8 Must-Try Game Day Recipes

OKEMOS, Mich., – Now that football season is in full swing, what better way to celebrate game day than with a football-themed party? Put on your favorite team's jersey, fire up the oven, and give these 8 must-try game day recipes a try at your next get-together!

Pretzel Monkey Bread

This soft, buttery, pull-apart pretzel bread is a must this football season! Serve it with a side of honey mustard or warm cheese for extra flavor in every bite. It's easy to make and full of flavor.

Salsa Verde Queso Dip

Want to make an easy, cheesy game day recipe? Salsa verde queso dip is the answer. This slow cooked dip is best served with tortilla chips, bread, or on game day tacos!

Turkey Swiss Sliders

Looking for healthier alternatives this season? These turkey swiss sliders are a lighter option for game day recipes without sacrificing any of the flavor. The best part is, this recipe only requires five ingredients, so you can make it quick before the next game!

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Follow up your game day appetizers with the main course: sloppy Joe sliders! With a flavorful mixture of sloppy Joe and melted cheese on toasted buns, you can savor every bite of these easy-to-make sandwiches in the convenience of a slider!

Sweet Chili BBQ Kielbasa

No game day is complete without sweet chili BBQ kielbasa! This 3-ingredient crowd-pleaser will score high no matter where you serve it. Combine your favorite BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, and kielbasa in a crockpot for an undeniably easy game day recipe!

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

For more crockpot cooking, this warm and gooey mac and cheese is perfect for game day snacking, post game eating, and leftovers the next day. Slow cook your favorite cheeses with some al dente macaroni and you'll have a winning recipe!

Football Puppy Chow

No matter who you're rooting for, this puppy chow is the Super Bowl Champion of snacks! You can add a personal touch on game day by changing the candy melt colors to match your team. 

Cookies and Cream Football

Go big or go home this season with delicious desserts! This cookies and cream football is the perfect finisher to your game day. Enjoy Oreo flavor on top of Nilla wafers, pretzels, or apple slices for a tasty treat!

Whether you're a diehard football fan or are just enjoying the game day fun, these 8 must-try game day recipes will be sure to add the perfect touch to your festivities! While you're out and about gathering ingredients for your recipes, get a head start on your fall car care to keep your vehicle in peak condition this season! If you find anything that may require attention, schedule a service appointment with us right away. We'll even pick up and deliver your vehicle to you afterwards, free of charge!

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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5 Tips to Increase the Life of Your Brakes

OKEMOS, Mich., – Your brakes are the most essential safety component in your vehicle. Without proper care they can wear down quickly, reducing your ability to stop and increasing your risk of danger out on the road. Follow these 5 tips to increase the life of your brakes so that you improve you and your passengers' safety on the road as well as increase your gas mileage.

Watch Your Speed

Stopping your vehicle at high speeds is the number one way your brakes are worn down as you drive. This bad driving habit causes brakes to wear down significantly faster than they would at slower speeds. Your brakes begin to work by using the brake pads to reduce the rotation of your brake discs when the vehicle is traveling. When this happens, the brake pads are slowly worn down and the energy of the spinning disc converts into heat. The faster you drive, the more energy you produce, thus generating more heat when the brakes are applied to it. Over time, the heat your brakes produce can wear down its important components, leading to costly repairs and potential damage to your brakes. If you practice slower driving habits, your vehicle will put less stress on your brakes.

Practice Coasting

A great way to reduce your chances of stopping at high speeds is by coasting while you drive. Allowing your vehicle to naturally slow down before applying your brakes at a stop will save you on fuel costs as well as reduce the wear on your brakes. However, keeping an eye on other drivers while you're on the road is an extremely important safety tactic! Remaining mindful of other drivers' behaviors will keep you and your passengers safe.

Consider What You Carry

Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, the luggage you keep in your vehicle will directly affect important components on your brakes. The added weight to your vehicle will add pressure and make it more difficult for your brakes to slow down the vehicle, wearing them down at a much faster rate than normal. Keeping your vehicle light and free of excess weight will allow your brakes to perform efficiently without any unnecessary pressure.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It's impossible to predict the behavior of other drivers on the road. Sometimes, drivers will brake or swerve between lanes for no reason, potentially causing the vehicles behind them to have to slam on their brakes. To avoid this, give yourself a wide berth between other vehicles while you're on the freeway to increase your safety and the longevity of your brakes. That way, you'll avoid having to perform unnecessary stops on the road that would otherwise wear your brakes down. Practice this mindful habit next time you're on the freeway!

Have Your Brakes Serviced

One of the best ways to ensure your brakes last a long time is to have regular maintenance performed on them. Investing in regular brake maintenance can help you to avoid expensive replacement costs in the future. If you'd like to have your brakes looked at, bring your vehicle in to the Graff Okemos Service Center! Our attentive staff will go above and beyond to ensure your brakes are working at their absolute best. You can schedule an appointment online without having to leave your couch!

The condition of your brakes can be the difference between a potential accident and remaining unharmed out on the road. Follow our 5 tips to increase the life of your brakes listed above to help keep your brake pads, discs, calipers and other components in good condition. If you plan on having your brakes looked at, utilize our wide array of coupons for brake inspection or other maintenance services to help save you money!

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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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!

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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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!

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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Service and Parts Coupons to Save You Money at Graff Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich., – Whether it's an oil change or tire rotation, routine maintenance is something every driver will have to take care of throughout their ownership of the vehicle. While oil changes can be fairly inexpensive, other maintenance tasks like getting replacement brakes or replacing a battery can be more costly. Keep your car running its best and your wallet full with these service coupons to save you money at Graff Okemos Take a look at some of our best coupons below for more money-saving opportunities!

30-Day Guarantee Tire Price Match

If you buy tires from us at Graff Okemos and find a better deal within 30 days of your purchase, bring it in and we'll refund you the difference! The tire brands eligible are BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, and Uniroyal. Take advantage of this coupon before the year ends! We recommend using it to purchase a set of winter tires when the time comes.

Oil Change & Tire Rotation Discounts

Whether you own a vehicle that takes 6-quarts or 8-quarts of oil, you can take advantage of these exclusive multi-service discounts until the end of the year. When you're here, we'll make sure to change your oil, rotate your tires, and provide an inspection which includes checking your fluid levels, steering, suspension, wiper blades, exhaust, battery, brakes, and belts.

Discounted ACDelco Batteries

Make sure your car will start in any weather, and keep your electric components well powered with a new battery! The ACDelco Professional Silver battery comes with a 30-month free-replacement limited warranty, while the Gold battery comes with a 42-month free-replacement limited warranty. With a $24.95 installation fee, you'll be able to save extra on a brand new battery until the end of 2017. 

Make the most of these limited-time offers while you can!

$29.43 Lube, Oil, & Filter

Keeping up on your oil and filter changes is extremely important to your engine's health. Oil lubricates and protects your engine's components that will help extend it's life. Having your belts and hoses checked regularly is another important routine maintenance task, because they enable your vehicle and other important components within to run. Keeping your door, hood hinges, steering, suspension, and driveline lubricated will help prevent rusting, allowing for easier steering, and helps keep your ride smooth. Our lube, oil, and filter coupon helps you maintain these important components for the price of a normal oil change! Our friendly Service Staff's inspection can save you money on potentially costly repairs in the future by informing you right away if anything requires attention. Keep up on your routine maintenance with our lube, oil, and filter coupon!

$119.95 Coolant Flush

Coolant is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle, as it can regulate and reduce the heat of the engine over time. Your coolant should be replaced about every 30,000 miles or every two years. Because your coolant is so important to your engine's functions, you'll want to make sure you keep track of when this service is needed, or ask our service technicians for help! Our Service Staff will also check for any leaks, as well as take a look at your belts and hoses, too. 

With a summer full of activities, road trips, and fun in the sun, it can be easy to forget about vehicle maintenance. Remembering to have your vehicle regularly looked at, however, is the best way to prevent costly repairs that could cut into your road trip fund. Use these service and partscoupons to save you money to help prevent anything from happening while you're out on the road! If you'd like to take advantage of these limited-offer deals, schedule an appointment with us and print off the coupon you'll be using and our Service Staff will get it taken care of right away. Plus, you can further reduce your need for costly maintenance with our helpful routine maintenance tips to keep up on your vehicle's needs year-round!

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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DIY Fall Decor for Your Home

OKEMOS, Mich., – Fall has officially arrived! The cooler weather is on its way in, and the days are getting shorter and shorter. Don't let the change in seasons get you down! Start making your house more cozy with our DIY fall decor for your home! To see further instructions for these projects and more, head over to our Graff Okemos Pinterest page!

1. Fall Scents

If you love your home to smell like fall, but don't want to fill it with chemicals from candles or air fresheners, try making a fall simmer pot! Fill a pot with water, fruit, and spices, and bring it to a simmer to fill your home with fall!

2. Creative Pumpkin Carving

You'll certainly be carving pumpkins for halloween, but don't just stick with your classic jack-o-lantern! Get more creative with stickers and markers to create a haunted house pumpkin!

3. Decorative Bottles

These decorative bottles are a simple project you can create using things you might have around your house. If you don't have the supplies, the craft store will! Decorate them however you like!

4. Mason Jar Candle Holders

Mason jars are a fall staple! Use some mod podge and fake fall leaves to create these cute candle holders! You can even use battery operated candles! 

5. Fall Leaf Mobile

This fun mobile is pretty easy to make! You can have the kids paint with fall colors and then cut out their creations in the shape of leaves. Attach them to a branch using fishing line and hot glue! Hang it on the wall and voila! 

Hopefully as we dive into autumn, our DIY fall decor projects for your home will have you feeling inspired! Decorating your home for fall can be a fun project for the whole family! Don't forget about your vehicle while you're wrapped up in your projects! Schedule a routine maintenance appointment at Graff Chevrolet Okemos! We'll make sure your car is ready for the weather ahead!

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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2018 Chevrolet Equinox Redesign

OKEMOS, Mich., – The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has been redesigned, and its latest features are pretty cool! In an attempt to grow their crossover and SUV segment, Chevy is hoping to match their booming truck business with the incredible new Chevy Equinox details. From design, to connectivity, to safety, the all new Equinox was designed to meet all of your needs!

Design

The new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox update includes a "sleek" and "sophisticated" exterior look. This sculpted design is continued on the interior of the vehicle with new durable seat fabric and the option to stow away the second row of seating, creating a completely flat loading surface for cargo. Extensive wind tunnel testing influenced the vehicle's sporty exterior.

Connectivity

The Chevy MyLink technology system will be available in the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available 4G LTE Wi-fi hotspot. These connectivity features provide top of the line entertainment to passengers and enhance the driving experience in terms of navigation and audio features.

Safety

The updated model of the Chevy Equinox will offer Teen Driver technology which allows parents to monitor their teen's driving habits and set parameters for speed and radio volume. It will also offer state of the art crash-avoidance features which offer alerts to potential crash threats.

As well as the latest design and safety features, the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox redesign also offers buyers 3 different turbocharged engines. One of these options is the turbo diesel engine, the first of its kind in an SUV in North America. Additionally, the AWD feature of the Equinox is switchable in the newest model, helping to enhance efficiency. Make sure your current vehicle is running efficiently by staying up to date on your routine maintenance! You can schedule an appointment online to bring your vehicle into Graff Chevrolet Okemos for service!

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with top-notch service and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you find your dream car – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Chevrolet to Improve Trailering Safety and Integration

OKEMOS, Mich., – Chevrolet has just announced their latest partnership, one that will bring trailer owners more peace of mind while towing. By working with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), Chevrolet will improve Trailering Safety and Integration. This partnership aims to bring trailer owners more truck-to-trailer integration, optimized safety features, and new technology features.

With help from industry leading associations, who have extensive experience in the field of towing and trailering safety, Chevrolet will work to develop new technologies for trailer owners. Features will include safety technologies, and trailer and truck integration. This will increase ease of use for trailer owners, and provide functions to alert owners of trailer tampering or theft.

“Safety and ease of use are key considerations for families that use RV trailers,” Bruce Hopkins, RVIA vice president, Standards, said. “We’re pleased to partner with Chevrolet and NATM on this project to create a safer, simpler and easier towing experience.”

Chevy wants to keep trailer drivers safe on the road! By improving trailering safety and integration, Chevy, the RVIA and the NATM will ensure more peace of mind for trailer owners. Graff Chevrolet Okemos wants you to stay safe too! Schedule an appointment online at the Graff Chevrolet Okemos Service Center, and we'll make sure you're up to date on all of your routine maintenance!

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with top-notch service and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you find your dream car – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Cider Mills Around Ingham County

OKEMOS, Mich. –– You’ve waited an entire year for the sweetness of apple cider and warm, cinnamon-sugar doughnuts. You crave them year round, and now the time to feast has come: fall is here! If you're not a Michigander, you might not understand the obsession at first, but once you've had a taste, you'll be hooked, too. This season, bask in the glory of fall and visit these cider mills around Ingham County that are ready and willing to indulge your deepest hankerings for bags-on-bags of sweet, ring-shaped, fried cakes, that should always be washed down with many gulps of saccharine cider.

Clearview Orchards
1051 Barry Rd
Haslett, MI 48840

Uncle John’s Cider Mill
8614 US-127

St. Johns, MI 48879

Phillips Orchards and Cider Mill
1995 E County Line Rd
St. Johns, MI 48879

Rex Young’s Orchard
2652 E. Territorial Rd
Rives Junction, MI 49277

The Country Mill
4648 Otto Road

Charlotte, MI 48813

Apple Schram Organic Orchard
1300 Mt. Hope

Charlotte, MI 48813

You’ve waited months to stuff yourself with cider mill delicacies. Now the moment has arrived for you to take advantage of these autumn favors by heading to a cider mill around Ingham County before this rich tradition ends for another year.

We’re all about making time for fall festivities, but you can’t enjoy autumn in Michigan without making sure your vehicle is fit for multiple trips to your favorite cider mill, pumpkin patch, or fall color tour destinations. Stop by Graff Chevrolet in Okemos for all of your vehicle’s auto service needs, and we’ll make sure you’re ready to drive through fall worry-free. You can make an appointment on our website, or use our routine maintenance and FAQ pages to answer your questions!

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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