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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

Top 10 Songs About Friendship

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- More than just an art form, music is a powerful and unifying force. It has a lot in common with friendship, so it's no wonder why some of the greatest songs ever written are inspired by the concept! Some are happy, some are sad. Some make you think of cool summer nights by the campfire surrounded by your pals, some bring a tear to your eye as they make you reminisce about those good old times long since past but always alive in your heart.

Whatever emotions they inspire within you, here are Graff Mt. Pleasant's top ten picks for our favorite songs about friendship! Complete with videos! So grab a friend and sing along!

1. "YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND" - QUEEN, 1975

The moment you hear those cheerful Wurlitzer notes, this song immediately puts you in a good mood, thinking about the better things in life! As straightforward a song about friendship goes, this pop-ballad was originally written by Queen's bassist, John Deacon, about his wife and the joys of friendship that can evolve and carry on into marriage.

2. "UMBRELLA" - RIHANNA, 2007

If there's one thing that defines a true friendship, it's always being there for each other no matter what. In this ultra-catchy track, Rihanna sings about exactly that with her friend Jay-Z providing the rapping bit!

3. "STAND BY ME"- BEN E. KING, 1961

Having your friends means always having the support of people who know you better than you know yourself. Ben E. King's belt-worthy ballad is inspired by that unshakable bond that friends share, and that great feeling of knowing that, whatever you're going through, they're right beside you.

4. "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS" - BETTE MIDLER, 1982

Bette Midler's passionate ballad of the admiration and gratitude between best friends, featured in the 1988 tearjerker Beaches, is enough to make you immediately burst into tears upon seeing your buddy. But they're good tears!

5. "WE ARE GOING TO BE FRIENDS" - THE WHITE STRIPES, 2002

This simple acoustic track by Michigan-natives, The White Stripes, perfectly captures the innocence and excitement of childhood friendship. Listen to the lyrics and tell us you don't instantly think of that moment when you just knew that you and your bestie were destined for each other.

6. "WE GO TOGETHER" - GREASE, 1971

Straight from the original high school musical, the finale number of Grease gets us thinking literally of those last days of senior year when you can't imagine the next chapter of life without your pals, and also generally about the absolute feeling of "right" you get when you're in their company.

7. "I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU" - THE REMBRANDTS, 1995

In addition to being the theme song of a show literally called Friends, this catchy, upbeat tune by the Rembrandts is the perfect embodiment of the very spirit of friendship.

8. "I'LL BE MISSING YOU" - PUFF DADDY (FT. FAITH EVANS & 112), 1997

Written in memoriam of his best friend and hip-hop icon, Notorious B.I.G., Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy samples The Police on this heartfelt track about the loss of someone close to you, and the bond that remains even after they're gone.

9. "MY BEST FRIEND" - WEEZER, 2005

This punchy headbanger from rock quartet Weezer is an anthemic tribute to the power of friendship that conjures up memories of driving with the windows down and just rocking out with your pals.

10. "THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND" - ANDREW GOLD, 1978

Best known as the ever-appropriate theme song of The Golden Girls, this feel-good tune originally written and performed by Andrew Gold is one of appreciation for your best buddies.

We hope you enjoyed this list of our favorite songs about friendship! Now that you've assembled it into an awesome playlist and planned that road trip with your besties, be sure to schedule a service appointment with Graff Mt. Pleasant before you hit the road! We want to make sure all of your adventures in your vehicle are safe and happy!

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.