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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Best Selling Flavors to Try During National Ice Cream Month

OKEMOS, Mich., – July is National Ice Cream Month! Fun fact: ice cream has been around since the Roman Empire, and has been noted in history books for hundreds of thousands of years. Over time, this chilly dessert has become an international favorite, and has been made with many unique flavors and styles. We're big fans too and we've put together a list of best-selling flavors to try during National Ice Cream Month. Check out our list below, then head out in your Chevy and grab a few pints to share. Enjoy!

Coffee

Need a caffeine kick? Coffee flavored ice cream is just the flavor you're looking for! It combines the taste of coffee with the sweetness of ice cream, and tastes just like a frozen coffee. Coffee flavored ice cream is among the list of best-sellers and is also incredible easy to make at home if you're looking for a new recipe to try.

Ice Cream Fun Fact: In the summer of 1790, President George Washington spent over $200 on ice cream. That's over $5,000 worth of ice cream by today's standards!

Cookies & Cream

One of the most popular ice cream flavors in the United States, cookies and cream is the ideal flavor for Oreo lovers! If you didn't already know, cookies and cream ice cream is made with a blend of crunchy chocolate cookie pieces and sweet vanilla ice cream. If you're looking to get your hands on a cup or cone of cookies and cream, Tasty Twist in East Lansing has the best ice cream in the area!

Ice Cream Fun Fact: New Zealand is the biggest consumer of ice cream in the world: on average, their population eats over 7.5 gallons of ice cream per person per year!

Peanut Butter

You might be surprised to know that peanut butter ice cream is one of the best-selling ice cream flavors! Enjoy the rich and creamy flavor of peanut butter without the stickiness, and be sure to top it off with chocolate syrup, Reese's minis, or more peanut butter if you're a fan! You can either make it yourself or check out the Michigan State Dairy Store for their take on peanut butter ice cream.

Ice Cream Fun Fact: Chocolate syrup is the most popular ice cream topping in the world! Chocolate syrup goes great with almost every flavor, and can make your peanut butter ice cream taste like  Reese's peanut butter cups!

Cookie Dough

Did you know, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is the best selling ice cream flavor in Michigan?! It uses sweet and simple vanilla ice cream as a base with raw cookie dough bits sprinkled throughout, but don't worry, the dough is completely safe to eat. If you're feeling creative, you can try making chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at home for a fun surprise for the ice cream lovers in your family.

Ice Cream Fun Fact: Next to cookies, ice cream is the best selling treat in the United States!

Mint Chocolate Chip

Mint and chocolate together is one of those dynamic duos you see everywhere in the dessert world, including in ice cream! Mint chocolate chip ice cream, one of the best-selling flavors, allows you to enjoy the duo in a cool and creamy way. You can find a variety of styles that include chocolate chunks, chips, and swirls of syrup! If you're looking for a unique twist on ice cream, Dippin' Dots makes a mint and chocolate flavor.

Ice Cream Fun Fact: It takes approximately 50 licks to finish a single scoop of ice cream. 

This July, take your taste buds on a chilly, delicious flavor vacation with these best-selling flavors to try during National Ice Cream Month. From coffee to cookie dough, you may find a new favorite flavor or become a regular at a local Okemos ice cream shop! For any trip you take this Summer, including the short trips, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is in shape to do so. Check out our summer care care tips to ensure you're ready for the road. If you've got a big road trip coming up, bring your vehicle in to our Service Center to have it inspected before you go!

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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Service and Parts Coupons to Save You Money at Graff Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich., – Whether it's an oil change or tire rotation, routine maintenance is something every driver will have to take care of throughout their ownership of the vehicle. While oil changes can be fairly inexpensive, other maintenance tasks like getting replacement brakes or replacing a battery can be more costly. Keep your car running its best and your wallet full with these service coupons to save you money at Graff Okemos Take a look at some of our best coupons below for more money-saving opportunities!

30-Day Guarantee Tire Price Match

If you buy tires from us at Graff Okemos and find a better deal within 30 days of your purchase, bring it in and we'll refund you the difference! The tire brands eligible are BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, and Uniroyal. Take advantage of this coupon before the year ends! We recommend using it to purchase a set of winter tires when the time comes.

Oil Change & Tire Rotation Discounts

Whether you own a vehicle that takes 6-quarts or 8-quarts of oil, you can take advantage of these exclusive multi-service discounts until the end of the year. When you're here, we'll make sure to change your oil, rotate your tires, and provide an inspection which includes checking your fluid levels, steering, suspension, wiper blades, exhaust, battery, brakes, and belts.

Discounted ACDelco Batteries

Make sure your car will start in any weather, and keep your electric components well powered with a new battery! The ACDelco Professional Silver battery comes with a 30-month free-replacement limited warranty, while the Gold battery comes with a 42-month free-replacement limited warranty. With a $24.95 installation fee, you'll be able to save extra on a brand new battery until the end of 2017. 

Make the most of these limited-time offers while you can!

$29.43 Lube, Oil, & Filter

Keeping up on your oil and filter changes is extremely important to your engine's health. Oil lubricates and protects your engine's components that will help extend it's life. Having your belts and hoses checked regularly is another important routine maintenance task, because they enable your vehicle and other important components within to run. Keeping your door, hood hinges, steering, suspension, and driveline lubricated will help prevent rusting, allowing for easier steering, and helps keep your ride smooth. Our lube, oil, and filter coupon helps you maintain these important components for the price of a normal oil change! Our friendly Service Staff's inspection can save you money on potentially costly repairs in the future by informing you right away if anything requires attention. Keep up on your routine maintenance with our lube, oil, and filter coupon!

$119.95 Coolant Flush

Coolant is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle, as it can regulate and reduce the heat of the engine over time. Your coolant should be replaced about every 30,000 miles or every two years. Because your coolant is so important to your engine's functions, you'll want to make sure you keep track of when this service is needed, or ask our service technicians for help! Our Service Staff will also check for any leaks, as well as take a look at your belts and hoses, too. 

With a summer full of activities, road trips, and fun in the sun, it can be easy to forget about vehicle maintenance. Remembering to have your vehicle regularly looked at, however, is the best way to prevent costly repairs that could cut into your road trip fund. Use these service and partscoupons to save you money to help prevent anything from happening while you're out on the road! If you'd like to take advantage of these limited-offer deals, schedule an appointment with us and print off the coupon you'll be using and our Service Staff will get it taken care of right away. Plus, you can further reduce your need for costly maintenance with our helpful routine maintenance tips to keep up on your vehicle's needs year-round!

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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How to Care for Your Tires

OKEMOS, Mich., – They help get you from point A to point B and keep your vehicle stable on any road condition, the fact is, your tires play a huge role when it comes to driving. Since your tires are the only point of contact your vehicle has with the road, making sure they're in good condition is extremely important to ensure your safety! Keeping them properly cared for on a regular basis will help extend the life of your vehicle and help you remain safe on the road! Make sure you know how to care for your tires this summer to improve your experience with your vehicle! 

Check Your Tire's Tread

The easiest way to find out if your tires need replacing is by checking their tread. Your vehicle's tread helps your tires to maintain a grip on the road, keeping your vehicle stable while driving. Since there is no specific timeframe as to when your tires should be replaced, like say 3,000 miles for an oil change, the best way to find this out is through the "Penny Test". It's a simple, 3-step process that will help you determine the status of your vehicle's tread.

1. Place a penny in the lowest tread grooves of your vehicle's tire with Lincoln's head facing down or upside down.
2. Gently move the penny along the groove of the tire.
3. If, at any point, Lincoln's head is visible or isn't covered by the tread, your vehicle's tires are too worn down to properly grip the road.

If you have any questions or aren't sure about the tread of your tire, feel free to bring it in to our Service Center and we'll gladly give it a look!

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Keeping the proper amount of air in your tires will improve their capabilities both on and off the road. Typically, tires contain anywhere between 30-35 PSI. If you aren't sure, though, you can check your owner's manual for a more detailed explanation. Driving on low tires can cause heat build-up and tire failure, which can create expensive damages for your vehicle. Uneven tread can also reduce gas mileage due to the distribution of weight on different sides of the vehicle. Use a tire gauge to check your PSI or bring it in to our Service Center to get your tires properly inflated or for any other questions you may have!

Get Your Wheels Aligned

Your vehicle's tire alignment helps to evenly distribute tread wear and keep you stable on the road. Driving on potholes, dirt roads, uneven surfaces, and bumpy conditions can throw your vehicle's tire alignment off. Your tires should be parallel to one another and perpendicular to the road. Keeping up on your vehicle's tire alignment will save you a lot of money on potentially costly repairs in the near future. Plus, with less uneven tread wear and improved steering, it'll increase your fuel economy! So drive safely on all of the different road conditions to help reduce the risk of throwing your tire's alignment out of whack.

Keep an Eye on Load Capacities

Whatever you do, do not exceed your tire's load capacity on your vehicle! This can put enormous amounts of stress on your vehicle which can build up heat, which can cause tire destruction. Read your vehicle's manual to find out what your carrying capacity is limited to. Keeping your load index far below the limit will extend the life of your tires and the stress your vehicle goes under. 

Choose the Right Tires

Choosing the right tires for the right situation can be very confusing, especially considering the wide variety of brands and types available. We at Graff Okemos are happy to help! Contact us or schedule an appointment and we'll be more than happy to show you which brands and styles will work best for your vehicle and your budget. If you're getting just one or two tires replaced, making sure they're the same brand or style will improve your handling and fuel economy of your vehicle. Plus, our 30-Day Guarantee will provide you with the best deal you can get on tires with their competitive pricing!

Making sure you know how to care for your tires will help improve your experience on the road. If your tires are bald, have uneven tread, or are constantly deflating, it may be time for a new set of tires. After you get your new set of tires, you'll notice improved handling and fuel economy, too! Be sure to schedule an appointment to get your tires replaced or fixed as soon as you can! Give us a call if you have any questions and our Service Staff will be happy to answer them!

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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Top 5 Garage Organization Tips

OKEMOS, Mich. – Last week we shared our spring cleaning tips for your car. This week, we have put together the top 5 garage organization tips that will help keep your garage clean and provide you enough room for all off your toys and vehicles. Let these 5 ideas inspire you to a more organized way of living!

Wood Pallet Stand

Ceiling Shelves

Laundry Detergent Storage Containers

Pull Out Storage Case

Ball Corral

Get in the spring-cleaning mood with our top 5 garage organization tips. You will love having extra space and a clean area to keep the car! Why stop the spring-cleaning at the garage and house? Visit our seasonal maintenance page on our website for spring car care tips. You can learn how to properly take care of your vehicle’s tires, fluids, wiper blades and more for the spring season. We even give you tips and tricks to spring-cleaning your interior and exterior!

Do you have a few maintenance tasks on your vehicle you would like to cross off of your spring to-do list? Schedule an appointment at our Service Center and our team of ASE Certified Technicians will get you back on the road in no time! If you have any questions regarding your vehicle remember to visit our FAQ page. We provide answers to many common service questions.

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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Top 5 Summer Crafts

OKEMOS, Mich. –– The summer season is more than halfway over. To make the most of your sunny days we put together our top 5 summer crafts. These crafts will make it easy to enjoy your last weeks of warm weather and sunshine. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we want you to have fun this summer by getting creative with these fun ideas and by enjoying the open road. If you need a new vehicle to enjoy the open road with, stop by our dealership for a test drive of the 2017 Chevrolet Volt! Below you can get step-by-step tutorials on how to to create something fun for you home. Plus, you can learn about the amazing new features of Chevy’s newest electric car in the downloadable brochure available at the end of this blog! Continue reading to see how Graff Okemos can help you make the most of your summer.

Garden Rainbow Pots

Sharpie Art Coasters

Squirt Gun Paintings

Mason Jar Aquarium

Jumbo Yard Dice

With our top 5 of summer crafts you can decorate your home, and your yard before the warm weather season is over. You can also make the most of your summer by checking out the 2017 Chevrolet Volt brochure, picking one from our inventory, and then finally stopping by Graff Chevrolet in Okemos, MI so you can get a hands-on test drive! Chevy’s new electric car is a perfect blend of modern style, the latest technologies, and incredible fuel efficiency. You will also love the top safety features and amazing performance. Get your hands on a new 2017 Chevrolet Volt and contact our expert sales team today!

You can also make the most of summer with your current vehicle when you visit our new routine maintenance fluids and filters pages. Our new filters page teaches you about the different types of filters your vehicle uses from air filters, to oil filters, and more. You will also learn how to properly care for your filters to protect other vehicle parts from rust or breaking. The new fluids page discusses why your vehicle needs different types of fluids like coolant and transmission fluid. It also takes you through the type of maintenance that is required in keeping your fluids clean. If you have more questions about your vehicle fluids or filters you can contact our Graff Chevrolet Service Center. You can also schedule your next service appointment online with our friendly factory-trained technicians.

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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Routine Fluids and Filters Maintenance with Graff Chevrolet Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich. – When it comes to making sure each component of your vehicle is running properly, your fluids and filters take center stage. They make sure the different parts of your car are clean and running smoothly. Fluids and filters also keep different pieces from rusting or breaking. Now you can learn all about routine fluids and filters maintenance with Graff Chevrolet Okemos! Our new online maintenance pages teach you how each fluid and filter is unique to your vehicle, and the purpose they serve in keeping your car running smoothly and safely. The pages also discuss when they may need to be serviced, and the consequences of not taking proper care of your fluids and filters. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we always want you to be driving in a safe vehicle, so take a closer look at what each routine maintenance page will cover:

Vehicle Fluids:
The fluids in your vehicle perform a number of different functions. They not only keep the multiple parts lubricated and running properly, but they also keep the different components clean. On our fluids routine maintenance page you will learn the different types of fluids your vehicle uses, the various ways they help it run, and the warning signs of when fluid maintenance is needed. The vehicle fluids this page covers are:

• Washer Fluid
• Engine Oil
• Coolant
• Transmission Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid 
• Brake Fluid

Once you have a better understanding of the different fluids in your car, truck, SUV, or crossover, you can take better car of your current vehicle and recognize warning signs much faster. If you believe there is a problem with any fluids in your vehicle, or if you notice a leak, contact our service center today!

Vehicle Filters:
Filters in your vehicle help keep your vehicle running efficiently. They prevent contaminants like dirt and dust particles from getting into vehicle parts. Without proper filter maintenance, the various mechanical parts in your car can wear down faster, rust, and eventually break. On this page we give you descriptions of the different types of filters, and warning signs  that they may need to be replaced. The different filters we cover include:

• Air Filters
• Transmission Filters
• Oil Filters
• Fuel Filters

Filters are a very important component when it comes to having the best vehicle performance. To make sure your filters are clean, schedule an inspection with our service center!

Get a better understanding of your routine fluids and filters maintenance with Graff Chevrolet Okemos. When you visit the routine maintenance section of our website, we will take you through the importance of your vehicle’s fluids and filters, and give you tips on when to service them. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we want to make sure you are getting behind the wheel of a safe and reliable car. That is why our team of ASE Certified technicians work to make sure every inch of your car, truck, SUV, or crossover is running correctly. To schedule your next fluids or filters maintenance appointment contact our Service Center today!

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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3 Tips for Teen Drivers

OKEMOS, Mich. – Congratulations! If you are a teen who just received their driver’s license or learner’s permit, you now have the ability to drive a vehicle and taking a stepping-stone into adulthood. Even though you are allowed to drive a vehicle that doesn’t mean you know everything. Being on the road unpredictable events could happen at any moment. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we work to help smart drivers and keep young drivers safe. That is why we put together these 3 tips for teen drivers. These tips are for new teen drivers to keep in mind as they continue their driving education in and out of the classroom. If you are a teen and starting to drive take a look below at our 3 tips:

Listen To Your Parents
We know listening to your parents while you’re driving may not sound fun, but your parents are coaching you because they want you to be a safe and alert driver for the rest of your life. It may sound like they are saying the same things over and over again, but let’s face it, they have more experience than you. Your parents have been driving longer than you have. Try to understand where they are coming from and let them guide you into being a more thoughtful driver.

Practice, Practice, Practice
You may have passed your driver’s test but you are still new at driving alone. The best way to get comfortable behind the wheel of a vehicle is to practice everyday. Start with short trips to the grocery store or other places around town that you have been to before. Also practice small trips on the highway. Remember that just because you have your driver’s license doesn’t mean you don’t have to drive around with mom and dad in the passenger seat.

Be Aware of Driving Distractions and Safety Hazards
We know it is fun to have your friends with you, and how tempting it is to drive across the country with them once you have your license. However, having a car full of your friends is a serious distraction. Other distractions include eating while driving and using a mobile device. Before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle remember to think about how many people are in the car with you and if that is the smartest decision. Also think about if your mobile device is in a place that would become a temptation.

Another way to help keep you safe while driving is trying to limit the amount you drive at night. Nighttime driving can impair your vision and driving while tired can lead to accidents. Lastly buckle up! 

Our 3 tips for teen drivers are here to help every teen or new driver for when they get behind the wheel. Parents if you are getting prepared for your teen to start driving on their own, make sure the vehicle they are driving is going to keep them safe as well. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we can get you behind the wheel of a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The new Malibu not only have the top safety features like OnStar capabilities and various collision alerts, but they also have an available feature called Teen Driver. The Teen Driver feature activates special settings every time your teen hops in the driver’s seat, for instance turning the radio off until their seat belt is buckled. Contact our sales team at Graff Chevrolet Okemos for more 2016 Chevy Malibu information and to schedule a test-drive today!

Looking for ways to get your current vehicle ready for a teen driver? Check out our new Summer Car Care page on our website. There you will learn the different ways to prepare your fuel system, external lights, and cooling and A/C system for the summer season. You will also learn sun protection tips and suggestions for cosmetic repairs. To schedule your Summer Car Care appointment contact our Service Center and have our factory trained technicians get your vehicle ready for your teen driver and the upcoming summer season!

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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National Tire Safety Week at Graff Chevrolet Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich. – Your tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle. Not only do they help you get to where you need to be, but also a properly working tire keeps you safe on the road. May 29th through June 4th is National Tire Safety week at Graff Chevrolet Okemos and we are bringing you some tips to keep your tires in good condition. By following the five tips below you will have tires that will last longer and keep you safer on the road.

Routine Tire Rotations
Tire rotations are recommended every 6,000 miles or every other oil change. By having your tires rotated you will help the tire tread wear evenly, you will get better gas mileage, and increase your vehicle performance.

Tire Alignments
Tire alignments help keep your tires straight and parallel to each other. They also allow for your tire tread to wear evenly and provide better fuel efficiency. If you notice your steering wheel pulling to one side or another you can bring your vehicle to our service center for an alignment inspection!

Check Your Tire Tread
Your tire tread helps grip the tires to the road. This is important in road conditions with ice, snow, rain, etc. Without proper tire tread you put your tires at risk of damage and potentially needing a tire replacement. You also put yourself at risk of the vehicle slipping on the road. To learn about how to check your tire tread visit our FAQ page for the steps to the Penny Test.

Check Your Tire Air Pressure
Having proper tire pressure helps your fuel efficiency and enhances the handling of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual can provide you the proper air pressure levels that is required for your specific vehicle. 

Always Keep A Spare
You never know what will happen when you hit the open road. That is why it is important to always keep a spare tire handy. There are many different types of spare tires you can have for your vehicle. What you should always remember is that no matter what kind of spare tire you have, you should never drive more than 50 miles on the spare tire and never drive over 50 mph.

During National Tire Safety week at Graff Chevrolet Okemos we want to make sure your tires are the best they can be. With proper air pressure and tire tread, as well as routine tire maintenance you will be comfortable knowing your tires are ready for anything. To learn more about tire care and services visit our tire routine maintenance page, where we have videos and information about all of the tire services at our Graff Chevrolet Okemos Service Center. Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page on our website. We have answers to the most common tire questions.

To schedule your next tire routine maintenance appointment, contact our service center today! Our ASE Certified technicians will get your tires in top condition. You can even buy your next set of tires from us! That’s right, make Graff Chevrolet Okemos your one-stop-shop for all new tires and tire service.

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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5 Tips to a Healthier You

OKEMOS, Mich. – This week has been National Women’s Health Week! In celebration of women’s health we have put together our 5 tips to a healthier you. We know it can be difficult to change to a healthier lifestyle. From packing your lunch to remembering annual doctor visits, you will find our tips make getting healthy easy! Try these 5 tips today and see how much better you will feel!

1) Pack A Lunch

Packing your lunch is an easy and fun way to get to a healthier lifestyle. When you go out to eat everyday during the workweek you consume more calories than you would think. By eating food from fast food restaurants you ingest mostly empty calories from fats and sugars. When making your own lunch, you know what foods are going in your body. You have more control over how many calories you consume and what food groups you eat from. Also it can be fun and get creative!

2) Exercise 30 Minutes a Day

Studies are showing that 30 minutes a day of exercise can help you not only lose excess weight, but help you live longer too. Health benefits from a 30-minute exercise include better heart health, muscle strength, regulate cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. Having a high enough aerobic exercise for only 30 minutes per day also increases weight loss. Everyone is different and you should begin your workout routine gradually. If you have any medical history or physical concerns, speak with your physician before any exercise regimen.

3) Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is about as important as getting enough exercise. When we sleep we are giving our bodies time to regenerate energy, help brain function, and can benefit your physical health. Sleep helps your body balance the hormones that make you feel hungry. When you do not get enough sleep during the night your body may become hungrier, trying to make up for the lack of energy. Another benefit to sleep is healthy growth and development. It helps children’s body grow and can help adults with muscle mass and repairing cell tissue. Sleeping a full 7 to 9 hours of sleep has shown to improve not only your alertness and concentration, but helps your health and wellbeing as well.

4) Drink Enough Water

Drinking enough water helps your body in more ways than just maintaining a healthy weight. Up to 60% of the adult human body is water! Water is the magical drink that helps all of the parts of our body to work properly. Water helps energize our muscles, keeps our skin clear, and helps keep organs like our kidneys running correctly. Make sure you get enough water in your diet by drinking six to eight 8 ounce glasses. The amount of water you need in a day can vary based on how much you exercise, and what climate you live in.

5) Visit Your Doctor Regularly

Living a healthy lifestyle is more than eating healthy and exercising. It is also important to make sure your body is running properly and clear of diseases. When you get in the habit of routinely visiting your doctors you can benefit yourself by preventing any later illnesses or injuries. Not only is it good to schedule routine visits with your primary care physician, but your dentist and optometrist as well!

By following these 5 tips to a healthier you, you will feel and look better than ever before! Take these small steps to healthier lifestyle in honor of National Women’s Health week. Want to take steps to better not just your health, but your driving as well? Visit Graff Chevrolet Okemos online and take a look at our routine maintenance page. There you will find different ways to take care of your vehicle on a regular basis. With the warmer weather already here you can also learn about how to get your car out of the winter funk with our Spring Car Care page. Schedule your next service appointment with the Graff Chevrolet Okemos Service Center today.

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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Five Steps to a Great Mother’s Day

OKEMOS, Mich. – Make the most out of this Mother’s Day with a day dedicated to mom. Gifts are always appreciated but why not give your mom something special, like a whole day dedicated to her! With our five steps to a great Mother’s Day, you can give your mother a day she will never forget. Take a look at how to make your mother smile from the moment she wakes up to the evening hours.

Breakfast in Bed
Start mom’s day out right with a delicious breakfast of her favorite foods, fruits, and drinks. Make it a surprise with a serving tray and the morning paper. She will love waking up to something special. A flower for decoration is also a nice touch to get your mom smiling first thing in the morning.

Quiet Time
We know mom is used to the commotion around the house. Why not give her a morning to her self? An hour or two of quiet time may be just what she needs. Whether it is to catch up on a nice book, take a relaxing bath, or even get a few extra hours of sleep, we know mom will enjoy the piece and quiet.

Help Around The House
Somehow moms can do it all! From work, to cooking for the family, and even cleaning up at the end of the day, mom is a superstar. Show your mom how much you appreciate her by being the one to clean the house and keep it clean! This may just be the perfect gift.

An Afternoon For Her
Our moms always seem to put everyone else first. But how often do we put mom first? Make her day special by spending the afternoon doing what she loves. Spend the day outside with her gardening, take her to that movie she always wanted to see, or spend the day shopping at her favorite stores! Maybe you will find a quick gift to give her that extra “thank you”. No matter what your mom loves, she will love it even more when she spends the afternoon doing it with you.

Take Her Out To Dinner
Want mom to feel extra special on Mother’s Day? Take her out on the town! Spend the evening out for a nice dinner where she doesn’t have to cook or clean up any mess. Make it spontaneous and take her somewhere she has never been, or take her to her favorite restaurant that you know she will love.

No matter what you do this Mother’s Day, you can make your mom feel like a rock star with these five steps to a great Mother’s Day. Show her how much you appreciate all she does with breakfast, time for herself, and doing the little things. Want another way to show mom you care? Bring to her Graff Chevrolet Okemos where she can test drive an all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. She will love the new technology features, state of the art safety features, and a comfortable ride unlike any other.

Need another idea of how to say “thank you” to mom? Take care of her current vehicle by visiting our Spring Car Care page. You can get tips and tricks on how to make her vehicle ready for the warmer months. Does her car need some routine maintenance done? You can schedule an appointment with the expert staff at the Graff Chevrolet Okemos Service Center. We will have your mom safely on the road in no time.

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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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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