Winter Car Care Tips

OKEMOS, Mich., –– Winter is in full swing now! As the snow starts to really fall, it's best to make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road. Michigan's weather is full of surprises, which is why you'll want to get a head start on winter car maintenance. Dangerous road conditions are sometimes inevitable during this snowy and icy season. By taking care of your vehicle's vital components, you'll be out of harm's way and have a safer bet when driving. Check out our website for multiple winter car care and vehicle maintenance tips. These tips will help you get your vehicle into winter ready shape and will ensure your safety on the road during this cold season.

On our Winter Car Care Page you can find more information on:

• Tires: It's important to maintain your tires, especially during the winter season. Winter tires may be a better bet on your vehicle due to their aggressive and deeper tread. Click on the link to read more about the difference between winter and all-season tires as well as other tire maintenance tips.
• Batteries: As the weather grows colder, your car's battery life may start to slowly stop functioning. A typical battery will last three to five years. If you're unsure about your vehicle's battery life, you may want to get it checked out by a trained professional. Follow the link to learn more about the effects of winter weather on your battery.
• Brakes: Your vehicle's brakes are an essential part of its daily function. That means that they should be in the best shape during the winter. It will take you longer to stop your vehicle completely when there is snow and ice on the ground, so it's crucial to make sure they are in tip-top condition. There are lots of signs that your brakes may be due for a change. Visit the link to learn more about them.
• Oil Changes: Performing a routine oil change on your vehicle will increase its life and ensure that your engine's parts are properly lubricated. Cold temps can make it harder for the oil to flow smoothly, which is why it's necessary to get your oil checked during the winter season. To check out the signs of whether your car needs an oil change, click on the link.
• Wiper Blades: Wiper blades are the essential part in keeping your windshield clear. To ensure you're safe on the road this winter, make sure your wiper blades aren't making any funny noises or leaving streaks. You'll want to know for sure that they'll be able to wipe away any snow, sleet, or rain this winter season. Follow the link to view our full list of signs you need to change your wiper blades.

Snow and ice can make for a vehicle owner's nightmare when driving this winter. Take proper care of your vehicle during the cold temperatures with these winter car care tips. It's better to take the appropriate steps to make sure your vehicle can handle the winter season ahead of time than to wait until the last minute. Each of our pages will break down the care your vehicle will need to keep it running great throughout the winter. If you're in need of new tires, brakes, a new battery or an oil change, schedule a service appointment online with us today. We'll be happy to take care of all your vehicle needs at Graff Okemos!

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with top-notch service and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you find your dream car – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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The Scariest Car Issues You'll Want to Avoid this Halloween

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– There's nothing scarier than having your car break down out on the road. Repair costs, towing expenses, and having to pay for a rental car can be a nightmare for your wallet. With proper vehicle care and routine maintenance, however, you can keep your vehicle and your bank account safe from a potential scare this October. Make sure you know what to do if you encounter any of the scariest car issues you'll want to avoid this Halloween. Following our advice will prevent your trick-or-treating from taking a turn for the worse!

Dead Battery

Problem: Your vehicle won't start! If you don't hear any noise when you start up your vehicle, it could mean that your battery is out of energy and may need to be jumpstarted back to life. (Think Frankenstein's monster, but in battery form.)

Solution: If you're having difficulty getting your vehicle going, phone a friend or ask a nearby driver to help you jumpstart your vehicle. Follow these steps to avoid the scary experience of a dead battery:

1. Get the other vehicle as close to yours as possible (front to front) and put both vehicles in park. Shut them off and set the parking brakes.
2. Next, open both vehicle's hoods and locate the batteries in each car. Make sure to identify the positive and negative terminals (typically, red means +, and black means - ).
3. Using a pair of jumper cables, attach your red, positive clamp to the positive terminal to the vehicle with the good battery. After that, attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
4. Next, attach the black, negative clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery. After that, attach the remaining black clamp to an unpainted metal part of your vehicle away from the battery  (this is extremely important, and ensure a safe jump.)
5. Start the vehicle with the working battery and let it run for a couple minutes. After that, start the car with the dead battery and allow it to run.
6. Remove the cables in reverse order (negatives first, positive after) and thank the person that helped you. Congrats! You've restarted your battery!

Preventative Measures: If your vehicle is having difficulty starting itself, bring it into our Service Center! We can test the strength of your battery to determine whether or not it needs replacing so you can get back to trick-or-treating in no time!

Brake Wear

Problem: If you can hear screeching, squealing, or grinding when you try to slow down your vehicle, it isn't a monster - it's your brakes! Over time, your brake pads wear down through to the metal caliper and cause it to make contact with the disc/rotor. This metal on metal contact will cause grinding to occur and do serious damage to your brake system.

Solution: If you experience any of these symptoms, don't be scared! You may need to have your brakes repaired or your brake pads replaced. Have our service team inspect your brakes to determine whether or not they require maintenance, then take advantage of our brake specials to receive a discount with your next service!

Preventative Measures: Follow our 5 tips to increase the life of your brakes to ensure that these integral safety components are kept intact throughout the year.

Low Oil Level

Problem: If your vehicle's "check engine" light illuminates, or if your engine is much louder than normal, it could mean that your oil needs to be replaced. Since your engine's oil is used to lubricate and cool your engine, a low oil level can cause your engine's components to grind and push against one another, creating friction, increasing the heat in your engine. This can cause it to overheat and can create serious problems and warping in your engine!

Solution: Typically, you should have your oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so. Having your oil regularly serviced will prevent damage to your vehicle and save you from the nightmares of overheating!

Preventative Measures: If you aren't sure when you last changed your oil, check it from home to determine whether or not you need an oil replacement. You can also keep a service log to maintain a record of services performed on your vehicle. That way, you'll be able to estimate when you need an oil change!

Overheating Engine

Problem: If you notice smoke coming from your engine or if this symbol appears on your dashboard, pull over immediately. Your engine is overheating!

Solution: If your engine overheats, fear not! At Graff Okemos, we offer free pickup and delivery. Give us a call and we'll pick you up right away to get you and your vehicle to safety. We're here to help you avoid any unnecessary scares this Halloween.

Preventative Measures: An overheating engine can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common, however, are low coolant and low oil levels. You should have your coolant replaced every 30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you to do so. Not sure when you last had it looked at? You can check it at home with these three simple steps:

1. After turning off your car, pop your engine's hood.
2. Locate your coolant reservoir. Typically, your coolant reservoir is located on the right side of your engine, but if you aren't sure what it looks like, look for the "coolant" or "antifreeze" labels on the cap of the large plastic container.
3. Using the dotted lines on the side of the reservoir, you can determine whether or not you need to replace your coolant by the "FULL" and "EMPTY" indicators.

Dead Headlight or Taillight

Problem: If you're having difficulty seeing at night while driving, your headlights may need to be replaced. Without properly working headlights, you may encounter reduced or obstructed vision, making the road an unsafe and scary place for you and other trick-or-treaters.

Solution: When dawn breaks again, make your way to our Graff Okemos Service Center. We'll inspect and service your lights right away to ensure that you're able to take on the night once again. Whether you're vampire hunting or just enjoying a night out, make sure your lights are in good working condition this October to keep you and all the trick-or-treaters safe!

Preventative Measures: Luckily, your vehicle has built-in measures to remind you when it requires replacement lights. Besides the reduced visibility on the road, you may notice that your turn signals blink at a much faster rate than normal. This a signal to indicate that you'll need to have your turn signal light replaced as soon as possible! We can also check your lights for you at our Service Center and answer any questions you may have about them.

You might be in store for a scare or two this Halloween, but they certainly shouldn't have to do with your vehicle. Use our preventative measures and tips to fight off the scariest car issues you'll want to avoid this Halloween. While you're at it, take advantage of our Fall Car Care guide to ensure your vehicle can take on the changing temperatures. If you happen to run into a scare this Halloween, call us and schedule service to take on the new weather. Plus, you can utilize our coupons to save some money that you can spend on cool costumes or unique decorations. Enjoy Halloween this year and avoid the scares of a breakdown while you're on the road!

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

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5 Tips to Increase the Life of Your Brakes

OKEMOS, Mich., – Your brakes are the most essential safety component in your vehicle. Without proper care they can wear down quickly, reducing your ability to stop and increasing your risk of danger out on the road. Follow these 5 tips to increase the life of your brakes so that you improve you and your passengers' safety on the road as well as increase your gas mileage.

Watch Your Speed

Stopping your vehicle at high speeds is the number one way your brakes are worn down as you drive. This bad driving habit causes brakes to wear down significantly faster than they would at slower speeds. Your brakes begin to work by using the brake pads to reduce the rotation of your brake discs when the vehicle is traveling. When this happens, the brake pads are slowly worn down and the energy of the spinning disc converts into heat. The faster you drive, the more energy you produce, thus generating more heat when the brakes are applied to it. Over time, the heat your brakes produce can wear down its important components, leading to costly repairs and potential damage to your brakes. If you practice slower driving habits, your vehicle will put less stress on your brakes.

Practice Coasting

A great way to reduce your chances of stopping at high speeds is by coasting while you drive. Allowing your vehicle to naturally slow down before applying your brakes at a stop will save you on fuel costs as well as reduce the wear on your brakes. However, keeping an eye on other drivers while you're on the road is an extremely important safety tactic! Remaining mindful of other drivers' behaviors will keep you and your passengers safe.

Consider What You Carry

Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, the luggage you keep in your vehicle will directly affect important components on your brakes. The added weight to your vehicle will add pressure and make it more difficult for your brakes to slow down the vehicle, wearing them down at a much faster rate than normal. Keeping your vehicle light and free of excess weight will allow your brakes to perform efficiently without any unnecessary pressure.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It's impossible to predict the behavior of other drivers on the road. Sometimes, drivers will brake or swerve between lanes for no reason, potentially causing the vehicles behind them to have to slam on their brakes. To avoid this, give yourself a wide berth between other vehicles while you're on the freeway to increase your safety and the longevity of your brakes. That way, you'll avoid having to perform unnecessary stops on the road that would otherwise wear your brakes down. Practice this mindful habit next time you're on the freeway!

Have Your Brakes Serviced

One of the best ways to ensure your brakes last a long time is to have regular maintenance performed on them. Investing in regular brake maintenance can help you to avoid expensive replacement costs in the future. If you'd like to have your brakes looked at, bring your vehicle in to the Graff Okemos Service Center! Our attentive staff will go above and beyond to ensure your brakes are working at their absolute best. You can schedule an appointment online without having to leave your couch!

The condition of your brakes can be the difference between a potential accident and remaining unharmed out on the road. Follow our 5 tips to increase the life of your brakes listed above to help keep your brake pads, discs, calipers and other components in good condition. If you plan on having your brakes looked at, utilize our wide array of coupons for brake inspection or other maintenance services to help save you money!

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

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Components to Check Before Your Next Road Trip

OKEMOS, Mich., – Don't let your vehicle break down during a road trip. Whether you're unable to leave your driveway or you stall out in the middle of a crowded freeway, having your vehicle break down during a road trip can be a very frustrating encounter. The best way to combat this, however, is by remaining prepared. Keep an eye on these components to check before your next road trip so you don't end up sidelined on the road waiting for a tow truck.

Oil Level

Your oil helps to regulate the temperature of your engine, preventing it from overheating by lubricating important internal components. Typically, oil changes occur every 5,000-8,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual recommends. You can check your oil in just a few simple steps. First, pop the hood of your engine and find the engine's dipstick (it should look like a plastic ring sticking out of your engine). Next, remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe it on a cloth. After this, stick it in your engine again and remove it. The dipstick will have "FULL" and "EMPTY" labels on its side. If the oil level only reaches to the "EMPTY" component, it's time for an oil change!

Tires

You're going to need working tires in order to enjoy your road trip! Over time, your tires can wear down on their tread, reducing their ability to effectively grip the road. You can check the tread of your tires using the "penny method" to save yourself some time. Place a penny face down between the grooves of your tires. If you can't see Lincoln's head, your tires have adequate tread and should be able to handle the road ahead. If you can see his head, however, this means your tread has worn down and your tires need to be replaced as soon as possible! Make sure you know how to take care of your tires to ensure they last a long time. 

Brakes

Does braking take longer than it used to? Does it pull your vehicle to the side as you slow to a stop? Does it make a loud grinding or screeching noise when you brake? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to have your brakes looked at. Make sure you know when to get your brakes inspected to keep everyone on the road safe, including yourself and your passengers! Repaired or replaced brakes can make all the difference in the world, whether you're going on a road trip or simply commuting to work.

Cooling System

On long drives, your vehicle's engine can overheat with increased usage. Your engine's coolant serves to reduce and maintain an even temperature with your vehicle's engine. It's one of the most important components of your vehicle, and without it, overheating could permanently damage your vehicle! The easy part, however, is that it is extremely easy to check. Engine coolant is typically replaced every 30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual estimates. Pop the hood of your engine and look for the large plastic container labeled "coolant" or "antifreeze". The container should have markings on the side to indicate whether or not you have enough coolant, and if it's below the required level, you'll need to refill it! Bring in your vehicle if you need your coolant replaced and we'll take care of it right away.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Nobody wants to drive in a vehicle that's too hot or too cold. Malfunctioning heating and cooling units can make everyone in the vehicle irritated, making the drive an all around exhausting experience. Checking your heating and air conditioning is easy: if your vehicle doesn't heat up or cool down fast enough (or at all), it could be an issue with your system. Have your heating and cooling system inspected before you leave. We'll be happy to help you find an affordable solution!

Save yourself the trouble of getting lost on the road by remaining prepared this year! These components to check before your next road trip can make your whole experience a lot better is they're all in working condition. Make sure all of your vehicle is up to speed before you find yourself waiting for a tow truck! If you're unsure whether or not your vehicle will be able to handle the road ahead, schedule an appointment with us and we'll inspect your vehicle before you go! If you schedule an appointment with us, you can save money on routine maintenance, tires, and more with our coupons, too. No matter where your road trip takes you, we wish you smooth sailing on your journey!

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

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When You Should Get Your Brakes Inspected

OKEMOS, Mich., – You might not think about them much, but the first line of defense against an accident or damage to your vehicle are your brakes. They can slow down your vehicle and prevent or reduce any structural damage you may encounter in an accident. Making sure they're fully functioning can make all the difference in the world in the event you run into trouble. There are a few telltale signs that can let you know when you should get your brakes inspected, but we'll go over them now to let you know what to look for in the future!

Reduced Responsiveness

If your brakes just aren't quite working like they used to, or your pedal "sinks" to the floor, it could mean your brakes are leaking fluid. You can tell whether or not they're leaking if you notice a small puddle forms when you park your vehicle. Brake fluid looks like a less "slimy" version of motor oil fluid. If you notice reduced responsiveness or fluid leakage from your brakes, bring it in to us and we'll get it looked at and repaired right away!

Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If you feel your vehicle pull to the left or right when you brake, it means that your brake linings have worn down unevenly. This can be caused by braking on uneven terrain or extended braking on long turns while you drive. If you experience pulling while you drive, make sure your vehicle is checked out as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers. If you leave it unchecked, unevenly worn linings can cause long term damage to your brakes, leading to more expensive repairs. Avoid extra trips to our Service Center by getting them taken care of as soon as possible.

Grinding

Do you hear a loud metallic sound when you brake? This is caused when two pieces of the brakes, the calipers and discs, rub against each other and cause friction, scratching your brakes and causing permanent damage. Your brakes grind against each other when your pads wear down and can be quite expensive if left unattended to. If you ignore the grinding sound on your brakes, it can score them, or cause them to wear down unevenly, which may require your brakes to be completely replaced rather than a much more affordable repair.

Screeching

A high-pitched screeching sound can indicate that your brakes need to be looked at, as well. This noise is caused by an indicator, a key component in your brakes that lets you know when your brake pads are close to being worn down. It's loud enough to be heard with your windows up, but not loud enough to be heard when your radio is on, so if you're worried about how your brakes are holding up, turn down the radio and give them a test. If the screeching problem persists, make sure to schedule an appointment with us!

Vibrations

Your brakes will naturally vibrate when you have to make emergency stops to ensure that your vehicle is able to slow down at a much quicker rate. If your brakes vibrate when you pull to a slower stop frequently, however, it may be time to get them looked at. Frequent vibrations with braking can mean that your rotors may be warped, and can be felt through the brake pad when you brake normally. This can be caused by friction generated through mountain driving, frequent emergency braking, and heavy towing. 

Unlike oil changes, brakes don't have a set timeframe as to when they should be repaired. Like wiper fluid, they should be maintained and replaced as needed. Now that you know when you should get your brakes inspected, you'll be able to save money and spot the warning signs of brake wear. Do your brakes need maintenance? Use our coupons to save on service, inspection, and more! Extend the life of your brakes and other important components of your vehicle with our routine maintenance tips, and use our summer car care tips to keep your vehicle in top shape this season!

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

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Frequently Asked Serviced Questions Answered by Graff Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich. – At Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos we take pride in helping our customers with all of their vehicle maintenance. Our full-service automotive center offers everything from routine maintenance to major repairs on all makes and models. Another way our ASE Certified technicians can help you is with our new and improved FAQ page. On our website you can find frequently asked service questions answered by Graff Okemos. Now the convenience you love about our service center is extended to our website.

See what new categories we have in our Service Center FAQ's to help you navigate your questions:

• Tires—Tires are the most essential component to your vehicle. Whether you have a wear and tear question, or just routine maintenance you can get your answer here.
• General Car Care—These questions were compiled with everything from general maintenance to weather conditions. If you have a question about basic driving wear on your vehicle this is the category for you.
• Wipers—For something we never think about, there are a few common questions we get about windshield wipers. Learn all about them here.
• Under the Hood—Have you ever opened the hood of your car and thought, “What am I doing?” Don’t worry. These answers are grouped for anything that may need attention under the hood of your vehicle. Get the answers here!
• Breaks—Does something not feel right or sound funny? Check out what common answers to you brake questions are.
• Oil Changes—Confused about oil changes? Or does something not seem right? Check these answers and see if we can help you out before seeing our service technicians.

Our Graff Chevrolet Okemos Service Center is committed to providing you the best quality work and help. Our customers are our number one priority. That is why the frequently asked service questions answered by Graff Okemos are here to help you navigate through the confusion of vehicle maintenance. Can’t find your question? Contact our service center at (517) 349-8300.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Vehicle Maintenance and Winter Car Care Tips at Graff Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich. – Winter is kicking into full gear now Michiganders, so if you haven’t gotten a head start on our winter car maintenance, now is the time to do it. Driving in winter involves ice, snow, salt, and dropping temperatures, which can all take a toll on your vehicle. With the right care though, you and your car will have a great winter season. On our website, we just launched a service area for vehicle maintenance and winter car care tips at Graff Okemos. These winter car care tips will not only extend the life of your vehicle, but also keep you safe all season long. We know how much of an investment buying or leasing a car, truck, or SUV is, so we’re going to help you keep it in tip-top shape.

On our Winter Car Care Page you can find more information on–

• Tires: It’s important to know why winter tires work better than your normal tires. Your tires will make a big difference in winter driving because the treads are designed to maneuver through snow and ice. Read more about the importance on winter tires by clicking the link.
• Batteries: Cold temperatures can decrease your car’s battery life. Normally, a battery is good for two to three years, so if your battery is getting old you may want to replace it. To learn more about the effects winter weather has on your battery, follow the link.
• Brakes: Your brakes should be in tip-top shape every season, but it’s even more crucial in the winter. Your average stopping distance increases a lot when snow and ice are on the ground, so making sure your brakes work properly is important. Learn more about winter brake maintenance by clicking the link.
• Oil Changes: By keeping up on routine oil changes, you’re increasing the life of your engine and car as a whole. It’s especially important to keep up on oil changes in the winter because of the effect the cold temperatures have on the oil. Take a look at the link to see a list of signs your vehicle needs an oil change.
• Wiper Blades: Wiper blades are essential for safe winter driving. You need a clear view to maneuver the roads, and you can’t do that with worn out wiper blades. Follow the link to find a list of signs that your wiper blades need to be replaced.

Icy roads and cold weather can do a number on your vehicle, but with the proper care and preparation you’ll be driving safe and sound all season long. Make sure you take the right steps to winterize your vehicle by visiting our vehicle maintenance and winter car care pages online. Each page will break down the proper care you need to have your vehicle running great through the winter season. If you’d like an extra hand with your winter car care, schedule a service appointment with us online. We’re happy to take care of your tires, oil changes, car battery, brakes, and wiper blades at Graff Okemos.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Battle Winter With These 5 Essential Car Care Tips

OKEMOS, Mich. –– If you thought it was important to prepare your car for fall, just wait until winter hits and your vehicle isn't prepared to handle the harsh realities of months like January and February. You can avoid any major issues that cold weather and winter elements can easily exacerbate for your vehicle if you take care of any necessary auto service by visiting our Delta Charter Township area Chevrolet dealer before the snow falls. Take our word for it and battle winter with these five essential car care tips to make sure your vehicle makes it through to spring.

1. Equip your vehicle with a new set of tires.

Your vehicle should first and foremost have a new set tires specifically designed to handle slick roads packed with snow or sheeted by ice. If your vehicle's tires are balding or haven't been rotated in more than six months, there's a good chance they aren't up to par for winter and could pose a serious risk to you and other drivers on winter roads. Check your vehicle's tires for smooth spots or diminishment of tread. If they seem unsafe, let our technicians equip your vehicle with a new set.

2. Have our technicians inspect your brakes.

Along with making sure your vehicle's tires are ready for winter, it's vital to have a good set of brakes. To ensure your vehicle's brakes are ready to battle winter, have our technicians inspect them for corrosion and other negative signs. Likewise, if you notice your vehicle's brakes are squeaking, or if you're coasting when you come to a stop, both are signs that you need to see our technicians.

3. Inspect your battery for corrosion.

It could be difficult to start your vehicle if its battery isn't ready to handle the frigid temperatures of winter. It's also likely your vehicle could become dysfunctional or struggle to operate properly while you're driving if its battery is in bad condition. To make sure your vehicle's battery is ready to battle winter, inspect it for corrosion. If your vehicle is having trouble starting or its interior lights and headlights seem dim or are flickering, it could also be a sign that the battery won't be in a condition to handle the harsh temperatures ahead. Go here to learn more about the battery services we offer.

4. Make sure your coolant level is where it should be.

Many drivers assume coolant for your vehicle's cooling system is only useful in the heat of summer to keep a vehicle's engine from overheating. However, coolant also keeps your vehicle's engine from freezing in the winter from cold temperatures. If your vehicle's coolant level is too low, the engine could stall or your vehicle could have a hard time starting up. Before it starts snowing, check your vehicle's coolant level, as well as other fluid levels. If your vehicle's fluids are low or you think there may be a leak in a line, let our technicians take a look.

5. Install a new set of wiper blades.

Don't assume wiper blades are only useful in the spring and summer when it rains. Snow, of course, is simply a different state of water, and it can easily obscure your vision when it hits your windshield if your vehicle isn't equipped with an updated set of wiper blades. Old wiper blades will leave streaks and struggle to clear moisture from your windshield, making it difficult to see during a snowstorm. Visit the service page on our webstie to see what poor visibility looks like: http://bit.ly/1I4id39

There's plenty of other auto service you should have our technicians take care of before winter hits, but at the very least you should be able to battle winter with these five essential car care tips. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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