I Love Graff Okemos: August 2017

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Download the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Hit the road and don't stop with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV! This impressively efficient electric vehicle (EV) gets a 238-mile range on a full charge, so you won't need to make as many trips to the gas station. Download the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV brochure to learn the in's and out's of the most accessible, versatile, and affordable EV on the market! The digital brochure covers information on specifications, trim levels, colors, standard features, and much more.

Download the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Brochure

The 2017 Bolt EV comes available in up to 8 exterior colors, 3 trim levels, 4 interior fabrics, 2 wheel styles, and much more. You can enjoy a variety of safety features, including Lane Keep Assist technology, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, and many more. You can use the Energy Usage feature to optimize and adjust your driving and climate control habits while driving to save additional energy and increase efficiency. Plus, you can fold your rear seats down for 56.6 cubic feet of cargo space for additional carrying capacity, making this hatch quite versatile!

Explore this efficient, stylish, and affordable hatchback by downloading the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Brochure. From bumper to bumper, you'll be able to explore each and every feature the Chevrolet Bolt EV has to offer and more all on our website! Once you've decided the Bolt EV is an option in your new vehicle search, give us a call to set up a test drive so you can get behind the wheel of this groundbreaking electric vehicle!

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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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

A Closer Look at the Redline Silverado

OKEMOS, Mich., – With a striking and eye-catching look, increased off-road capabilities, and an aggressive feel behind the wheel, the Special Edition 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Redline makes a name for itself both on and off the road. We'll be taking a closer look at the Redline Silverado to view the additional upgrades the Redline package grants drivers of this Special Edition Silverado. The Special Edition Redline package provides a fresh and sporty feel to drivers of this powerful half-ton pickup, matching its strength with an equally aggressive look.

The Redline package complements the silver vehicle's exterior with stylish red and black accents, giving the Silverado a fresh look to match its eye-catching features. The vehicle's interior upgrades provide drivers with a comfortable ride from beginning to end. The leather interior matches the red and black exterior almost effortlessly; the red stitching of the black leather enhances the eye-catching accents featured throughout the vehicle. The Redline package comes with a variety of standout features, including:

Black mirror caps
Red hash marks on the wheels
Black window trim
Black bowtie logos
Red lettering
Red tow hooks
Black nameplates with red lettering
Red accents throughout the vehicle

"That’s the most surprising thing about the Chevy Silverado, Redline Edition or not -- it doesn’t feel like you’re driving a truck. Sure, you’re sitting about as high as 1-ton rigs did years ago, but you have sedanlike responses to your inputs. The ride isn’t jarring -- it's supple over bumps. The steering is light and feels relatively precise, at least compared to trucks of yore. The quad cab and full bed make for an interesting combination when navigating around a city, but it would be a big payoff for someone trying to vacation or go to a jobsite." - Autoweek

Available on the Chevy Silverado, Cruze, Trax, Colorado, Malibu, Equinox, and Traverse models, the Redline package can give drivers a fresh, sleek, and sporty look for their Chevrolet vehicle. Get a closer look at the Redline Silverado and what this unique and stylish package can provide its drivers. If you're interested in getting a closer look at what the Redline package entails, let us know and we'll set up a time for you to get behind the wheel of a Redline Silverado in person! Take a look at our Redline inventory to see what we have in store and stop by to find the Special Edition Chevy of your dreams at Graff Okemos!

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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Thursday, August 24, 2017

MSU Kickoff Traditions

OKEMOS, Mich., – On Saturday, September 2nd, Michigan State University football will finally make its return to Spartan Stadium! Whether you're a diehard fan of the green and white or just a casual Spartan fan, knowing these MSU kickoff traditions will make your time in East Lansing a much more fun experience! With decades of traditions that the football team, band, and fans participate in, discover some of the unique rituals Spartan fans take part in. While others may find these practices strange, some MSU fans believe these traditions make the difference between winning and losing!

Sparty Watch

Before every game, many MSU fans will touch the Sparty statue before the game in order to wish the team good luck. However, the Sparty receives the most attention during the MSU-U of M games. Both teams have decades of heated rivalry and have been known to vandalize their opposition's famous landmarks. In opposition to this, many Spartan fans will camp out by the Sparty the week before the game in order to protect it from potential vandalism. On game day, the MSU marching band forms a perimeter around the Sparty to guard it before and during the game. It's a great tradition that brings old and new fans together across age groups!

Shout"It's a Beautiful Day for Football!"

Whether it's sunny, raining, or snowing, the announcers make sure to let everyone know that it's a beautiful day for football! This long-running tradition has been a staple at Spartan Stadium for decades. It's so well known in the MSU community that the entire crowd joins in unison! If you're a first-timer at Spartan Stadium, watch the video above to view the "weather watch" for yourself!

Participate in the Spartan Walk

Around two hours before the game, the football team will begin their walk to Spartan Stadium from their hotel at the Kellogg Center. This 10-minute walk to the stadium is accompanied by the band, as each member walks single-file through campus. Crowds of fans shout "Go Green! Go White!" as they pass by the Sparty, rubbing the statue's foot and leaving a penny for good luck. This older tradition was recently brought back by Mark Dantonio in 2007, and since then, it's been a Spartan fan staple.

Catch Zeke the Wonder Dog at Halftime

Zeke, the Frisbee-catching Wonder Dog, has provided Spartan Stadium with adorable entertainment since the 1970s! The first Zeke, a labrador retriever, wowed coach Darryl Rogers so much that he was given his very own varsity letter. Currently, Zeke IV, the fourth Wonder Dog of his generation, has entertained Spartan fans at football, basketball, soccer, and many other games. You won't want to miss this game day tradition during halftime!

Watch the Series

"The Series", as it's known, is a popular hype song performed by the MSU band before every game for parade marching. Fans gather around the Kalamazoo Bridge to cheer on the marching band as they make their way to the stadium. The Series received its name for its complicated set of drumbeats and composition, and while some fans may not know the name of the song, they'll definitely recognize it when it comes on!

Take a look at Michigan State's football schedule to make sure you don't miss a single second of the action this year! We at Graff Okemos are diehard Spartan fans, and we definitely follow all of these MSU kickoff traditions from the first game to last! Whether you're an MSU alumni or simply a fan of a great football team, show up to East Lansing in style at a great rate with our new vehicle sales. Customize your vehicle and add a little Spartan touch to it with any of our Chevrolet-approved accessories, and don't forget to Sparty on! Go Green and Go White!

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Offers Unparalleled Entertainment

OKEMOS, Mich., – Recently released to the public, the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette offers unparalleled entertainment to its drivers with an updated exterior, top-of-the-line performance, and an unbeatably fun experience behind the wheel. TheDrive.com applauds the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport on its top-notch entertainment factor, vehicle quality, and affordability compared to other luxury sports cars. Take a look at the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette brochure for more details on this dynamic and elusive sports car to see its unique features for yourself.

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a powerful 6.2 naturally-aspirated V8 engine that allows it to achieve 0-60MPH speeds in 3.6 seconds. Its 11.1g road-gripping feature allows it to effortlessly handle tight turns and corners without the loss of efficiency. The Grand Sport package combines the efficiency of a road trip vehicle with the speed and power of a supercar, allowing you to achieve fast speeds when you while still remaining an effective long-distance vehicle.

Even in regular form, the Grand Sport is the sort of sports car that reminds you just what a great automaker can do when it sets its mind to it. It's capable of whipping cars that cost three times as much on a race track but is be equally at home on a 3,000-mile cross-country road trip. It's a wonder.

With updated speeds, a powerful engine, and state-of-the-art turning technology, the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette offers unparalleled entertainment to their drivers and passengers. You can find out for yourself what the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette is capable of by viewing our Corvette inventory. Read up on reviews, find pricing, vehicle features, and more on our Corvette Model Overview. Schedule an appointment with us to take one of our Corvette models out for a test drive, and stop by 1748 W Grand River, Okemos, MI, 48864 for a premier dealership experience!

Monday, August 21, 2017

Getting Your Oil Changed

OKEMOS, Mich., – Whether you're driving your first, second, or even third vehicle, routine maintenance is an important way to ensure that it works at peak performance. Getting your oil changed is one of the most important forms of routine maintenance. Regularly maintaining a consistent oil changing schedule can improve your gas mileage, vehicle performance, and more. Learn the answers to some important questions that are frequently asked about a vehicle's oil and getting it changed.

What Does Vehicle Oil Do?

Your vehicle's oil actually does quite a bit to make sure you're able to drive efficiently! Your engine has many moving parts that move and rub against each other as you drive. When these parts move and rub against each other, they create friction, which can increase the heat of your vehicle and potentially melt or damage important components of your engine. Your vehicle's oil lubricates these parts, reducing the heat of your engine and allowing it to run smoothly.

How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?

Typically, you should get your oil changed every 5,000-8,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you that you should. Some vehicles have larger oil reservoirs, and as such, take longer time to use up any oil they may have. Typical sedans have a 4-quart oil reservoir, while larger vehicles, like pickup trucks and SUVs, usually have 6-quart oil containers. Your vehicle owner's manual will let you know how much oil your vehicle is capable of holding.

How Do I Know if My Oil Needs Changing?

If you aren't sure when you should get your next oil change, checking your oil is very easy and only takes a couple minutes! After stopping your vehicle and allowing it to cool down, pop the hood and look for the dipstick on your engine (it should look similar to the image above). Pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a cloth, then reinsert the dipstick and remove it once more. After that, take a look at the dipstick and its labels. There should be a "FULL" and "EMPTY" label on each - if your oil level is below the "EMPTY" label, it's time for an oil change.

Should I Get Synthetic or Conventional Oil?

The viscosity of your oil is determinant upon what kind of vehicle you drive. For standard vehicles, conventional oil is the most effective, as it provides all-around coverage, lasts long, and is fairly inexpensive. For premium vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette, synthetic oil may need to be used, as these vehicles use different forms of fuel and their components may require specific fluids in order to run efficiently. If you aren't sure what type of oil your vehicle may need, refer to your vehicle owner's manual or contact us for additional help!

How Often Should I Change My Oil Filter?

Your oil filter should be replaced every 3 months, or every other oil change, depending on what comes first. If your check engine light comes on while you drive and you haven't replaced your oil filter in a while, it could mean you need a new oil filter. If you're driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic, heavy towing, or extreme temperatures, you may need to get your oil changed more often than usual.

Getting your oil changed is easy, quick, and can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your vehicle in peak condition. If you're in need of an oil change soon or another form of routine maintenance, refer to our coupons page to save yourself some money on your next visit! Make sure you schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible once you know you're in need of an oil change so you can get back on the road in no time. You can also use some of our routine maintenance tips to further extend the life of your vehicle beyond your oil filter to further keep your vehicle in top shape!

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

2018 Special Edition Chevrolet Tahoe Custom Now Available

OKEMOS, Mich., – For lovers of powerful and bold SUVs, the special edition Chevrolet Tahoe Custom is now available. The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Custom features improved cargo capacity, upgraded all-season tires, and a variety of unique features that sets its interior and exterior apart from other SUVs, all at a great value. If you want the towing capability and power of the truck, with the cargo capacity and versatility of an SUV, 2018 Chevy Tahoe Custom features the best of both worlds

“The Tahoe Custom is a response to strong customer demand for Tahoe, as well as the full-size SUV segment moving upmarket,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director. “In the past five years, the average transaction price for the segment has climbed fueled by customer appetite for features like heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. This created an unmet need in the marketplace for customers who want the cargo and towing capability of a full-size SUV to go camping, boating or off-roading but don’t necessarily want all of the option content offered on a Tahoe Premier.”

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Custom is equipped with a series of standout features you won't find in the base model, including a standard 6,600 lb towing capacity, 112 cubic feet of cargo space (54 behind the second row), and a segment-leading 23 mpg highway. The vehicle comes standard with many advanced safety features, cutting-edge connectivity features, and state-of-the-art vehicle technology. If you're interested in a 2018 Chevy Tahoe Custom, let us know and we can help order one to be delivered to Graff Okemos!

Download the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe brochure to get a closer look at what this powerful, bold, and versatile SUV has to offer. Now that the special edition Chevrolet Tahoe Custom is available, you can get all of what the 2018 base model has to offer and so much more, including the power of a pickup with the passenger and cargo capacity of a full size SUV. If you want to order a Special Edition Chevy Tahoe Custom, or are looking for something even more specific, don't hesitate to give us a call. It's our goal to find you the SUV of your dreams!

Monday, August 14, 2017

Components to Check Before Your Next Road Trip

OKEMOS, Mich., – Don't let your vehicle break down during a road trip. Whether you're unable to leave your driveway or you stall out in the middle of a crowded freeway, having your vehicle break down during a road trip can be a very frustrating encounter. The best way to combat this, however, is by remaining prepared. Keep an eye on these components to check before your next road trip so you don't end up sidelined on the road waiting for a tow truck.

Oil Level

Components to Check Before Your Next Road Trip

Your oil helps to regulate the temperature of your engine, preventing it from overheating by lubricating important internal components. Typically, oil changes occur every 5,000-8,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual recommends. You can check your oil in just a few simple steps. First, pop the hood of your engine and find the engine's dipstick (it should look like a plastic ring sticking out of your engine). Next, remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe it on a cloth. After this, stick it in your engine again and remove it. The dipstick will have "FULL" and "EMPTY" labels on its side. If the oil level only reaches to the "EMPTY" component, it's time for an oil change!

Tires

You're going to need working tires in order to enjoy your road trip! Over time, your tires can wear down on their tread, reducing their ability to effectively grip the road. You can check the tread of your tires using the "penny method" to save yourself some time. Place a penny face down between the grooves of your tires. If you can't see Lincoln's head, your tires have adequate tread and should be able to handle the road ahead. If you can see his head, however, this means your tread has worn down and your tires need to be replaced as soon as possible! Make sure you know how to take care of your tires to ensure they last a long time.

Brakes

Does braking take longer than it used to? Does it pull your vehicle to the side as you slow to a stop? Does it make a loud grinding or screeching noise when you brake? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to have your brakes looked at. Make sure you know when to get your brakes inspected to keep everyone on the road safe, including yourself and your passengers! Repaired or replaced brakes can make all the difference in the world, whether you're going on a road trip or simply commuting to work.

Cooling System

On long drives, your vehicle's engine can overheat with increased usage. Your engine's coolant serves to reduce and maintain an even temperature with your vehicle's engine. It's one of the most important components of your vehicle, and without it, overheating could permanently damage your vehicle! The easy part, however, is that it is extremely easy to check. Engine coolant is typically replaced every 30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual estimates. Pop the hood of your engine and look for the large plastic container labeled "coolant" or "antifreeze". The container should have markings on the side to indicate whether or not you have enough coolant, and if it's below the required level, you'll need to refill it! Bring in your vehicle if you need your coolant replaced and we'll take care of it right away.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Nobody wants to drive in a vehicle that's too hot or too cold. Malfunctioning heating and cooling units can make everyone in the vehicle irritated, making the drive an all around exhausting experience. Checking your heating and air conditioning is easy: if your vehicle doesn't heat up or cool down fast enough (or at all), it could be an issue with your system. Have your heating and cooling system inspected before you leave. We'll be happy to help you find an affordable solution!

Save yourself the trouble of getting lost on the road by remaining prepared this year! These components to check before your next road trip can make your whole experience a lot better is they're all in working condition. Make sure all of your vehicle is up to speed before you find yourself waiting for a tow truck! If you're unsure whether or not your vehicle will be able to handle the road ahead, schedule an appointment with us and we'll inspect your vehicle before you go! If you schedule an appointment with us, you can save money on routine maintenance, tires, and more with our coupons, too. No matter where your road trip takes you, we wish you smooth sailing on your journey!

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Self Driving Chevrolet Bolt EV Begins Live Tests

OKEMOS, Mich., – The future is here! This month, Chevrolet has begun live testing its self-driving Chevrolet Bolt vehicles. This first-of-its-kind technology has begun extensive testing on public roads in San Francisco, giving the autonomous vehicles a chance to test their mettle on the busy streets of California. While they may not be available to the public, self driving Chevrolet Bolt EV begins live tests across the western side of the United States, bringing the public one step closer to getting their hands on an autonomous vehicle of their own.

Cruise Automation, an autonomous driving technology company owned by Chevrolet, has announced the beta testing of their Cruise Anywhere app. This app allows users to call an autonomous Chevy vehicle to their location. The autonomous vehicle would then take passengers to any location they specified, driving entirely on its own. The vehicles, while still in the test process, will additionally be piloted by engineers in case an emergency occurs.

Watch Live Testing of Cruise Anywhere App

Earlier this summer, the Chevrolet Bolt EV completed its factory test runs in the Orion Assembly Plant in Michigan. These autonomous vehicles bring Chevy one step closer to bringing the future to life in the world. Working at an efficient and careful pace, Chevrolet has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of future passengers using autonomous vehicles.

“To achieve what we want from self-driving cars, we must deploy them at scale," said Cruise Automation CEO Kyle Vogt. "By developing the next-generation self-driving platform in San Francisco and manufacturing these cars in Michigan, we are creating the safest and most consistent conditions to bring our cars to the most challenging urban roads that we can find.”

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will be available to the public in September. Check out our new vehicle inventory when the Bolt EV becomes available to become one of the first people to own this exclusive, cutting-edge electric vehicle! Looking to trade in your vehicle to get your hands on the new 2017 Bolt EV? Make sure you get the best deal possible with your trade-in so that you'll be able to sit behind the wheel of an autonomous vehicle that'll take you where you want to go. Watch the future unfold before your eyes as the self driving Chevrolet Bolt EV begins live tests!

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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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Great College Life Hacks

OKEMOS, Mich., – In just a few short weeks, hundreds of thousands of American students will be embarking on a life-changing transition to college. These incoming freshmen will finally experience what it's like to live on their own with increased independence - but this also means more responsibilities. They'll have to learn how to do their own laundry (if they don't know how yet), handle disagreements with roommates, and take a crack at cooking their own meals. To reduce the stress on incoming freshmen, we've compiled a list of great college life hacks to make organizing, cooking, and adulting a much easier transition.

1. Use Pop Can Tabs to Save Closet Space

Hanging pop can tabs from your hangers will give you extra room in case you're running out of closet space. Sharing a small space with roommates can be stressful, especially if you both have large wardrobes, so doing this will free up some extra room and help with closet organization. Plus, you can pair outfits together that will look good to save you time when you're getting ready in the morning!

2. Reward Yourself While You Study

Here's a great way to stay focused while you study for your big exam: buy your favorite candy and place a piece at the end of every paragraph. You can reward yourself with a little snack for every portion you finish! Not only is it a delicious way to get studying done, but studies have shown that it actually helps to improve your memory quite a bit by using the reward system in your brain.

3. Color Code Your Keys

Organize your dorm, home, and whatever other keys you may have by color coding them! Using nail polish and tape, color coding your keys only takes a couple minutes and will save you the hassle of trying to figure out which key you need all the time. Follow these steps to make unique key designs that you can mark so you won't have to shuffle through your keyring every day!

4. Keep the Change

Collecting loose can be an awesome way to save extra money you may otherwise misplace. Keeping a jar on your wall or in a convenient location can help you save up money for new dorm decorations, a night out with your friends, or even a new vehicle, if you're feeling ambitious! Before you know it, you'll be filling and refilling the jar as the weeks go on and you'll have more spending money!

5. Save Dresser Space

The next time you do laundry, fold your clothes and stack them vertically to make extra room for all of your clothing! You'll be able to see what your shirts look like and will save a lot of space for your whole wardrobe. It saves you time in the morning and can make a huge difference in the long run!

6. Coffee Pot Cooking

Believe it or not, your coffee pot can work like a mini stovetop, too! You can cook noodles, warm up cheese dip, or even make some oatmeal in the morning! Cooking With Your Coffee Maker is a blog full of recipes that can be created with a few ingredients and a simple coffee maker. When you've got a hunger that dorm food can't quite satisfy, coffee pot cooking may be the answer to your problems!

7. Turn Your Cup Into a Speaker

You'll never oversleep again with a cup alarm! Place your phone in a cup overnight and the sound of your alarm will be amplified by sound barrier of the glass. Put it on your desk or dresser so you'll have no choice to get up to turn it off, and before you know it, you'll be up and out of bed, ready to take on the morning. You can even use it to play music at a higher volume while you study or hang out with friends!

Make freshmen move-in easier with these great college life hacks. Getting a full taste of independence can be exciting, but managing responsibilities is extremely important and will help students grow into fully functioning adults. Whether you're moving in to college yourself, or you're helping your child move in, you can decorate a dorm easily with some easy-to-make art projects! Save even more money with these quick and easy DIY projects, and learn some amazingly easy summer recipes to bring some homestyle cooking skills up to school!

Monday, August 7, 2017

When You Should Get Your Brakes Inspected

OKEMOS, Mich., – You might not think about them much, but the first line of defense against an accident or damage to your vehicle are your brakes. They can slow down your vehicle and prevent or reduce any structural damage you may encounter in an accident. Making sure they're fully functioning can make all the difference in the world in the event you run into trouble. There are a few telltale signs that can let you know when you should get your brakes inspected, but we'll go over them now to let you know what to look for in the future!

Reduced Responsiveness

If your brakes just aren't quite working like they used to, or your pedal "sinks" to the floor, it could mean your brakes are leaking fluid. You can tell whether or not they're leaking if you notice a small puddle forms when you park your vehicle. Brake fluid looks like a less "slimy" version of motor oil fluid. If you notice reduced responsiveness or fluid leakage from your brakes, bring it in to us and we'll get it looked at and repaired right away!

Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If you feel your vehicle pull to the left or right when you brake, it means that your brake linings have worn down unevenly. This can be caused by braking on uneven terrain or extended braking on long turns while you drive. If you experience pulling while you drive, make sure your vehicle is checked out as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers. If you leave it unchecked, unevenly worn linings can cause long term damage to your brakes, leading to more expensive repairs. Avoid extra trips to our Service Center by getting them taken care of as soon as possible.

Grinding

Do you hear a loud metallic sound when you brake? This is caused when two pieces of the brakes, the calipers and discs, rub against each other and cause friction, scratching your brakes and causing permanent damage. Your brakes grind against each other when your pads wear down and can be quite expensive if left unattended to. If you ignore the grinding sound on your brakes, it can score them, or cause them to wear down unevenly, which may require your brakes to be completely replaced rather than a much more affordable repair.

Screeching

A high-pitched screeching sound can indicate that your brakes need to be looked at, as well. This noise is caused by an indicator, a key component in your brakes that lets you know when your brake pads are close to being worn down. It's loud enough to be heard with your windows up, but not loud enough to be heard when your radio is on, so if you're worried about how your brakes are holding up, turn down the radio and give them a test. If the screeching problem persists, make sure to schedule an appointment with us!

Vibrations

Your brakes will naturally vibrate when you have to make emergency stops to ensure that your vehicle is able to slow down at a much quicker rate. If your brakes vibrate when you pull to a slower stop frequently, however, it may be time to get them looked at. Frequent vibrations with braking can mean that your rotors may be warped, and can be felt through the brake pad when you brake normally. This can be caused by friction generated through mountain driving, frequent emergency braking, and heavy towing.

Unlike oil changes, brakes don't have a set timeframe as to when they should be repaired. Like wiper fluid, they should be maintained and replaced as needed. Now that you know when you should get your brakes inspected, you'll be able to save money and spot the warning signs of brake wear. Do your brakes need maintenance? Use our coupons to save on service, inspection, and more! Extend the life of your brakes and other important components of your vehicle with our routine maintenance tips, and use our summer car care tips to keep your vehicle in top shape this season!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

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!

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

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!