5 Bad Habits that Can Damage Your Vehicle

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Summer in Michigan is full of fun events. Camping, water sports, road trips, you name it. However, all that heat and stale air can do quite a number on your car if you keep up certain bad habits (and let's face, we're guilty of all of them).

In order to protect your vehicle, Graff Mt. Pleasant is here with some bad habits that can reduce its performance.

1. KEEPING YOUR FUEL TANK LOW

Gas prices are especially high during the summer months, and we've all been there where $10 worth is the best we can do at the time. However, trying to put a little extra in at the pump can save you the more expensive fate of replacing your fuel pump. Many fuel pumps stay cool by being submerged in the fuel tank. If you typically ride the gauge at a quarter tank or less, you risk speeding up wear and tear to your fuel pump.

2. RESTING YOUR HAND ON THE SHIFTER

Driving a stick shift is great fun, and having one hand on the shifter and the other on the steering wheel seems like the most natural way to do it. Don't. When you leave your hand on the shifter, it puts added stress on your transmission's bushings and synchronizers, which can lead to premature wear. It's a lot safer to keep both hands on the wheel anyway.

3. IGNORING YOUR WARNING LIGHTS

When your check engine, oil or tire pressure light comes on, it's easy to ignore it. "I can leave it for awhile," you might say to yourself, "I've never had any problems before!" Bad move, you. Your vehicle has a ton of sensors underneath all that metal, which are there to monitor the function and condition of different components. When there's a problem, those sensors will notify you on the dashboard, and you should listen. Granted in some cases it may be a false alarm, but bringing your car in for a service appointment with us to have it inspected is a lot cheaper than having to foot the bill for a replacement, not to mention a lot safer than having your engine blow up on the highway.

4. SUDDENLY SHIFTING

When you've been driving for a long time, your operating skills become a lot more advanced and your movements more fluid. This is no more evident than in the way you shift gears, such as when you back out of a parking space then immediately shift into drive. It might seem harmless at the time, but sudden shift changes like that can do a lot of damage to your drivetrain. Instead, try to get in the habit of coming to a complete stop before shifting gears. It only costs you one more second and will help to spare you costly engine, transmission, and axle replacements.

5. HARD STOPS AND EXCESSIVE BRAKING

While it's sometimes necessary to slam on the brakes in order to avoid a collision, you should not make a habit of it. On top of that, excessive use of your brakes, such as when you're following too close to the vehicle in front of you, is not good either. Both can accelerate wear and tear on your brake pads, which can then lead to brake replacements and, if left unchecked, brake reduction and even failure when you're on the road.

We're all guilty of these bad habits that can negatively affect your vehicle's performance, but the good news is all habits can be broken! Now that you know the damage you're causing your car when you do these things, you can work towards reducing and eventually eliminating them. While you're at it, why not schedule a service appointment with us to make sure everything is in tip-top shape?

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.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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National Car Care Month: Spring for Inspection of Your Alignment and Suspension

MT. PLEASANT, Mich., -- With harsh winters and the drastic freeze/thaw cycles we experience heading into springtime, Michiganders are no strangers to terrible road conditions. Something we may not be aware of however is how much the alignment and suspension of our cars suffer when we drive over the many potholes that open up when the seasons change, and more importantly how to know when something's wrong and head in for service. Even if you don't suspect anything is amiss, spring is still a great time to schedule an inspection to make sure everything is well and good.

During National Car Care Month, Graff Mt. Pleasant wants to share with you the importance of having your alignment and suspension inspected this spring.

ALIGNMENT

Over time, things like potholes, dirt/uneven roads, and regular driving can take a toll on your vehicle's wheel alignment. However, road conditions get particularly nasty here during the winter here in Michigan, so it's extremely important that you check up on your alignment when Mother Nature finally decides to let up for the season.

When your wheels aren't properly aligned, your car has to work harder to move thus causing its performance to suffer. Spring alignment care is important because it maximizes tire life, performance, and fuel efficiency. Scheduling an alignment check at Graff Mt. Pleasant is super easy, and here are some signs for you to look out for in the meantime:

• Your car pulls to one side
• Vibrations in the steering wheel
• Visible uneven tire tread wear
• Squealing tires
• Your steering wheel turns while traveling straight

Of course, even if you don't notice something wrong, springtime is the perfect time to head in for an alignment inspection just in case.

SUSPENSION

Your vehicle's suspension is responsible for controlling the bounce and impacts of certain rough road conditions and helps to keep the tires in contact with the road. It also helps to provide consistent handling, control rolling and swaying, encourages even tire and brake wear, and contributes to overall passenger comfort. Spring suspension care is especially important after experiencing treacherous road conditions during the winter (and let's be honest, even well into spring). You can easily schedule a suspension inspection at Graff Mt. Pleasant, should you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Hard steering
• Heavy tipping feeling when turning
• Nose-dive stops
• Rough ride
• Excessive bounce
• Low riding height of the vehicle

It's also good to just pop in for an inspection when the seasons change, to make sure everything is in top working condition.

We in the Mitten State know that terrible road conditions are a fact of life, and our alignment and suspension suffer a great deal as a result. As we head into spring, it's a good idea to have both inspected to make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road, and certainly if you spot any of the warning signs we've listed. Spring Car Care is not only essential to protect your investment, but also ensure yours and your family's safety.

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.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Have Your Belts and Hoses Inspected for National Car Care Month

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,---We at Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant are here to share with you why you should have your belts and hoses inspected for National Care Care Month. When it comes to keeping your vehicle running in good shape, your belts and hoses are some of the most important parts of your engine because they enable your car to run! Normal use will cause them to wear down over time, but are more susceptible to damage in extreme hot or cold weather. Hot weather can add heat on top of existing friction, which causes these parts to wear down a lot faster. while cold weather on the other hand can make them stiff and prone to cracking.

By following scheduled maintenance and having regular inspections completed, you can be sure that your belts and hoses are working properly. While they don't often require replacements, inspections can catch little issues before they become big problems. We've shared some tips below on the various kinds of belts and hoses that help your car run, as well as how to spot any signs of damage.

BELTS

Your engine's belts control things like your AC compressor, water pump, alternator, engine valve intake and exhaust, and power steering. A broken belt can completely disable your vehicle, and the changing temperatures that come with springtime can make them more prone to wear. Damaged, cracked, or frayed belts can still run but can cause even bigger issues like your engine overheating. While they don't often require replacements, it is important to get your belts inspected regularly.

There are two kinds of belts your engine uses: the timing belt and the accessory or serpentine belt.

Timing Belt: Also known as the Cam belt, the timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. This helps the engine's valves open and close at the right times during the cylinders' intake and exhaust strokes. You should have your timing belt replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles or whenever your owner's manual tells you to do so, and here are a few signs to look out for that may indicate a replacement is in order:

• Your engine "jumps" gears
• Your vehicle is completely disabled
• There are plastic pieces from the camshaft gears in your oil pan
• There is loss of oil pressure (due to the camshaft pieces being in your oil)
• You hear a squeaking noise from your timing cover
• You hear rattling noises coming from your engine
• You have trouble starting your vehicle

Accessory or Serpentine Belt: Most vehicles usually have one or two drive/accessory belts. Also known as the "serpentine" belt, the accessory belt gets its name from the snake-like motion it uses around the pulleys of the engine. Its job is to transport power to components like your power steering pump, AC compressor, alternator, and many others.

Water, dirt, oil leaks, and excessive heat can cause your serpentine belt to wear down very quickly. You should have it inspected every 10,000-20,000 miles, and replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles or whenever your owner's manual tells you to do so. Here are a few signs that your accessory belt might need replacing:

• An overheating engine
• A disabled vehicle
• A loss of power steering
• A squealing or high-pitched noise while accelerating

HOSES

In the same way your circulatory system moves blood and oxygen around your body, your engine's hoses move fluids vital to your car's performance throughout its entire system. A cracked or damaged hose can lead to the leaking of these vital fluids, like coolant or brake fluid, and reduce the efficiency of your vehicle. There are several kinds of hoses inside your car:

Radiator Hoses: This hose moves coolant through your engine to regulate its temperature. Without it, your engine can overheat which can in turn case major internal damage and lead to costly repairs. Here a few indicators of a radiator hose leak:

• Drop in coolant level
• Smoke coming from your engine
• Rising engine temperature
• A bright pool of liquid underneath your vehicle

Fuel Line: The fuel line transports fuel from your fuel tank to the fuel pump, and are typically made out of reinforced rubber but can also be made out of plastic or metal. While they aren't usually a part of your vehicle's routine maintenance, it is extremely important to have them checked before the end of the fall or beginning of spring when temperatures are changing drastically. Here are some signs you may need to replace your fuel line:

• Loss in fuel efficiency/gas tank emptying faster than normal
• Puddles of gas underneath your vehicle
• Smelling gasoline while driving
• Hard starts
• Your vehicle not starting at all

Brake Lines/Hoses: Brake lines and hoses are used to stop your vehicle when you depress the brake pedal. Some vehicles made of steel and some made of rubber, but rubber takes the majority for the flexibility it provides to your car's suspension when traveling on uneven surfaces. Here's how to tell if you have a broken brake line or hose:

• Loss of braking ability
• "Soft" brakes

Now that you know why, go forth and have your belts and hoses inspected for National Car Care Month! Take care of your car, and it will take care of you. Schedule an appointment with our friendly and knowledgable service team today, and we'll help you keep your vehicle running at its best this spring and get it ready for your summer adventures!

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.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Auto Service Valentines Day Gifts for Your Car

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– As Valentines Day approaches, and you prepare to celebrate with your sweetheart, you'll need cards, flowers, chocolates, and all of the usual gifts. But, have you thought about what to get your car? Right, we know it may seem silly to get your car a Valentines Day gift, but think of all that your sedan, truck, or SUV does for you, especially this time of year during the harsh winter weather! Show your car some love by taking care of it with these auto service Valentines Day gift ideas!

Car Detailing/Car Wash

Throughout the winter, your vehicle is subjected to slush, mud, and corrosive road salt that will damage your paint job and rust out the undercarriage. Regular car washes and detailing will protect the integrity of your vehicle's exterior and keep it looking as good as the day you bought it. Show your vehicle you car about it and get it washed and waxed on Valentines Day.

Wiper Blade Replacement

With all the ice that builds up on your windshield and wiper blades during the winter, they are likely to break down from wear and tear. When they do break or tear, your wiper blades won't be able to effectively keep your windshield clear and clean while you're driving, which is important to your safety. If you're in need, stop into our service department to get your windshield wipers replaced today.

Floor Mats

To help your vehicle stay clean, we recommend purchasing a set of Weather Tech Mats for Valentines Day. Weather Tech Mats are the top product for catching and containing all the snow and such that clings to your boots when you enter a vehicle during the winter. Allowing this snow and slush to soak into your floor carpet will allow the corrosive road salt in the slush to cause unsightly stains and corrode the metal floor underneath the carpet.

Portable Hand Vacuum

To keep your interior clean and tidy, consider purchasing a handheld vacuum for your car. A clean car will just plain feel better, and keep your car looking as brand new as the day you first bought it!

Oil Change

When's the last time you got an oil change? We hope it wasn't too long ago, as it is critically important to your vehicle to get an oil change every 3,000–5,000 miles. Bring your vehicle into our Graff Mt Pleasant Service Department for an oil change this month, that way your car, truck, or SUV will run better and you won't have to worry about your engine overheating and warping internal components.

Winter Car Care

While winter continues to blanket Michigan in snow and ice, it's important to protect your vehicle and its internal components from the freezing temperatures and poor road conditions. Our Winter Car Care maintenance routine includes inspecting your tires, brakes, battery, and more to make sure your vehicle handles well on the icy roads and doesn't break down or become disabled out in the cold.

Spring Care Care

Once winter comes to an end, which thankfully isn't too far off, completing your Spring Car Care maintenance routine will be important. The toll winter has taken on your vehicle will be significant and to avoid further damage and get your vehicle running in top condition, you should bring it into our service center to get its alignment and suspension adjusted, fluids refilled, and much more. Pamper your car so that its ready to shine come springtime!

Graff Mt. Pleasant Service Coupons

You can save big on necessary repairs or routine maintenance this season by downloading our service coupons off of our website! We've got deals on batteries, brake pad installation, and more.

So make sure to get some auto maintenance done as a Valentines Day gift for your car this year! Also, maybe you're looking to spoil your sweetheart with a ride this Valentine's Day, browse our online inventory to see if have what you're looking for. Then, speak with our friendly sales staff to schedule a test drive to experience it in person. We'll be happy to help you find the perfect vehicle to cruise into springtime in!

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.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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How to Prep Your Home and Car for the Cold Weather

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– Michigan winters can be particularly nasty, and the freezing temperatures we are known to experience can take their toll on your house and your vehicle. There's a number of internal automotive components that can wear down more quickly in the cold. Same goes for your home as well! But thankfully, you can take steps to protect both your house and your ride from winter's inclement weather. Read on learn how to prep your home and car for the cold weather.

Prep Your Home:

Protect Your Pipes - You do not want to deal with the catastrophe of having frozen pipes that crack and then burst come springtime. To ensure this doesn't happen, disconnect and store outdoor hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and drain the water from any outdoor sprinkler systems. Additionally, make sure to protect any water pipes that are in unheated areas of your home with insulation.

Check Your Furnace - You don't want to go through any amount of time this winter without a working furnace, so before the weather gets too cold, test out your furnace to make sure it's running well. Also, to ensure efficiency, we recommend changing your furnace filter right now and then every two to four months until the cold weather subsides.

Prevent Ice Dams - Ice damns are large pieces of ice that build up on the edges of your roof, usually in a gutter, that can seriously damage the structural integrity of your roof. To avoid allowing any ice damns to occur, start by cleaning out your gutters. Then, invest in a de-icing cable system that can be installed on your roof, or purchase an extendable roof rake to use to shovel off the snow that accumulates on your roof so that the ice damns won't begin to form.

Clean and Store Lawn Equipment - It's important to properly winterize and store your lawn equipment for the winter. Start by emptying the fuel in your equipment, as gasoline can damage fuel lines and other components if it sits there for too long unused. You should also clean off any dirt, grime, oil, or grass that is on your lawn mower, leaf blower, etc.

Seal Doors and Windows - Use caulk to seal around your windows and install weather stripping around doors as needed to help keep the warm air in your house from escaping outside, saving you money on your heating bill.

Inspect Fireplace and Chimney - Don't lose any of the warm air in your home by forgetting to close your chimney's flue all the way. Put your hand up your chimney to check, you shouldn't be able to feel any cold air coming down the chimney.

Other Winter Essentials - Make sure you have road salt and shovels to keep your driveway ice and snow-free. Also, a backup generator is a good thing to have in case of emergency or a power outage.

Prep your Car:

Make an Emergency Kit - Everyone should have a winter emergency kit in their car during these colder months. It should include a first aid kit, jumper cables, emergency cash, flashlight, cell phone charger, and additional cash. Additionally, we recommend that you keep sand/kitty litter and a shovel in your vehicle in case you get stuck in a snowbank.

Check Your Engine Coolant/Antifreeze Levels - These fluids will help keep your engine's radiator from freezing or overheating which is especially important during the winter months when the temperatures drop below freezing. You can pop the hood of your vehicle to check your fluid levels or you can always bring your vehicle into our Service Center to have your levels checked and refilled if need be.

Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread Depth - As we all know, driving in snow and ice can be hazardous. Avoid slipping and sliding on winter roads by keeping your tire pressure at the optimal level and making sure that your tire tread isn't worn down. Bald and under-inflated tires will dramatically reduce your handling on the road, so ensure your safety this winter by either maintaining your tires or purchasing new ones.

Get Your Heating and Ventilation Fixed - Getting the heating and ventilation systems in your vehicle checked and/or fixed is extremely important this time of year. You won't be able to defrost your windshield in the morning so that you can see the road properly, and you'll be unable to warm up the cabin of your vehicle, neither of which are safe things to experience.

For additional tips and information to get your vehicle in top shape before the snow and ice arrive, we recommend reading our Fall Car Care guide to prepare for the coming winter weather. It's important to how to prep your home and car for the cold weather this time of year! If you have any questions on how to get your vehicle ready for winter or need any routine maintenance done before the snow falls, visit our Graff Mt. Pleasant Service Center. Our knowledgeable and friendly service technicians will be happy to assist you with anything you need. If you're interested in upgrading to a vehicle that can handle the winter conditions and roads, contact our sales staff to get their recommendations on which vehicles, or check our inventory online to see for yourself!

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.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube