Finding Freedom on the Finger Lakes Roads: Happy 4th of July from Bill Cram Chevrolet!

If you’ve stopped by the showroom on 5 & 20 recently, you’ve probably been greeted by two of our absolute hardest-working team members. They don’t sell trucks, and they aren't certified to change your oil, but Willow and Hazy take their jobs as our official four-legged greeters very seriously. With the mid-July heat hitting the Finger Lakes, our two favorite pups have been busy perfecting the art of finding the exact spot on the showroom floor where the AC hits just right and sunbathing in the parking lot! Since they spend so much time making sure everyone who walks through our doors feels like family, we let them take over the blog today to share a few of their top rules for keeping your own furry co-pilots safe and comfortable on the road this summer. 🐾 Willow & Hazy’s Guide to Summer Road Trips 1.Never Leave Pups in a Parked Car: Rule #1. Even on an 80°F day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rocket past 100°F in less than 10 minutes—even with the windows cracked. If you're running errands where your dog can't come inside, it’s always best to leave them resting comfortably at home in the AC. 2.Watch the Hot Asphalt: Protect the Paws. Before loading up for a walk down by the lake or a stroll through town, do the 7-second test. Press the back of your hand to the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog's paws! Stick to the grass or wait until the sun goes down. 3.Keep Them Secure in the Back: Safety First. We know they love the feeling of the wind in their fur, but letting dogs ride with their heads way out the window can lead to eye injuries from flying road debris. Keep them safely secured in the back seat with a pet seatbelt harness or a secure crate. 4.Pack Extra Water: Stay Hydrated. Always keep a travel bowl and a fresh gallon of water in the cargo area of your Equinox or Silverado. Dogs can't cool down as efficiently as we do, so a quick hydration break during a long drive keeps them happy and tail-wagging. A Cool Space for the Whole Family The Cram family has been a part of this community since 1969, and to us, treating you like family means making sure your pets are welcome, too. Whether you're dropping your vehicle off for a quick summer service checkup or browsing our latest inventory, you’re always welcome to bring your well-behaved pups along for the visit. Stop by this week, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in our air-conditioned showroom, and let Willow and Hazy give you a proper, friendly Finger Lakes welcome! Want to make sure your vehicle's air conditioning is keeping up with the July heat? Give our service department a call at (315) 539-9272 or schedule an appointment online today!

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It’s August 12th, and with the official start of the school year just around the corner, a new kind of energy is buzzing around the Finger Lakes. The late-summer days are still long and beautiful, but thoughts are turning to new schedules, school supply lists, and of course, getting to and from all the upcoming activities safely. Here at Bill Cram Chevrolet, we're all about making this transition as smooth as possible for you and your family. Whether you're dropping the kids off at school, a student heading to a new campus, or a teacher getting ready for the classroom, having a reliable and comfortable vehicle is key. Back-to-School Car Care Check-Up! Before the morning rush begins, now is the perfect time for a quick vehicle check-up. A little preventative maintenance can save you a lot of hassle down the road. Our certified service team is here to help you get your car in top shape. Tires: Check your tire pressure and tread depth for optimal safety and fuel economy. Brakes: With school zones and bus stops, your brakes are more important than ever. If you hear any unusual noises, let us take a look. Fluids: Make sure all your essential fluids—oil, coolant, windshield wiper fluid—are topped off and in good condition. A/C: Ensure your A/C is still blowing cold to keep everyone comfortable on those warm August and September afternoons. Battery: A reliable battery is a must for those early morning starts. We can perform a quick test to make sure yours is ready for the year ahead. The Perfect Chevrolet for Every Back-to-School Need: If you're in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle to handle the school year's demands, Chevrolet has you covered with a versatile lineup. For the New College Student: The Chevy Trax offers a perfect combination of style, efficiency, and technology—ideal for navigating campus and weekend trips home. Its compact size makes parking a breeze, while its surprisingly spacious interior can handle moving-in day. For the Family Runabout: The Chevy Equinox is a perennial favorite for a reason. With ample cargo space for sports gear, groceries, and science projects, plus a host of safety features, it’s the ultimate do-it-all family SUV. For the Daily Commuter/Teacher: The classic Chevy Malibu sedan provides a comfortable, quiet ride with impressive fuel economy, making your daily commute to the schoolhouse a relaxing start and end to the day. Don't Miss Our "Cramtastic" Back-to-School Deals! This month, we're featuring some excellent deals on both new and quality pre-owned vehicles. We understand that a new school year can come with a lot of expenses, so our goal is to provide you with a transparent and stress-free car-buying experience that fits your budget. If you’re a recent college graduate, don't forget to ask about our College Grad Program, which can offer special pricing on top of our already great deals. Stop by Bill Cram Chevrolet today at 1913 US Route 5 and 20 in Waterloo and let us help you find the perfect vehicle to start the school year off right. From our family to yours, we wish everyone a safe and successful return to the classroom! What's one thing you're most looking forward to this school year? Share in the comments below!

July 22nd Good morning, Finger Lakes! It's Tuesday, July 22nd, and the dog days of summer are definitely upon us. While we love the sunshine and all the outdoor activities our beautiful region offers, we're also experiencing that classic late-July humidity here in Waterloo. Did you know that on average, July in Waterloo brings around 65-66% relative humidity, with daily highs often reaching into the mid-80s? This warm, moist air can actually have an impact on your vehicle, and here at Bill Cram Chevrolet, we want to make sure your ride stays in top shape, no matter what the weather brings. The Hidden Impact of Humidity on Your Car: While intense heat gets a lot of attention, humidity can also contribute to wear and tear on your vehicle: Brakes: Moisture in the air can sometimes lead to minor surface rust on brake rotors, especially if your car sits for a bit. While usually harmless and quickly "wiped off" with a few stops, it's a good reminder to ensure your brake fluid isn't absorbing excess moisture, which can degrade its performance over time. A/C System: Your air conditioning unit works harder in humid conditions to not only cool the air but also to dehumidify it. This increased workload can put more strain on the system's components. Electrical Systems: While modern cars are well-sealed, prolonged exposure to high humidity can, in rare cases, contribute to corrosion in electrical connections over time. Interior Concerns: Humidity can lead to that "muggy" feeling inside your car. Ensuring your cabin air filter is clean helps maintain good airflow and reduce the potential for musty odors or even mold growth in your ventilation system. Your Mid-July Car Care Checklist: With these humid conditions in mind, here are a few things to consider for your Chevrolet: A/C System Performance: If your A/C isn't blowing as cold or as strongly as it should, or if you notice a musty smell, it's time for a check-up. Our technicians can inspect your system, check refrigerant levels, and ensure proper airflow. Fluid Levels & Quality: Pay attention to your brake fluid. If it hasn't been flushed in a while, it might be a good idea to discuss it with our service team, especially if you drive in consistently humid climates. Tire Pressure: Always important! Temperature changes (and hot pavement) can affect tire pressure, so a quick monthly check is essential. Wiper Blades: Heavy summer downpours often accompany humidity. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition for clear visibility. Cabin Air Filter: A clean cabin air filter not only improves air quality inside your car but also helps your A/C system operate more efficiently, which is great for combating humidity. Ready for Anything with a "Cramtastic" Deal! Whether you need a quick service check to prepare for the rest of summer's humidity or you're thinking about upgrading to a vehicle that handles all weather conditions with ease, Bill Cram Chevrolet is here for you. Our inventory of new 2025 Chevrolet models is arriving, showcasing cutting-edge features and technology built to deliver comfort and reliability. From the versatile Chevy Trax to the capable Silverado, there's a Chevrolet ready for your summer adventures and beyond. Don't forget to ask about our current July specials! We also have a fantastic selection of quality pre-owned vehicles, all thoroughly inspected to meet our high standards. Find a dependable car, truck, or SUV that fits your needs and budget, giving you peace of mind no matter the forecast. Stop by Bill Cram Chevrolet today at 1913 US Route 5 and 20 in Waterloo, or schedule your service appointment online. We're committed to keeping you and your Chevrolet happy and comfortable all summer long! What's your go-to trick for staying cool (and keeping your car cool!) during the humid Finger Lakes summer? Share your tips in the comments below!