6 New Year's Resolutions for Your Car

DURAND, Mich.,–– Now that the new year is in full swing, there are lots of things to plan and prepare for. Staying on top of resolutions and achieving new goals are all a part of our "new year plan". Most people don't realize the importance of taking care of their vehicles. As beneficial as it is to set goals for yourself at the start of the new year, it's just as beneficial to maintain proper care of your vehicle. Whether it's performing basic maintenance or keeping it clean, these 6 new year's resolutions for your car will help you stay on top of the things we often lose sight of with our vehicle:

1. Maintain better driving habits.
It's easy to get into a bad habit behind the wheel of your vehicle. Whether it's texting and driving or riding close behind another car, we're all guilty of these negative practices. This year, make a pact to put down the device and be more cautious and patient with other drivers on the road.

2. Keep fuel-efficiency in mind.
Aggressive driving and constant speeding can negatively impact your vehicle's fuel economy. Slow down and give yourself more time to get to your destination this year. Be mindful of your vehicle's fuel consumption and monitor your driving habits.

3. Regularly check the condition of your tires.
Especially in the winter season, maintaining your tire's air pressure and tread is critical. Cold temps can decrease the air pressure in your tires. Low tire tread can make it easy to slide during snowy and icy road conditions. Make sure to frequently check your tire pressure and look out for bald spots on your vehicle's tires.

4. Manage your vehicle's interior.
Clean out your car regularly to ensure the interior upholds its highest quality. There's nothing more frightening than having your friends, family, or significant other get into your dirty and messy vehicle. Consistently throwing out trash and maintaining a sense of cleanliness will add to the value of your vehicle.

5. Make sure your fluids are topped off.
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail, you'll want to make sure you have windshield wiper fluid readily available to help clear your windshield when you need it most. Along with this critical fluid, you'll want to make sure your engine oil, transmission fluid, and even power steering fluid are always topped off.

6. Schedule routine maintenance.
This could be the most important new year's resolution of them all. Maintaining a regular service schedule for your vehicle is essential in ensuring that it continues to perform at its best. Whether it's something as basic as an oil change or something as critical as getting a new set of tires, you can schedule routine maintenance with our service center at Graff Durand.


Your vehicle is a large investment that is crucial to stay on top of. Even the smallest things make a big difference down the road. Set goals for yourself to keep better track of your vehicle's care with our list of 6 new year's resolutions for your car. Check out our Winter Car Care tips to help you maintain your vehicle's major components during this cold season. When you schedule a service appointment, make sure to check out our service specials for more ways to help you save!

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.

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

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.

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