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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5 Fall Car Care Tips for Michigan Drivers

DURAND, Mich. – Ah, Michigan: the state that receives all of nature’s deepest compassion and intensity throughout the highs and lows of all four seasons. Despite our love for spring and summer, and our complicated feelings towards winter (it’s a love-hate thing for all Michiganders), our favorite season at Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand has to be fall. In Mid-Michigan, you get all of the colors, smells, and activities that make autumn the highlight of the year (second behind Christmas). But this crisp, leafy season also constitutes a time of the year when you need to get your vehicle in for a routine maintenance checkup. Check out these 5 fall car care tips for Michigan drivers to ensure you make it through the next three seasons without any major vehicle complications.

Inspect your car battery periodically.

Batteries typically last for three years before corrosion gets the best of them, but on occasion batteries can tank before they reach their life expectancy. With fall, Michigan temperatures can quickly plummet and if your battery isn’t prepared for the cold then you might as well call your boss and tell them you’re not making it to work that day. Come into our Certified Service Center for a battery test and go enjoy a scenic fall drive.

Bring your car in for a cooling system inspection.

There’s nothing more annoying (or more Michigan) than being late for work and realizing your windshield and windows are covered in a glittery layer of frost. You start your car and wait for the defrosters to do the legwork, but nothing happens. You soon realize your heat is defunct and you’re also another ten minutes late to work. Before things cool down this fall, bring your car to our ASE Certified technicians for a cooling system inspection.

Replace your tires or have them rotated.

After a harsh winter, an erratic spring, and a hot summer in Michigan, it’s safe to say your tires take a beating by the time fall arrives. You should have your tires rotated periodically, as well as check their tread to see if they need to be replaced. Our technicians can thoroughly inspect your tires and tell you how much life they have left in them. Plus, if you purchase a new set of tires at Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand you could get back up to $50 or $100 with our tire special.

Have your brakes inspected.

You should have your brakes inspected every 10,000 miles, which is generally the distance your vehicle travels over the course of three or four seasons, making fall the perfect season to check them. If you hear grinding or squeaking noises, or notice any other abnormalities that seem to be due to your brakes, schedule an appointment to bring your vehicle to our service experts.

Make sure your fluids are at the right levels.

Fluids are one of the easiest things to neglect in a vehicle, but they’re vital in determining your vehicle’s lifespan and proper functioning. You should have your oil changed every 3,000–5,000 miles, but you also want to make sure your coolant, transmission, and brake fluids are at the right levels and that there aren’t any line leaks. Our Quick Oil and Tire Center technicians can inspect all of your fluids and make sure their levels are where they should be.

Follow these 5 fall car care tips for Michigan drivers and stop by our dealership near Flushing where our auto service and car repair technicians are dedicated to helping you extend the life of your vehicle purchase. Fall is also a time where driving can get a little dangerous due to high amounts of deer activity. If you find yourself with a damaged vehicle after a car-deer collision, enter our Busted Bumper Buck Pole contest to have your vehicle fixed and potentially win $1,000 if it's the most damaged from a deer collision.

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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