Scary Service Situations to Avoid this Halloween

DURAND, Mich., – Nothing is scarier than seeing your "check engine" light illuminate on your dashboard while you're driving. Forbes estimates that over 9 million Americans have been ignoring their "check engine" light for three months or longer. Ignoring the warning signs that your vehicle provides you can cause you to wind up with costly repairs in the future. Along with your "check engine" light, here are some other scary service situations to avoid this Halloween. Expensive repair costs can ruin your Halloween fun in a matter of minutes. Follow our guide to save yourself money with proper vehicle care and maintenance!

Low Oil

Driving around in a vehicle with low or no oil can lead to nightmarish consequences. Think of your engine as your vehicle's "heart", and the engine oil as its "blood". Your engine's oil is pumped throughout its components, lubricating them and keeping them from rubbing against one another. Without a proper oil level, your engine's parts won't be lubricated and will begin to rub against one another, generating a lot of heat and causing serious damage to your engine.

Warning Signs: If you notice your "check oil" light (similar to the image above) illuminate or if you hear loud noises coming from your engine, it may be time to have your oil level checked out.

What to Do: Typically, you should change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, but you can also consult your vehicle owner's manual for a more accurate figure. Checking your oil level from home only takes a few steps and can help you determine whether or not you need an oil change!

Brake Replacements

The most important safety features of your vehicle are your brakes. Keeping them in good condition will prevent you from winding up in a monstrous car accident and can get you out of sticky situations if an emergency arises. Without properly working brakes, you run the risk of accidents and increase your chance of injury on the road.

Warning Signs: If you hear any screeching or grinding noises as you brake, or experience difficulty while attempting to brake, there is a chance that your brake's calipers, rotors, or pads may need to be looked at, repaired, or replaced. 

What to Do: If you notice any of these warning signs as you drive, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible! Driving around on worn or damaged brakes can lead to expensive costs, so getting your brakes looked at and fixed right away will keep you and your wallet safe from harm!

Transmission Damage

As the name suggests, your transmission transmits power from your engine to your wheels. Typically, your transmission is able to handle average commutes and driving, but if you frequently move from D (drive) to P (park) quickly, internal components can break down and quickly lead to a Halloween nightmare. Damage to your transmission can be caused if you skip oil or filter changes, sudden gear shifts in your vehicle, and low lubricant levels. Your vehicle is an investment. Treating it with care will keep your transmission in great working condition.

Warning Signs: If you smell a sweet or tart odor while driving that doesn't smell like Halloween candy, it could be your transmission fluid! Your transmission fluid is an important chemical used to transport the power from your transmission, and without it, your vehicle could become compromised very quickly. Additionally, if you hear any odd noises coming from your engine, your transmission may require an inspection.

What to Do: If you spot any of these symptoms while driving, call us and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you choose to drive with a potentially damaged transmission, you run the risk of compromising your entire engine, which can lead to nightmarishly high replacement costs.

Burned Out Headlights and Taillights

Your headlights and taillights are some of the most integral safety components of your vehicle. Your headlights help you spot trick-or-treaters that may spontaneously cross the road and your taillights notify pedestrians and other drivers that you're planning on turning down the street they may be walking or driving through. Without working headlights or taillights, you increase the probability of accidents that could occur at night, and if a police officer spots you with burned out lights, you could end up with an expensive ticket. Make sure your lights are in working condition before you drive at night!

Warning Signs: If you are experiencing difficulty seeing at night or notice that your visibility has dropped, your headlight may need to be looked at. You can tell your taillight needs to be replaced if the "clicking" noise your turn signal makes as you prepare to turn "clicks" at a much more frequent rate.

What to Do: Should you happen to have a burned out headlight or taillight, do not drive at night! Burned out headlights or taillights can create risks and expensive ticket costs. Schedule an appointment with us in the morning and we'll replace your broken headlight or taillight right away.

Flat Tire

No one wants a flat tire, especially on a busy holiday like Halloween. Once your tire loses a significant amount of air pressure, it becomes flat. This can be due to overuse, improper air pressure, or even a puncture in the tire. If you get a flat tire while driving, pull over right away. If you keep trying to drive on a flat, your vehicle will heavily pull on your flat's side, making it difficult to drive straight, which can cause structural damage to your vehicle's important components.

Warning Signs: You'll know you have a flat tire if your vehicle keeps slowing down while you drive or if your steering wheel requires you to hold it with force to one side to keep your vehicle going straight. Additionally, if you notice your vehicle is sitting at an angle before you hit the road, your tire could be flat or need to be refilled. 

What to Do: If you have a flat tire, pull over as soon as you're able to! If you don't know how to change your tire, follow our Tire FAQ to learn how, or call us if you need additional assistance. Once you've replaced your flat with your spare tire, head over to our Service Center to get your tire fixed or replaced right away.

Halloween can be a costly time of the year. Costumes, candy, decorations, and more can quickly add up. Save yourself money and time this year by keeping informed on these scary service situations to avoid this Halloween. If you notice anything on your vehicle that could potentially require attention, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible to prevent a Halloween nightmare. Before you head in for your appointment, print out a few of our service coupons to help you further save money for more holiday fun! You can further protect your investment this autumn with our Fall Car Care guide. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your vehicle in peak condition throughout the changing seasons!

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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20 Interesting Facts About Halloween

DURAND, Mich., – Halloween is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world. In the United States alone, over 70% of Americans plan on participating on Halloween or other Halloween activities this year, but very few people know the origins of Halloween or why people carve jack-o-lanterns from pumpkins. Find out for yourself about how Halloween began and more with these 20 interesting facts about Halloween!

1. Halloween began as a Celtic festival for the dead called "Samhain". People at the time believed that Samhain was the day of the dead and that spirits would roam the earth. They would dress as ghosts and demons and leave "treats" on their front porch for the spirits so that they wouldn't be haunted.
2. The Jack-o-Lantern was also started in Ireland, based on the story of the ghost of Stingy Jack. Irish people carved terrifying faces into pumpkins, potatoes, beets, and turnips to scare Stingy Jack and other spirits away from their homes on Halloween.
3. Halloween has been celebrated for over 6,000 years! It is thought to have originated around 4,000 B.C.E., and since then, has become a huge part of global culture.
4. In the Middle Ages, it was customary for trick-or-treaters to have to sing or dance in order to receive their treats. This was a practice known as "mumming" and is still practiced in some parts of Europe!
5. This year, Americans are projected to spend over $618 million on pumpkins!
6. Halloween candy can last a lot longer than you'd think! Chocolates can last up to two years if stored in a dry area, and hard candy can last up to a year. Thankfully, you won't have to eat all of your candy in one day!
7. The reason why bats, black cats, and spiders are common Halloween symbols comes from their ties to old Wiccan rituals. These creatures were usually known as familiars, or servants to witches, and were often associated as omens of bad luck.
8. Americans spend over $6 billion on Halloween annually, coming in second place to Christmas as the most commercial holiday in the United States.
9. Black and orange, the main colors of Halloween, both have symbolic meaning. Orange stands for the strength and endurance of autumn, while black symbolizes death and darkness, paying tribute to Halloween's origin as the day of the dead.
10. Halloween hasn't always been called Halloween or even Samhain. It's gone by several names, like All Hallow's Eve, Witches' Night, Snap-Apple Night, and even Summer's End.
11. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st instead of October 31st. Participants dress up like the dead and parade down the street in honor of those that have passed on to the next life.
12. Salem, Massachusetts, considers itself the Halloween capital of the world due to its history of the Salem Witch Trials.
13. The Lantern Festival in China is celebrated to commemorate Halloween. Lanterns shaped like dragons are hung throughout streets to guide spirits back to their homes, and families typically leave food and water by their ancestors' portraits to welcome them for the evening.
14. During the original celebrations of Halloween, Irish priests would throw cattle bones onto bonfires to ensure the return of the sun. This practice was known as creating a "bone fire", and over time, "bone fire" became "bonfire", the word we all use today!
15. According to Safe Kids America, children are twice as likely to be involved in car accidents during Halloween. If you're going out, make sure to teach your children about street safety and keep an eye out for vehicles on the road!
16. It is extremely rare for Halloween to occur during a full moon. The next full moon Halloween will take place on 10/31/2020.
17. The number one most sold Halloween candy every year is Snickers.
18. Halloween is the sweetest holiday of the year. Chocolate sold on Halloween doubles the amount sold on Valentine's day. In fact, over $1.9 billion a year is spent on Halloween candy alone in the United States!
19. The largest Halloween parade in the United States takes place in New York. With over 50,000 participants and over 2 million spectators, and anyone can join if they have a costume!
20. The biggest pumpkin in recorded history weighed over 2,624.6 lbs. That's one big jack-o-lantern!

With a storied history stretching across thousands of years, Halloween is one of the most universally recognizable holidays. Learning about these 20 interesting facts about Halloween can give you a new perspective on the impact this holiday has had on the world. One more fun fact about the fall season: did you know that the changing weather of the fall can affect the components of your vehicle? Find out what parts of your vehicle need to be looked at before the temperatures drop with our Fall Car Care guide. If you need to have your vehicle repaired or inspected, call us or schedule a service appointment online. We're happy to help you get your vehicle back up to speed before the snow falls!

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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7 Spooky Halloween Party Drinks for Kids

DURAND, Mich., – Hosting a Halloween party? Want to serve a slew of kid-friendly beverages? Make your beverages fun, creative, and creepy with these 7 spooky Halloween party drinks for kids. From sweet to sour, these dreadfully delicious beverages are supremely simple and terrifyingly tasty!

1. Gummy Worm Punch

Start your Halloween festivities off with a chilly concoction! Gummy worm punch is as easy to make as it is sweet! If you want to give this punch an added boost of flavor and creepiness, hang a few gummy worms from the rim of your glass to send shivers down your guests' spines.

Ingredients: Green Berry Rush Hawaiian Punch, Sprite, gummy worms

Instructions:

1. Using a muffin sheet, fill each tin with gummy worms and Hawaiian Punch. 
2. Freeze for 2-3 hours.
3. Fill your glass punch bowl 3/4 full with Hawaiian punch, then add Sprite to fill it up.
4. Drop in a frozen worm disks, stir, and enjoy!

2. Butterbeer

Are you planning on hosting a Harry Potter-themed party this Halloween? Bring the magic to the dinner table by creating your very own batch of kid-friendly Butterbeer!

Ingredients: Brown sugar, butter, salt, apple cider vinegar, heavy cream, chilled cream soda

Instructions:

1. Combine brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Turn off the heat, add 4 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then cool to room temperature.
3. In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup of cream with 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup.
4. In each glass, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of cream soda. Pour in the rest of the cream soda until it's near the brim, then top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

3. Candy Corn Punch

Whether you're a lover or hater of the classic Halloween treat, this candy corn-colored punch is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of fruit punch lovers. It's a sweet treat that's bound to make you smile!

Ingredients: Ice, Crush orange soda, yellow Gatorade, lemonade Vitamin Water

Instructions:

1. Fill your cup to the very top with ice.
2. Pour Crush to 1/3 of the glass.
3. Slowly pour the Gatorade on top of the ice, letting it trickle down to the top of the Crush until it fills 2/3 of your glass.
4. Lastly, pour your lemonade on the ice, letting it trickle to the top of the Gatorade.

4. Boo-nilla Shakes

Make these surprisingly sweet little ghosts feel welcome this Halloween by topping them off with some devilishly delicious whipped cream. Serve these milkshakes to your whole party and it will look like a spooky graveyard filled with ghosts!

Ingredients: Milk, vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, melted chocolate

Instructions:

1. Blend 1 cup of milk with 1 pint of ice cream until smooth. Add another pint of ice cream, blending until smooth. 
2. Decorate 8-ounce glasses with melted chocolate on the inside of the glass to make ghost "faces".
3. Pour milkshake into your 8-ounce glasses, decorated with chocolate faces, until 3/4 full.
4. Whisk heavy cream until soft "peaks" form. Add confectioners' sugar, whisking again until stiff "peaks" form.
5. Pipe spiral mounds of whipped cream on top of your milkshakes. Enjoy!

5. Vampire Floats

Sink your teeth into a delightfully dreadful vampire float for a glass of fruity flavor! This easy, two-ingredient recipe is a real hit no matter where you serve it, whether you're paying a visit to Castle Dracula or having friends over for a get-together!

Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, red Hawaiian Punch

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream and red Hawaiian punch. 
2. Garnish with plastic vampire teeth. Serve immediately and enjoy!

6. Hocus Pocus Potion

Who says witches are the only ones that get to make magic? Show off your spellbindingly sweet skills by whipping up a batch of Hocus Pocus Potions. You can't beat this magically delicious treat!

Ingredients: Orange sherbet, orange juice, vanilla ice cream, blueberries, blackberries

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of orange juice and 2 pints of orange sherbet ice cream.
2. Blend 1 pint of vanilla ice cream with 1/2 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of blackberries.
3. Layer sherbet and berry mixtures into four glasses, serving immediately.

7. Monster Blood Floats

These creepy monster blood floats smile back at you as you sip on them! Using different food coloring and ice cream flavors, you can make blue, green, and even red-colored monster blood floats to really creep out your partygoers!

Ingredients: Sprite, lime sherbet ice cream, mini marshmallows, edible googly eyes, white icing, green food coloring, lime

Instructions:

1. Create "monster eyes" by attaching edible googly eyes to mini marshmallows with your white icing. Cut a sliver into each marshmallow so it can fit on the sides of your glasses.
2. Put 2-3 scoops of ice cream, one drop of food coloring, and 2/3 cups of Sprite in your glass. Lightly stir it to blend in the food coloring, then add a slice of lime for the "mouth". Enjoy!

Haunt your home with the sweetest beverages of the season by concocting these 7 spooky Halloween party drinks for kids! If you're on the hunt for more Halloween recipes, DIY projects, and more, follow our Pinterest page to discover fantastic fall-themed inspiration! While you prepare for trick-or-treating, make sure your vehicle is able to take on the cold autumn weather by inspecting and maintaining the important components in your vehicle with our Fall Car Care guide. If you find anything that may require attention, prevent a Halloween nightmare by scheduling service with us right away!

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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9 Unique Jack-O-Lantern Carving Ideas

DURAND, Mich., – Do you like pumpkin carving? Are you tired of making the same old designs every year? With these 9 unique jack-o-lantern carving ideas, your front porch will look spookier than ever before! Give these easy, medium, and challenging patterns a try this Halloween season for maximum fall fun!

1. Paw Print Pumpkin

Give your furry friends the shout out they deserve with a super cute paw print pumpkin! If you're really dedicated to you dog, you can print out a portrait stencil of their breed to carve into your jack-o-lantern as well!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions: Download the stencil, trace it on your pumpkin, and carefully carve it out!

2. Harry Potter Pumpkin

Magic is in the air this Halloween, and you can bring it to life with your very own Harry Potter pumpkin! While you're at it, you can use these other Harry Potter pumpkin ideas to bring the wizarding world to life!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions: Carefully follow the design above and leave a little room for the "bridge" of the glasses on the "nose" of the pumpkin.

3. Kitten Pumpkin 

Create the most purrrfect pumpkin this Halloween with this easy-to-make kitten design! Making a kitten pumpkin is easy and only takes a few minutes. It's a perfect design for kids to learn the basics of pumpkin carving!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions: Cut out a square for the nose, circles for the eyes, wide triangles for the ears, and long triangles for the whiskers. Voila! You've created your very own kitten jack-o-lantern!

4. Pineapple Pumpkin

For a fun, tropical design this Halloween, a pineapple pumpkin will make you feel like you're in paradise! Trace and carve this design to bring a warm summer feel to this cold and chilly October.

Difficulty: Medium

Instructions: Using a pineapple stencil, trace the design with a washable marker, then carefully cut out the pattern to create this tropical delight!

5. Boogeyman Pumpkin

Inspired by the Nightmare Before Christmas, this spooky design is sure to send chills down Trick-or-Treaters' spines as they approach your house. While you're at it, make a Jack Skellington pumpkin to match your Boogeyman! 

Difficulty: Medium

Instructions: Use this Boogeyman stencil to trace your design, then carefully cut along the edges to form the silhouette. After you've successfully cut out the background, carve the eyes and mouth to finish up this creatively creepy pumpkin design.

7. Sunflower Pumpkin

Want to add a flowery touch to the decorations this year? Create a sunflower pumpkin with this careful and creative design! Brighten the moods of Trick-or-Treaters by greeting them with a warm and welcoming sunflower this Halloween.

Difficulty: Medium

Instructions: Carefully draw a sunflower design on your pumpkin with a marker and make small holes in the center circle. Afterwards, carefully cut the petals out to bring your sunflower to life!

6. Chevy Pumpkin

This one's our favorite! A few years ago, Chevrolet released a set of pumpkin-carving stencils that are full of cool and creative designs including the Chevy bowtie, Corvette logo, and Find New Roads slogan, and more.

Difficulty: Hard

Instructions: Follow the instructions on the Chevy Facebook post, print out the stencils, and create your very own Chevy-themed pumpkin this year!

8. Mountain Range Pumpkin

Your front porch deserves nothing better than this simply stunning mountain design. It may take a lot of work, but the end result is worth the effort!

Difficulty: Hard

Instructions: First, create your "mountain" design, carving out a pattern near the bottom of the pumpkin. Next, make your "moon" and carve dozens of small circles throughout your pumpkin for the "stars".

9. Tinkerbell Pumpkin

You don't have to go to Neverland to create this magnificently detailed pumpkin (but it might take the same amount of work that it would to go to Neverland)!

Difficulty: Hard

Instructions: Print off the Tinkerbell stencil and slowly trace the design onto the pumpkin. Carve Tinkerbell into your pumpkin making sure to smooth out the edges to make the design look more like Tinkerbell. Afterwards, use a power drill to create dozens of small holes following Tinkerbell for the "pixie dust" effect. To show off this magical jack-o-lantern, it may be smart to run Christmas lights into the pumpkin instead of just using the traditional candle to light it up.

Whether you prefer easy, simple designs or you like to go all out on Halloween, these 9 unique jack-o-lantern carving ideas are sure to make your pumpkins are the best decorated ones in the whole neighborhood this October! If you're on the hunt for Halloween recipes, costume ideas, or more pumpkin designs, follow our Pinterest page for extra inspiration. Before you visit your nearest pumpkin patch to pick out your pumpkin, consult our Fall Car Care guide to keep your vehicle in good shape as the temperatures begin to change. If you find that any of your vehicle's components require maintenance, schedule service with us and we'll get your vehicle ready to take on the changing seasons in no time!

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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The Best Cider Mills Around Durand

DURAND, Mich., – Planning a trip to the cider mill soon? If so, you won't want to miss out on the best cider mills around Durand! Whether you're a fan of delicious cider and tasty doughnuts or simply enjoy the calming atmosphere of the cider mill, our comprehensive guide breaks down all the fall fun you can have this year. View the beautiful autumn scenery on a hayride, watch cider get pressed, pick your own apples, and more!

Almar Orchard - Flushing, MI

Home to the famous JK's Scrumpy Cider, Almar Orchard and Cidery in Flushing, MI, is one of the largest organic apple orchards in the country. They're renowned for their apples, cider, and fresh honey, which is all grown and cultivated at the orchard. If you're looking for good old-fashioned fun at the cider mill, look no further than Almar Orchard. Don't forget to try the famous JK's Scrumpy cider while you're visiting!

Spicer Orchards - Fenton, MI

Looking for fall fun? Spicer Orchards has everything you could want in a cider mill and more! You can zip-line, jump in the bounce house, and enjoy a scenic hayride around the orchard. When you're hungry and tired, you and your family can enjoy an outdoor barbecue, corn roasters, and tasty orchard treats. Check their weekend events calendar for updates on fun activities throughout the fall, and view their harvest schedule to find out what fruit is ripe and in for the season at Spicer Orchards.

Diehl's Orchard - Holly, MI

From mid-August to mid-November, Diehl's Orchard in Holly, MI, is the best place to go when you need to treat your sweet tooth! You can find tasty apples, sweet cider, delicious doughnuts, jams, jellies, and much more at Diehl's. On the weekends, you can explore the corn maze, pick your very own pumpkin from their patch, and even take a pony ride. Check out the wide variety of daily events Diehl's has in store, and check out their FAQ to answer any questions you may have.

Parshallville - Fenton, MI

Tom Walker's Grist Mill, also known as Parshallville Cider Mill, is a 136-year-old cider mill with a rich history and tons of family fun! All of Parshallville's products are made on site and you can watch the doughnuts get made on the mill floor from August to November. Check back on their menu frequently to see if new items are added and stop by Parshallville today to enjoy history, doughnuts, and cider!

Barkham Creek Farms - Haslett, MI

Open from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, every Friday through Sunday, until Thanksgiving weekend, Barkham Creek Farms is a great place to visit if you're looking for a more laid-back approach to cider mills. Avoid the crowds and enjoy fresh and warm doughnuts as soon as you order them. Have a fun family day at Barkham Creek Farms this year, and make sure to enjoy their cider and doughnuts!

Nothing beats the amazing memories you can make at the cider mill. Enjoy warm doughnuts, sweet cider, and family fun at the best cider mills around Durand. While you're out and about experiencing all the exciting activities fall has to offer, don't let the changing temperatures get the best of your vehicle. Get your Fall Car Care routine completed this year to protect your investment and make sure your vehicle is able to take on the colder weather. Just need your tires rotated and your oil changed? Our ASE certified technicians will have your routine maintenance performed in no time!

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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How to Care for Your Car this Fall

DURAND, Mich., – The temperatures are dropping and the leaves are falling, and it can only mean one thing: fall is officially here! We all know Michigan weather is known for being unpredictable, and at Graff Durand, we want to make sure you're prepared for the changing seasons. Winter can sneak up on you, so knowing how to care for your car this fall can make a huge difference for your safety when the colder months arrive! We'll be discussing the importance of belt and hose maintenance, windshield care, heating and ventilation system maintenance, weather strips, and what you should keep in an emergency kit. Make sure to read up on all of our Fall Car Care pages, including:

Belt & Hose Maintenance

Your vehicle's belts and hoses are some of the most important components of your engine. On our Belt & Hose Maintenance page, you can learn what your belts and hoses do to keep your vehicle running, how to know they need replacing, how frequently they should be replaced, and how to inspect them to make sure they're working efficiently. If you need to replace your belts and hoses on your vehicle, schedule an appointment with us to have them looked at and fixed right away!

Windshield Care

One of your most important safety features of your vehicle is your windshield. It protects you from outside elements and keeps your vehicle's structural integrity intact in the event of a collision or rollover. On our Windshield Care page, you'll learn the importance of repairing cracks or chips in your windshield, factors that can cause these cracks or chips, and how to keep your windshield in good condition this fall season. 

Heating & Ventilation System Maintenance

During the colder months, your heating and ventilation system can save you from a frigid and uncomfortable drive! In the event that you wind up stuck in traffic on a cold day or have to remain in your vehicle for a long time, your heating and ventilation system can potentially save you from getting seriously ill while on the road. Check out our Heating & Ventilation System Maintenance page to discover how your heating system works, what you can do to keep it running efficiently, how to know when it needs to be inspected, and what to do if you discover a problem. If you aren't sure what to look at or need any help, please feel free to contact us and we'll gladly provide assistance! 

Weather Stripping

The black rubber seals that run along the edges of your doors, windshield, windows, and truck are called weather strips. They work to keep you and your passengers sheltered from outside weather, keeping wind and water out of the cabin as you drive. Our Weather Stripping page contains details on where your weather strips are located, when they need to be repaired or replaced, and how to test your weather strips to locate damage or wear. 

Emergency Kit

It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're on the road! Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle year-round can make a huge difference because you never know when an emergency situation could arise. Read up on our Emergency Kit page to find out what items you should include in your kit and the essentials you'll need for the winter season, such as a shovel and extra blankets. If you need help putting together an emergency kit, please let us know. We're more than happy to help you out and give suggestions on what to pack in yours! 

Learning how to care for your car this fall will make the transition into winter months much easier. You'll be better prepared for the cold weather and have new, quality components to take on the snowy months ahead. At Graff Durand, we're happy to provide assistance with any routine maintenance and Fall Car Care you may need. Browse our Fall Car Care tips for more information about what to expect this season, and don't hesitate to reach out to us at (989) 288-2657 with any questions you may have. Read up on our Service FAQ page for details on routine maintenance and learn why routine maintenance is so important. At Graff Durand, we're happy to help!

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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Gameday Snacks for the Football Season

DURAND, Mich., – The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are falling, and football season is starting once again! Whether you're an MSU or U of M fan, these gameday snacks for the football season will be sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Give these recipes a try to keep your energy at an all time high from kickoff to post-game. They taste just as good as they look!

Football Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Combine the tastiness of pizza with the convenience of dip, and you've got yourself the best football-themed snack in the league! If you're looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, look no further than this simply delicious dish. Serve it with tortilla chips or bread for best results!

Pigskins in a Blanket

With just three simple ingredients, you can make this gameday snack in under an hour's time! Substitute the mustard with ketchup, sriracha, or any other topping you prefer for a twist in flavor. Pigskins in a blanket are a touchdown at any football-themed party!

Football-Shaped Pretzels

Whether you prefer store bought dough or making your pretzels from scratch, you can't deny that these football-shaped pretzels score high no matter where you serve them! Pair this classic gameday recipe with mustard and cheese for a tasty flavor. If you're feeling bold, serve them with a side of yummy chocolate dip!

Snackadium

If you want to go all out for your football-themed party, nothing beats the Snackadium. From the turf to the stands, every ounce of this championship-winning stadium is completely edible! The turf is made completely of cake batter dip. Serve it with pretzels and other snack foods for the best result!

Game Day Nachos

This versatile recipe works for just about any game day, from the season opener to the Super Bowl. With layers of meat, beans, onions, cheese, lettuce, and guacamole, these Game Day Nachos are filled with flavor. You can't top this stacked roster of tastiness! 

Pigskin Sandwiches

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to gameday snacking, these pigskin sandwiches are a delicious alternative! You can substitute the mayonnaise "lacing" with mustard, barbecue sauce, or whatever condiment you prefer to create an all-star dish this season!

Boneless Baked Buffalo Wings

Become the MVP of the football season with this undeniably delicious alternative to fried buffalo wings. Not only is this recipe healthier for you and your partygoers, but the taste is almost indistinguishable. One bite and you'll never want to eat fried wings again!

From knockout entrees to dominant desserts, these gameday snacks for the football season just can't be beat! These recipes will surely be fan favorites. This year, fall into great savings and lease the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox for as low as $81/mo! Take a look at our 2018 Chevy Equinox Model Overview to get up close and personal with pictures, vehicle details, trim options, and more. Once you've found what you're looking for, set up a test drive with us to find out whether or not the new Equinox is the vehicle for you! Let us know if you can't find what you're looking for and our Sales Staff will help you find the exact vehicle to fit your needs!

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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Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

DURAND, Mich –– Bring on the turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie! Turkey Day is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to choose the recipes for dishes you want to serve on your holiday menu, so we've brought together a few of our favorite recipes from Pinterest to create a special collection of side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you're looking to put a scrumptious spin on one of your holiday favorites or for an entirely new recommendation, we guarantee there's a side dish on this list for everyone.

Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Day Feast

English Roast Potatoes

Cranberry Brie Bites

Asparagus and Tater Toss

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Simple Cranberry Sauce

Green Bean Bundles

Glazed Butternut Squash

Pumpkin Pie with Maple Cream

If you're planning on traveling this Thanksgiving and need advice beyond what side dishes to serve at Thanksgiving this November, check out our tips for Thanksgiving travel here. Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle doesn't need an oil change and has all of its regular auto service taken care of.

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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Fall-tastic Pumpkin & Apple Recipes to Try This Autumn

DURAND, Mich - It just wouldn't feel like fall if there weren't some sort of pumpkin or apple-flavored something everywhere you went! Being that this is one of our favorite times of the year, we thought we should try to bring an autumn-twist into our own kitchens. We started searching Pinterest for some fall-tastic pumpkin and apple recipes to try this autumn and, as you can imagine, there were dozens of tasty options! After making some hard decisions, we picked out a few of our very favorite treats to share with you, and don't worry, we included some healthy options, too!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Skinny Pumpkin Nutella Dip

Glazed Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

World's Best Pumpkin Bread

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

 Skinny Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Do you have a fall-tastic pumpkin or apple recipe we should try this autumn? We would love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment in the box below! 

Get your vehicle geared up for fall with help from Graff Chevy Durand! Stop by our Chevy dealership near Flint, MI, for all of your auto service. 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