Kid-Friendly Drinks for Toasting New Year's Eve

DURAND, Mich.,–– Looking to celebrate the New Year with non-alcoholic drink options? There are several different holiday mocktails you can whip up to give the kids, or yourself, a delicious drink to toast with this New Year's Eve. No matter the age, we've put together a list of delectable refreshment ideas that'll be sure to be a big hit when the clock strikes 12. These kid-friendly drinks for toasting on New Year's Eve are full of fresh fruit and spices to add a fancier twist to the typical juice recipe. Indulge in these festive ideas to ring in the New Year in style!

Berries & Cream Sparklers

Better-than-Piña-Colada

Glass of Milk & Cookie

Fruit & Tonics

Snow Punch

Grapefruit Citrus Sparkling Mocktail

Pomegranate Mojito Mocktail

Virgin Mulled Cranberry Punch

Sparkling Pomegranate Cider Punch

There's no better way to celebrate the New Year than with a sweet and savory drink. These kid-friendly drinks for toasting on New Year's Eve will keep you and your kids satisfied the whole night. Try making more than one recipe for multiple options of mouthwatering drinks. While you treat the family this New Year's Eve, brush up on Winter Car Care tips to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle Michigan winter. If you're in need of routine maintenance, schedule an appointment online with our service team!

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 Difference Between Winter Tires and All-Season Tires

DURAND, Mich.,–– As we all know, Michigan doesn't like to go easy on the snow in the winter. Although some winters may be more extreme than others, it's necessary to plan ahead and make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever road conditions may come your way. Many people get stuck on the question of whether or not they need winter tires for their vehicle during this snowy season. There are a lot of factors to consider when making the decision. Depending on your type of vehicle, weather patterns, and what road conditions you'll encounter this year will depend on what kind of tires will work best for you. We are here to help you determine the difference between winter tires and all-season tires so that you remain safe on the road this winter!

All-Season Tires

Most vehicles come standard with all-season tires. This type of tire provides a quiet ride, good fuel economy, and extended tread life. Because these tires are geared for a variety of weather conditions, they are durable enough to handle wet roads and light winter driving. No matter what season you drive in, these tires are built to handle it all. Ideal for moderate climates, these tires do not have the maximum ability to perform in extreme cold and snowy conditions. The rubber of an all-season tire stiffens in the winter, causing less grip on the road.

Winter Tires

Winter roads in Michigan are very unpredictable. Whether it's black ice or heavy snow, winter tires are geared for traction in extreme conditions. This type of tire provides improved grip on the road for better starting and stopping power when you need it most. The tread rubber of a winter tire is designed to remain flexible, allowing a better hold on the road. Winter tires also feature deeper tread depths to reduce snow buildup and unique tread patterns to channel snow and slush. Along with this, these tires also have an increased amount of biting edges for traction in deep snow and on ice. Winter tires have been known to shorten braking times to a quarter of the time of all-season tires.

Which tire is best?

We are all aware that Michigan provides some pretty brutal winter seasons. The Flint Metro area doesn't get hit as hard with snow as other areas in Northern Michigan do. Nevertheless, if you want to remain safe on the road this cold season, winter tires may be your best bet. It's better to take precaution than putting your safety at risk in dangerous weather conditions.


Stay out of harm's way this season by making sure your vehicle is equipped with the best tires to handle unpredictable road conditions. Knowing the difference between winter tires and all-season tires will make it easier for you to decide which type is best for your needs. If you decide winter tires are the best option for you, make sure to install a full set. Only changing out the two in the front or the two in the back will increase the likelihood that opposite tires will skid and lose traction, making it difficult to steer your vehicle. For more information on tire care, visit our website. If you're ready to invest in a new set of all-season or winter tires, schedule an appointment with our Service Center. We'll make sure we find the best tire to meet your vehicle's capabilities this season. Looking for more tips to help your vehicle survive the cold? Check out our winter car care page online where you'll gain access to tips on car batteries, brakes, oil changes, and wiper blades.

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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SUVs and Trucks That Will Keep You Safe This Winter

DURAND, Mich.,–– Winter is almost here, and with it comes hazardous weather conditions in Michigan. The type of vehicle you drive can determine your safety on the road during a season like this. Chevy makes several different models, large and small, that'll make driving during the cold months a lot easier. We want you staying out of harm's way whenever there is dangerous road conditions. That is why we've put together a guide of SUVs and trucks that will keep you safe this winter. Take a look at our top picks:


2018 Equinox

If you're looking for a compact SUV, the 2018 Chevy Traverse should be your first choice.

Safety Features:

• Front
• Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking: At low speeds, if the Equinox's system senses a front-end collision with another vehicle, it will automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the severity of the impact.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: If you drift outside of your lane, the Equinox will gently steer wheel turns and alert you to get your vehicle back in place.
• Forward Collision Alert: This feature will alert you when vehicles ahead in your detected path are slowing down.
• Rear
• Rear Vision Camera: As you put your Equinox into reverse, the rear vision camera will display your surroundings behind your vehicle on the touch screen.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Utilizing radar sensors to monitor approaching traffic passing behind the vehicle, this feature alerts you through the rear vision camera screen.
• Rear Park Assist: This feature will alert you if an object is too close behind you and uses guiding lines on the rear vision camera screen to help you park.
• Side Blind Zone Alert: Using short-range radar sensors, this feature warns you when other vehicles are in your blind zone areas.
• Lane Change Alert: This technology provides side mirror alerts to help you avoid a collision with an approaching vehicle when you are changing lanes.

2018 Traverse

This mid-size SUV has exceptional cargo space and advanced infotainment systems to make traveling a smooth and hassle-free process.

Safety Features:

• Front
• Forward Collision Alert: See above.
• Front Pedestrian Braking: If a collision with a pedestrian is about to happen and the driver has not already applied the brakes, the Traverse alerts the driver and can automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of the collision or possibly avoid it altogether.
• Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking: See above.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: See above.
• Forward Automatic Braking: This system will automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of a collision if impact with a vehicle ahead is imminent.
• Rear
• Rear Vision Camera: See above.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: See above.
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert: See above.
• Rear Park Assist: See above.

2018 Silverado 1500

For some heavy-duty lifting and substantial power, the 2018 Silverado 1500 has you covered.

Safety Features:

• Front & Rear
• Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Safety Alert Driver Seat
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rear Vision Camera
• OnStar Automatic Crash Response: Available for a limited trial period if equipped.

Chevy's newest models all come equipped with the latest and greatest safety features. Not only does the Equinox, Traverse, and Silverado have the most advanced technology but they are each also full of specs, such as AWD and 4WD, that will give better traction during snowy road conditions. If you're ready to find an SUV or truck that will keep you safe this winter, take a look at our full inventory online. You'll be able to compare specs and features for each trim level on the Equinox, Traverse, and Silverado model overview pages to find the model that'll suit your needs best.

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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Prep Your Home and Car for the Cold Weather Ahead

DURAND, Mich.,–– Winter is right around the corner, making everyone anxious for what this cold season will bring to Michigan this year. Whether it is snow or below freezing temperatures, it's best to be prepared for what is to come. Your house and vehicle(s) are valuable investments. They may not be ready for the impact that the cool temps will have on them. That is why we've put together a list of how to prep your home and car for the cold weather ahead. These tips will make your life easier and help you save a few extra bucks in the long run this season:

Home

1. Prep all your plumbing inside and out. Clean out your house's gutters and disconnect/drain all your outside hoses. Shut off your outside water valves, if possible. Keep your cabinet doors open in your kitchen and bathroom(s) during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. Use heat tape around pipes that are prone to freezing, if necessary.
2. If you have a fireplace, make sure it is ready to go for nice and cozy fires all winter long. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. It is also a good idea to have your heating components in your house checked to make certain that warm air will flow freely.
3. Sealing the leaks around your house will keep the warm air inside. You don't want any cold drafts seeping in. Add weather-stripping around your doors and windows and caulk any gaps that you see. Also replace any worn doorstops. If need-be, install storm windows and doors to ensure every inch of your house is closed off from the outside air.

Car

1. Tire Maintenance: Check your tire pressure. Cold weather can cause your tire's air pressure to decrease. Road conditions aren't ideal in the winter, increasing the chances of getting into an accident. Check your tire tread as well to ensure your vehicle will have enough grip on the road in the snow and slushy/wet conditions this season.
2. Brake Care: If your brakes aren't in the best condition, you are putting yourself at risk while driving. Ensure your safety on the road by getting your brakes inspected. They may need to be repaired or replaced.
3. Vehicle Fluids: Oil is a vital component to your car's ability to run properly. Check your oil to make sure it's not low or black and gritty. If it is, you'll want to stop in for an oil change to help last you through the winter. Also make sure to check out your vehicle's other fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid.
4. Wiper Blades: Winter weather can make it hard to see clearly through your windshield while driving. Your windshield wipers may experience significant wear and tear from cold temps and ice/snow buildup. Make sure your wipers aren't worn out by checking out our list of signs to look for.

Don't be the victim of a frozen house pipe or faulty brakes this winter season. Prep your home and car for the cold weather ahead now before the cool temps and dangerous road conditions begin to take over. You'll be thankful you did. If you are in need of new tires, brakes, an oil change, wiper blades, or any other maintenance, schedule an appointment with our service team. We'll take care of your vehicle needs to make sure you remain safe on the road this winter! Be sure to frequently check out our coupons page to help you save on service.

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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