Your Spring Car Care Checklist

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- While you're tackling that spring cleaning list for your home, there's some spring car care that should make it to your to-dos as well! We all spend the winter season dreaming of the road trips and adventures we'll experience once the warmer months roll around, but before you hit the road to catch those sun rays, you should make sure your car is up to the task. Winter weather can have some detrimental effects on your vehicle, but if you follow this checklist, your car should be ready for whatever travel plans your spring and summer months hold. 

• Have Your Steering and Suspension Inspected: Due to the freeze/thaw cycles that make up the majority of Michigan winters, potholes are a constant issue. Hitting these obstructions can severely damage your steering and suspension, but our service experts can get your vehicle back in alignment in no time. 

• Repair Dings and Dents: Harsh winter weather can lead to minor car body damage. While this doesn't necessarily affect the way your vehicle runs, it can decrease the aesthetics of your vehicle and thus, the value of your car. 

• Check Your A/C: There is nothing more disappointing than turning on your A/C once the summer months roll around and feeling nothing but hot air. Turn on the A/C and run the fan on all speeds. If something seems amiss, our certified service center would be happy to take care of the necessary repairs. 

• Change Windshield Wipers: The seemingly neverending downpour of hail, snow, and sleet can seriously mar your wipers, not to mention, you may want to purchase some new ones to prep for those spring showers that are on their way! 

• Tire Maintenance: Tires are the only point of contact between you and the road, so it's important that they're kept in good condition. Check the pressure of all them, including your spare, and make sure the tread is in good condition as well. 

• Inspect Air Filter: A clogged air filter can severely affect a car's performance and reduce your gas mileage by up to 10%! 

• Check Belts and Hoses: Cold temperatures can harden and/or damage rubber so make sure you check your belts and hoses for hardening, softening, leaks, cracks, blistering, or any other visible damage. 

• Inspect Your Battery: Cold temperatures can really do a number on your battery so make sure you have it tested. It's also a good idea to double check that it's properly mounted and that the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free. 

• Check Your Fluids: It can be easy to slack on keeping track of the level of your vehicle's fluids during the winter months, but once spring rolls around it's essential that you make sure they're all newly changed and topped off. This includes your oil, washer fluid, and coolant. 

• Get a Full Detail: You're cleaning your house from top to bottom, so why not your vehicle too? Collected dirt, dust, and grime on your vehicle can cause major damage including rust to the exterior of your vehicle and create deterioration inside your vehicle as well. 

Want some more in-depth Spring Car Care tips or are you ready to schedule a Spring service appointment for your vehicle at Graff Mt. Pleasant? Click here: http://bit.ly/2Tq5WXN

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.

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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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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Spring Auto Care Tips From Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – There are many ways to help keep your car in top condition and extend your length of ownership. One of those ways is seasonal care and maintenance. Your car drives through a lot in the winter. The heavy snow, ice, and road salt are some of the obstacles your vehicle faces on winter roads. That is why the spring season is essential when it comes to giving your car the proper care. Our team of experts at Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant wants to help you with easy ways to take care of your vehicle. Take a look at our new Seasonal Maintenance page on Graff Chevrolet and our Graff Buick GMC Cadillac websites. They provide ways to keep your car in the best shape possible. In our new seasonal maintenance page you can now learn some spring auto care tips from Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant that will keep your car running safely and efficiently.

When visiting our Spring Car Care page you learn about these various topics:

• Fluids – Fluids help keep your vehicle parts clean and running properly. Read about different types of fluids and the importance of Spring Fluid Maintenance and Care on both of our Graff Chevrolet and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac pages. 
• Wiper Blades – Your wiper blades become a dependable resource during the rainy weather of spring, but they may have been damaged during the winter months. Find out what the best Spring Wiper Blade Care can be for your car on our Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant or Buick GMC Cadillac Mt. Pleasant pages. 
• Tires – As one of the most important components to your vehicle, you want to take tire care seriously. Know what to check when inspecting your tires on our Spring Tire Care page for our Chevrolet Dealership and our Buick GMC Cadillac Dealership. 
• Alignment and Suspension – This spring make sure your vehicle’s alignment and suspension are ready for potholes! Know the importance of spring alignment and suspension on our seasonal maintenance pages for Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Mt. Pleasant. 
• Spring Car Cleaning – Time for spring-cleaning, and that means your car too! We have tips and tricks to getting your vehicle in great shape after the gloomy winter. Read about the importance of spring car cleaning for the interior and exterior of your vehicle on our Graff Chevrolet and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac pages!

Get your vehicle ready for the warmer weather with spring auto care tips from Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant. Our ASE Certified technicians can help you with all of your spring vehicle maintenance. Visit our Spring Car Care page on our Graff Chevrolet website or our Spring Car Care page on our Graff Buick GMC Cadillac website. Schedule an appointment with our Service Center online or call either dealership today. At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we want you to always be informed about vehicle maintenance and safety. Visit the FAQ page from Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant or the FAQ page from Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Mt. Pleasant, for answers to the commonly asked car questions.

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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5 Car Organization Tricks

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Life can get pretty busy. We always seem to be constantly moving. From work to soccer practice to visiting family, the plans never stop. During the commotion of the day-to-day junk can tend to pile up in the one place that moves with you, the car. Instead of having your car turn into a traveling junk drawer, we have 5 car organization tricks to help you have one less thing to worry about.

Shoe Rack for Storage

Shower Caddy for Important Fluids

Folder for Important Docs

Cereal Container for Trash

Change in Gum Container

Enjoy being a little less stressed with these 5 car organization tricks. You can learn about other ways to take care of your car with our new Service FAQ page. Discover new tips on how regular maintenance will help your car continue to perform like new! When your life is always on the go you need a vehicle that will move with you. The new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is sized to fit your life! With an estimated 36 MPG on the highway and surprising space, the Chevy Cruze is a car that can handle the hustle and bustle. Get where you need to go and stop by Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant for a test drive 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.

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

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Summer Car Care Tips

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.– To say winters here in Michigan are hard on our vehicles is an intense understatement. What many Michiganders don't know is that summer can be JUST AS TOUGH on your vehicle as winter. Intense heat can destroy batteries, and put stress on the tires and cooling system. Thanks to the lowest summer gas prices since 2009, many Americans will be hitting the road this summer for vacation. By making sure your vehicle is running smoothly you can avoid breakdowns or car problems that will definitely put a thorn in your summer plans. To insure a safe trip you may want to check out these summer car care tips:

• The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is cooling system failure. The cooling system should be completely flushed out and refilled every two years. Be sure that you understand the level, condition and concentration of the coolant should also be checked periodically, especially when it first starts to warm up after the long winter. 

• Your brakes have been working hard all winter, make sure they're okay! Your brakes have kept you from sliding off the road since January, so make sure they are up to par before you head out this summer. If you notice pulsations, grabbing noises or longer stopping distances, bring your vehicle to a certified technician ASAP. 

• Maintain and check up on your air conditioning. Nothing, and we mean NOTHING, is worse than the air conditioning going out in the middle of the summer. Driving around in a car when it's 80+ degrees out is hard enough on your vehicle. Take out the air conditioning and good luck trying to go anywhere fast. Even a marginally operating system will fail in the hot weather, so have your air conditioning checked out by a qualified technician. 

• Check your windshield wipers. Your windshield wipers have been working overtime since January. A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can also pose a safety hazard. Replace worn windshield wiper blades and have plenty of windshield wiper fluid handy. 

• Heat zaps life away from your battery.  Many car owners believe that battery problems only occur in the winter, which could not be further from the truth. Heat and vibration are the two WORST things for a car battery, and ultimately lead to engine failure. If your car's battery is more than three years old, have it checked by a certified technician before heading out on the road. 

By making sure you vehicle is good to hit the road, you can avoid any awkward waiting-on-the-side-of-the-road-for-a-tow-truck events. If you would like to schedule a service appointment with any of our certified technicians, feel free! We would love to check out your car to make sure it's safe and ready to hit the open road. Schedule an appointment online today! 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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