Tuesday, August 28, 2018

2019 GMC Sierra Denali Makes Its Way to Dealerships


MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Having set the new standard for capability, refinement, and innovation at its introduction earlier this year, the all-new 2019 GMC Sierra Denali is now beginning to make its way to dealerships and bolstering the GMC's position as the leading brand for premium truck buyers.

Distinguished by an iconic design and segment-leading technologies, the 2019 GMC Denali is the flagship of the next-gen Sierra line-up, which features a broader and bolder range of pick-up trucks including the AT4 and Elevation models.

“GMC ignited the premium truck market 17 years ago with the launch of the Sierra Denali and the next-generation model sets a new standard with unparalleled advancements and exclusive design,” says Rich Latek, marketing director of GMC. “It offers more upscale appointments, purposeful technologies, and capability - solidifying Denali as the ultimate in professional grade.”

In addition to its beastly good looks and premium features, the 2019 Denali raises the bar with ride and handling and performance technologies engineered to provide a seamless balance of comfort, control, and capability - including the new Adaptive Ride Control and the most powerful V-8 engine in its class.

The all-new 2019 Sierra Denali is offered as a crew cab with nearly 3-inches more of rear-seat legroom than its predecessor, as well as a roomier cabin trimmed with Denali-exclusive materials such as Forge leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim, and dark-finish aluminum decor.

The 2019 Denali secures its place as the most premium Sierra ever made, featuring segment-leading technologies and exclusive features including:

  • GMC Exclusive, Industry-first MultiPro Tailgate: The most innovative pickup tailgate ever. Featuring six unique functions and positions, as well as offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the box.
  • GMC Exclusive, Industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box: The CarbonPro offers best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance.
  • All-new ProGrade Trailering System with in-vehicle Trailering App: A connected and comprehensive suite of trailering technology that offers more confidence and precision to the towing experience.
  • Segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display: Projects key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 3x7-inch display for added safety.
  • Segment-first Rear Camera Mirror: Gives the driver the option of utilizes either an inside rearview mirror or a rearview camera mirror display that provides a wider, unobstructed view that can help overcome common visual obstructions such as occupants or cargo. On top of that, this technology features zoom and vertical tilt capability.

Other 2019 GMC Denali highlights (both standard and available) include:

  • Denali-exclusive exterior elements, including a bright, multidimensional grille, chrome exterior accents, and body-color bumpers.
  • New high-intensity LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped "light blade" lighting elements, LED fog lamps and C-shaped LED elements within the taillights.
  • Standard 20-inch aluminum wheels, and available 22-inch wheels.
  • Integrated dual exhaust with bright polished outlets standard.
  • Standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seat and heated, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  • GMC Premium Infotainment System with 8-inch-diagonal HD color touchscreen, embedded navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility.
  • Customizable profiles that save each driver's personalized settings and presets, which are then stored in the cloud and can be accessed and used in other compatible 2019 GMCs.

RIDE AND HANDLING

The exclusive Adaptive Ride Control on the 2019 Sierra Denali offers premium ride comfort with overall improved road isolation and control than ever before. Utilizing real-time road monitoring and driver inputs when accelerating, cornering, braking, and trailering, the system's active dampers can be individually adjusted every 2 milliseconds.

On top of that, the all-new Traction Select System allows the driver to choose from preset drive modes, each tailored for different terrain and weather conditions like mud and snow, which then adjusts the 2019 Sierra's transmission shift points, throttle mapping, and StabiliTrak for optimal performance. The Traction Select System also operates with Adaptive Ride Control to further enhance the driving experience.

The available Traction Select System modes include:

  • Tour: The default mode of operation at every time the driver fires up the truck. Designed to deliver the right blend of refinement and efficiency for everyday use.
  • Sport: The transmission downshifts in order to keep the engine in its peak powerband, while power steering assist is slightly reduced to make the steering feel more direct, communicative and sporty.
  • Snow: Available only on two-wheel-drive Sierras, this mode optimizes the vehicle's driveline for wintry weather. On top of leveraging the vehicle's standard Traction Control and StabiliTrak stability control systems, this mode also provides a slower, less sensitive accelerator pedal calibration.
  • Off-Road: Designed for use for higher-speed driving on non-paved surfaces, this mode utilizes the same accelerator calibration as Snow Mode which gives the driver precise throttle control. Off-Road also incorporates StabiliTrak and traction control calibrations that allow for a little more wheel slip than on dry surfaces to aid in carrying momentum which is crucial in mud or gravel.
  • Tow/Haul: Modifies the transmission calibration so that shift points are higher, allowing the engine to deliver peak power. It also initiates downshifts earlier in order to leverage engine braking and reduce wear on brake components. Tow/Haul also engages Grade Braking functionality so that on long, downhill stretches, a light touch of the brake pedal can initiate a downshift to slow the vehicle more efficiently.

Additionally, the standard Autotrac 2-Speed Transfer Case provides a mechanical low range for amplified torque at low speeds, while a new electro-hydraulic power brake boost system (rather than a vacuum-assist system) offers a strong, smooth, and consistent brake pedal feel with a loaded bed or while trailering.

THE MOST POWERFUL V-8 ENGINE

The available 6.2L V-8 engine on the 2019 Denali is the largest in the segment as well as the most powerful, rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower with 460 lb-ft of torque, and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), an industry-first cylinder deactivation technology, enables the engine to operate in 17 different shift patterns between two to eight cylinders which, depending on demand, is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and power delivery.


Stay tuned for updates regarding the availability of the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali at Graff Mt. Pleasant!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

5 Reasons You Should Have Your Vehicle Serviced at a Dealership


Owning a car is a big responsibility. Like any machine, they need to be properly cared for in order to continue running at their best. Unless you’re a hardcore gearhead, however, you probably aren’t going to be performing routine maintenance yourself, and even if you are it helps to have a trusted resource to consult should you need to do so. The question is: who do you choose?

A dealership service center and your local mechanic have their own pros and cons. However, for the sake of this article, we’re going to be focusing on the important reasons why a dealership like Graff Mt. Pleasant is the best place to have your car serviced.



 1. TRAINING 

One of the biggest reasons the dealership wins over the local mechanic is the training provided. Automotive manufacturers offer specialist training through their network of dealerships, meaning that the technicians employed by a service center have expert knowledge of the performance of that particular line of vehicles, and thus know how and when they should be repaired. This training is often ongoing, meaning that dealership technicians are constantly kept up to date on the latest engineering and technologies released by the manufacturer.


 

2. FREQUENCY

Dealership technicians almost exclusively work on the make of vehicle sold by the dealership, granting them a higher degree of experience than an independent mechanic who may work on a particular brand here and there.


 

3. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

When it comes to the quality of tools used, dealership service centers certainly have a leg up over local mechanics. In addition to manufacturer-provided assistance with start-up costs and equipment, dealerships receive priority over anyone else when new service tools and specifications are developed, making them better equipped to handle service issues as engineering and technology are updated with each new model.

Dealer facilities also tend to be cleaner and better organized than a mechanic shop, which not only bodes well for the condition of your vehicle once you get it back, but also for you as most dealerships feature things like waiting rooms, complimentary drinks and snacks, television, and even Wi-Fi to make the wait more bearable.



4. WARRANTIES 

Another benefit to having your car serviced at a dealership are warranties. Both local mechanic shops and dealerships offer warranties for the work they perform, but the advantage definitely rests with the dealership. Within your vehicle’s warranty period, any repairs or routine maintenance are covered free of charge. Although, should you have to have service performed outside of a warranty, a dealership can back up their work with a warranty that is honored nationwide. That way, if a repair doesn’t hold, you can have it fixed at any other dealer at no cost to you.

Local mechanics, on the other hand, may only offer very limited warranties or only cover labor or parts, but never both. If you travel a lot or move, their warranty may also be worthless elsewhere, leaving you to foot a potentially hefty bill when you could have just visited one of the many dealerships in the network and had it done for free.


 

5. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

As representatives of the brand and the fact they have to pay the manufacturer to operate under their banner, dealerships have a significant advantage over local mechanics in the customer satisfaction department. Independent shops are free to run their business however they want and thus, depending on the character of ownership, are not held to the same strict corporate standards as are dealerships. If you have a bad experience at a local shop, your complaints run the risk of being overlooked as they answer to no superior entity. Dealership service centers, however, are policed by customer surveys and the open line of communication we have with the manufacturer itself (i.e. the one who keeps them employed).

While it tends to be a matter of preference and convenience, this article highlights some advantages to having your car serviced at a dealership rather than a local mechanic. It may not be for everyone, but dealership service centers have some important perks that make them a valid resource for drivers. Schedule a service appointment with Graff Mt. Pleasant today!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

By Popular Demand, Chevy Introduces the 2019 Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus Special Editions

Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus Special Editions Introduced by Chevrolet

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Chevrolet is expanding the availability of the 6.2L V-8 engine in its 2019 line-up of full-size SUVs with the introduction of the Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus special editions.

The 6.2L V-8 was originally available on the 2018 Tahoe RST 6.2L Performance Package. It also recently debuted on the 2019 Suburban RST 6.2L Performance Package and is now available at Chevrolet dealerships nationwide.

“Our customers have shown strong demand for both Tahoe and Suburban with the 6.2L V-8 option,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing and Advertising. “Thirty-six percent of all Chevy full-size SUV special edition models are now sold with this engine. Premier Plus gives both Suburban and Tahoe customers another option to choose from with several added premium touches.”

All Premier Plus vehicles, including the Premier RST with the optional 6.2L Performance Package, feature Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration along with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. An active suspension system that "reads" the road every millisecond,  Magnetic Ride Control triggers dampening changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in 10-15 milliseconds. This results in improved body-motion control while cornering and an overall more comfortable cruising experience.

As for the 10-speed automatic transmission, drivers will enjoy smaller steps between each ratio to maximize engine power under acceleration. This is accomplished by using a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and lower top gear ratio, which allows for the reduction of engine revolutions at highway speeds.

Other features include a unique interior with heated and ventilated black/mahogany, leather-appointed seats against a surrounding jet black trim. Along with 22-inch polished wheels, this premium two-tone interior makes its line-up debut on the 2019 Premier Plus special editions.

Other appearance features include gold "bowtie" emblems, chrome nameplate badging, a head-up display and 8-inch diagonal cluster, cross rails, chrome power steps and exhaust tip, and Chevrolet-branded cargo organizer.

In terms of connectivity, the 2019 Premier Plus special editions include a 12-month data plan of a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 6.2L V-8 engine now available on the 2019 Premier Plus special edition Tahoe and Suburban is capable of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. It also delivers three state-of-the-art technologies including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing in order for drivers to get the most out of power, torque, and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the availability of the 2019 Premier Plus special edition Tahoe and Suburban at Graff Mt. Pleasant!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado introduces several levels of towing features to improve drivers' trailering experiences - all light-duty models feature myChevrolet trailering phone app capability with the available Advanced Trailering System, which includes in-vehicle access to the system.

Working in tandem with both of these technologies, the Trailering Camera Package provides a more comprehensive view of whatever you're towing. On top of that, Chevy has taken the guesswork out of calculating combined truck and trailer weight with an industry-first trailering label.

“Ultimately, these technologies serve to eliminate common pain points of towing and help provide customers with a less stressful experience while trailering,” said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors.


2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

MYCHEVROLET APP TRAILERING FEATURES

All 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models will come with select trailering features included in the myChevrolet app such as pre-departure towing checklists and a glossary of towing terms. Additionally, the myChevrolet app allows you to conduct trailer light tests and automatic exterior light sequences to aid in confirming proper trailer connection. This feature can also be activated via the Advanced Trailering System.


2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

ADVANCED TRAILERING SYSTEM

If you tow often, the Advanced Trailering System on the 2019 Silverado makes it a more seamless process. It comes standard on the LTZ and High Country trim levels, and is available on the LT, RST, and Trail Boss trim levels.

  • Auto Parking Brake Assist: If you've ever dealt with the frustration of perfectly aligning your truck and trailer hitch only to see your truck roll when you put it in park, then you will love this industry-first technology. Auto Parking Brake Assist sets automatically when Hitch View is activated to help avoid rolling when you've lined up your truck with the trailer then shift into park.
  • Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: Adding a dynamic backing guideline to the Rear Vision Camera, this feature aids in lining up the hitch to add precision and a visual cue to reduce alignment difficulty.
  • Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This is an optional feature that can monitor the tire pressure of trailer tires using the infotainment system in your truck. On top of that, this also lets you monitor trailer tire temperature in order to prevent blowouts due to overheating. Requires optional equipment and dealer installation.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

ADVANCED TRAILERING SYSTEM INFOTAINMENT APP

The available Advanced Trailering System features an infotainment app accessible from the dashboard, which allows you to track fuel mileage and transmission temperature of the truck while towing. Additionally, you can create up to five profiles, including guests, for different trailer types.

Brake gain memory works with the integrated Trailer Brake Controller, providing fingertip control of the trailer brakes and letting you set and save the controller's brake gain setting for each profile.

Another industry-first featured on the 2019 Chevy Silverado is Trailer Theft Alert, which can activate the truck's lights and horn if the trailer's harness is disconnected. If you're enrolled in the OnStar Safety & Security plan, you will also receive a theft alert through your preferred method of contact.


2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

TRAILER CAMERA PACKAGE

All-new for 2019, this package enhances trailering views with three cameras that provide a 270-degree view including both sides and the rear. An optional fourth camera can also be mounted to the trailer itself for an even more improved view.


2019 Chevrolet Silverado Aims to Improve Trailering Experiences

TRAILERING LABEL

Not all trucks are created equal in terms of towing and hauling capacities, even if they're from the same manufacturer, and tends to vary widely from truck to truck making it difficult to calculate. To alleviate the frustration associated with guessing, Chevrolet has included a trailering label in the driver's side door jamb of every 2019 Silverado, which includes the information necessary to calculate your truck's exact capacities.

Information displayed on the label:
  • Gross vehicle weight rating
  • Gross combined weight rating
  • Gross axle weight rating (rear)
  • Maximum payload
  • Maximum tongue weight
  • Curb weight
Stay tuned for updates regarding the availability of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado at Graff Mt. Pleasant!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

National Radio Day: Awesome Top 100 Songs from Each Decade

National Radio Day: Awesome Top 100 Songs from Each Decade

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- The invention of the radio dates back to the late 1800s, and many inventors played a part in developing it into the entertainment and information medium we know today. If you can believe it, there was actually a time when people listened to rather than watched everything from news to shows (imagine the concept of "binge-listening" rather than "binge-watching")!

Even though television dominates most of our media nowadays, there's still one thing that many of us still turn to radio for, and that's music! In honor of National Radio Day on August 20th, here are Graff Mt. Pleasant's picks of some awesome songs from Billboard's Top 100 for each decade of music radio!


1940s: "PEOPLE WILL SAY WE'RE IN LOVE" - Frank Sinatra, 1943

Recorded during the early musician's strike of the 1940s which meant that a chorus had to be used in place of a band, "Ol' Blue Eyes" proves on his interpretation of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that he didn't need instruments to croon his heart out.



1950s: "I WALK THE LINE" - Johnny Cash, 1956

The first chart-topping hit by the one and only "Man in Black", the unique chord progression in this song was inspired by backward playback of guitar runs Cash had recorded while stationed in Germany as a member of the Air Force. Why does he hum so much during? To find his pitch in amidst all those key changes!



1960s: "SHE LOVES YOU" - The Beatles, 1964

The "Fab Four" exploded onto the American music scene in the early 60s, causing countless teenage girls to lose their minds and forever leaving their mark on music history as one of the most influential acts of all time. This love song of theirs, unusually written from the perspective of a third rather than first party, is impossible to not belt at full volume.



1970s: "BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY" - Queen, 1976

Freddie Mercury's magnum opus is one of music's most iconic, fusing elements of rock and opera into nearly six minutes of mastery. Mercury's vocal range was so enormous and powerful that medical science has trouble explaining how it even existed in the first place, and "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a perfect example of his legendary capability notably the opening five-part harmony which is comprised entirely of his voice.



1980s: "MATERIAL GIRL" - Madonna, 1984

Michigan's own Madonna established herself as a hitmaker and pop icon with this punchy tune. While the song is often taken literally as valuing wealth over love, many critics have made a case for "Material Girl" being an early voice of feminism in music, coming from the perspective of a powerful and capable woman whose success allows her to have her pick of many suitors - although she subversively warns that money cannot buy happiness.



1990s: "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU" - Whitney Houston, 1993

This song might have been written by Dolly Parton, but it arguably was made by Whitney Houston. Covered for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard in which Houston starred alongside Kevin Costner, this impassioned ballad spent 14 weeks at number one, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time, and the best-selling single released by a woman in music history.



2000s: "ARE YOU GONNA BE MY GIRL?" - Jet, 2004

It's impossible not to dance to this solid, honest-to-goodness bit of rock n' roll from Australian quartet, Jet. While many comparisons have between the song and Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life" and The White Stripes' "Screwdriver", drummer Nic Cester has cited Motown greats Martha and the Vandellas and the Supremes as its principle inspirations.




2010s: "ROLLING IN THE DEEP" - Adele, 2010

Her first number one single in the United States, Adele channels Wanda Jackson with a dash of Tina Turner in this song from the perspective of a scorned lover who makes the hard realization that, despite lingering sentiments, reconciliation is not possible. With over 7.6 million copies sold, "Rolling in the Deep" holds the record for the best-selling digital single by a female artist in the US. Note: She says "ship".


We hope you've enjoyed this trip through musical time with us, and encourage you to remember that the musicians listed here as well as your personal favorites owe much of their careers to the radio! This National Radio Day, support your local radio station and thus your favorite artists by tuning in and enjoying the music!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Durabed is the Largest in its Class

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Durabed is the Largest in its Class

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Boasting best-in-class cargo volume, box depth and box length at floor in addition to a segment-leading 12 fixed tie-downs and an exclusive power tailgate, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has the most functional and largest pick-up truck bed on the market.

“The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience,” said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors. “We’ve added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name – Durabed.”

Every bed size in the 2019 Silverado line-up has increased significantly compared to the 2018 model year:

  • 2018:
    • Short box: 53 cubic feet
    • Standard box: 62 cubic feet
    • Long box: 75 cubic feet
  • 2019:
    • Short box: 63 cubic feet
    • Standard box: 72 cubic feet
    • Long box: 89 cubic feet
In order to achieve a short box option that is 20% more than the competition, Chevy widened the maximum width of the bed floor nearly 10% (7 inches), and implemented this across all bed sizes for the 2019 Silverado.

Additionally, a higher grade steel is being used in the construction of the Durabed for 2019:

  • BED MATERIAL:
    • 2019 Silverado: High-strength steel (500 MPa)
    • 2019 Ford F-Series: Aluminum
    • 2019 Ram 1500: High-strength steel (340 MPa)
In terms of cargo box space, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado now leads the competition by at least 10 cubic feet. As for cargo box depth and length at floor, the 2019 Silverado now leads between 1-10 inches.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado now features 12 fixed tie-downs, with the strength of each being doubled from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. An additional 9 moveable tie-downs are also available for more cargo flexibility. With 21 tie-down points in all, the 2019 Silverado sports the most of any pick-up truck available.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Well, it's here. It seems like only yesterday that your son or daughter was just a little kid playing in the sandbox, but now they're young adults heading off to college this fall. Some of us moms and dads at Graff Mt. Pleasant know this experience all too well. College move-in day is certainly an emotional time, full of excitement as well as tears, but it doesn't need to be stressful.

Before you let your parental nerves get the better of you, read up on these helpful move-in day tips to help your child's transition to their dorm as smooth as possible!


Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

1. LET THEM LEAD

As much as you don't want to think about it, your child really isn't a child anymore. While we parents know that we only mean well, sometimes our sons or daughters interpret our care and concern as overbearing behavior. On move-in day, let them take the lead. Allow them to introduce themselves, take charge of unpacking, and handle any issues that might arise. Believe us, the feeling of seeing your kid display their independence and efficacy is way better than them screaming at you to get out because you're "smothering" them. Plus, you get to bask in the pride of having raised such an awesome human! Go you!


Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

2. EXCHANGE CONTACT INFO

If your student has a roommate, it's a good idea to exchange contact information with them just in case you ever have trouble reaching your son or daughter. If possible, it doesn't hurt to buddy up with the roommate's parents and get their numbers too. Strength in numbers!


Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

3. KEEP CALM

Move-in day is likely to be one when emotions run high. Your student is in a new place with new people, this is the first time they've ever been on their own, and now they have to LIVE at school. As a parent, it's important to help keep the energy positive during this time. Be calm and patient, don't give lectures or warnings, and (if you can help it) break down into tears AFTER you leave. Make this the big and exciting event it's meant to be!


Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

4. LIMIT YOUR ENTOURAGE

Several members of your extended family might want to come along to help and share in the excitement, but it's smarter to politely decline. Move-in day is absolute chaos. The rooms are often small as well as the hallways, and both are piled to the ceilings with boxes. That being said, it's best for cargo space and stress levels if you limit your moving party to just you, your student, and/or your spouse or a friend.


Dorm Move-In Day Tips for Parents of College Students

5. BRING REFRESHMENTS

Chances are on move-in day, neither you nor your student is super familiar with what's around campus. On top of that, with how crowded and crazy it is, do you really want to venture out for anything? Instead, pack a cooler with snacks and drinks.


Heading off to college is a pretty emotional time, and move-in day is one of the most chaotic of the semester. Have no fear though, you've got this! From all of us at Graff Mt. Pleasant, we hope you've found this information useful, and wish all of the students in our community a safe and happy semester! Fire up Chips!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.