5 Simple Ways to Show Your Car Some Love on Valentine's Day

OKEMOS, Mich., –– Valentine's Day: the holiday spent showing your loved ones how much you care about them. This year, don't forget to show some love to one of the most dependable and reliable things in your life. Your car is there for you through everything, the good and the bad. Through Michigan's harsh winter, your ride deserves special attention and treatment in order for it to continue to "take care of you" on the road. Read our 5 simple ways to show your car some love on Valentine's Day for a vehicle that feels refreshed and ready to take you on your next big adventure:

1. Give her a nice wash.
The winter season can really have a negative impact on your vehicle's exterior, especially in Michigan. When roads are salted to prevent snow and ice buildup, your car will suck the salt up into its tires and underbody. A pileup of salt can slowly lead to the deterioration of your vehicle's paint if you don't get frequent car washes in the winter. Start your Valentine's Day off by running your ride through a nice car wash.

2. Spruce up her interior.
As salt, snow, water, and ice start to track with you into your vehicle, the carpets/mats can get ugly fast. Take some time aside to vacuum and shampoo (if you're really feeling adventurous) your car's floors and seats. A clean interior will not only give your vehicle the refresh it needs, but will make you feel better as well. We understand that it's hard to clean your car in the cold winter weather, but even the smallest touch up can make a significant difference overtime and lead to less wear and tear.

3. Top off her fluids.
In the winter, your vehicle uses an excess amount of energy to perform its best. With that being said, it's extremely important to make sure all fluids are full. The two big ones to check in this cold season are anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid. Keep an extra jug of both fluids in your trunk so that you have some with you at all times!

4. Buy her a care package.
Your vehicle runs at optimum efficiency with fresh oil. Typically, oil changes are needed every 3,000-5,000 miles to ensure your engine continues to run well. On your Valentine's Day route, stop by Graff Okemos to get your car's oil changed out. Along with this simple service, it's also a great idea to get your vehicle's alignment checked and your tires rotated for a smoother ride on the road.

5. Buy her some perfume.
The nastiness of the winter season can leave your car smelling gross. Good thing, there are multiple fragrances that'll freshen up your ride in no time. Top off your Valentine's Day by giving your vehicle one last gift. Take a trip to your local auto supply store to pick up some air fresheners. Your car will thank you for the crisp new scent.


Although there's nothing wrong with your vehicle being your valentine this year, impress your actual Valentine's Day date with a clean and smooth ride. Celebrate this loving holiday by taking time to care for the things that matter most. A simple car wash will go a long way for the life of your vehicle, especially in the winter. Follow these 5 simple ways to show your car some love on Valentine's Day for a ride that will continue to run its best. For more tips on how to take care of your vehicle, check out our advice on winter car care. We understand that servicing your ride can be a pricey expenditure. That is why we consistently offer service specials to help you save on routine maintenance!

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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Helpful Routine Maintenance Tips

OKEMOS, Mich., – Like your home, your vehicle is a huge investment. Making sure you protect your investment will extend your vehicle's life and increase its resale value. Use these helpful routine maintenance tips to improve your gas mileage, the appearance of your vehicle, and more! Preventative maintenance will help you save money on repairs in the future and can make all the difference in the long run. Check out our list of tips to make your car look and feel its best!

How to Check Fluid Levels

Checking your fluid levels in your vehicle can seem like a daunting task, but it's actually very easy! Whether you're checking your oil, wiper fluid, or coolant levels, we've put together a quick and easy list for you to reference!

How to Check Your Oil Level: Checking your oil level is a great way to find out whether or not you need an oil change! Typically, you should get your oil changed every 5,000-8,000 miles, or whenever your owner's manual tells you to, but if you aren't sure, you can check yourself! Look for the oil dipstick, located on your engine (it should have a plastic circular handle), and pull it out. Wipe it on a clean cloth, then dip your dipstick back into the pipe you withdrew it from. Pull it out again and check the film level on the stick. There should be indicators labeled "ADD" and "FULL". If you're below the "ADD" mark, it's time for an oil change!

How to Check Other Fluids: The other fluids in your engine, such as wiper fluid and coolant, are much easier to check. You'll be able to tell immediately whether or not they need refilling. If you're wondering about your coolant level, look for the large plastic container in your engine. The side of the container should have a "HIGH" and "LOW" level, indicating whether or not it needs refilling. You can tell whether or not your wiper fluid needs refilling the same way, too! The wiper fluid container, typically located on the left side of your engine, has "HIGH" and "LOW" labels as well. Your coolant should be replaced every 30,000 miles or whenever your manual says to, and your wiper fluid should be replaced as you use it!

Check Your Tire Pressure

A great way to increase your vehicle's gas mileage and performance on the road is to regularly check your tire pressure. The amount of pressure in your tires, or PSI, keeps your vehicle running efficiently on the road. Improper tire pressure can put strain on your other tires, which can cause uneven tire wear, blow-outs, and can negatively impact your gas mileage. If you notice your vehicle sitting at an uneven angle, it may be time to get your air refilled! Purchasing an affordable tire gauge can help you check the PSI of your tires at home - they're only a few dollars and are a valuable investment. Typically, tire pressure in sedans is between 27-32 PSI, while larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs are anywhere between 4-8 PSI.

Get Your Air Filter Replaced

Your air filter serves as the "lungs" of your vehicle. Dust and dirt accumulate over long periods of time and can clog your engine, leading to inefficient fuel economy and slower acceleration times. Getting your air filter replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles will improve your gas mileage and make driving much better. Replacement air filters are very affordable and only take a few minutes to replace. Schedule an appointment to get your filter looked at and replaced today! You'll notice the difference almost immediately when you start driving!

Keep Your Vehicle Clean

A great way to increase the resale value of your vehicle and make it more appealing to the eye is by keeping the interior and exterior as clean as you can. Driving a clean vehicle prevents rust and corrosion and can make drivers much happier, too. With a fresh and clean vehicle, you'll be looking and feeling like brand new! It's a great way to make the most of your investment and create a healthy and clean environment for your commute, whether you're taking the kids to school, driving to work, or going on a road trip!

Park in the Shade

Whenever you're able to, make sure you park in the shade, especially on hot summer days! You can extend the life of your tires and other rubber components of your vehicle by regularly parking in shaded areas. Plus, it never hurts to have a cooler vehicle on a hot summer afternoon! If you can't find shade, you can always purchase an inexpensive sun shade to create shade for all of the plastic and rubber components in your vehicle's interior. 

Apply Wax Every 6 Months

Keep your vehicle's coat of paint shiny and eye-catching with a fresh coat of wax! Whether you apply it monthly or every six months, it can decrease the rate at which dust and dirt accumulate on your vehicle. You can do it yourself by purchasing wax and applying it after a car wash, or you can have it done at a car wash itself for an affordable price! Reduce the buildup of rust and dirtiness on your vehicle with a car wash and a new coat of wax.

Follow these helpful routine maintenance tips to keep your repair costs to a minimum and to extend the life of your vehicle! Not only will your vehicle have increased performance, but you'll also be driving around in a fresh, clean, and eye-catching ride, too! Bring your vehicle up to speed this season with some summer car care tips that'll protect your investment. If you find anything that needs further maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation, feel free to schedule an appointment with us and our Service Staff will have your vehicle taken care of right away! Looking to sell your vehicle soon? Follow our tips to increase its resale value and bring it in for the best deal you can get in the Lansing area!

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 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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The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Arrives This Fall

OKEMOS, Mich. – At the North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the arrival of the new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback. With new sport functionalities, the Cruze Hatchback is just one of the few Chevy models that is leading new segments in the upcoming year. The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze arrives this fall with new designs and returning features and technologies from the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Some new characteristics of the Cruze Hatchback are a new model design, more standard safety features, and top-of-the-line entertainment technology.

By evolving into the 2017 Cruze Hatch, the Cruze attracts a new type of driver. The Hatchback's sporty design now offers 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold down the back row seating, which gives you more space for transporting the things you love. The new interior design provides more legroom for all passengers, so everyone is comfortable no matter where they sit. The new 2017 Hatchback Cruze's exterior design presents a more rigid body, yet lighter architecture. It weighs in at 200+ pounds lighter than the previous-generation models, thanks to the lighter body structure and engine. The new sleek style is eye-catching, but there's more.

The new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback comes with more standard safety features than previous models and other compact cars, including competition models like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. New safety features include available Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Alert. There is also the available Teen Driver feature and the OnStar Advisor system. Safety may be the Cruze’s top priority, but entertainment does not fall short in the new design.

With Chevrolet MyLink technology, the new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services, giving you access to smart phone applications you love. You can also interact with your smart phone through the in-vehicle display by connecting or pairing your mobile device with the car. Additionally, the Cruze Hatchback allows you to connect multiple devices at once when you connect by using the built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi.

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback arrives this fall and will be offered in LT and Premier trim levels. To get more familiar with everything the Cruze offers; stop in to Graff Chevrolet Okemos and test drive a new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. With our team you can get a hands-on feel for the performance of the Chevy sedan, while getting a closer look at the safety and entertainment features. If you are ready to experience one of the most popular sedans on the market, contact our sales team online today!

Whichever vehicle you choose to drive, no vehicle can run correctly without the proper fluid and filter care. Our new Routine Maintenance pages give you more information about the two components that keep your vehicle clean and running smoothly. The new fluids page with walk you through your oil changes, coolant, washer fluid, and more! You will even learn about leaks, and ways to keep your fluids clean. The new filters page discusses your air filters, oil filters, transmission filters, and more. You get a closer look at what filters do for your vehicle and how routine maintenance helps your current vehicle last longer. To schedule your next fluids or filters routine maintenance appointment with our factory-trained technicians; contact our Graff Chevrolet Service Center online.

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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