10 Delicious New Year's Eve Party Snacks

OKEMOS, Mich. –– New Year's Eve is the perfect time to go all out with your culinary skills. As we say goodbye to 2015, welcome 2016 on a full stomach. Whether you're heading to an extravagant soiree or simply a low-key family-and-friends get-together to ring in the New Year, why not try making a few new tasty treats you and the other guests haven't tried before? Before you commit to any weight-loss resolutions for 2016, feast on a few one, or all, of these 10 delicious New Year's Eve party snacks.

10 Delicious New Year's Eve Party Snacks

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Spinach and Feta Puffs

Shrimp Taco Bites

Salmon Lollipops

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Chocolate Fruit Dip

Andes Mint Brownies

Champagne Cake Balls

White Chocolate Puppy Chow

New Year's Party Loaf

Now that you have some New Year's Eve recipe advice to help you welcome 2016, it's a good idea to check if your vehicle is ready for the New Year. Check out our safe driving tips here, and learn how to save fuel during the winter.

Drive into January in a vehicle that's up-to-date on all of its routine maintenance. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet 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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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Suburban Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban is an American Original that packs performance for any occasion. This SUV has everything you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet plus uncommon spaciousness and unmatched safety. Learn all about its safety and performance by downloading the brochure below.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Suburban Brochure

Technology you’ve come rely on comes standard with the 8-inch color touch screen. The Suburban is the first vehicle in its class with standard Apple CarPlay compatibility, which allows you to access and use your favorite apps through the touch screen. Chevrolet My Link, Bluetooth, Sirius XM, rear Blu-ray system, and standard OnStar built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi will keep you connected and entertained.

On the exterior the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban has looks to kill with a striking design and crisp profile. The Suburban also has a luxury feel inside with smart ergonomics, soft touches, and upscale materials complete with all the room you want and need. A stunning 121.7 cubic feet of cargo space is quickly available with the fastest available power-release second row and power-folding third-row seats. You’ll enjoy the smart cargo and storage design throughout.

For all the spatial details and to see interior pictures, download the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban brochure. When you decide these features are what your family needs in an SUV, stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. 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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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Many surprise features packed into the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited can make tackling everyday life a cruise. Learn all the details by downloading the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited brochure. Remarkable fuel efficiency, responsive handling, and ingenious technology make this sedan a smart design.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited Brochure

The little details in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited are what make this sedan a stand out in its class. Drive Shift Control with the available 6-speed automatic transmissions allows you to switch from automatic to manual. Rack mounted Electric Power Steering and Z-link rear suspension make the Cruze handle like a poised, well-tuned sport sedan.

The 2016 Cruze Limited offers a luxury feel without the luxury price tag through its hushed interior, exceptional passenger room, soft colors and leather appointed seats, and premium sound. The Cruze offers 60/40 split-folding rear seats to suit your needs. Not only is the Cruze flexible, but also efficient with up to 38 MPG in LT/LTZ, and up to 42 MPG in Cruze Eco. OnStar and built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi provides an incomparable connection experience all within the comfort of the Cruze’s cabin. See all specifications in the downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited brochure.

After you decide what convenient features you want in your everyday drive, stop by Hank Graff Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited. 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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New myChevrolet Mobile App Enhances Chevrolet Driver Experience

© General Motors

OKEMOS, Mich. –– The new myChevrolet mobile app will enhance Chevrolet drivers' experiences when Chevrolet debuts it at CES 2016. It's yet another instance of Chevrolet continuing its integration of technology, like smartphone conveniences, into its vehicles.

The new app will enable drivers to control and manage their Chevy vehicle by combining new services it brings with current services from OnStar RemoteLink apps. This will provide drivers with "easier mobile access to roadside assistance, parking reminders, owner's manual content, vehicle diagnostics, Wi-Fi hotspot management, and key fob commands such as remote start and door unlock," according to Chevrolet.

The new myChevrolet mobile app will enhance Chevrolet drivers' experiences by offering a new user experience. The app will become the base for Chevy's venture into more advanced mobile options in the future for its drivers.

“The myChevrolet app will be the most comprehensive vehicle app available – and will support the ownership experience over the life of the vehicle,” said Paul Edwards, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “By integrating OnStar RemoteLink features into the myChevrolet app, we’re creating a one-stop-app for owners to manage their vehicle with one user profile and unified log-in.”

With the synthesis of myChevrolet and OnStar RemoteLink, drivers will still have many current services from OnStar RemoteLink available to them through their smartphones, including:

• Unlocking and locking vehicle's doors, 
• Activating vehicle's horn and lights
• Starting vehicle's engine from any distance
• Diagnostics like vehicle fuel range, tire pressure, and oil life
• Personalized retail offers from the AtYourService app feature
• Sending directions to the vehicle's navigation system
• Management of Wi-Fi hotspot and data plan (with OnStar 4G LTE-equipped vehicle)

These convenient features will be implemented into the new myChevrolet mobile app, along with the power to call on roadside assistance, schedule maintenance, access the vehicle owner manual, and set parking reminders. Depending on which services a driver uses most, they can set tabs on their home screen to make access to them quicker.

The new myChevrolet mobile app will be accessible to drivers with Chevy models from 2010 and up in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about plans and pricing here.

If you'd like to learn more about Chevy vehicle technology, stop in at our dealership to let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet 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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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is an invitation for everyone to get in and enjoy the ride. This spacious SUV offers a refined feel with options that make it the perfect family car. To see interior pictures download the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse brochure.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Brochure

This 2016 Traverse SUV is made for comfort and ease in every feature. A five-star overall vehicle score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration protects all those along for the ride. Stabilitrak electronic stability control system and all-wheel drive offer the driver confidence in all types of weather.

The feature most prominent on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is the inclusive and thoughtfully designed interior space. Rich amenities like heated/cooled driver and passenger seats, premium leather appointments, 10-speaker Bose system, and built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi create the comfort you want and convenience to boot. Best-in-class maximum cargo space, seating for up to eight, and Acoustic Insulation Package make for a smooth and spacious ride. Details on these convenient features can be seen in the downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Traverse brochure.

When you decide which of the nine trim packages is right for you, stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos. 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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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Sophistication, refined craftsmanship, and capability comes standard in the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. It’s no wonder this SUV has been honored by MotorWeek with its 2015 “Drivers’ Choice Award – Best Large Utility.” Learn everything you want to know about this award winner SUV by downloading the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe brochure below.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Brochure

The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe boasts an interior that blocks the world out and connectivity that keeps you in touch. The refined interior style with leather appointments, soft touches, and wood grain details create a sense of luxury. An outstanding 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space is available with the second and third row seats flat. The clever storage areas, power-release flat-folding seats, and hands-free liftgate allow versatility in each trip you take.

Technology you’ve come rely on comes standard with the 8-inch color touch screen in the 2016 Tahoe. Chevrolet My Link, Bluetooth, Sirius XM, rear Blu-ray system, and standard OnStar built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi will keep you connected and entertained. You’ll always stay fully charged with the available wireless charging pad and six USB ports to connect.

Download the brochure to decide which features you want, then stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. 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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7 Festive Recipes for Christmas Day Treats

OKEMOS, Mich. –– There are many things that make Christmas such a great holiday, from family traditions to gifts. But Christmas isn't the same if you don't have great food and sweet treats to graze on all day. Get your sweet tooth ready and try making a few of these seven festive recipes for Christmas Day treats!

Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites 

 Grinch Popcorn 

 Holiday Puppy Chow 

 Peanut Butter Haystacks 

 Peppermint Oreo Truffles

 Christmas Style Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Jingle Bell Bites

For more holiday ideas, check out our Holiday Pinterest page for recipes, traditions, decorating, and more! If you're looking for winter driving tips, check out our advice here, or stop in at our dealership to let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet 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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7 Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Week of Christmas

OKEMOS, Mich. –– He's become a Christmas sensation in homes across America and beyond. Sure, he has an innocent smile stretching from cheek to cheek, but Elf on the Shelf is one mischievous little helper of Santa's. If he's in your home, what sort of good-humored, bad behavior will he be getting into?

Don't bother coming up with an excuse when your kids as why Elf hasn't moved in days. Instead, check out these hilarious seven Elf on the Shelf ideas for the week of Christmas that will keep the fun Elf-mischief going all the way through Christmas day!

7 Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Week of Christmas

Woody and Elf are battling on the oven for shelf territory throughout the house.

Ever heard of Elf angels?

Elf is in time-out for his mischief. 

That's sort of creepy Christmas hiding spot, Elf...

Elf is taking selfies with the sleeping kids.

There's nothing like sharing a bottle of Aunt Jemima syrup with Barbie.

You've stooped low here, Elf. Graffiti? Really?

If you're all out of ideas for what your elf should be doing this Christmas, why not go with a few of these seven Elf on the Shelf ideas for the week of Christmas to keep the fun falling like snowflakes? If you have other great Elf on the Shelf ideas, we would love to hear about them! Feel free to leave them in a comment below.

Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet 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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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– All-around balance of excellence is what makes driving the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited an experience to remember. The Malibu Limited has everything you would expect and beyond in a midsize sedan. Learn more by downloading the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited brochure.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited Brochure

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited has undeniable good looks with sculpted dynamic lines, a chrome accented grille, and an interior that feels like a resort but looks aren’t everything. Superior smoothness and quiet in ride is from the finely tuned independent suspension and liquid-applied sound deadeners and triple door seals. The Malibu Limited delivers strength at 197Hp with its standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. Continuously Variable Valve Timing and Direct Injection lends to an EPA-estimated 34 MPG highway. Standard available OnStar built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Siri eyes free allow you to stay reliably connected on the road.

Chevrolet delivers on performance, connectivity, and safety in this midsize sedan. The 2016 Malibu has a five-star overall vehicle score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The incredible safety features include the strong steel structure, 10 air bags, rear cross traffic alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, available lane departure warning, Stabilitrak electronic stability control system, and forward collision alert. To see all the incredible features and details, download the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited brochure.

If a midsize that has it all is what you want, stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited. 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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Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Equinox Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. ––The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is everything you love without the sacrifices. A redesigned exterior comes with the connectivity features you expect and unmatched safety. Learn more about the features by downloading the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox brochure.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Equinox Brochure

An Estimated 32 MPG highway will take you far with features like forward collision and side blind zone alert to keep you safe in the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The newly evolved exterior of the Equinox pulls in looks with a chrome-accented dual-port grille, 18 inch custom-styled aluminum wheels, and halogen projector-beam headlamps.

Good looks continue on the interior with a high-end feel and superior comfort. Generous leg room and Multi-Flex sliding rear seat create versatility and offer more space than the Equinox’s competitors. The 2016 Equinox also comes standard with the technology you’ve come to rely on. OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi can keep you reliably connected on the road. The 7-inch color touch screen comes with Sirius XM, Chevrolet MyLink, and is compatible with your smartphone. A standard USB port is available for plugging in music or keeping devices charged while you’re on the go.

Download the brochure to see more photos and features you might want, then stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet 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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Chevrolet Wins Two of Ward's 10 Best Engines Awards

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Many drivers or potential customers of Chevrolet focus, understandably, on the automaker's expertise in designing sleek and technologically modern vehicles that create enjoyable experiences on the road. However, there's a whole other world of notable craftsmanship that doesn't get the same spotlight: the engine and other mechanical components, the organs of the machines that people love to drive.

But now that Chevrolet has won two of Ward's 10 Best Engines awards––one for the 2016 Camaro's 3.6L V6, the other for the 2016 Volt's Voltec propulsion system––we're sure Chevrolet's engineer's will feel a greater sense of being appreciated.

“This recognition is a win for our customers with improved efficiency and performance and a credit to our engineering teams and supplier partners,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Powertrain. “It isn’t enough to just be good. Many of our competitors are good. At GM, we are committed to consistently delivering great propulsion systems.”

© General Motors

2016 Camaro 3.6L V6 Engine 

As Drew Winter––director, Content at WardsAuto––states, the 2016 Camaro's engine is like a "V8 for the price of a V6" and is "loaded with advanced technology, including fuel-saving cylinder deactivation." Available in the Camaro LT, the 3.6L V6 generates an SAE-certified 335 horespower and 284 lb-ft of torque, making it the best-performing naturally aspirated V6 engine available in the Camaro's segment. 

Other notable points on the Camaro's 3.6L V6 are its "direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and, for the first time, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which disables two cylinders under light throttle applications to enhance efficiency," according to Chevrolet.  Drivers will also appreciate the engine's EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and its special design to reduce noise.

© General Motors

2016 Volt Voltec Propulsion System

The Volt's Voltec is already the auto industry's leading propulsion system, but now Chevrolet has made it even more formidable with a lighter and stronger design, as well as much longer electric range capability. The Voltec has an electrified vehicle range of 53 miles, and can drive 420 miles with combined EV and fuel. But if drivers charge their Volt regularly, Chevrolet says driving over 1,000 miles between fill-ups is attainable. The Voltec propulsion system achieves a combined EPA-estimated 42 mpg.

As much as we love the design and technology present in Chevrolet's new vehicles, Chevrolet winning two of Ward's 10 Best Engines awards is a good reminder of how much equal effort and skills the automaker includes under the hoods of its best-selling products. 

Come see the power and efficiency of Chevrolet engines for yourself at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos. 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 Festive Questions and Answers That Explain Santa Claus

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Even as adults, we still enjoy seeing Santa Claus pass by on a parade float, or give our children gifts that say "From: Santa." But when you look back on your history with belief, or disbelief, in Santa Claus, how much can you say you really know about this red-suited, portly fellow with a big beard? If you're wondering what makes Santa Claus the man, the myth, the legend he is, check out these five festive questions and answers that explain Santa Claus.

Where did Santa Claus come from? St. Nicholas, a charitable 4th-century Bishop of Myra, a city in Turkey, is the primary influence for Santa Claus. As you can imagine, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas share a number of characteristics, such as their generosity towards others.

Where did Mrs. Claus come from? Santa Claus was a bachelor up until when James Rees wrote the short story A Christmas Legend in 1849. From then on, Mrs. Claus has taken on a supportive role as Santa Claus' wife.

Why is he named Santa Claus? Depending on where in the world you live, you could refer to Santa Claus by any of these titles: Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Father Christmas, Black Peter, Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, La Befana, Sinter Klaas and, of course, Santa!

How does Santa Claus deliver all of those gifts?  One of the first questions children ask when they open an investigation of Santa Claus' legitimacy is: "How could he deliver all of those presents in one night?" If you need an answer for your children who still believe, here it is. Due to international time zones, Santa Claus has 31 hours to deliver presents, which means he simply travel at a very fast rate of 4,796,250 mph. Plausible, right? Plus, Santa Claus has nine, fast reindeer to help him: Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen!

Why does Santa Claus wear a red suit? Before he donned the famous red suit, originally introduced in paintings and, famously, Coca-Cola advertisements, Santa Claus wore a green suit. It's hard to imagine the jolly fellow wearing anything other than red, but, hey, he looks good in green, too!

Washington Irivng, a famous author, also helped develop the image of Santa Claus we know so well today. In his book, A History of New York, from 1809, Iriving portrayed Santa Claus as a large, bearded man who smokes a pipe. This book also introduced the idea of Santa Claus coming down the chimney to deliver gifts.

Although you may not believe in Santa Claus anymore, these five festive questions and answers that explain Santa Claus show why it's still fun to know the history behind the saint who became a legend. Despite being more myth than man at this point, Santa Claus serves as an important figure of Christmas for many families thanks to his representation of kindness and a giving attitude.

At Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos, we also strive to maintain a generous attitude, and we want our customers to see that on a daily basis. That's why we're prepared to help you drive through winter by providing the best auto service near Mason, MI, as well as providing you with winter car care tips to keep you safe on the road this season.

Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet 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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GM to Test Autonomous Vehicle Technology on 2016 Chevrolet Volt

© General Motors

OKEMOS, Mich. –– There's been much talk of driverless vehicles as of late, and while General Motors and its Chevrolet brand have remained less outspoken than other automotive companies, it would be a mistake to underestimate their level of commitment to this future model of transportation.

According to Transport Evolved, an online transportation news source, GM will test autonomous vehicle technology on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt and "build a fleet of self-driving 2017 Chevrolet Volts in order to develop and refine GM's self-driving vehicle technology for future production use."

© General Motors

Although many drivers have already developed an aversion to autonomous vehicle technology, this is overall exiting news for GM and Chevy. There are many benefits to autonomous driving technology when it's implemented correctly and provides drivers with the right arrangement of vehicle enhancements.

As GM tests autonomous vehicle technology on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, it seems the automaker will split the project into a series of stages. Throughout the initial phase, GM will work on a smartphone app that connects with the Volt and will enable employees at the automaker's Warren Technical Center in Michigan to "reserve a car for use and have it meet them at a predetermined pickup point in the parking lot," according to Transport Evolved. After an employee chooses a destination, the Volt will drive them there, then park and wait for the next employee to summon it.

© General Motors

Most drivers don't immediately associate autonomous vehicle technology with benefits such as this, but GM seems determined to uncover as many positive factors as possible through autonomous vehicle technology tests carried out on the 2016 Volt. We can rest assured the automaker will make strides as time goes on, considering it has partook in driverless vehicle testing in the past. For instance, with the EN-V and a driverless SUV produced 10 years ago––talk about ahead of the times.

For drivers who still find GM's autonomous vehicle technology testing on the 2016 Volt dubious or disturbing, fear not. GM CEO Mary Barra has already disclosed the automaker has no intentions of doing away with its owner-driver vehicles, but instead would offer a separate transportation solution alongside this traditional mode where people could essentially rent driverless vehicles for short trips.

© General Motors

Believe us when we say we love driving our Chevys, and most likely always will enjoy that experience over whatever a driverless vehicle could potentially offer. But knowing GM is willing to broaden its business to include more transportation options through autonomous vehicle technology reminds us of the automaker's commitment to innovation visible in each of the Chevy vehicles at our Delta Charter Township area Chevrolet dealer.

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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Festive Christmas Cookies to Bake for the Holidays

OKEMOS, Mich. –– As Christmas draws near, it's time to start thinking about decorating the house, wrapping gifts, and, of course, baking batches upon batches of delicious treats. This year, when you pull out the rolling pin and cookie sheets, try baking something new like these festive Christmas cookies to bake for the holidays!

Festive Christmas Cookies to Bake for the Holidays

Velvet Cream Cheese Thumbprints 

Christmas Swirl Sugar Cookies

 Classic Snickerdoodles

Buttery Jam Thumbprints

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Christmas helps make this time of the year the perfect season to unleash your creativity, whether it's through baking, decorating, or creating fun family traditions. Whatever holiday ideas you're looking for, you can find them all on our Holidays Pinterest board!

If you're all set with holiday ideas but still need some end-of-the-year auto service, 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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Chevrolet Volt Named Green Car of the Year for Second Time

© General Motors

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Producing vehicles with the environment in mind matters more than ever, so it says something about General Motors' and Chevrolet's ambition that Green Car Journal named the Chevrolet Volt as its Green Car of the Year for the second time at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier in November 2015.

The Chevy Volt first won the award after its debut in 2010 before hitting dealership lots as a 2011 model. This year, Green Car Journal's 11-member panel named the Chevrolet Volt as its Green Car of the Year for the second time based on the electric vehicle's fuel efficiency, Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certifications, performance, affordability, availability, and accessibility.

“Chevrolet’s all-new Volt is a milestone, building on an already-technologically advanced ‘green’ car and delivering what buyers have longed for, including an impressive 53-mile driving range on a single charge,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com.

The 2016 Chevy Volt was able to beat out a number of popular green vehicles for the Green Car of the Year award, including the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Prius. The difference is in the 2016 Volt's total driving range capability of 420 miles, and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg highway.

“Chevrolet is all about bringing affordable electrification to our customers, and that is exactly what we did with the Volt” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet marketing director. “For Volt to stand out in Green Car’s evaluation, it reaffirms Chevrolet’s commitment to being a leader in electrification.”

Green Car Journal aren't the only ones who have noticed the 2016 Chevy Volt's impressive eco-friendly orientation. Independent surveys conclude that Volt owners are more satisfied than drivers of other vehicles, and 70% are new to GM. 

At our Delta Charter Township area Chevrolet dealer we meet drivers who are new to GM every day. It's not surprising considering this particular news about the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, as well as the level of quality available in the other Chevrolet vehicles in our inventory. See for yourself and stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. Call us at (517) 349-8300. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Why Does Fuel Economy Get Worse in Winter?

OKEMOS, Mich. –– There area number of reasons why fuel economy gets worse in winter, which can cause fuel efficiency to decrease by 50% thanks to frigid temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to combat winter's impact on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, but first let's look at what causes your fuel economy to worsen in winter.

Why does fuel efficiency get worse in winter?

There are many reasons for why fuel economy gets worse in winter, many of which you probably partake in when the temperature drops. It's important to understand what causes your mpg to fall, and FuelEconomy.gov provides a thorough list of reasons:

• Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids. 
• It takes longer for your engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. This affects shorter trips more, since your car spends more of your trip at less-than-optimal temperatures. 
• Heated seats, window defrosters, and heater fans use additional power. 
• Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip lowers your fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon. 
• Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, especially at highway speeds. 
• Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance. 
• Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends. 
• Battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for your alternator to keep your battery charged. This also affects the performance of the regenerative braking system on hybrids.

In severe winter weather, your mpg can drop even further.

• Icy or snow-covered roads decrease your tires' grip on the road, wasting energy. 
• Safe driving speeds on slick roads can be much lower than normal, further reducing fuel economy, especially at speeds below 30 to 40 mph. 
• Using four-wheel drive uses more fuel.

What can you do to maintain fuel economy during the winter?

Despite the long list of reasons that cause your vehicle's fuel economy to get worse in winter, there are a few simple steps you can take to maintain fuel economy during the winter.

1. Keep extra weight off your vehicle. Storing extra items in your vehicle that add extra weight can easily decrease fuel economy. Try to keep as much extra weight as possible off of your vehicle. Removing snow and ice from the exterior of your vehicle can also prevent your fuel economy from decreasing.
2. If possible, don't park outside. Parking outside in the winter means your vehicle's interior temperature will be lower than if you park it inside a garage. While your vehicle's engine only requires 30 seconds to warm up, the interior of a vehicle parked outside during the winter can take several minutes to warm up. By parking inside of a garage, your vehicle's interior temperature will be warmer and require less time and, therefore, fuel to warm up.
3. Fill your vehicle's gas tank early in the morning. When it's cold out, gasoline and diesel are denser than usual and take up less room in your vehicle's gas tank.
4. Keep up with routine maintenance for your vehicle. In the end, nothing is better than keeping up with routine maintenance for your vehicle to help it maintain good fuel economy. Throughout the colder months, all aspects of regular auto service work towards maintaining fuel efficiency, including a having a good set of tires, keeping up with regular oil changes, and other routine services.  

As the colder months take over the roads, it's important to prepare your vehicle for winter. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you. Stop by our Mason area Chevrolet dealer, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864, or call us at (517) 349-8300. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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8 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Go With Your Turkey

OKEMOS, Mich. –– While knowing how to cook a turkey the right way is vital to preparing an enjoyable Thanksgiving meal, there's always room for more on a plate. For a little inspiration on what to cook up, check out these eight Thanksgiving side dishes to go with your turkey we came across on Pinterest and use them to enhance your holiday meal!

8 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Go With Your Turkey

Sweet Potato Casserole

Balsamic Brown Sugar Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Honey Maple Roasted Carrots

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries and Feta

Cranberry Fluff

Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls

Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Two-Cheese and Rosemary Mashed Potato Casserole

Maybe you're traveling for Thanksgiving this year and just need to make one of these side dishes to bring along. If so, make sure you check out our Thanksgiving travel tips here. At our used car dealership near Mason, MI, our technicians can make sure your vehicle is ready to go with an oil change or any other auto service it may need taken care of.

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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