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!

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.