Summer Time For You & Your Truck

Summer has finally arrived!  Hopefully for most of you, it will be more play than work.  However, whilst it might be all summer rays and lounging at the cottage for you, have you ever stopped and wonder about the effect summertime has on your truck?  If you are like me, the answer would be - No.  

When Ram released the official 2013 Ram Truck Super Bowl commercial - "Farmer", it highlighted all of the work that both farmers and Rams really do.  To see the commercial, click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMpZ0TGjbWE

 While most of us do not work on a farm, we do put our trucks to the test when summer rolls around.  Whether it may be towing a trailer to the family camp site, or towing your fishing boat out to the lake, summer means work for your truck.

Due to the fact that more demand is put on your truck, proper summer maintenance curtailed to your truck should always be a priority.  
Here are some of Peter Lafrance's tips for proper summer maintenance of your truck:

• Keep your engine oil at the proper level.  If the oil is left too low, it will cause the oil to oxidize, which in turn will put more wear on your truck's engine.
• Stop idling!  Although people believe that idling will allow for your vehicle's engine to cool down, idling will also burn more fuel and in turn, will burn a hole in your pocket.
• For those of you (like me!) who love to add accessories to your truck, do not add anything that will reduce air flow through the grill.
• Ask your service adviser to make sure your air filter is clean.  If it isn't, have it replaced.  It will not only improve your engine's performance, but will also save you money on fuel.
• Ask your service adviser to check your tire pressure.  Tires that are both over or under inflated can pose a serious risk.  Please remember to check your trailer's tires as well!

For those of you planning on doing any travelling this weekend, or at any point during the summer season, we ask that you put these tips into practice to make sure that your summer travel plans remain what they should be: carefree and worry free time spent with loved ones.

• Buckle Up!: It should be like second nature to put your seat belt on once you get into a vehicle.  However, a reminder never hurt, so please make sure that all passengers, including those in car seats are safely buckled up.  It is the quickest and easiest way to reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident.
• Don't Over Pack: We know that camping trips require a lot of supplies.  Put please, when packing your vehicle up, make sure that your view of all angles of the road are left visible at all times.  
• Watch Out For Others: With the warm weather comes the need for drivers to share the roads with cyclists and motorcyclists.  Children playing outside, roller bladders and pedestrians are also out in full force and drivers need to pay attention.  
• Arrive Alive: Summer brings with it many family get togethers, nights spent on friend's patios and poolside weekends.  If your planned activity is going to involve enjoying an alcoholic beverage, please make sure you have made arrangements for a designated driver to bring you home.  
• Construction Season: Everyone knows that summer is construction season.  While this may cause traffic for commuters, please keep in mind that construction workers on exposed on the roads and to be weary of them.

On behalf of the entire Southbank Family, we wish you a safe and happy summer!  

And do not forget your sunscreen!

Are You Ready For the Ultimate Speed Partnership?

In a partnership that can only be described as a match made in car enthusiast's heaven, Dodge and SRT has partnered with Universal Studios to join forces to bring to the screen The Fast & Furious 6.

The film is set for release on May 24th, 2013 and is the sixth instalment in the widely popular franchise.  The hero car of the film will be none other than a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which was made especially for the film by SRT.  The Challenger will be driven by the unstoppable Dominic Toretto.  

The partnership between Universal and Dodge will not stop at just featuring vehicles in the movie, but will create and support marketing initiatives which will include: merchandise, social media campaigns and co-branded advertising campaigns.

Asked why he believe the partnership was a good fit for Dodge, Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO of Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC said, "[l]ike Fast and Furious 6, Dodge fuels the passions of the automotive enthusiast.  Our innovative vehicles stand apart in performance and style, providing our customers with a way to express who they are and what they can do in the work."

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Kile Loveridge

Kile Loveridge has been part of the Southbank family for five years.  As a parts adviser, Kile plays a crucial role in the Southbank Parts Department.  His dedication and team spirit is always evident towards both customers and staff.  Southbank Blogger sat down with Kile to discuss his role at Southbank and what he hopes he is passing down to Southbank customers. 

Southbank Blogger: Good Afternoon Kile!  Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

 

Kile Loveridge: My name is Kile and I am 28 years old.  I recently got engaged.  I am very much into sports and extra curricular activities; whether it is playing hockey volleyball or just heading to the gym, I love to stay active.  I am also obviously a car guy.  I happen to own my own 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.  It is my baby and I like to keep it in tip top shape.

 

Southbank Blogger: What do you think is the most important duty of  a parts adviser?

 

Kile Loveridge: I believe that the most important duty I have as a parts adviser of Southbank Dodge is to make sure that in the end, my customers are always satisfied with their Southbank experience and that my customer service towards them, allows them to maintain highest opinion of Southbank as a company.  Whether it is accessories, parts, or basic knowledge of a certain vehicle, as parts advisers, we need to make sure we have as many answers as there are questions.  My team and I try not to use the word "no." If it is available somewhere, we will do our best to get it for you.  

Southbank Blogger: Kile, what do you believe sets the Southbank Parts Department apart from other parts departments in Ottawa?

Kile Loveridge: I think my colleagues and their personalities puts us ahead of any other parts department in the city.  We all take on different roles and help one another when we need it.  We all have our specialties and when we come together, we can pretty much tackle anything and everything.  We make sure that our environment is one you would want to wake up in the morning and and look forward to coming to work to.  

 

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers leave Southbank feeling?

Kile Loveridge: Personally, when I finish with a customer, I want them to be happy with not only their purchase, but more importantly, with their experience here at Southbank.  Above anything, I hope my customers leave the Southbank Dodge Parts Department feeling the same way I do; that there is no better parts department in the city.  

Southbank Blogger: What are three things that you would like to communicate to Southbank customers?

Kile Loveridge: One, if you have a question, we will have an answer. Two, we will always do our best to get you what you want.  Three, we love our job and hope that love passes onto you, in terms of our customer service.

 

 

 

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Martin Gonzales Mendizabal

At Southbank Dodge, we consider ourselves to be more than a business, we are a family.  Every one of our team members plays a role in building a foundation that allows Southbank Dodge to be great.  We are proud of our staff and that is why we have introduced to you our readers, The Faces of Southbank.  We hope that these posts allow you the opportunity to get to know our team and see how fortunate we are to all be part of the Southbank family.

Martin Gonzales Mendizabal has been part of the Southbank family for almost a year.  As detailing foreman, Martin plays a vital role in the Southbank Service Department and also in the day to day life of Southbank.  He is always smiling and is always willing to help.  Southbank Blogger sat down with Martin to discuss his role at Southbank and what he hopes he is passing down to Southbank customers.

Southbank Blogger: Good morning Martin!  Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Martin Gonzales Mendizabal: Good morning!  My name is Martin, I have been with Southbank Dodge for almost a year now.  I was born in Peru and have been living in Canada for the past twenty one years.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you believe is your most important role in your job?

Martin Gonzales Medizabal: I believe that my most important function in my role as detailing shop foreman is to make sure every customer is happy.  I love my role at Southbank.  I love to make customers smile and I love knowing that when I see a customer leave happy, I played a part in that.  That makes coming to work every day worth it.  

Southbank Blogger: Martin, what do you believe sets Southbank Dodge apart from other dealers in the city of Ottawa?

Martin Gonzales Medizabal: That is an easy question that I can answer in one word.  Family.  Family sets Southbank apart from any other dealer.  Southbank is a family business and I believe it is because of this that the staff of Southbank have become a family.  We all care about one another, we all relate to each other and we are always there for each other. 

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers feel when they leave Southbank Dodge? 

Martin Gonzales Medizabal: Firstly, when customers walk into Southbank, I want them to feel confident that they are in capable hands.  I want them to feel comfortable enough to ask any question they may have concerning their vehicle.  When they leave Southbank, I want them to feel satisfied that they received the best possible service and more importantly that they feel like they too are part of the Southbank family.  

The Faces of Southbank Dodge - Meet Mat "The Ram Man" Pigeon

The Southbank Dodge family is made up of many different faces.  Every person plays an integral part in forming our team; a team that strives to deliver each customer with one hundred percent satisfaction.  

Mat Pigeon has been part of the Southbank family for over three years and plays a crucial role in Southbank's Financial Services Department.  Southbank Blogger sat down with Mat to discuss his role at Southbank and what he hopes he is passing down to Southbank customers.

Southbank Blogger: Good afternoon Mat!  Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Mat Pigeon: Well, my name is Mathieu Pigeon a.k.a "the Ram Man".  I have been at Southbank for a little over three years.  I am fully bilingual and a fishing fanatic.

Mat and his Dodge Ram

Southbank Blogger: How did you come to get the nickname "the Ram Man"?

Mat Pigeon: I am the proud owner of a 2012 Dodge Ram Laramie Hemi.  Right after I purchased it, my co workers started calling me "the Ram Man" and it stuck.  

Southbank Blogger: Could you explain what your role as Finance Services Manager entails?

Mat Pigeon: Of course.  Apart from myself, I have my three other colleagues who comprise the financial services department.  Our responsibility is to guide Southbank customers through the purchase of their new vehicle.  Whether it is questions with financing, which bank to use, licensing, insurance or protection options, we are the go to people.  I like to think we take all of the headache out of purchasing a new vehicle.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you like most about your job?

Mat Pigeon:  I am a people person.  My job allows me the opportunity to meet and interact with new people on a daily basis.  I have met so many different people, from all over the world.  Every day I go to work, I know it will not be the same as yesterday, which keeps me challenged.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you think sets the Southbank Finance Department apart from other finance department in the city?

Mat Pigeon: Good question.  I believe that because Southbank is the largest volume dealer in Ottawa, it allows us the opportunity to form great relationships.  The Southbank finance department has over time, established a solid relationship with nine major financial institutions, which allows us the flexibility to get all of our customers exactly what they want.    We have an amazing team, which also sets us apart, along with a great support staff, which allows us to go above and beyond what any other finance department could.

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers leave Southbank feeling?

Mat Pigeon: I hope that every customer leaves the finance department feeling that I gave them 100%.  If they leave happy, I did my job.

Peter's Top 10 Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

The summer weather has finally come to Ottawa!  That means, patio season has arrived, time spent by the pool and Sens playoff hockey!  What summer time also means is, it is time to prep your vehicle for the gruelling temperatures that Ottawa can climb to during this beloved time. 

Peter Lafrance, Southbank Service Manager, has prepared his top ten list of recommended summer maintenance tips for your vehicle to follow before you hit the open road. Here they are:

1. Check your tires - Peter stresses that tires are one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle.  Under or overinflated tires can pose a serious risk to you as driver, your passengers and fellow drivers on the road. 
2. Change your oil and oil filter - Peter recommends that you change your oil and oil filter every 5000kms.  The oil in your vehicle should appear to be a brownish yellow colour on the dipstick if it is clean.  If the oil is dark, with dirt and grime in it, Peter says it is definitely time for an oil change.  
3. De-Winterize your vehicle - Peter says first thing is first - remove your winter tires!  Second, book a detailing appointment with Southbank to make sure your vehicle is properly cleaned, including the very crucial area of the undercarriage of the vehicle.  Due to Ottawa's horrible winter season, the gunk, grime and salt of old man winter can get stuck in your under carriage and will eat away at the metal.  
4. Maintain the hoses and belts of your vehicle - Hoses and belts are crucial components to your vehicle.  If your vehicle's belts snap or its hoses crack, your radiator will soon over heat and that will mean that you will be stranded on the side of the road.
5. Change your vehicle's air filter - Peter says if you are looking for a quick way to increase your gas mileage, change your filter.  This can easily improve your gas mileage as much as ten percent.  Debris, salt and gravel from winter driving can become lodged in the filter, causing it to become inefficient, so if you are planning a road trip, make sure you check your filter.
   
6. Check your wind shield wipers - During the winter, your wind shield wipers battle snow, ice, freezing temperatures and salt.  Although they can come out of the winter season intact, they may be in bad shape.  Freezing temperatures can cause them to crack and the rubber to tear, making it impossible to protect you from those summer showers.  Peter says it is always a smart decision to change your wind shield wipers, as it is a cost effective way to enhance the safety of your vehicle. 
7. Maintain your brakes - Peter states that because of the huge importance brakes play to the safety of you and your passengers whilst in your vehicle, it is imperative that you regularly maintain them.  If your brakes are too soft, or too resistant, or creating a loud screeching noise, Peter says it is time for a check up.  
8. Check your coolant and radiator - Peter recommends that if you have not had your radiator flushed and new coolant added to your vehicle recently, this is time.  While we sit in our vehicles in the heat, during the endless Ottawa traffic that we all know and love, pressure is being put on our vehicle's radiator to maintain its optimal temperature.  By flushing the radiator and adding new coolant, Peter says you are reducing the strain the heat is putting on your vehicle.
   
9. Maintain your vehicle's air conditioning - It's a hot summer day and you and your loved ones have hit the road for a mini summer vacation.  Two hours in and your air conditioning stops working, leaving you exposed to the unbearable heat.  Peter recommends that if your vehicle is having a difficult maintaining a cool temperature, bring it in to Southbank to have us look at it, just to make sure you will not be left stuck in the heat.
10. Drive Safe! - Peter says that the most important thing to remember about your vehicle, whether it be in the summer or winter months is to drive safe.  Always maintain your vehicle, make sure all passengers wear their seatbelts and if you are planning on attending a summer get together, make sure you have a designated driver.  

From Peter Lafrance and the rest of the Southbank Family, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy summer season.  Drive safe and have fun!

Southbank Is Proud to Introduce Our New Service Manager: Peter Lafrance

At Southbank, we believe we are only as strong as our staff.  We consider ourselves to be a family; we celebrate each other's successes and stand by each other during our tribulations.    It is because of this that we are proud to introduce to you: Peter Lafrance, Southbank's new Service Manager.  I sat down with Peter to talk to him about his new role at Southbank and what he believes are the core values that build and maintain a strong Service Department.

Peter Lafrance, Southbank Service Mgr

Southbank Blogger: Good morning Peter.  Can you please tell us how long you have been with Southbank Dodge?

Peter Lafrance: I have worked at Southbank Dodge for eleven years.  I began my career as a technician and from there was promoted to Shop Foreman and then to Assistant Service Manager, before beginning my new role as Service Manager.  Eleven years has certainly flown by and I am excited what the next eleven have in store for me at Southbank.

Southbank Blogger: Peter, what do you think is the most important duty of a Service Manager?

Peter Lafrance: I believe the most important role of a Service Manager is to make sure that all of the service staff, from advisor's to technicians work together as a team with the rest of the Southbank staff in the pursuit of one common goal: to ensure that the Southbank customer always comes first and is satisfied with the service from the moment they enter the drive-thru until they drive off with their vehicle.  

Southbank Blogger: Peter, what do you believe sets the Southbank Service Department apart from other service departments in Ottawa and the surrounding communities? 

Peter Lafrance: Our service department is set apart from other service departments in the city for a number of reasons and it is difficult to just pick one.  I believe an important factor that sets us apart from other service departments is my staff`s loyalty to Southbank.  A large number of my team members have been here for over thirty years and I believe this is a testament to the dedication each customer will receive when they come to the Southbank Service Department.   Another important factor is in the way that any service staff member is willing to work as a team for Southbank as a whole, which in turn transcends to the customer.  Over my eleven years here, that is one of the greatest things I have seen, it does not matter if you are from service, sales or parts, you are willing to help any customer or team member.  

Southbank Blogger: What do you hope customers leave the Southbank Service Department feeling?

Peter Lafrance: I hope that every customer that leaves Southbank feels that they are part of the Southbank family.  From the first day I started, I felt that Southbank was different and I hope that is carried onto the customer.  I hope that each customer leaves satisfied with every step and aspect of their visit to Southbank Service.

Southbank Blogger: Peter, what are three things that you would like to communicate to Southbank Service customers? 

Peter Lafrance: One, would be to make sure every customer is happy with their visit to Southbank and if for some reason, they are not, please tell us how we can make you happy.

Two, is for our customers to know that the entire Southbank staff works as a team.  I must stress this.  We do not draw departmental lines.  Every Southbank staff member is here to ensure the customer`s complete satisfaction, no matter if you are a service, parts or sales customer, you are part of the Southbank family and we are here to serve you.

Three would have to be that as Service Manager, my door is always open to any Southbank customer.  My job is to make sure every customer is happy with their Southbank experience.  I want to get to know the people that allow Southbank to continue to succeed.  Without you, there would be no Southbank.  We owe it to you.  

Please come in to see Peter and the rest of the Southbank team and see for yourself what makes Southbank different.