I Love Graff Durand: dealership

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Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Chevy Camaro Named Car Connection's Best Performance Car to Buy 2018

DURAND, Mich.,–– Looking for a high performance sports car with a low price tag? That may seem nearly impossible to find. Typically, any sports car that has a V-8 engine and exceptional rear-wheel drive handling comes at a cost over $50,000. However, there is one car that has both without the expensive cost. With advanced performance technology, increased responsiveness, and substantial power, the Chevy Camaro was named The Car Connection's Best Performance Car to Buy 2018.

The Car Connection's Favorite Camaro Package & Best Liked Features:

6.2-liter V-8/ 455 horsepower/ 6-speed manual/ 0-60 mph in under five seconds

* Thundering power
* Amazing rear-drive handling
* V-8 exhaust
* Flat cornering & sharp steering
* Everything we want in a musclecar
* Under $40,000

"It's the performance car we may not deserve, but we're lucky to have."

The Chevy Camaro is a true sports car masterpiece. There are many performance options available that you can't go wrong with, but there's only one that stands out amongst the rest. With refinement and engineering that dominates, it's a no wonder why the Chevy Camaro was named The Car Connection's Best Performance Car to Buy 2018.

Ready to take one for a spin to see what it's all about? Browse our Chevy Camaro inventory and contact us to schedule a test drive. You can also take a look at our 2017 Chevy Camaro brochure to view more specs, features, and vehicle photos. If you'd like to customize your own, stop by our dealership and we'll help you get the exact one you're looking for this holiday season!

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.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

The Fastest and Most Powerful Corvette Ever

DURAND, Mich.,–– Get ready for the new sports car that'll leave you in the dust. The 2019 Corvette ZR1 returns as the king. This model's most notable performance specs top every other generation of Corvette's. With significant power, exceptional track performance, and the most advanced technology in its production history, the 2019 ZR1 is unlike any other. With a whopping 755-horsepower, this sports car is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever.

The Corvette has an exclusive LT5 supercharged engine with 715 lb-ft of torque. Improved capability on the track comes from the two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages. There are two types of transmissions that'll be available: seven-speed manual and eight-speed paddle-shift automatic. This is the first time that an automatic transmission has been offered in a ZR1.

Along with these major specifications, the car also features a special carbon-fiber "halo" hood that is open in the middle to clear out the LT5 engine's supercharger/intercooler assembly. The ZTK Performance Package includes the adjustable High Wing, a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires. The 2019 Corvette ZR1 also debuted a Sebring Orange Design Package.

“I’ve never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either, because there’s never been one like this before,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Its unprecedented performance puts all other global supercars on notice that the ZR1 is back.”

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is unlike any other. It not only has set the bar, it is the bar. Now that it is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever, it is the highest-performing in its production history. Ready to get behind the wheel? The 2019 Corvette ZR1 will go on sale next Spring. If you're wanting to get your hands on one, contact our sales team! We will help you get the exact one you're looking for as soon as it is released. If you are in need of a new vehicle for the winter, check out our selection of new inventory. Not only do we have a lot of vehicles to choose from, we have great deals going on as well.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Perfect Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

DURAND, Mich.,–– Let's face it. Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year because of all the delicious desserts we get to eat, not to mention turkey dinner. Are you in charge of making the pie this year? Don't fret, we've got you covered. Bake a pie that your guests will love this holiday by checking out our list of perfect Thanksgiving pie recipes. Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings:

Classic Apple Pie

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

You can't go wrong with a classic this year!

S'mores Galette

Cook Time: 25-35 minutes

S'mores in a pie... need we say more?

Pecan Pie

Cook Time: 50 minutes

The pie that screams Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Cook Time: 50 minutes

For a sweeter taste, this cranberry cheesecake pie is perfect.

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

Cook Time: 12 minutes

If you're a chocolate lover, this pie will satisfy your taste buds!

Pumpkin Pie

Cook Time: 1 hour

Another classic for the fall season.

Whether you like the classics or are looking to break out of your shell, these perfect Thanksgiving pie recipes will be sure to suit your needs. Your dessert will be a hit among your family and friends. Don't forget to give thanks this holiday to the ones you love. You can also give back to your vehicle that gets you to where you need to be with some routine maintenance. Your car is a valuable investment that deserves the attention it requires. Check out our fall car care tips to prepare for the snowy season ahead!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

DURAND, Mich.,––Many people believe that you shouldn't break the popular Turkey tradition on Thanksgiving and that it is the one and only main dish that should be served. Despite popular beliefs, Turkey doesn't have to be the main meal served at Thanksgiving dinner. There are plenty of other options that'll live up to the high expectations set for this food-loving holiday. We've put together a list of Thanksgiving meal ideas for people who can't stand Turkey. If you're looking for an alternative to the beloved holiday tradition, then you'll want to check out these recipes:

Emeril's Orange and Cumin Pork Loin

Thanksgiving Meal Ideas for People Who Can't Stand Turkey

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Stuffed Shells

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Perfect Roast Chicken

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Classic Cheese Lasagna

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Prime Rib and Oven-Roasted Potatoes

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Is your mouth watering yet? Because ours sure are! We're ready for Thanksgiving to be here already so we can indulge in these delicious dishes. If you're not a turkey lover and are looking to start a new family tradition, then these Thanksgiving meal ideas for people who can't stand turkey will be sure to satisfy your needs this year! Do you plan on heading out for some Black Friday shopping this season? Check out our guide on how to make the most of your experience. You can also avoid the hassle of not having enough space in your vehicle for all of your Black Friday purchases by shopping our crossover/SUV inventory. We'll get you into a vehicle that is safe and spacious this holiday season!

Thursday, November 2, 2017

10 Fun Fall DIY Crafts

DURAND, Mich., – From the beautiful backdrop of colors that greet you when you step outdoors to the warm and welcoming holidays, it's clear to see why fall is the best and most beautiful season of the year! Bring a sense of autumn awe to your home with these 10 fun fall DIY crafts. Before you know it, your house will be as vibrant and colorful as the outdoors!

1. Fall Greeting Sign

Greet your guests in style with this creatively clever fall sign! When the holidays and snow come to Michigan, you can swap out the autumn leaves and bittersweet berries for holly and evergreen to make this DIY project last through the winter, too!

Supplies Needed: Chalkboard paint, bittersweet berries, fall leaves, tray, autumn branches

Difficulty: Easy

2. Flannel Coasters

Make your home feel just a little cozier this fall by crafting a set of flannel coasters! With a few felt squares, an old flannel, a sewing machine, scissors, and an iron, you can transform an old flannel into new cozy coasters in a mere matter of minutes!

Supplies Needed: Flannel, felt, sewing machine/thread, scissors, an iron

Difficulty: Easy

3. Leaf Bowl

Need a centerpiece for your table this fall? Create a leaf bowl with just a couple supplies to top off your beautifully decorated kitchen! We don't recommend you put anything too heavy in it, though, as the leafs can rip and tear with too much weight. Acorns or other fall goodies are perfect!

Supplies Needed: Artificial autumn maple leafs, triple thick glaze, mod podge matte, plastic bowl, plastic wrap

Difficulty: Medium

4. Maple Leaf Roses

Give the maple leafs in your backyard a new home by folding them into roses! You can hang your roses from string, decorate your dinner table, or even create a beautiful "bouquet" of maple leaf roses as a centerpiece!

Supplies Needed: Autumn leaves, floral tape, floral wire/craft wire, scissors

Difficulty: Hard

5. Thanksgiving Pie Garland

Whether you're a fan of pumpkin pie, apple pie, or both, this Thanksgiving pie garland is perfect for any lover of this beloved autumn dessert! Carve up a slice of creativity this fall to make the sweetest decorations of the Thanksgiving season!

Supplies Needed: Ruler, cardstock, twine, white pom-poms, cutting mat, craft knife, glue gun, scoring board

Difficulty: Medium

6. Cinnamon Stick Candles

Want to make your mantle pop this fall? All you need are cinnamon sticks, rubber bands, and some twine to transform your candles into these fantastic fall centerpieces! This cool craft is so easy that it shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to create!

Supplies Needed: Candles, cinnamon sticks, twine, rubber bands

Difficulty: Easy

7. Gold Leaf Pinecone Garland

Bring the fall festivities into your home this November by crafting a gold leaf pinecone garland! This affordable project is a quick and simple craft that you can put together with your whole family. Plus, the pinecones last a long time, so you can even keep your garland going through the winter!

Supplies Needed: Pinecones, twine, gold spray paint, gold leaf adhesive, foam brushes, spray sealant, screw eye hooks, pliers

Difficulty: Medium

8. Fall Bucket List

There's so much fun to be had during the autumn months, but remembering to do it all before the snow starts to fall can be challenging. Craft a fall bucket list to create a cute way to keep track of any activities you want to do while fall is still in full swing!

Supplies Needed: Tin bucket, fall filler (acorns, leaves, etc), large popsicle sticks, Sharpie marker, clip-on chalkboard sign, chalk, paint, and a paintbrush

Difficulty: Easy

9. Maple Leaf Mason Jars

Make your mason jars pop by giving them a little fall flair! After you finish this crafty addition to your home, fill your maple leaf mason jars with corn kernels and top them off with tea lights to create a perfect autumn ambiance once the sun goes down.

Supplies Needed: Paint, mason jars, tea lights, corn kernels, leafs

Difficulty: Easy

10. Tree Stump Candle Holders

If you have any leftover logs that you'd like to repurpose this fall, with just a few steps, you can turn an ordinary stump into a breathtakingly beautiful candle holder! Plus, once winter comes to Michigan, you can your tree stump candle holders into firewood by simply removing the candles!

Supplies Needed: Wood, drill, 1 1/2" wood boring drill bit, hand saw, tea light candles, boxwood wreath

Difficulty: Hard

There's something about autumn that sets it apart from the other seasons. Whether it's the fun holidays or the kaleidoscope of colors that nature provides us, fall is without a doubt the most beautiful time of the year. With these 10 fun fall DIY crafts, you can give your home the fall flair it deserves to stand out this November! If you've got a hunger for DIY crafts that you just can't quite seem to satisfy, check out our Pinterest page for fall crafts, recipes, and more. Before you head out to gather your crafting supplies, make sure your vehicle's components are ready to take on the changing temperatures with our Fall Car Care guide! You can additionally protect your vehicle by following our Routine Maintenance guide to ensure that key parts of your vehicle are functioning properly. That way, you'll be able to count on your car when the snow starts to fall!

How to Reuse Your Leftover Pumpkins

DURAND, Mich., – Now that Halloween has come and gone, people around the country will be throwing out their old Jack-o-Lanterns. No one wants to keep around an old rotten pumpkin after Halloween is said and done, right? Well, if you know how to reuse your leftover pumpkins, you can create delicious dishes, fall-themed centerpieces, and more without being wasteful. Read on to discover the unexpectedly awesome uses you can get out of your old pumpkins!

Bury Them

Your Jack-o-Lantern is packed with nutrients, making them excellent fertilizers for your garden! Make sure you remove the pumpkin seeds before you bury them, though! (well, unless you want to see baby pumpkins sprout in your garden!)

What to Do: Break your Jack-o-Lantern into a few pieces, then bury them in your garden or by any plants you'd like to see grow quickly. The leftover pumpkin pieces will decay and enrich the soil, giving your plants a little boost of energy through the winter!

Feed Them to Animals

Pumpkins are a very sweet treat loved and adored by animals! If you live close to the woods, place your pumpkins close to the wildlife to give deer, squirrels, and other animals a tasty snack for them to enjoy. Plus, you can leave your pumpkin seeds out for the birds to enjoy when they visit you in the morning!

What to Do: First, make sure you didn't use any paint on your pumpkins, as the toxins can cause harm to the wildlife. After double checking, break your pumpkins into pieces and scatter them in a spot where you don't mind the animals visiting. They'll be very thankful for the meal!

Donate Them

If you don't want to attract outdoor wildlife and don't have a garden, you can donate your pumpkins to nearby farms! They will put your old Jack-o-Lantern to good use by feeding it to their livestock or adding it to their fertilizer for their crops.

What to Do: If you aren't sure where to go to donate your pumpkins, you can use the Yellow Pages Farm Finder, or you can head over to Almar Orchards in Flushing to watch the fun farm animals feast on your old pumpkin!

Make Pumpkin Puree

If you'd rather enjoy the delicious benefits of leftover pumpkins for yourself, you can save yourself a few trips to the grocery store by making homemade pumpkin puree with your leftover Jack-o-Lantern! Use your pumpkin puree to make pumpkin bread, pie, muffins, and other sweet treats! Just make sure no mold has started to grow inside your Jack-o-Lantern.

What to Do: You'll want to start by preheating your oven to 325º F. Next, cut your pumpkin into pieces and remove any seeds and "pulp". After cleaning out your pumpkin pieces, wrap them in foil and place them in your oven (with the foil side up) for one hour. Once they're done cooking, take a spoon and scrape out your pumpkin's shell and place them in a blender. Finally, blend your pumpkin pieces until they're pureed, and place the remainders in freezer-safe bags for future use.

Cook a Batch of Pumpkin Bread

Want to put your pumpkin puree to good use? With just a few quick steps, you can turn your pumpkin puree into a warm and welcoming loaf of pumpkin bread. It's a must-try fall recipe that's a perfect compliment to any dish!

What to Do: First, you'll need the following items:

3 cups sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
16 oz. pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2/3 cup water
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups flour

Once you've gathered all the necessary supplies, it's time to make the bread! First, preheat your oven to 350º F. Next, stir together your sugar and oil, adding the eggs and pumpkin puree afterward. Combine your dry ingredients (cloves, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, flour, and salt) in a separate bowl. After that, blend your dry ingredients with water and add them to the wet mixture and combine them. Divide your bread batter between two loaf pans, then bake them for 30-40 minutes. Finally, let it stand for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and enjoy!

Now that you know how to reuse your leftover pumpkins, you can make it a tradition every November to repurpose your old Jack-o-Lanterns after Halloween! Want to find more ways to upcycle your old stuff this November? Check out our Pinterest page to discover DIY guides, fall recipes, and much more! If you head out to donate your pumpkin or to gather supplies to make pumpkin bread, be careful as deer will be on the move. Should you run into any trouble on the road, make the most of a bad situation by entering our Busted Bumper Buck Pole contest for a chance to win $1,000! When you bring your vehicle into our Graff Durand Service Center, we'll make sure your vehicle is fixed and ready to go in no time and automatically enter you in the Busted Bumper Buck Pole contest so you can have a chance at winning $1,000!

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

7 of the Most Expensive Chevy Trucks Ever Sold

DURAND, Mich., – Vintage trucks are some of the most coveted vehicles on the auction market. In fact, they've become so popular over the past few years that they now rival muscle cars as the most sought-after type of vehicles among collectors. Check out 7 of the most expensive Chevy trucks ever sold to see for yourself how much a custom Chevrolet truck is worth on the market!

7. 1960 Chevrolet El Camino Pickup

7 of the Most Expensive Chevy Trucks Ever Sold

Notable Features: This 1960 Chevy El Camino Pickup is truly one-of-a-kind! From its ZZ 502ci crate engine to its detailed and painted undercarriage, you'd be hard-pressed to find a vehicle quite like this perfect combination of muscle car and pickup.

Sold For: $126,500

6. 1955 Chevrolet 3100

Notable Features: It's no surprise that this 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Custom pickup made this list. It took six years to customize, appeared in six magazines, and was named one of the top 50 Trucks of the Decade by Street Trucks Magazine. The Kandy Orange custom exterior is matched with a tan leather interior that allows it to stand out on the road with ease.

Sold For: $132,000

5. 1955 Chevrolet Cameo

Notable Features: This customized 1955 Chevrolet Cameo takes features from the 1955 Nomad and 1957 Bel Air to create the perfect pickup. With a red leather interior to match its Titanium Grey and Lipstick Red exterior, Dakota Digital VHX gauges, and graphite-wrapped wheels and Kenwood stereo system, this vintage truck is one of the most eye-catching entries on our list!

Sold For: $143,000

4. 1957 Chevrolet C-6

Notable Features: This GM Design award-winning custom 1957 Chevrolet C-6 took over 7,000 man-hours and countless customized parts to build. It is equipped with a 402cid LS3 motor, a complete Corvette suspension and drivetrain, and a full Air Ride suspension.

Sold For: $148,500

3. 1957 Chevrolet Cameo

Notable Features: This 1957 Chevy Cameo pickup, coated in a customized Orange Pearl exterior, features a 500-horsepower Big Block engine, a full leather interior, vintage air conditioning, a 400-watt stereo, and a 400 transmission with Electric Overdrive.

Sold For: $159,500

2. 1950 Chevrolet 3100

Notable Features: Almost every detail and part of this 1950 Chevy 3100 has been personalized. It features a brand-new TCI custom chassis, an independent front suspension, and a 500-horsepower Chevy Performance Hot Cam LS3 crate engine with an automatic transmission.

Sold For: $205,700

1. 1957 Chevrolet "Quicksilver" 3100

Notable Features: The entire truck is almost fully customized, from its 650-horsepower engine to its personalized and reshaped body panels. The "Quicksilver" has been recognized as "one of the finest custom truck builds of all time" by the Barrett-Jackson Auction House.

Sold For: $214,500

After getting a closer look at the 7 most expensive Chevy trucks ever sold, you can probably understand why vintage Chevy trucks are more popular than ever before! Now that you've seen how valuable a custom Chevy truck can be, you're probably looking to personalize your own vehicle. Luckily, at Graff Durand, we are here to help! Check out our GM Accessories to find new parts and upgrades for your vehicle, then take a look at the vehicle technology available for owners of new Chevrolet vehicles. If you are interested in purchasing a Special Edition or customized Chevrolet vehicle, let us know or stop by our dealership! We're more than happy to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Pick of the Week - 2010 Honda CR-V EX

DURAND, Mich., – This week's pick of the week - 2010 Honda CR-V EX is a fully-furnished SUV that's built with versatility in mind. Whether you're going to work or heading out on a road trip, the 2010 CR-V EX is designed to get you there quickly and efficiently. Come summertime, enjoy the warm weather and sunshine with minimal wind noise thanks to the Honda CR-V EX's moonroof. You can open the moonroof with a push of a button for a breath of fresh air. For only $9,900, you can make this 2010 Honda CR-V EX yours! Read on to discover some of the 2010 Honda CR-V EX's unique features or browse its vehicle history report and full inventory listing online. Visit us at Graff Durand to test the capabilities of the CR-V EX today!

Vehicle Features Include:

MP3 Compatibility
Moonroof
4x4
Side Air Bags
ABS
Steering Wheel Controls
Speed Sensing Wipers
Power Windows
Stability Control
Seats Five
Audio Input Jack
Traction Control
Security System
CD Changer
Power Door Locks

Engine: 2.4L I-4 16-Valve DOCH i-VTEC

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Wheels: 17" Alloy

No matter how far you have to drive on your daily routine or road trip, the 2010 Honda CR-V EX is built with the long haul in mind! This efficient and performance-minded SUV gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and currently has 120,519 miles on its odometer. Interested in our pick of the week - 2010 Honda CR-V EX? Let our sales staff know today! They are more than willing to help answer any questions you may have and can schedule a test drive so you can see for yourself what the Honda CR-V EX can do.

Stop by Graff Durand today to browse our huge inventory of new and used vehicles! Our knowledgeable sales staff can answer any questions you have while you explore our lot to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Additionally, make sure to complete your Fall Car Care maintenance routine before the snow falls to protect your vehicle's important components that could be damaged by the cold weather. Our Service Staff at our Graff Durand Service Center can help you prepare for Michigan's unpredictable weather this fall!

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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

Scary Service Situations to Avoid this Halloween

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!

Monday, October 23, 2017

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!

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.
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.
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.
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!
This year, Americans are projected to spend over $618 million on pumpkins!
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!
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.
Americans spend over $6 billion on Halloween annually, coming in second place to Christmas as the most commercial holiday in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
Salem, Massachusetts, considers itself the Halloween capital of the world due to its history of the Salem Witch Trials.
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.
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!
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!
It is extremely rare for Halloween to occur during a full moon. The next full moon Halloween will take place on 10/31/2020.
The number one most sold Halloween candy every year is Snickers.
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!
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!
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!

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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

7 Spooky Halloween Party Drinks for Kids

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:

Using a muffin sheet, fill each tin with gummy worms and Hawaiian Punch.
Freeze for 2-3 hours.
Fill your glass punch bowl 3/4 full with Hawaiian punch, then add Sprite to fill it up.
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:

Combine brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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.
In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup of cream with 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup.
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:

Fill your cup to the very top with ice.
Pour Crush to 1/3 of the glass.
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.
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:

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

In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream and red Hawaiian punch.
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:

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of orange juice and 2 pints of orange sherbet ice cream.
Blend 1 pint of vanilla ice cream with 1/2 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of blackberries.
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:

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.
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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Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand

At Hank Graff Chevrolet, we are revolutionizing the car buying experience. We are doing this by providing all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun. After all, we believe getting behind the wheel of a new car should be exciting!

When you visit our dealership, you’ll find that our team members enjoy being here. You will hear a lot of laughter, jokes, and genuine enjoyment echo throughout our dealership’s lobby. This fun atmosphere is what keeps customers coming back to our dealership time and time again!