Serra Cares

Friday, July 21, 2017

Ice Cream Flavors Unique to Michigan

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– July is National Ice Cream Month! The warm and sunny weather make it the perfect time to indulge on everyone's favorite sweet treat. Michigan is home to many things: cereal, the automotive industry, and the Great Lakes, but did you know that it's also home to some one-of-a-kind ice cream flavors, too? We'll be taking a look at several ice cream flavors unique to Michigan and showing you some of the best ice cream the Mitten has to offer! You might be surprised to learn how many flavors, both new and old, are actually from Michigan.

Superman

No matter a person's age, superman ice cream always seems to be a fan favorite! The red, yellow, and blue color and trifecta of flavors is renowned around the Midwest as a must-have tasty treat. Superman ice cream originated in Detroit, created by Stroh's during the Prohibition Era in the 1920s. Since then, Superman has become every Michigander's favorite flavor, becoming so popular that it's spread to Wisconsin, Illinois, and even Ontario!

Blue Moon

Blue Moon ice cream is another Midwest classic known for its one-of-a-kind flavor. In fact, Blue Moon is such a unique flavor that it's almost impossible to describe! To some people, it may taste fruity, but to others, it tastes sweet. It's a unique flavor to everyone! The origins of Blue Moon ice cream are also a hot topic in the ice cream world. While some people say it originated in Milwaukee in the 1940s, others claim that it was invented in South Haven, Michigan, at Sherman's Ice Cream. No matter where it's from, you'll be sure to enjoy every bite of Blue Moon!

Tiger Traxx

What's better than watching baseball? Eating baseball-themed ice cream, of course! Fun fact: the Detroit Tigers are the only team in Major League Baseball with an ice cream flavor unique to them. Combining vanilla ice cream, a thick layer of fudge, and chocolate-covered pretzel "baseballs", Tiger Traxx is sure to hit a home run with anyone! Whether you're enjoying a game at home or having a blast at the ballpark, you can find Tiger Traxx just about anywhere, courtesy of Hudsonville Ice Cream.

Grand Hotel Summer Celebration

Inspired by the Grand Hotel of Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel Summer Celebration, another unique flavor served up by Hudsonville Ice Cream, packs a Northern Michigan punch in its flavor. Combining raspberry and blueberry sherbet with vanilla ice cream, this red, white, and blue blend will leave your taste buds longing to sit along the Mackinac Island shore. Just sit back and relax as you enjoy this tasty summer treat!

Boston Cooler

While Boston Coolers aren't necessarily an ice cream flavor, they're one of Michigan's most unique sweet treats! The Boston Cooler, originating in southeast Michigan got its name from its home, the Boston Boulevard area of Detroit. Combining the unique Michigan Vernor's ginger ale with vanilla ice cream, this Motor City special is a must-have in the warm months. You can find them at most ice cream stores, make them yourself, or wait till the Comeback Cooler Detroit-themed ice cream is released in the fall!

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month in style with these ice cream flavors unique to Michigan! From Blue Moon to Boston Coolers, the Mitten has America's favorite dessert covered in all categories. If your sweet tooth isn't satisfied yet, or you simply want to try making these flavors on your own, check out our "Delicious" board on Pinterest for recipes of all kinds! If you're in need of a reliable vehicle to get you to your favorite ice cream shop this summer, we at Serra Traverse City will provide you with the best deal possible on a wide variety of used vehicles that all carry our seven-point assurance package, free of charge. With the best deals on vehicles in Northern Michigan, you can enjoy more ice cream and less stress when you purchase the perfect vehicle!

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

Thursday, July 20, 2017

How to Increase Your Gas Mileage

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– If you love driving as much as we do, but hate spending so much time and money at the gas station, we've got a solution for you! Gas prices are extremely unpredictable: they frequently rise and fall. Learn how to increase your gas mileage so that you can reel in the savings at the pump and extend the life of your vehicle! Keeping your vehicle's mileage in check will improve the vitality of engine components, putting less stress on the engine and allowing you to enjoy your vehicle for a longer period of time! In order to do so, we've put together a list of tips that'll help maximize your car's fuel economy.

1. Take Your Foot Off the Gas Pedal

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's a tough habit to break. Pushing down hard on the gas pedal, or "flooring it" as some may say, can severely increase the stress on your engine and significantly reduce your gas mileage. If you drive over 65mph on a regular basis, you can lose up to 15% of your total gas mileage. While you're driving in the city, reducing your braking on your vehicle will allow you to maximize the fuel that has been exhausted, allowing you to coast along and improve your mileage the whole time.

2. Turn Off Your AC

Another great way to improve your vehicle's mileage is to turn off your air conditioning. While many auto experts claim that keeping your windows rolled down creates resistance that slows down your vehicle, keeping your AC on drains fuel at a much quicker rate. If you can stand the heat, maximize your gas mileage by keeping your windows up and your AC off. If you need to cool off, roll your windows down to circulate the air in your vehicle!

3. Use Cruise Control Frequently

Cruise control is a very useful tool, especially on longer road trips. You can get the most out of a full tank of gas by keeping a consistent speed while you drive. Consistency on the road will allow your vehicle to not have to adjust repeatedly between speeds and gears and can improve fuel efficiency by up to 7%. Use cruise control whenever you can! Some new vehicles come with adaptive cruise control technology, which allows the vehicle to regulate its speeds in alignment with vehicles in front of or behind the driver. Browse our vehicle inventory to find out which vehicles come equipped with adaptive cruise control and other fuel-efficient technology!

4. Replace Your Fuel Filter

Your fuel filter helps to keep your engine clean by filtering out dirt and grime and improving your engine's efficiency with steady streams of clean fuel. Typically, your fuel filter should be replaced every 25,000-30,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual states it should be. If your engine struggles at low speeds or has difficulty starting up, your fuel filter may need replacing. If you schedule an appointment to get it replaced, you'll notice the benefits of a brand new fuel filter with improved mileage, smoother driving, and quicker startups.

5. Check Your Tire's Air Pressure

Keeping up on your tire pressure will provide you with improved fuel efficiency and make driving a more comfortable experience. If your vehicle has tires with low pressure, they will increase the rolling resistance your vehicle has against the road, damaging its efficiency. Checking your tires weekly will be a helpful routine in increasing your overall gas mileage. Purchasing low rolling-resistance tires will allow your vehicle to drive along roads with less resistance, decreasing the pressure put on the engine and further increasing your fuel efficiency.

Looking for more ways to save money on fuel and vehicle care? Our routine maintenance pages provide tips and tricks to taking care of every part of your vehicle, from the wiper blades to the tires! Now that you know how to increase your gas mileage, you'll be able to save more money for road trips, fun activities, and maybe even a new vehicle! Take a look at some of our summer car care tips to further improve your gas mileage and vehicle operations this summer. You can also check out our vehicle inventory! We carry over seven different manufacturer brands: browsing for a new vehicle has never been so easy. Take the 2017 Nissan Rogue, America's Best-Selling SUV, out for a test drive today! Download the vehicle brochure for more details on this sleek and efficient vehicle, and then stop by to get a firsthand look at the 2017 Nissan Rogue and our wide selection of other vehicles!

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Toyota Opens North American Headquarters in Texas

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– Celebrating 60 long and productive years in the United States, Toyota opens its North American Headquarters in Texas, once again reaffirming its longstanding commitment to the states. The 100-acre, $1 billion corporate campus, located in Plano Texas, commemorated its grand opening with a gala event, hosting community leaders, partners, and dignitaries. The newly opened headquarters make up a portion of Toyota's $10 billion investment in the United States over the next 5 years, and will add over 4,000 jobs to the Texas area by the end of 2017. Toyota announced that over 1,000 of these employees will be hired from the rich local talent market and surrounding areas.

Occupancy in the Toyota headquarters began in the late spring and team members are expected to be transitioning to their new corporate base until late December. With this grand opening, Toyota received a written congratulations from the White House, signed by the President. Toyota's commitment to the United States over the past 60 years includes over 10 manufacturing assembly facilities, 1,500 Toyota dealerships, and 136,000 direct and dealer employees.

Toyota's campus supports the One Toyota Vision, creating spaces and locations that encourage transparency within corporate culture. The seven buildings all congregate in the center courtyard, where dining, the fitness center, and conferencing facilities are held.

“The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step in Toyota’s 60-year journey in the United States,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota in North America. “With team members from four different companies together in one campus location, we believe this will inspire greater collaboration, innovation, and faster decision making as we turn to and lead the future of mobility, all with an eye on our customers.”

The corporate campus aims to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, showing their commitment to sustainability. They hope to do this with drought-resistant plants, over 20,000 solar panels, a rainwater irrigation system, and a vow to only use sustainable energy. The exterior of the campus will reflect the native habitat, preventing the rise of invasive species, and their 400,000-gallon irrigation system will keep the local flora and fauna in the area alive and healthy.

After over 5 million hours of work, 142,500 yards of concrete, and over 12 acres of glass, Toyota opens its North American headquarters in Texas. This state-of-the-art facility, located in Plano, Texas, is now open to the public. Toyota's reaffirmation to its commitment to the United States has shown that they are dedicated to the advancement of the auto industry in North America. Looking to get your career in the automotive field started? Browse our list of career openings or submit your resume today and someone will be in touch with you! Interested in seeing what Toyota has to offer North America? Check out our new Toyota inventory, explore Toyota model information, stay tuned to our blog for more news, and visit our Toyota dealership at our North Campus!

Monday, July 10, 2017

Certified Pre-Owned Vs. Used Vehicles

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– If you're in the market to purchase a vehicle, there are quite a few options to consider. While some people may opt to lease or purchase a new vehicle, others would rather buy a used car or a certified pre-owned vehicle. Today, we'll be going over certified pre-owned vs. used vehicles and the differences between the two so you can make the purchasing decision that best suits your needs!

What is a CPO Vehicle?

A certified pre-owned vehicle, or CPO for short, is a used vehicle that's typically 6 or less years old, has gone through a series of inspections and repairs, and is covered by a manufacturer for an extended period or amount of miles. While each vehicle manufacturer offers slightly different CPO programs, most offer the same benefits. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Pros:

They will always have a clean title. During the selection process, vehicle history reports are thoroughly looked at to determine the title's status. If the vehicle has a salvaged title or otherwise, it's usually not selected to become a CPO vehicle.
They have to pass a rigorous inspection process. Important components within the vehicle are inspected in order to ensure it is properly working and can handle the road ahead. If there are issues found during the inspection process, they will likely be fixed or the component will be reconditioned to the manufacturer's standard.
They have extensive warranty coverage. Most, if not all of your vehicle will have warranties on parts. These warranties are typically to 100,000 miles or so, which means you'll be able to reap the benefits for months or even years to come. Depending on the CPO program, you might also get roadside assistance benefits as well!
They are typically newer and come with more features. You'll be able to get a vehicle that will be no older than 5 years for a fraction of the price of a new vehicle!

Cons:

CPO's might cost slightly more than used vehicles, but they offer benefits like the included warranties that help to make up for the small price difference.
Your vehicle may have had previous extensive service due to a collision or incident in its past, but that doesn't mean it isn't "up-to-code". All CPO vehicles must meet the strict standards of the manufacturer, so you can be sure it's safe to drive despite its past. You can see all of this information on the vehicle history report.

Used Vehicles

Pros:

There are a wider range of vehicles if you choose to go with a used vehicle. This is because CPO vehicles must meet the standards of its individual manufacturer. Shopping used might give you more freedom to get a vehicle within your needs.
They may be less expensive than CPO vehicles. This wide range of used vehicles comes with a wide price range, meaning you can choose to purchase a less expensive vehicle and have more money in your pocket.
They offer the freedom of warranty and protection program selection. With a CPO, the warranty is typically included, but with a used vehicle, you're free to choose which programs suit your driving habits best.

Cons:

The used vehicle may be inspected by the dealership to determine its health, but doesn't need to meet the strict requirements of the manufacturer. The vehicle can also have a salvaged or damaged title, which can mean more complications for you to deal with.
Warranties aren't typically included with the vehicle purchase, and therefore up to you to choose and purchase yourself through the dealership or through a third party vendor. It's up to you to decide which option is best for you and your driving habits.
Used vehicles can be simply unpredictable. Even if the vehicle was inspected and runs well, problems can pop-up soon after purchase and it's usually up to you to pay for the cost of repair. Keep a special eye out for warranties through the dealership, and buying as-is vehicles to avoid even more surprises.

While both CPO vehicles and used vehicles each have their benefits, they can also set you back in various ways. Knowing which option best fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs is important in determining your final decision. Choosing between purchasing a certified pre-owned vs. used vehicle is a big decision, but we're happy to help answer any questions you may have at Serra of Traverse City. Before you stop by, take a look at our list of used and certified pre-owned vehicles to get a better idea of what's out there. Don't forget, purchasing a used vehicle with Serra Traverse City provides you with our complimentary 7-point assurance package! Ask our sales persons for more information about this program and how it applies to the vehicle you're interested in.

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

Friday, July 7, 2017

Why You Should Buy with the 7-Point Assurance Package from Serra Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– Purchasing a vehicle not only takes a lot of time, but can also be a stressful process with the paperwork and budgetary constraints. We at Serra Traverse City have made it our goal to help reduce the anxieties of vehicle purchasing with our 7-point assurance package. This exclusive guarantee, full of benefits, makes us Northern Michigan's best choice for used cars! We've put together a list of why you should buy with the 7-point assurance package from Serra Traverse City so you know exactly what you'll get with these one-of-a-kind perks!

1. Market Based Pricing

We base all of our pricing on market-oriented and competitive pricing levels. At Serra Traverse City, you will never have to pay more than our competitors, so you're always guaranteed the best price available. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority at our dealership, so we make sure that your expectations aren't simply met, but are exceeded!

2. Complimentary CarFax

Found a vehicle that fits your needs? We provide a complimentary CarFax report to give you a detailed history of any services performed on your vehicle, previous owner history, and any other notable details about your vehicle's history. Read about more of the benefits of a CarFax report, available to any customers in the market for a used vehicle at Serra Traverse City today!

3. A Free Full Tank of Gas

Whether you're buying a new or used car, you will always have a free full tank of gas when you leave our dealership! No hidden gas fees, no fill-up fines, nothing! You'll be able to drive off with a brand new tank of gas! At Serra Traverse City, our pledge to you is to give you unparalleled customer service, which means helping you save money, too!

4. Price Protection Guarantee

If you purchase a vehicle with us and happen to find the same vehicle at a lower price within 7 days, Serra Traverse City will either pay the difference or buy the vehicle back. It's your choice! View the wide range of vehicles we carry in our inventory, compare prices, and get the best deal possible with our price protection guarantee!

5. Exclusive Seven Day Exchange

If you aren't satisfied with your vehicle purchase within 7 days, bring it back in and you can exchange it for a different vehicle of your choice, hassle free! Our friendly and knowledgable sales team is more than happy to help you find the vehicle of your dreams that fits your needs with our exclusive seven day exchange!

6. A Premier Financing Program

Whether you're interested in an auto loan or our vehicle financing program, our team of financial experts is happy to help with whatever you may need! Fill out our financing form to get a credit approval decision for a new or used car loan or contact us with any questions you may have about auto loans or financing programs! We are more than happy to help!

7. Northern Michigan's Largest Certified Dealer

With over seven different brands to choose from, the power is in your hands at Serra Traverse City! From reliable Honda vehicles to sleek and exclusive Audis, we have something for everyone in the Cherry Capital and surrounding area! Check out our inventory online to get a closer look at our wide range of vehicles. You can specify your search to fit your budget, vehicle size, and more!

As we mentioned earlier, customer satisfaction is our #1 priority at Serra Traverse City. As such, we want to offer our customers unmatched service and benefits with our 7-point assurance package. With our unparalleled benefits, it's clear why you should buy with the 7-point assurance package from Serra Traverse City. If you have any questions about our 7-point assurance package or want to give a vehicle a firsthand look, contact our helpful staff and we will be more than happy to help you with whatever you may need!

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

5 Fun Summer DIY Crafts

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,–– Bored? Looking for something fun to do this summer with the kids? Want to touch up your home in an affordable and enjoyable way? Try these 5 fun summer DIY crafts to spruce up your home and get the whole family in the crafting spirit! Help your kids unleash their creative side through artistic expression with these great DIY projects, from coasters to artwork. Each of these crafts are inexpensive, have easy-to-follow instructions, and will be the perfect decorative addition to your home! If you're looking for more great DIY crafts, check out our Pinterest DIY board!

1. Galaxy Color Blocked Marble Coasters

If you want to give your home an out-of-this-world look, these galaxy color blocked marble coasters are a great way to get started! Using marble coasters, alcohol inks, painter's tape, and a gold paint pen, you can create a homemade galaxy for your coasters! Make the first one and let your kids add their own creative twist to theirs to create a great memory!

2. Paint Scrape Art

While these may look very detailed and professionally done, they're actually very easy to make! All it takes is a little bit of creativity! Grab some paint, an old credit card or rewards card, and some gold lettering, and get to crafting! You can teach your kids the importance of writing thank you cards and letters to family members with these fun and colorful crafts.

3. Watermelon Soap

What's better than normal soap? Watermelon soap, of course! Give this sweet, non-edible treat a try this summer and you'll be smelling like watermelons in no time! The best part is, making watermelon soap only takes 15 minutes, so you'll be able to make it in the blink of an eye! It makes a perfect housewarming gift for family outings, too!

4. Ice Cream Cone Wall Planters

If you've started accumulating a succulent collection and need to make a home for your new friends, try these ice cream cone wall planters! Not only are they stylish, but they're also extremely durable! Keep your plants clean and your house cleaner with these ice cream cone wall planters! You can teach your kids the importance of watering plants by making "watering the ice cream" a fun chore!

5. Fired Ink Art

These breathtaking designs are incredibly easy to craft, and they make a beautiful visual effect when they're created! We won't spoil the secret to making it, but these incredible pieces of art will give you and your whole family a chance to unleash their creative side with some fun. Just make sure you're safe when you put your masterpiece together!

If you're a fan of DIY and crafting, follow our Pinterest page for inspiration on crafts, DIY projects, recipes, and more! We update our boards frequently, so check back for any fresh ideas we may find! We hope these 5 fun summer DIY crafts provide you and your family with some first-class entertainment and brand new decorations for your house! If you're out gathering any crafting supplies and need to perform some routine maintenance, schedule an appointment with us and we'll get your vehicle fixed right away so you can get back to your projects!

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

Friday, June 30, 2017

Explore New FAQs & Learn More About Your Vehicle

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,––At Serra of Traverse City, it's our goal to not only provide you auto service that meets and exceeds your expectations. It's also important to us to help you better understand your vehicle's needs. If you're not a technician or familiar with cars, figuring out how to take care of it or diagnose its problems can be difficult. Leave it to our expert team to answers all your questions about vehicle service! We've just added new topics to our FAQs page to assist you in getting to know your car. Explore our new FAQs and learn more about your vehicle.

The topics, questions, and answers you can find in our FAQs include:

Tires

When should I get my wheels aligned?
Why do I need wheel alignments?
When should my tires be replaced?
How do I know what type of tires to choose?
How often should I get my tires rotated?
How much should I inflate my tires?
How long can I drive on a spare tire?

Wiper Blades

How do I know if my wiper blades need to be replaced?
How do I know which windshield washer fluid I should use?

Brakes

How often should I get my brakes checked?
How do I know if my brakes need to be replaced?
Why is my steering wheel shaking when I brake?

Oil Changes

How often should I get my oil changed?
What type of oil should I use in my car?
Should I consider getting synthetic oil?
My engine oil is milky brown looking. Is that normal?

Under the Hood

How often should my belts and hoses be replaced?
When should I have my A/C serviced?
How often should I have battery inspected?
When should I have my coolant changed or flushed?
How do I know which fuel type is better for my car?
When should I have my vehicle's suspension serviced?
How do I know if my car is having transmission problems?
When should I have my spark plugs replaced?
What does it mean if my check engine shows up on the dashboard?

Let our expert technicians help answer all your auto service questions. Explore our new FAQs and learn more about your vehicle on our website OR reach out to our friendly team for more information. If you notice an issue with your car while you're reading these questions and answers, make sure to schedule an appointment or stop by as soon as you can to help maintain your safety on the road and your vehicle's health. We look forward to seeing you at our Cherry Capital area dealership.

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