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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Battle Winter With These 5 Essential Car Care Tips

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

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

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

2. Have our technicians inspect your brakes.

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

3. Inspect your battery for corrosion.

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

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

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

5. Install a new set of wiper blades.

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

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

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How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey the Right Way

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Preparing a well-cooked turkey for Thanksgiving is no easy task, considering how quickly it can dry out or how easy it is to undercook it. Before you stuff your bird and stick it in the oven this November, follow our tips on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey the right way.

1. Choose the right size turkey.

Choosing the right size turkey depends on how large of group you're planning to serve this Thanksgiving. In general, a 20-pound turkey will feed a large group, but the best way to estimate the right size bird is to assume each guest will consume about 1 1/2 pounds of turkey, including bones and giblets.

2. Prepare your turkey so it's safe to consume.

Properly cooking a turkey requires preparation. You should thaw your turkey in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria. Place the bird breast-side-up on a rimmed baking sheet in your fridge, and give 24 hours of thawing time for every four pounds of turkey. After your turkey thaws, remove the giblets and save them for gravy stock. Rinse the turkey under cool water and dry it completely.

3. Stuff your turkey with caution.

If you plan on stuffing your turkey, make sure you do so just before you place the turkey in the oven. This prevents bacteria from having the time it needs to grow, whereas if you stuff your turkey ahead of time, bacteria has plenty of time to grow. Use 10 cups of stuffing for a 12–15-pound turkey, and 12 cups of stuffing for a 15–20-pound turkey.

4. Use a stainless steel roasting pan to cook your turkey.

Using a stainless steel roasting pan will ensure heat is distributed evenly to your turkey as it cooks. Set the turkey on a rack in a shallow stainless steel roasting pan. After the first hour of cooking, regularly baste the turkey in the juices that collect in the pan to keep the turkey moist and help it brown evenly. Roast your turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

5. Let your turkey sit after it cooks.

Letting your turkey sit for 15–20 minutes after it cooks allows it to absorb the juices you basted it in, as well as the juices in the pan. This will help your turkey stay moist and finish do a little extra cooking on the inside before you cut into it.

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this November, make sure your know how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey the right way using our tips for reference. On the other hand, if you're traveling somewhere else, check out our Thanksgiving travel tips here. Make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road and oil change or any auto service it may need from our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff 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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Chevrolet Colorado, Camaro Motor Trend Vehicles of the Year

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Once again demonstrating its prowess in the automotive world, Chevrolet has clutched two awards from Motor Trend magazine, which named the Chevrolet Colorado and Chevrolet Camaro Motor Trend vehicles of the year for 2016.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado
After General Motors took a chance at the midsize truck segment while other automakers chose to refrain, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado came out on top and won Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Within the first 10 months of the Chevrolet Colorado being on the marketing, GM sold 70,291, proving its popularity up against an array of full-size pickups other automakers stayed focused on developing. Learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado here.

 

2016 Chevrolet Camaro
After a stunning debut earlier this year, the enhanced 2016 Chevrolet Camaro––built in lansing––came out on top to win the Motor Trend Car of the Year award alongside its Truck of the Year companion. Considering the Chevrolet Camaro's improved performance, lighter design, updated technologies, and package upgrades just before its 50th year as an American––now global––favorite, it isn't so surprising the muscle car beat out high-end competitors such as the Audi TT, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz GT S. Learn more about the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro here.

You can find your favorite new Chevy trucks and new Chevy cars, like the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Motor Trend vehicles of the year, at our Mason 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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7 Facts You Never Knew About Thanksgiving Day

OKEMOS, Mich. –– It's easy to overlook the many histories and mythologies that have developed and compiled over the years behind annual American holidays like Thanksgiving. But this sort of knowledge provides plenty of fodder for conversation, unbeknownst to you and millions of other Americans who gather for turkey each year.

This November, instead of keeping conversation to a minimum and asking your family member to pass the gravy, sit down at the table and bestow your Turkey Day wisdom upon all who will listen to these seven facts they never knew about Thanksgiving Day.

1. TV dinners have origins in Thanksgiving.

Believe it or not, you can thank––or blame––Thanksgiving for TV dinners. Okay, really you can thank Swanson, a food delivery company most popular in the mid-20th century. After Thanksgiving Day in 1953, Swanson found itself overstocked with 260 tons of frozen turkey that hadn't been sold. The company's brilliant solution was to pack portions of turkey, potatoes, peas, and cornbread into an aluminum tray that could be kept in a freezer and heated up when ready to be consumed.

2. The Detroit Lions initiated Thanksgiving Day football.

Way back in 1934, the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears played the first Thanksgiving Day football game in the history of the professional sport. Although the Lions went into the game with a 10–1 record, the Bears were 11–0 and maintained their streak after beating the Lions 19–16. The game was broadcasted by radio, and the first televised Thanksgiving Day game didn't occur until 1956 when the Lions lost 24–20 to the Green Bay Packers.

3. For the last time, turkey doesn't make you sleepy.

We don't want to cause any debates or bad blood between family members at the table this Thanksgiving, but it's time to stop perpetuating this turkey tale every November. Many assume the tryptophan in turkey makes you sleepy, hence that deep sleep your uncle falls into after overindulging on every Turkey Day. However, the truth is your potatoes are what make you sleepy, as well as any other dishes packed with carbohydrates. The tryptophan in turkey is so minimal you would have to eat much more than you're capable of before it ever made you pass out.

4. Humans and pumpkins are related, sort of.

This one might make your family members roll their eyes, or ask each other if you need to see a psychiatrist, but it's true. Humans and pumpkins share DNA sequences that are 75% identical to each other. Of course, that's quite a distance in terms of double-helixes, so be thankful this Thanksgiving that you're a guy or a gal, and not a gourd.

5. Turkeys can weigh as much as large dogs.

Although it's unusual for turkeys to weigh more than 11–24 pounds, there are rare cases where these birds may look large enough to gobble you up on Thanksgiving. Just to give you an idea, the largest turkey ever served on Thanksgiving weighed 86 pounds. With a bird that size, we're guessing Swanson could have packed more than a few extra TV dinners.

6. Americans consume around 690 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

A number that substantial makes you wonder how turkeys haven't gone extinct, or it makes you realize how many of these snooded birds exist. To put it into perspective, 690 million pounds is equal to the weight of Singapore's population, or 57,500 African bush elephants, or about 172,500 new Chevy cars. You get the point, it's a lot of turkey.

7. The first Thanksgiving Day feast extended three days.

In today's busy world, we only make time to sit down for turkey a few hours once a year. But when the pilgrims sailed over from Europe to North America, they made sure to drag out out their festivities over the course of three days. During that time, the settlers took time to savor their food, play games, dance, and shoot guns in celebration of their safe arrival.

This year, stuff the turkey and then stuff your family members' minds with these seven facts they never knew about Thanksgiving Day. At the end of the holiday they'll drive home astonished with new knowledge about one of their favorite American holidays. But before you or your guests head home from your Turkey Day destination, make sure you check out our Thanksgiving travel tips to help you avoid traffic here.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let the friendly team of Chevy professionals at our Delta Charter Township area Chevrolet dealer 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 Donates 2016 Volt to Support STEM Education

© General Motors

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Taking further initiative to continue advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs in the U.S., Chevy will donate a 2016 Chevrolet Volt to FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a K–12 robotics program that supports STEM programs nationwide.

FIRST will auction the 2016 Volt––an electric vehicle capable of an EPA-estimated electric range of 53 miles that you can learn more about here––Chevy is donating to raise money for students robotics across the U.S., namely in communities lacking resources to uphold strong STEM education programs. The 2016 Chevy Volt is a fitting donation in the sense that it's currently Chevrolet's most scientifically and technologically advanced vehicle on the market.

Funds produced from the 2016 Chevy Volt donation will be used to shore up FIRST teams across the nation, according to Chevrolet Marketing Director Steve Majoros.

"The Volt exemplified technology, and behind the next-generation Chevrolet Volt is a diverse team of engineers who understand the power of science and math," said Majoros. "FIRST brings science and math alive outside the classroom, just like we are bringing it alive on the road."

General Motors is a Founding and Strategic Partner to FIRST, creating a rich history of collaboration extending back many years. A notable example from 2014 shows that GM partnered with 866 FIRST teams totaling 10,000 students nationwide on various projects. Chevrolet donating a 2016 Volt to support STEM education is once again a supporting step GM is taking to continue advancing FIRST and students interested in STEM careers.

At our Mason area Chevrolet dealer, where we hold a vast selection of technologically advance new Chevy cars and new Chevy trucks, we're excited to see Chevrolet spreading its knowledge and support of STEM education in order to help this industry continue to produce advanced and quality American vehicles.

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. 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 Chevrolet Vehicles on Display at SEMA 2015

OKEMOS, Mich. –– While we couldn't send one of our team members out to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for 2015, we did get a chance to look over some of Chevrolet's most impressive special editions that they're showcasing.

With so many creative takes on vehicles from virtually every automaker known, it can be easy for spectacular vehicles like those from Chevy to get lost in the SEMA noise. To prevent that from happening we put together our own list of the top five Chevrolet vehicles on display at SEMA 2015 for you to enjoy.

1. Chevrolet Camaro Krypton

The Camaro Krypton is our favorite SEMA vehicle not only because we know how capable the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro V6 with the RS package is, but also because this design is unheard of. Chevy used krypton––one of the six noble gases used in fluorescent lights––as influence for the bursting green color you see, but the best part of Camaro Krypton's image are the electroluminescent Chevy bow-ties on the body sides that literally light up.

2. Realtree Bone Collector

The name says it all––this 2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 4x4 is designed with hunters in mind, although anyone would look and feel tough driving it. With a camouflage and hunter-inspired paint job––as well as a hunting-themed interior––the Realtree Bone Collector is equipped with every feature a pickup needs when it's going into the backwoods, including a cooler.

3. Chevrolet Camaro Black

Like Camaro Krypton, Camaro Black takes Chevy's famed muscle car to a new, darker level. This 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS coupe is utterly blacked out, with exception to its red LED headlamps that provide it with a dangerous glare. Take one look at Camaro Black, and you feel a sense of anticipation, like it might just do a burnout on its own.

4. Kid Rock's Silverado 3500

We're not surprised Michigan native Kid Rock was the inspiration behind this 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD with a 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8––the king of modern rock-n-roll and the king of modern trucks make a great duo. Kid Rock's Silverado 3500 is equipped with dual rear wheels and an oversized bow-tie on the grille, as well as two chugging smokestacks––apparently eco-friendly––giving drivers plenty of large features that live up to this concept's name.

5. Trax Red Line Series

It may not look like much, but we love the Red Line Series concept behind this 2016 Chevrolet Trax. The Red Line Series extends fro the Trax to the Malibu, Camaro, Colorado, and Silverado, and gives drivers a sense of what customization options Chevrolet wants to offer its customers. Soon, you could take an rather ordinarily designed crossover like the Trax and turn it into a head-turner.

If looking at our choice of the top five Chevrolet vehicles on display at SEMA 2015 doesn't make you long to be behind the wheel of a new Chevy car or truck, visit our Chevrolet dealership near Delta Charter Township, MI, and we'll find you a vehicle that does.

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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Thanksgiving Travel Tips to Help You Avoid Holiday Backups

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Like the other 46 million Americans that AAA estimates make Thanksgiving travel plans each year, you’re probably planning on driving towards your Turkey Day destination sometime around that Thursday.

But with millions of other drivers hitting the road across the country, it should be expected for you to run into a number of delays caused by traffic congestion. If you’re uninterested in freeway stagnation and more focused on turkey, follow these Thanksgiving travel tips to help you avoid holiday backups. Google spent two years analyzing Thanksgiving weekend traffic conditions to provide us with this information, so you can rest assured their travel insights are accurate as they get.

Avoid driving on Wednesday.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving might seem like the ideal day to make the drive for Thursday’s turkey, but that’s also why it’s the absolute worst day to travel. Like you, other families assume Wednesday is a great travel day because they can work a half-day then head for their Thanksgiving destinations, usually in the timeframe of 3–5 p.m. It’s a logical idea, but it also results in massive freeway congestion and gridlock.

Travel on Thanksgiving Day.

Traveling on Thanksgiving Day might sound like a hassle––of course you’d rather be watching football and relaxing in a recliner––but it’s likely you’ll have a more peaceful drive on Turkey Day than any other day. Most people will have already made the arduous journey for turkey on Wednesday, leaving the freeways and roads practically empty for you to cruise on without any setbacks.

Head for home on Sunday, not Saturday.

You could drive home on Friday, but it’s likely you’re planning on relaxing after a Thursday of too much food. However, it’s not recommended that you plan to head home on Saturday. According to Google, traffic is 40% worse than any other day on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This leaves you with one last option: head home on Sunday. Have another helping of pumpkin pie and relax while you watch college football on Saturday.

Just by following these Thanksgiving travel tips to avoid holiday backups you can make your trip a whole lot better. But you should also take a look at some of the other factors that influence the quality of your trip. Use these additional tips to make your trip as comfortable as it can be:

• Have an idea of what the weather will be like while you’re making your Thanksgiving trip. Knowing what road conditions could be like will give you an idea of how to drive, where congestion might occur, and what a safe route might be.
• Figure out your travel route beforehand so you’re aware of areas where construction is taking place or where roads could be closed. This way you won’t be surprised if something comes up and you’re forced to reroute without foreknowledge.
• Have emergency contact information for a roadside assistance service ready. You’ll be ready to call if anything detrimental happens to your vehicle on your trip.
• Is your vehicle ready to drive a long distance for Thanksgiving? Follow our seasonal driving tips here, or visit our Chevrolet dealership near Mason, MI for any auto service your vehicle could be due for.

We love making sure our customers have great driving experiences, even if it's just by sharing a few insights with you to make sure your Thanksgiving travels are safe and easy. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you with any other auto needs you might have. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just a few minutes from Mason!

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