How to Make the Most Out of Your Road Trip

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– Planning on traveling with family or friends soon? Being prepared is the best way to eliminate stress and make your trip hassle-free! Make sure you know how to make the most out of your road trip this summer by following some handy tips we've put together for before, during, and after your getaway. Whether you're traveling around Michigan or heading out of state, these helpful tips will keep your passengers entertained and make long drives not seem so bad.

Before the Road Trip

• Calculate Gas Costs: Using a website like AAA's Gas Calculator, will help you estimate how much a round-trip journey to your destination will cost and how to plan pit stops accordingly. This will also serve as an aid in setting your budget for your road trip, saving you both time and money!
• Purchase a Car Charger: This may seem like a no-brainer, and you may already own one, but purchasing a car charger can keep you prepared in the event of an emergency. You can also use it to recharge any forms of entertainment that run low on battery for your passengers, too.
• Create a Car Caddy: To make things easier on yourself, create a car caddy before you leave! This will keep all of your things organized and easily accessible at any time.
• Have Your Vehicle Inspected: Traveling long distances can take a toll on your vehicle, especially if you haven't had your oil changed or tires rotated recently. Schedule an appointment with us to have your vehicle looked at before you hit the road to make sure it's good to go!

During the Road Trip

• Make a Great Playlist: Have everyone pick 5-10 songs they'd like to hear on the drive and build a playlist full of everyone's musical tastes. You can even listen to it after the road trip to remember all the fun you had!
• Keep an Open Agenda: Write down a list of destinations you'd like to visit on your road trip, but don't be afraid to stray away from your initial plan! The best road trips are the ones that never go according to plan. Plus, taking a detour can lead to unexpected fun!
• Create a List of Games: Get a pen and paper and jot down some road trip games for everyone to enjoy! You could play hangman, roadside bingo, 20 questions, or other games to keep everyone occupied and entertained.
• Pack a Lot of Snacks: To minimize pit stops, save some extra cash, and reduce rumbling stomachs, load your vehicle up with plenty of snacks to keep your passengers full and happy!

After the Road Trip

• Create a Photo Album: Don't forget to take plenty of pictures (after all, a picture is worth a thousand words). Once you get back, develop all the photos you took and put them in a nice photo album for everyone to enjoy!
• Keep a Journal: Document every day of the journey so that you can relive every moment when you get back. You can even include postcards of destinations you stopped at, photos, and more for a personal and creative touch.
• Make Different Stops: While you're driving home, instead of stopping at the same locations you did when you made your journey to your destination, take a different route or stop off somewhere else!
• Unpack As Soon As Possible: The longer you leave your luggage unpacked, the more likely you are to procrastinate. Getting it done right away will make things easier and save you the trouble of dealing with it all later.

Turn your road trip from painful to painless with this handy guide! You'll be able to enjoy more time on vacation, save some extra money, and keep distractions to a minimum while you drive. Knowing how to make the most out of your road trip will make driving less of a chore and more of a fun experience for both you and your passengers. Many people believe that it's the journey and not the destination that makes road trips so worthwhile. Now that you're prepared, you can enjoy the journey just as much as anyone else! Make sure you get your vehicle inspected before you leave to make sure it's good to go for your trip, no matter how far away it may be. Don't forget to check out our summer car care tips as well to make sure your car is ready to hit the road!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.comFollow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Under the Hood FAQs & What You Should Know

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – As a vehicle owner, you know that there's a lot that goes into making sure your car will run properly. Your engine, battery, fuel type, and even your A/C system all play important roles in your vehicle's everyday driving function. Our descriptive service FAQs help to answer not only commonly asked questions, but important questions regarding your car, truck, crossover, or SUV's components and when they need to be serviced. Today, we're covering some basic under the hood FAQs and what you should know to keep your vehicle up to speed and running well!

Some of the most frequently asked Under the Hood questions include:

• How often should my belts and hoses be replaced?
• When should I have my A/C serviced?
• How often should I have my battery inspected?
• What does it mean if my check engine light shows up on the dashboard?
• How do I know which fuel type is better for my car?

All of these questions, their answers, and more information can be found on our Service FAQ page. We hope that our coverage on under the hood FAQs helps you to create a maintenance schedule and solve any concerns you may have. Have a question that wasn't on the FAQ? Contact us and we'll get in touch to help best solve your auto issue! When you read through the FAQs and realize you need to have auto service done, schedule an appointment with us to get it resolved right away so your car can get you where you need to be. 

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

6 Crockpot Recipes

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Michigan is a strange place to live! Sometimes it feels like our seasons are a little bit mixed up. It's not really winter anymore but it's definitely not spring, either. No matter what the weather is deciding to do outside, odds are your schedule has gotten a little busier with spring sports and activities. We wanted to help make your life a little less hectic by giving you these 6 crockpot recipes to try during this crazy time of year. Combine them for a multi-course meal or try them out on their own! Either way, we hope you enjoy!

Click on the images above to see the recipes for Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler, Cheesy Creamed Corn, 15 Bean Salsa, Buffalo Chicken Rice Casserole, Cauliflower Broccoli Soup, and Gnocci Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese!

We hope you enjoy these 6 crockpot recipes to make your life a little less hectic! If you like these recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest where we share all of our favorite meals, desserts, and more!

At Serra of Traverse City, we want to make your life easy at home and in your vehicle! Be sure to take a look at our routine maintenance pages and schedule an appointment soon! Now is a great time to make sure there was no damage done to your vehicle during the harsher winter months!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month!

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month! Are you doing everything you should to keep yourself safe on the road? Your brakes are one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to stop your car! It’s extremely dangerous to operate a vehicle with faulty brakes, so be sure to schedule a service appointment at the Serra Service Center if you think there may be a problem with your vehicle’s brake system. Here are some signs that you need to have your brakes checked:

1. High Pitched Squeaking Noise

If you’ve noticed a high pitched screech when you apply your brakes, it’s time to replace your brake pads. Brake pads come with a wear indicator that makes the loud screeching noise to let you know it’s time to have your vehicle serviced.

2. Grinding Noise

If you hear a grinding noise when you attempt to stop your vehicle, you’ve likely worn completely through your brake pads. This noise happens when the metal disc and caliper rub together, often damaging your rotors. This fix is much more costly than simply replacing your brake pads, which is why it’s important to have your brakes checked at least once a year.

3. Brake Pedal Vibrations

If you step on the brakes and feel the pedal vibrate under your foot, this is a sign of warped rotors. Be sure to schedule an appointment at the Serra Service Center if you notice this happening in your vehicle.

4. Pulling

When there is a problem with your brakes, you may notice the wheel wants to pull to one side when you engage the brakes. Pulling is also a sign of poor tire alignment, so be sure to have a service technician check out your vehicle if you notice any type of pulling on the steering wheel.

5. Dashboard Brake Light Illuminates

This is an obvious sign that something is wrong with your brake system. If you see the brake light illuminated on your dashboard, it’s time to schedule a service appointment! This light could be on for a number of reasons, so be sure to have it diagnosed as soon as possible.

This list includes only a few of the signs that could mean your vehicle is having difficulties with the brake system. Since August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month, we want to be sure to remind everyone how important it is to have your brakes serviced at least once a year! If you’re noticing any of the signs mentioned above, make an appointment at the Serra Service Center so you can stay safe on the road!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – If your summer plans involve your four-legged companions, be sure you know the best ways to keep your dog cool this summer! It’s important to keep your dog hydrated and out of the direct heat as much as possible! If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them!

Great Ways to Stay Cool

• Provide your pet with a kiddie pool to splash in! The pool makes a fun, cool place to play outside! 
• Make your own homemade doggie pupsicles or ice cream by following these recipes, or by freezing your pup’s favorite treat in an ice cube tray. It’s a nice treat and it will help them to keep cool.
• Most dogs like to swim. If yours does, find a nearby pet-friendly beach and take them for a dip! Swimming is a great way to exercise your dog without causing them to overheat.

Always…

• Always have a cool place for your dog to rest. If they’re outside for an extended period of time, make sure there is shade. Inside they will probably find their own cool place like the tile floor, but you can give them a cooled towel to lie on too.
• Always have water available wherever you go! At home, make sure your dogs water dish is full and fresh at all times. Make sure you bring water on long walks and car rides as well. Don’t forget to have a place for them to get a drink when they’re outside.

Never…

• Never shave your dog! You might think they’re too hot with all that fur, but it actually regulates their body temperature by providing a sort of insulation. Not to mention, cutting their fur short could cause them to get sunburned outside.
• Never exercise your dog if it’s too hot. If you would be uncomfortable exercising due to the temperature, they would be too. Instead, take walks in the morning or evening when it’s cooler, or allow them some swim time.

We hope these tips will help you keep your dog cool this summer! One more thing to keep in mind! Never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle! Even if you leave the windows down, it could still get too hot for them. Leave them at home where they can stay safe and cool!

Don’t forget to schedule your routine summer maintenance at Serra Traverse City! You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (866) 249-1772 to reserve your spot! Don’t get left in the heat! You can also use our FAQ page if you have any car service questions!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

5 Northern Michigan 4th of July Fireworks Displays

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – If you’re looking for something fun to do this 4th of July, we’ve created a list of 5 Northern Michigan 4th of July fireworks displays! Sticking around in Traverse City is always an option, but if you want to try something different this year, these locations are all less than an hour from Traverse City!

1. Traverse City
The obvious choice would be to stay in Traverse City, the show is sure to be spectacular over the bay!

2. Torch Lake
The view of Torch Lake is beautiful enough on a regular day, add some fireworks and it’s sure to be a great time!

3. Frankfort
The Frankfort fireworks can be seen over Lake Michigan. Festivities also include a parade earlier in the day.

4. Leland
Catch the concert on the lawn and the 4th of July parade, then head to the fireworks display in Leland!

5. Long Lake
Just a short 9 miles from Traverse City, head to Long Lake for a change of scenery and to see some awesome fireworks!

Hopefully our list of 5 Northern Michigan 4th of July fireworks displays will help you decide where to celebrate this weekend! If you’re planning on traveling for the holiday, be sure your vehicle is up to date on all of its maintenance needs and schedule a service appointment on our new website! We would be happy to help you with all of your car buying, leasing, and service needs!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

5 Fun Things to Do in Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – Whether you’re a Traverse City native looking for something to do close to home, or an adventurous traveler wanting to discover the best of Northern Michigan, these 5 fun things to do in Traverse City are sure to please! For those who call Traverse City home: it’s easy to take advantage of the beauty when you see it every day, so be sure to take some time this summer to discover, or re-discover, the things that make Traverse City so unique. For newcomers: welcome! Enjoy exploring our beloved city! We think you’ll love it just as much as we do!

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a part of the National Park Service. It’s full of stunning views and fun beaches. It has campgrounds and hiking trails, no matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, if you want to be outside, Sleeping Bear Dunes is where you want to be.

Old Mission Peninsula

Another great outdoor destination in the Grand Traverse area is Old Mission Peninsula. It has a historic lighthouse and general store. It also has hiking trails, boat launches and beach areas. You should be able to find something to please the whole family!

Dennos Museum

If you’d like to get out of the sun or you need something to do on a rainy day, the Dennos Museum is the place to go! You can find it on the Northwestern Michigan campus and enjoy its rotating exhibits. The museum’s permanent display includes art created by Inuit artists of the Canadian arctic.

Downtown Traverse City Shopping Area 

Even if you’re just a window shopper, the downtown Traverse City area has plenty to see. From the numerous restaurants and boutiques to the bakeries and beach just a block away, you’re sure to find something interesting or delicious!

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

These historic buildings once housed the Northern Michigan Asylum. Now they’re being redeveloped into shops, restaurants, and apartments. After you’re done checking out the commons, take a walk on the vast, scenic grounds.

We want you to enjoy your time in Traverse City this summer whether you’re a native or a tourist! We hope these 5 fun things to do in Traverse City pique your interest and inspire you to explore! If you’re planning on doing any traveling that involves your car this summer, be sure that you’re up to date on all of your routine maintenance! If you need to schedule a service appointment, you can use our convenient online form! If you have any service questions, be sure to check out our Service FAQ page.

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube

Serra Traverse City's Brand New Website!

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – We are so excited to announce Serra Traverse City's brand new website! It features our entire inventory of new and used vehicles, service and collision appointment scheduling and FAQs, financing information, and much more! We want to give you all the resources you need when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, purchasing or leasing a new vehicle, and any question you may have in between! Be sure to check out all of the helpful pages listed below:

Vehicle Inventory: Whether you want a brand new car or a pre-owned vehicle, Serra Traverse City has just what you’re looking for. We stock the latest models of Cadillac, Subaru, Toyota, Audi, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Volvo vehicles. We also carry a broad range of domestic and foreign used vehicles. Be sure to browse our vast selection!

Service: If your vehicle is in need of any maintenance, be sure to schedule a service appointment online! We can help with any maintenance issues you may be having! Just fill out the convenient form and one of our team members will confirm your appointment shortly! Be sure to take a look at our Service FAQ section as well, for answers to all of your service and vehicle maintenance questions!

Financing: If you’re interested in financing a vehicle, you can fill out our Financing Form online to get a credit approval decision. You can look at the We’re Here to Help tab in the financing section to find out how Serra Traverse City can offer loan assistance.

Collision: You can schedule an appointment with our collision center online if you need an estimate or help with your any number of cosmetic fixes! Make sure you read the Collision FAQ section for answers to commonly asked questions! We also have a helpful section about insurance claims in the case of an accident!

We are so happy to announce Serra Traverse City's brand new website! We hope you enjoy our new site as much as we do! We want to give you all of the most helpful and important information you need about your vehicle, from new car purchases to commonly asked service questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to call our North Campus location at (888) 848-9753 or our South Campus location at (888) 563-8128. We would be happy to help in any way we can!

We're proud to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. At our North Campus, located at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll enjoy the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles. Across the street, is our used vehicle and certified pre-owned headquarters. At our South Campus, located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, you'll find the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, as well as our Collision Center.

Website: http://www.serratraversecity.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Serra Cadillac Subaru Google+, Serra Nissan Volvo Google+, Serra Audi Toyota VW Google+, Serra Toyota Google+, Collision Center Google+, and YouTube