The Spirit of the American Family Road Trip Remains Alive

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– Family road trips: an American tradition. As the holiday season begins, family road trips will be at an all-time high, as it's the time of year to visit family and friends. Although road trips are the new family dinner table, parents still get stressed out. A new survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Chevrolet revealed some interesting points about parents' stress derived from road trips. Through a series of questions, Chevrolet found that the spirit of the American family road trip remains alive.

Surprisingly, kids are not the source of parents' stress on road trips. Increased amounts of traffic stress parents out the most. However, in-vehicle technologies, such as Wi-Fi and USB outlets, could lead to a better road trip experience overall. Good thing Chevy offers a slew of these in-vehicle technologies and safety features that make family road trips more enjoyable, including plenty of storage space, USB outlets, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The following statistics were found from the survey:


Technology

Parents hold in-car Wi-Fi at the top of their wish list for better road trips.

• "56 percent of parents say that having Wi-Fi/internet connectivity would help make their family road trips more enjoyable."

Love for Road Trips

Families do love taking road trips together. It's the time when they can bond together and make special memories while on the road.

• "93 percent of all parents say they like or love taking road trips with their family, including more than half (53 percent) who “love” it. Of those who take road trips, 95 percent like or love them, including 55 percent who say they “love” them."

• "Spending time with family (80 percent) and exploring and stopping at interesting locations and destinations (69 percent) are parents’ top two favorite aspects of family road trips."

• "Traffic and other unexpected delays is by far the most stressful part of the family road trip, according to nearly two in three parents (63%)."

Quick Stats

According to the survey, there is indeed a perfect road trip length.

• "American parents who take road trips believe that the “perfect” family road trip length is typically six hours."

There are plenty of distractions for the kids.

• "Parents who take road trips today bring 6.6 mobile devices, on average, in the vehicle."

SUVs are the vehicle of choice on road trips.

• "Nearly two-thirds of all American parents (63 percent) say they would prefer to take a family road trip in an SUV over any other type of vehicle, with more than two in five (42 percent) preferring a large SUV with three rows."

Kids have a say, too.

• "67 percent of parents who take road trips involve their children in the planning."

Chevrolet offers many tech and safety features in its newest models, making the holidays a little less stressful. With in-car Wi-Fi as an option, families are more likely to take a longer road trip and more frequently. The newest safety features available include Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Surround Vision, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and many more. Chevy's goal behind providing these many features is the hope that families will have a better experience in the car and the spirit of the American family road trip will remain alive. Start shopping our Equinox and Traverse inventory to find an SUV that will keep your loved ones comfy, safe, and occupied while on the road this holiday 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

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

Travel Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving

OKEMOS, Mich.,–– Traveling during the holidays can be a hassle. Not only is there a lot of traffic, but the risk of getting into an accident is significantly increased. We understand that enjoying a delicious meal with your friends and family is important. That is why we want you to have a safe trip this year. Read our list of travel tips for a safe Thanksgiving!

1. Make sure your vehicle is up to speed: Check up on its routine maintenance by inspecting tire pressure and fluid levels. Schedule an appointment with our service team if your vehicle is in need of a little TLC.

2. Map your route in advance and plan for heavy traffic: Be prepared for busy roads during the holidays. Consider leaving earlier or later to avoid traffic congestion.

3. Keep your valuables in a safe place: Theft can happen at any time. To be proactive, put your valuables in a covered storage area or the trunk of your vehicle.

4. Bring a charger and cell phone with you: This may be a given, but we thought we'd remind you.

5. Set a schedule and stick to it: If you're traveling a long distance, its best to know where you want to make stops along the way. This will keep you on track along your route.

6. Fill up on gas: Don't head out on your trip without a full tank of gas. It's better to be prepared than waiting until the last minute.

7. Keep a close eye on the road: Thanksgiving is right around the time of year when deer and other large animals are all over the road. Pay closer attention than you normally would to lower your risk of a collision.

Avoid the road-trip stress and enjoy your holiday with friends and family by following these travel tips for a safe Thanksgiving. Whether you are just driving down the road or logging multiple hours on your trip, it's best to be prepared for any situation. Your loved ones will be at ease when they see you make it to your destination without any harm or issues along the way. To make driving easier, Chevy offers many safety features in its new vehicles. Check out our Hanksgiving Sale going on now and see how you can save on a new Chevy with the latest advances in technology!

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

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

Chevrolet Provides Free OnStar Link for Families

OKEMOS, Mich., – Did you know that in August, over 360,000 teens will be turning 16? August will have the biggest addition of new drivers in 2017. While this can be exciting for the new drivers, it can be extremely worrisome for the parents, as newer drivers have more difficulty adjusting to the unpredictability of the roads (especially in Michigan). Thankfully, Chevrolet is aware of this, and is now offering some peace of mind to concerned parents and new teen drivers. Chevrolet provides free OnStar Link for families to help keep them in the loop with safety options, driving tips, and more in order to alleviate some of their stress.

OnStar helps to keep parents worry-free about their new driver, allowing parents to check in on their vehicle's location and giving them optional text alerts whenever the vehicle is parked or started. This allows parents to keep an eye on their vehicle (and driver) to provide help and assistance whenever needed. OnStar carries a variety of other helpful features for new drivers, including:

Teen Driver: This feature allows parents to control volume limits, speed limits, and speed warnings to limit top speeds to 85mph. If the driver or passengers aren't wearing seat belts, Teen Driver mutes the radio and automatically enables active safety features, preventing the driver from turning them off.

OnStar Smart Driver: OnStar Smart Driver provides scores and records based on the behavior of teen drivers. It monitors bad habits such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, and extremely high speeds, and ranks the driver compared with other drivers of the same vehicle, drivers in the same state, and other factors to encourage driving skill development.

“Driving on their own was big event in my children’s lives, but that also meant I spent more time thinking about where they were and how they were doing,” said Steve Majoros, director, Chevrolet Marketing. “Chevrolet wants to put parents at ease by offering in-vehicle technology that shares real-time info on where their kids are and how they’re driving, so moms and dads can give feedback that helps their teens become better drivers.”

All 2017 Chevrolet models are automatically equipped with free OnStar Link technology and all receive a free trial of OnStar and its suite of features. To increase the safety of new drivers, Chevrolet provides free OnStar Link for families, reducing the anxiety parents may have letting their new driver go out on their own. If you're curious about some of the safety features that Chevrolet vehicles have to offer, take a look at Surround Vision and Teen Driver technology and the benefits that come with them. You can also see what vehicles offer advanced safety features with our Model Overview page if you're planning on purchasing a new vehicle soon!

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

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

Chevy's Surround Vision Improves Safety Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chevrolet Will Be Offering Teen Driver Technology in 10 Models for 2017

OKEMOS, Mich. –– In 2016, Chevrolet included a new safety feature in the 2016 Malibu. The safety feature was called Teen Driver and it helped families with young drivers be more comfortable with their teenager behind the wheel. The reaction to the customized feature was so well received that Chevrolet will be offering Teen Driver Technology in 10 models for 2017. Additionally, Teen Driver will include more features than before with advanced safety alerts, driver report cars, and more! Continue reading for a closer look into the Teen Driver Technology and how you can get a hands-on experience at Graff Chevrolet Okemos.

The Teen Driver technology enables special safety technologies the moment it is activated. While your teen is behind the wheel, your Chevy will incorporate automatic alerts and features like Forward and Rear Automatic breaking, Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Cross Traffic, Side Blind Zone Alert, and more, all of which the teen is unable to disable. Additional to the activated safety features and alerts, the Teen Driver technology provides parents a driving report card when the teen has completed their trip. The report card includes information on the teen's driving habits including:

• Distance driven
• Overspeed warnings issued
• Stability control or antilock braking events
• Maximum speed reached
• Wide-open throttle events
• Traction control activations
• If equipped: Forward collision braking events and tailgating alerts

In 2017 Chevrolet will offer Teen Driver technology in 10 models for 2017 including the Bolt EV, Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe, and Volt. You can see what new 2017 models we currently have available by visiting our new vehicle inventory online! From there you can schedule a test drive with a model you're interested in right on our website, so you can get a hands-on experience with the Teen Driver Technology. The 10 different models will be available with other great features to improve your families' driving experience, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of the Chevrolet MyLink system.

The Chevrolet MyLink is the infotainment system that serves as your car's command center. It allows you to connect to your vehicle with your mobile device, giving you access to phone calls and text messages in a safer, more hands-free, way. It lets you have access to entertainment applications like Pandora radio or hear thousands of podcasts and stations with Sirius XM radio. Chevrolet MyLink gives you the ability to use turn-by-turn navigation and other OnStar safety features. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we want to help you have a better understand of your new Chevy technology. If you have any questions about your Chevrolet MyLink technology you can visit our website, or contact one of our experts 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!

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

Top 3 Car Seat Safety Tips

OKEMOS, Mich. – The safety of drivers and even their smallest passengers is extremely important to us at Graff Chevrolet Okemos. That is why we have put together our top 3 car seat safety tips. If you are expecting a new baby, or had questions about your current car seat, our 3 tips will help you better understand the components that go into car seat safety. Protecting your child’s life while in the car is top priority. Take a look below at how our 3 tips can help make car seat safety easier than ever.

1) Do Your Research

You wouldn’t make a large purchase of a house or even a car without doing research, so why purchase a car seat without it? There are so many brands and type of car seats out there, that you will want a better understand of which car seat will fit your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when research a new car seat:

• Has there been a recall on the car seat?
• Is this type of car seat expired?
• Can the car seat adapt to your child as they get old?

Purchasing the car seat is not the end of your research. Vehicle safety and car seat safety is continuously being tested and advancing. You should always try to stay up-to-date with the current laws and regulations.    

     

2) Know The Right Car Seat to Purchase

Knowing which type of car seat is right for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make. The type of car seat you purchase will be based on the age and size of your child. You can research the different regulations that specify which seat your child will be the safest in. Here are the 3 different types of seats to choose from:

• Rear facing – The rear facing seat is the safest option for your infant. It works to move with your child in the incident of a crash and reduces the stress to a child’s neck and spine.
• Forward facing – The forward facing seats are built for children who have outgrown the rear facing seat based on their age and weight. This seat comes with a front harness and tether strap to keep your child secure in the incident of an accident.
• Booster seat – Booster seats are for children who have outgrown the forward facing seat. They are designed to help children properly fit vehicle seat belts when they are too small to comfortably sit with one on their own.

3) Know Proper Car Seat Installation

Make sure you are properly installing your car seat before you place your child in it. If a car seat is not installed correctly in your car, your child could face serious injuries in the case of an accident. Make sure to thoroughly read the car seat Instruction Manual and your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for proper installation guidelines.

By following our top 3 car seat safety tips you can feel better knowing that your child is safer every time you buckle them up in the car. Keeping up to date on car seat regulations and making sure to adjust the seat as your child grows, not only saves their life, but also give them a more comfortable ride in the car. At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we want even the smallest passengers to be safe in the vehicle. If you are looking for a vehicle with even more safety technologies then stop by our dealership and test drive a new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The new Chevy Cruze offers safety features like Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alerts and comes with 10 standard air bags. Contact our sales professionals and schedule a test drive today.

Our team at Graff Chevrolet Okemos works many ways to keep your vehicle safe. Our Summer Car Care pages help you learn the importance of vehicle maintenance during the summer season. On our website we walk you through keeping you vehicle’s fuel efficiency high with fuel system service tips, we talk about how to keep up your external light maintenance so you never have to drive in the dark, and we even talk about the importance of your vehicle’s cooling and A/C system during the summer so you and your vehicle don’t over heat. We also talk about servicing the different cosmetic repairs that you can work on while the weather is nice, and we discuss different ways to protect your vehicle’s interior and exterior from UV rays with our sun protection tips. If you have questions about your vehicle’s routine maintenance visit our service FAQ page. To schedule your summer car care appointment contact our Graff ChevroletService Center.

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!

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

Meet The All-New 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

OKEMOS, Mich. – If you are in need of something that can take your everyday drive to the next level then look no further! Meet the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. This compact sedan is made to fit your everyday life while giving you the cutting edge style. With the 2016 Chevy Cruze you will experience efficiency and power like never before, find yourself in a Wi-Fi hot spot, and be protected with the latest safety features. The eye catching 2016 Cruze gives you comfort and functionality that will have everyone turning heads.

Efficiency and Power
The new standard 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine provides 153 horsepower that gives the Cruze the power to go the extra mile. By delivering the best fuel economy in it’s class, the Chevy Cruze receives up to 41 MPG highway.

A Wi-Fi Hotspot
The 2016 Cruze is also first in it’s class to become a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. With technologies like Chevy MyLink, you can stay connected wherever you go. The Cruze is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and even features wireless charging for your mobile devices.

Latest Safety Features
Now you can be better protected with the latest safety features the Cruze has to offer. Rear Cross Traffic Alerts allows you to monitor the traffic behind you more than your average back-up camera. Lane Keep Assist warns you if you are drifting out of your lane, and Forward Collusion Alert warns you of following vehicles too closely or approaching them too quickly.

Get premium comfort as you meet the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. You can enjoy heated seats and a heated steering wheel in a quiet cabin, while having the space and functionality you need for your everyday routine. Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze? Visit our sales professionals at Graff Chevrolet Okemos, where you can test drive the new sedan everyone is talking about. Schedule your appointment with the dealership today!

Did you know you can buy or lease the Chevy Cruze? Visit our website to learn about the different trim levels available. You can also take a look at our current Cruze inventory and find the right vehicle for you. Have a question? Contact our sales team online or by phone and see why everyone loves the Chevrolet Cruze.

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!

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

Chevrolet Debuts the 2017 Chevrolet Trax

OKEMOS,  Mich. – With the popularity the Chevrolet Trax has gained in the past few years it is no surprise that Chevrolet is continuously upgrading America’s top selling small SUV. As Chevrolet debuts the 2017 Chevrolet Trax the consumer audience is only going to increase from here. By drawing in first time Chevrolet drivers and more female owners, the Trax has become the second best selling small SUV in America. Here are just a few updates consumers will experience in the 2017 Chevrolet Trax model.

Visual: A new front end appearance combines the design elements of the Cruze and Malibu reflecting the city life agility the Trax offers. Also, new premium interior is spotlighted in the new instrument panel, providing a more tech friendly design.

Technology: The Trax infotainment system is designed to keep up with the new and advanced technologies. With programs such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto, the 2017 Chevrolet Trax keeps the driver connected. Additionally, passengers can connect up to 7 different devices to high-speed wireless Internet.

Safety: The 2017 Chevrolet Trax is taking the small SUV’s safety features to another level with new alert systems including: side blind zone alerts, rear cross traffic alerts, and forward collision alerts. Other new safety features are the lane departure warning and a rearview camera.

With all the new features debuting in the 2017 Chevrolet Trax, some things will continue with the 2017 Chevrolet Trax such as the Trax’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The vehicle will be available fall of this year. Until then, stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos and test drive a 2016 Chevrolet Trax and see what makes the Trax the most popular crossover.

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!

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