Top 5 Road Trip Destinations within 2 Hours of Waterloo, NY!

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!

There is nothing quite like the 4th of July in the Finger Lakes. Whether you are packing up the cooler for a day out on Cayuga Lake, heading over to the public docks for a sunset view, or staking out the perfect spot for fireworks in Seneca Falls or Waterloo, Independence Day hits a little differently around here. For over 50 years, the Cram family has been lucky enough to help our neighbors find the perfect vehicles to power these holiday memories. This weekend, as we gather around the barbecue with friends and family, we want to wish everyone in our community a safe, happy, and truly spectacular 4th of July! Ready for Your Next Summer Road Trip? Independence Day is all about celebrating freedom—and nothing represents freedom quite like the open road in an American classic. If your current ride is feeling a bit cramped for those big family beach hauls, we have got you covered: The Ultimate Tailgater: The Chevy Silverado 1500 has the cargo space and towing power to easily pull the boat down to the launch or hold all your grills, lawn chairs, and coolers. The Family Road-Tripper: Packed with safety features and plenty of legroom, the Chevy Equinox or Trax are perfect for scenic drives along Route 5 & 20 without constantly breaking the bank at the pump. The Electric Pioneer: Want to zip around the lakes gas-free? Check out the all-electric Chevy Blazer EV or Equinox EV for a quiet, high-tech summer drive. Holiday Service Reminder: Planning a late-summer getaway? Don't let a bad battery or low tire pressure ruin your fun. Stop by our service department on Waterloo Road next week for a quick check-up to keep your summer rolling smoothly! Have a "Cramtastic" Holiday! From our family to yours, thank you for making Bill Cram Chevrolet your trusted home for everything automotive. Enjoy the parades, stay safe on the water, and look out for one another. Happy 4th of July, neighbors! Note: Our sales and service departments will have adjusted hours for the holiday weekend so our hard-working team can enjoy time with their families. Give us a call at (315) 539-9272 or check our website before driving down!

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!