Friday, June 30, 2017

20 Things People Forget While Packing for Vacations

OKEMOS, Mich., – Did you know that, on average, adults forget at least three things per road trip? From phone chargers to changes of clothes, these forgotten items can add up very quickly with replacement costs. To help you save some money this summer, we've found the 20 things people forget while packing for vacations so you can make a checklist to keep yourself prepared! Make sure you're ahead of the curve this year by packing everything in advance. Maximize your road trip fun this year!

20 Things People Forget on Vacations

  1. Phone Charger: This is a no-brainer, but it can be an easy one to forget! Average phone chargers cost anywhere between $10-15. Make sure yours is packed!
  2. Travel Document Copies: Going out of the country? Keep these on hand and make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork. Your trip could be delayed if not!
  3. First-Aid Kit: In the event of an emergency, you'll want to make sure you're prepared. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're away from home!
  4. Hairbrushes: Keep your hair in check during vacation with a hairbrush! This one can be easy to forget but makes a huge difference if you remember it.
  5. Stain-Remover: If you go out to eat and things get a little messy, you'll want to get that stain off your shirt as soon as possible! You'll thank us later!
  6. Sunscreen: Sunscreen can be up to $7 in warmer states. Purchase and pack some in advance so you don't have to pay a higher price later at the store!
  7. Extra Cash: Sometimes, bank accounts can accidentally freeze your account if they detect purchases that don't fit your usual patterns. Keep cash on hand for any emergency!
  8. Batteries: From flashlights to video games, batteries can make or break a good vacation. Keeping them on hand will also save you a trip to the store to make a purchase!
  9. Snacks: Driving and staying at the hotel can make your stomach rumble from time to time. Curb everyone's appetites between meals with some good old fashioned snacking!
  10. Umbrella: Hey, you never know when it's going to rain! Your family will thank you later when you bring this just-in-case commodity!
  11. Prescriptions: In case you or someone in your family has to take any medicine regularly, keep these on hand! Bring some extras in case of flight delays or unnecessary traffic!
  12. Headphones: If you're next to the guy on the plane snoring, the best way to drown him out is with some great music! You can also give them to the kids to occupy them while on the road!
  13. Glasses or Contacts: Forgetting these can turn a fun vacation into a miserable experience very quickly! Keep an extra set of contacts or backup glasses on hand, just in case!
  14. Light Jackets: The temperatures may drop at night and it might get a little cold, so having these nearby will reduce the discomfort of the cold!
  15. Reusable Water Bottle: You can fill this up repeatedly and save any costs of bottled water on vacations! Plus, it'll give you a good opportunity to help save the planet!
  16. Extra Pairs of Clothing: From warm to cold weather, climates can change at the snap of a finger. It's important to pack at least one warmer outfit, just in case.
  17. Hand Sanitizer: If you can't find a place to wash your hands or go to a lot of public areas, using hand sanitizer will keep your hands clean and reduce the chances of sickness.
  18. Lip Balm: Even if you don't use this regularly, frequent traveling can dehydrate your body and cause your lips to chap up. Keeping some lip balm handy will help to reduce this.
  19. Extra Memory Card: If you bring your camera, you'll want to bring another memory card just in case you fill up the first one with too many memories. It's a good backup, too!
  20. Personal Hygiene Products: From deodorant to toothpaste, these are easily forgotten and very important to bring! This can make a huge difference in your wallet and on your body!

While there are many other things that you can forget, these 20 things people forget while packing for vacations can serve as a helpful checklist before you finally head out on your journey. If you go on a road trip, make sure you oil is changed beforehand if you need it! Schedule an appointment with us to get your vehicle in top condition before the long journey! If you need to get your tires rotated, now is the time for that, too! You'll be thanking us when you do! Make this vacation season one to remember, and don't forget any of the necessities we listed above!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Monday, June 26, 2017

Chevy's Surround Vision Improves Safety Features

OKEMOS, Mich., – The U.S. Department of Transportation states that on average, over 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries a year are caused by "backover crashes" a year. Backover crashes can occur when a car is backing out of a driveway, and children under 5 years old account for 31% of these fatalities, while adults over the age of 70 account for over 26%. In an effort to reduce, or ultimately eliminate these numbers, Chevy's surround vision improves its safety features to keep drivers aware of their surroundings from backing out to pulling into their driveways. With school getting out and the summer season here to stay, kids are more likely to be playing outside or enjoying the weather. Giving kids the chance to enjoy their summer without worrying about backover injuries is our priority at Graff Okemos.

Chevy's Surround Vision Improves Safety Features


“The majority of backover incidents are caused by the driver not being able to see their immediate surroundings,” says Rondell Burge, researcher of driver behavior, Chevrolet. “When you hear about backover or frontover incidents involving parents or grandparents and their little ones, your heart sinks. It’s personal and at Chevy we want to help drivers see as much of their environment as possible to help them avoid the unthinkable. That’s where Surround Vision can help.”

The new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox carries Surround Vision technology to reduce these risks. This technology provides viewers with a 360-degree view of their vehicle and its surroundings to keep drivers prepared at any angle. Using four cameras, the viewing monitor shifts its camera focus based on how the vehicle changes gears. Backing out of a driveway has never been safer. Surround Vision gives drivers the opportunity to protect their family and neighbors from potential danger. This advanced technology is expected to save 58 to 69 lives each year, and that number will only increase with further additions to the features of the technology.

The 2018 Equinox comes equipped with additional safety features, including Rear Seat Reminder, which will work similar to the standard Passenger Seat Reminder included on most vehicles. That way, you can make sure all of your passengers, no matter how big or small, are buckled up and ready to take on the day! If you have a new driver in your family, the 2018 Equinox also carries Teen Driver features that will limit the speed of the vehicle and distractions that can come with phone usage or changing music.

The Surround Vision feature will be available on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV, Traverse, and Equinox. The rest of Chevy's models come equipped with Rear View Cameras, giving drivers more reason to feel safe and comfortable. Despite all these features, however, you should always keep your eyes on the road and maximize your safety, especially when backing out of your driveway. These features are meant to assist the reduction of fatalities, but need an alert and attentive drivers to truly keep young children safe. Chevy's Surround Vision improves safety features in an attempt to make this world a much safer place. You can learn about the 2018 Equinox and other models that carry the Surround Vision feature on our inventory page! Refine your search to find exactly what is safest for you and your family. 

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

OKEMOS, Mich., – 4th of July is almost here! With fireworks, family get-togethers, and fantastic foods, this awesome holiday has everything a family could want and more. Enjoy an Independence Day parade, food truck rally, and more with some Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration! On July 1st, stop by the Meridian Township Municipal Building, across the street from the mall, at 5151 Marsh Rd for plenty of fun! You're not going to want to miss any of the excitement!

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM - Food Truck Rally


Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

What better way to celebrate Meridian Township's 175th anniversary than through over 75 food trucks? This year, the food truck rally will have everything from pierogis to pizza and other delicious dishes! Admission and parking are free and it'll be taking place from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, so you have plenty of time to enjoy this exclusive and tasty event!

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Arts & Crafts Fair


Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

Check out Meridian Township's creative endeavors this year at the Arts & Crafts Fair! Artists from around the county will be selling everything from pottery to dreamcatchers this year, and you'll have plenty of opportunity to get your hands on some fresh and eye-catching art. Give back to the community and benefit local art this year at the Arts & Crafts Fair!

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Community Mural


Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

This year, the Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration will feature a community mural painting. Leave your mark on the township's anniversary with this massive mural that will be proudly displayed in Hillbrook Park in Haslett after a day of fun! Painting will be open at the soccer fields and painting will begin at 11:00 AM! It's located right next to the children's field, which will be fun for the whole family!

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM - Children's Activity Area


Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

If you're looking for some kid-friendly fun, the Children's Activity Area has just what you need! Run through the obstacle course, get your face painted, and more! There's plenty of fun for everyone of any age, and it's open all day so you can stop by and enjoy some around-the-clock entertainment! The Children's Activity Area will be located near the soccer fields. You can't miss the inflatable obstacle course!

10:15 PM - Watch the Fireworks Finale


Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

Last but certainly not least, the main event! Enjoy an explosive and exciting end to a busy day with a top notch fireworks show! The show will be taking place at 5151 Marsh Rd, the same place as the anniversary celebration itself. Celebrate 175 years of Meridian Township's great and proud history with some of the best fireworks you'll see this season!

All of these activities and more will make the 175th Anniversary of Meridian Township a day to remember! The action-packed celebration has fun for everyone, from children's activities to the biggest food truck selection in Michigan! Enjoy the exciting activities at Meridian Township's anniversary celebration this year and make the most of your 4th of July weekend! If you need to get your vehicle looked at or repaired on the holiday weekend, schedule an appointment to get your vehicle in and checked at by our Service Staff! We'll be happy to help you with anything you need!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Monday, June 19, 2017

How to Find the Right Vehicle for You

OKEMOS, Mich., – If you're in the market to purchase a new vehicle, you're probably considering a lot of different options. Weighing out the different factors like budget, needs, and commuting distance all play a part in this important decision. Figure out how to find the right vehicle for you with these handy resources, courtesy of your friends at Graff Okemos. With our helpful resources and tips, you'll be able to find the vehicle that's just right for you in no time, whether you need more cargo space, better fuel efficiency, or you just want a flashy new ride! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment for a test drive. Our Service Staff will make sure you're taken care of so you can get back on the road with your new ride as soon as possible!

How to Find the Right Vehicle for You

Figure Out What Your Needs Are


The first step in purchasing a new vehicle is assessing your needs. Don't just think about what you'll need now, but also in the future. A few considerations you should take into account are:

  • Do you need 4-wheel drive for the winter months?
  • How many passengers will you normally have in your vehicle?
  • Do you typically drive on the highway, streets, or off-road?
  • What safety features are important to you?
  • Will you be towing anything?
All of these needs and more play an important role in deciding what vehicle to purchase. Make sure you write down every factor that is important to you, from short term to long term needs. Keep your needs in mind while you figure out your price range and any costs you'll need to take into account with your final purchase.

Decide on a Budget


Next, you'll want to take your budgetary needs into consideration. If you're interested in getting a car loan or financing, you can fill out our credit approval form to obtain more information about interest payments and what you are qualified for. The resources needed to making the initial downpayment and subsequent monthly payments when buying or leasing a vehicle are important to consider. The general rule to consider when budgeting out car payments is that it should be no more than 20% of your take-home income.

Buying vs. Leasing


Once you have your budget in place, you'll want to look into buying and leasing. Both buying and leasing have their individual benefits, but each also carry their own restrictions. Buying a vehicle is a large financial commitment, and factors like commute time and distance play important roles. While purchasing a vehicle can be beneficial with longer commutes, it also requires a larger downpayment and can be very costly. Leasing is a much more affordable option, but it can limit the amount of miles you can drive during the period of your lease. Making sure you're getting the most for your investment is extremely important - weighing your needs and your budget will help you make the decision. Check out our buying vs leasing guide to learn more about the specific pros and cons of each option! 

Choosing the Vehicle


Now, the fun part! After figuring out the money and payment options, you'll finally have the chance to look at vehicles. Our inventory carries a wide range of options for any budgetary needs. You'll be able to refine your search to find exactly what you need, from brand new leases to affordable certified pre-owned vehicles! You can even read up on vehicle brochures on our website to learn about the individual features of what each vehicle has to offer to better help you make your decision. Before you know it, you'll be behind the wheel of your new ride in no time!

Take it For a Test Drive


Once you schedule your appointment for a test drive, you'll get a firsthand look at what your vehicle has to offer. In order to find out whether it's the right fit for you, you should test it based on your driving needs. If you have to drive on the highways frequently, see how it handles the fast speeds and acceleration! If you have lots of passengers, sit in the back and passenger seating to see how comfortable the ride will be for them. Our Sales Staff will be happy to let you look over anything about the vehicle to see if it fits your needs. Feel free to ask any questions you may have!

We at Graff Okemos understand that it take a lot of time and research before you purchase a vehicle. Deciding on your needs and options play huge roles in the deicision, and we're more than happy to help you with anything you need! We hope our guide on how to find the right vehicle for you comes in handy when you finally make the decision to purchase or lease your new car! Feel free to reach out to us with any concerns. We're happy to help you find the option that will be best suited for you.

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

How the 2018 Equinox's New Body Will Improve Your Driving Experience

OKEMOS, Mich., – The 2018 Chevy Equinox has lost some serious weight this year, and has a brand new look all around! With the brand new redesigned body, the Equinox has shed over 400 lbs, which is about 10% of its mass. One of the most important advantages of this body redesign is the higher level of safety, but there are many more improvements we think you'll enjoy. Learn more about how the 2018 Equinox's new body will improve your driving experience by reading below!


Some of the improvements the 2018 Equinox include:

  • More precision and nimbleness on the road
  • Increased responsiveness
  • More ride comfort 
  • New high-strength steel 'safety cage'
  • Advanced safety features 
  • Reduced road noise
  • Improved fuel economy 

The lighter, stiffer structure was a result of strategically placed high-strength steel to form a "safety cage." The high-strength steel structure of the body minimizes damage to the vehicle and passengers in the event of accidents while remaining light and durable against resistance. This redesign also includes improved restraint systems, which alongside Chevy's most advanced safety features, can help protect passengers in the event of an accident.

As a bonus, the new structure a weight loss has improved the Equinox's steering and performance capabilities, as well as interior quietness. The new body helps to better block noise and vibration, meaning drivers can enjoy a quieter, calmer driving experience in the 2018 Equinox.

Less weight also means better fuel economy, and a better fuel economy means more money for you! The Equinox's weight loss has allowed it to improve its fuel output to 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, as opposed to the 2017 model's 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The 2018 Equinox also comes in a 1.6L Diesel model, which offers up to 40 MPG highway speeds.

The 2018 Equinox has everything you could want in a crossover SUV and more. The 2018 Equinox's new body will improve your driving experience and your passengers riding experience, too! You can take a closer look at the 2018 Equinox and other models at our vehicle inventory, or stop by for a test drive so you can feel the difference. Not sure about leasing or buying a vehicle? We've put together a list of facts on buying vs. leasing, so you'll be able to answer any questions you may have in no time! 

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Quick and Easy DIY Crafts

OKEMOS, Mich., – Looking for some fun activities to do this summer? Need to save some money? Why not do both with some quick and easy DIY crafts the whole family can enjoy! If it gets too hot this summer, enjoy some crafting with fun for every age! Our list will give you a variety of opportunities for crafting, from candle making to magnetic lettering. Give a few of these easy-to-make projects a chance that will lead to very fun results!

If you have kids in school, chances are you have plenty of crayons lying around. Instead of throwing away any broken crayons you find, turn them into some colorful crayon candles! With a few easy to follow instructions, you'll have brand new decorations in no time!

2. Dip Dye Succulent Pot


Quick and Easy DIY Crafts

Give your succulent collection the special treatment it deserves with a colorful dip dye succulent pot! Choose your own colors and create a beautiful gradient with planters of any size. You only need three supplies to make this awesome gift, and in a matter of minutes you'll have a brand new look for your special plants!

3. Lemon Sugar Scrub


Quick and Easy DIY Crafts

Using nothing but pantry ingredients, you can soften your skin the natural way with some a homemade lemon sugar scrub! Use sugar, lemon drops, and coconut oil to create a purifying and fragrant scrub to cleanse your pores. The recipe creates a jarful, so you'll have plenty to enjoy for a long time!

4. Gold Magnetic Letters


Quick and Easy DIY Crafts

If you still have your kid's old magnetic letters, you can give them the touch-up they deserve with some gold spray paint and primer! Use these gold magnetic letters to put a classy touch on your fridge while saving money on an otherwise expensive purchase. It only takes a few minutes for them to dry too, so you'll be able to enjoy this gift right away!

5. Triangle Prism Necklace


Quick and Easy DIY Crafts

Create a cool necklace that will impress your family and friends with just four simple pieces! Using bugle beads and thread, you can create a cool craft that will last a long time. The best part is that it pairs with just about any outfit, so you'll have a new accessory for any occasion this summer!

With these quick and easy DIY crafts, you'll be able to keep the whole family entertained and occupied with just a few simple supplies! If you're out looking for affordable supplies and want to make the most of your money, check out some of our service specials to keep your vehicle up to speed this summer! Enjoy crafting and saving money this summer with our convenient list!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Thursday, June 8, 2017

25 Activities to Do with Your Kids this Summer

OKEMOS, Mich., – The school year is over and summer vacation is here! Don't let your kids just sit inside all summer playing on their electronics and watching tv. Get them to play outside and be active with fun trips and activities all season long. Use our list of 25 activities to do with your kids this summer to have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime.

25 Activities to Do with Your Kids this Summer

  1. Visit a Harris Nature Center.
  2. Have a picnic at a local park.
  3. Make a fort out of cardboard boxes.
  4. Set up a lemonade stand.
  5. Go on a bike ride to get ice cream or other treats.
  6. Visit the local library.
  7. Go put-put golfing.
  8. Visit Potter Park Zoo.
  9. Have a bubble party. 
  10. Play Giant Jenga.
  11.  Have a squirt gun fight.
  12. Play Lawn Twister.
  13. Go horseback riding
  14.  Play glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag.
  15. Create a mini obstacle course in your backyard.
  16. Plan a day trip to one of the Great Lakes.
  17. Camp out in the backyard one night.
  18. Pick berries at a farm.
  19. Play Giant Scrabble on your lawn.
  20. Do sidewalk chalk.
  21. Catch lightening bugs.
  22. Organize a neighborhood kickball game.
  23. Visit the Farmer's Market.
  24. Bake cookies.
  25. Fly a kite.
There's so much fun to had during the warm weather and you can keep your children excited and engaged all vacation long with our list of 25 activities to do with your kids this summer! Additionally, make sure to take care of your vehicle this season with our Summer Car Care tips to get it ready for any long road trips and to deal with the heat. Schedule a service appointment online today to get your vehicle in great running condition!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Amazingly Easy Summer Recipes

OKEMOS, Mich., – With summer on our minds, keeping the family happy and healthy is key this season! The best way to make the most of this weather is through quick and easy recipes that won't keep you long in the kitchen and give the entire family plenty of energy so they can enjoy that sun! We've created a list of some amazingly easy summer recipes that you can try to have a fun and creative dinner that everyone will enjoy!

1. Toasted Garlic-Butter Ravioli with Spinach


Amazingly Easy Summer Recipes

Enjoy this pan-seared stuffed ravioli dish, chock full of flavor and greens for that healthy kick! Ready in just under 20 minutes, get yourself a bite of this fresh and cheesy dish today!

2. Cowboy Butter Skirt Steak Sandwiches


Amazingly Easy Summer Recipes

Garlic butter on a steak sandwich is the perfect combination for warm weather and summer fun. Enjoy this mouth watering entree today in just four steps of quick prep!

3. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese


Amazingly Easy Summer Recipes

Mac and cheese has a new best friend, cauliflower! The cauliflower adds to the creamy texture of mac and cheese and also provides a healthy serving of vegetables to this classic comfort food! You can cook this cheesy concoction in just four simple steps!

4. Grilled Cheese with Tomatoes & Bacon


Amazingly Easy Summer Recipes

Wow, does this ever look good! This fantastic combination of bacon, tomatoes, and cheese will leave you begging for more after your first helping. It's a fun and quick recipe that's nice and easy to teach!

5. Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema


Amazingly Easy Summer Recipes

Impress your friends (and your tastebuds) with this fresh take on chicken tacos! With a simple five step recipe, you'll be a pro chef in no time!

Give the summer weather a warm welcome with these amazingly easy summer recipes! These quick, easy-to-cook dishes will turn you into a master chef in a matter of minutes. You'll be cooking up something new every day to show everyone what you're made of! While you're out and about gathering ingredients, follow some of our tips for summer car care to make sure your vehicle is up to speed this summer. With a fresh car and fresh recipes, you'll be the talk of Okemos in no time!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

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