailgate on the Chevy Silverado, tests prove that it can easily withstand the drop of a 400-pound load on a concentrated area.

4. Advanced Small-Block Engine - Silverado's 5.3L EcoTec V-8 offers the best fuel economy estimates of any truck, getting you up to 23 mpg on the highway! Each of the three fifth-generation small-block engines offered on the Silverado 1500 lineup - 4.3L V-6, 5.3L V-8 and 6.2L V-8 - feature direct injection, Active Fuel Management AND variable valve timing for power, torque and efficiency through any type of driving condition. Chevy's small-block is a less complex and more compact design that provides exceptionally low-rpm torque -exactly what customers need when pulling a loaded cargo box or trailer.

5. Long-Lasting Duralife Brake Rotors - Each Silverado 1500 model has a standard four-wheel disc brake system with Duralife brake rotors. This improves braking performance and DOUBLES the service life. The 13-inch, vented front brake rotors are partnered with 13.6-inch rear rotors that provide the most stable braking performance even with a packed cargo box or when towing a trailer. 

Year after year, these 5 core strength elements on the Chevy Silverado continue to help customers get the job done. If you're interested in learning more about what the Silverado has to offer, visit us at Graff Chevy 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!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram

The Secrets Behind Camouflaging the 2016 Chevy Volt

DURAND, Mich - Keeping one of the automotive industry's best-kept secrets is no easy task. Chevrolet has their work cut out for them as they work to mask the 2016 Chevy Volt's identity until it is ready for its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Ever wondered what exactly the secrets behind camouflaging the 2016 Chevy Volt are? 

Well, firstly it is in the laps of Chevy engineers, not the designers, to create a camouflage that will maintain the secret of the Volt's styling and still allow for proper validation of its systems. It is a difficult balance, finding a way to cover more of the vehicle without compromising the results of the vehicle's development tests.

Although some of the "cool" designs Chevy engineers use for camouflage do earn some style points, the method to their madness is strictly focused on hiding the vehicle. Developing the perfect camouflage started six months in advance of early development. Here are some of the secrets behind camouflaging the 2016 Chevy Volt:

• Black and white patterns act as the perfect color scheme, creating a shadow that hides the vehicle's design elements.
• A 3D layering method can throw off onlookers, but much be applied carefully as to not interrupt the airflow around the Volt.
• Engineers have discovered that swirl patterns work better than the traditional grid pattern when it comes to realigning pieces of the vehicle.
• Bubble wrap is a light-weight, easily attachable camouflage material that can easily confuse all of those snooping Chevy lovers.

Interested in learning more about what the Chevy Volt has to offer? Visit us at Graff Chevy 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!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube