Should You Be Thinking About Winter Tires Already?

You may want to consider a new set or prepare for a long, tough winter drive.

Are you planning on getting through the winter on your car's all-season tires? Are your tires good enough to perform in winter driving conditions? Your life may depend on your answer. How much tread do they have left? If the tires have less than 4/32 tread depth left, you should consider a new set or prepare for a tough winter drive. Remember that with a two-ton vehicle, it is just four hand-sized contact patches that touch the road, provide the grip needed for accelerating, braking, and handling. That's not much keep you and your passengers safe, especially in the cold, with a glaze of ice.


If you want winter tires, don't wait — the retail season is in full swing right now. You might find yourself out of luck if you procrastinate until the first snow fall. We have great offers at Southbank Nation to help you find the right winter tires for your vehicle.

Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

All-season tires: all-season tires provide good all-around traction to handle dry, wet, and wintry conditions, but they tend not to be a master of any one condition. All-season tires are a good choice for modest winter conditions or when you can wait until the roads are plowed.

Winter tires: These tires are specially made for use in freezing temperatures and on snow and ice. Winter tires have a mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall indicating they meet challenging snow traction criteria. But like all-season tires, there is some compromise to consider, with so-so dry and wet grip and fast wear for many models. Consider winter tires if you have to drive in severe winter conditions.

Bottom line: Consider your winter tire needs now to be sure you can get the tires you want before the snow starts falling.

My trip to Chicago guess the mileage contest

Alright, time for a contest! This one is going to last a little over a week. Just to give you a quick run down, I went on vacation with my family (5 kids and my beautiful wife). We went to Chicago, Illinois and Fort Wayne, Indiana for my godson's wedding. I was driving in a Southbank Dodge Grand Caravan SE Stow'N'Go.

The contest is simple: Guess how many kms I did on this trip. The person with the closest answer will have the choice between a full car detailing (worth $150) or $1000 off the Grand Caravan I will be driving (It's a 2010 demo). Again, I will try to give as much details as possible so you can figure out how many KMs I am doing. You give your answer on our facebook page Southbanknation

Alright, let's get going!

Day 1

It's 6PM on a Sunday night and we just finished packing the van and are ready to roll. I am expecting to get to Chicago in one shot so the kids and wife can sleep most of the way and I (thank god) can listen to MY music. (First tip: We live in l’Escarpement Limbour in Gatineau).

The idea was to have diner on the way just so we feel on vacation. The only problems is that as soon as we left home, the kids started inquiring about diner... So we ended up at Swiss Chalet in Barr haven. LOL not even an hour done on the road.

Day 2

OK this time, we are rolling for good. The plan was to take the 402 and cross the border in Sarnia to avoid any possible delays in Detroit. So anyway, around 2-3 AM Olivier and I started talking about hockey and all the cities we have been through that host an OHL team. Guess what, I missed the exit for the 402 and decided to drive through Detroit. Well believe it or not, there was nobody at the border. We were literally the only vehicle in sight. "Passports please! Where are you going? Have a nice trip!" was all this nice Custom Agent asked us and back on the road we were.

I couldn`t dream of such a pleasant drive with 5 kids. They all had their laptops connected to kill some time and then they fell asleep for the rest of the trip. Can you believe that my Southbank 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan could keep 4 laptops running at the same time?

Now it is 7:30 (Central Time) and I am at the Chicago South Loop Hotel, of course our rooms weren`t ready so we decided to have breakfast at the Original Pancake House. It was not so attractive from the outside but since the hotel recommended it we just went. WOW!!! The crepes were phenomenal, the raspberry sauce was home made as was the orange juice. It was an expensive but worthy breakfast.

Ok, now we need to spend the day as our rooms won`t be ready until 3pm. Let`s go see the Museum of Science and Industry... This place is very nice. It is huge and lots to see; A real live tornado, a real opened Boeing 737, a real U-505 submarine and so much more. A must if you are in Chicago.

Now back at the hotel. I haven't slept in 26 hours. A nap before dinner. Again we had a taste for Italian (We are in Chicago...) Mart Anthony was recommended. After believing we were in the Bronx version of Chicago, we saw a corner restaurant where I believe the Great Great GrandSon of Al Capone would own. Again I said, it was recommended so let's go. Ok what is wrong with this city? This has to be one of the best Italian restaurant I ate in.

After a bit of a drive in the city which is beautiful at night btw, we went back to the hotel and fell asleep like babies...

Day 3

Tuesday, what a warm and humid day. Couldn't see much all day because of the fog. Anyway, I did some groceries on 12 street in the morning then went for the Shedd Aquarium. What an Aquarium. One of the best I have seen. Actually, the whole grounds where the Field Museum and Soldier Field (Home of the Chicago Bears)is just breathtaking. Chicago really has some great parks and structures.

Side note: If you ever come to Chicago, I urge you to buy the City Pass to avoid waiting lines, especially for the Shedd Aquarium, the most visited place in Chicago.

After a long visit, we came back to the hotel and ordered the famous Chicago Style Deep Dish pizza from Connie's pizza. This dish really lives up to his name.

Tonight we spend a the Navy Pier, also a major attraction. It is nice but all the restaurant and booths are ripping you off (9$ for a small sunday). The Ferris Wheel was worth it with the view of Chicago all lighted up at night. Now back to the hotel for a well deserved night of sleep.

Day 4

Last full day in Chicago and still a lot to do. We started off the morning by visiting the Chicago Art Institute. Beautiful building, awesome galleries, but definitely not a place for kids (BORING as they would describe it). Then off dropping the family at the Field Museum except me and Olivier. We couldn't come to Chicago without going to one of the oldest Ballpark still functional, the Wrigley Field. What a feeling to sit in this Ballpark. We witnessed the Cubs getting a baseball lesson by the Philadelphia Phillies, but just being there was something in itself. Could you believe that the stadium was almost full and it was 1:30PM? Don't people work in Chicago? Oh and BTW, I personally can confirm that the Wrigley Field has the best hot dogs in the whole world...

Ok, let's get out of here and grab the family. Time for a quick change and back downtown to visit Skydeck in the Willis Tower, the second tallest building in the world. The view is just amazing. You can have a 360 view of Chicago and even step in the glass booth where the floor is... a glass. Takes nerves but pretty cool feeling.

Last drive downtown Chicago, diner at Miller's Pub (Not bad) and back at the Hotel since we have to leave early in the morning.

Day 5

10AM, let’s go let’s go, we need to be in Fort Wayne by 1PM to drop off my youngest, Keliane, for the wedding rehearsal (she is play a big role at the wedding). Ok, traffic, wide convoy, construction, we arrived at 2 and had to drop Keliane directly at Baker Street restaurant as they had a pre-rehearsal lunch. The rest of us went to the Glenbrook Square Mall. After spending a few American dollars on clothing, we went to our hotel, the Marriott Courtyard Downtown and spent the rest of the night there. Lie, we had dinner with a few family members at Applebee’s on Clinton Street. Then back at the hotel again… this time, for the night!

Day 6

The wedding crew picked up Keliane at 8:30 AM, I went back to bed and woke much later (1PM), had lunch at the hotel and prepare for the wedding. We went to Lakeside Park for the Ceremony. What a beautiful place for a wedding ceremony. The grounds are breathtaking, but at 50 Celsius with humidity and in a black suit, we were kind of looking forward to go to the reception at the Masonic Temple.

Bottom line, a beautiful wedding. Everything was just perfect. And I am so proud of my little girl who fulfilled her task perfectly!

Day 7

Every good thing has an end… time to go back home.

We left around noon and took the 69 all the way to Port Huron. We had our first fast food meal in Imlay City (McDonalds). Beware if you come back to Canada through Port Huron, the Duty Free shops are off the highway. If you continue following the directions to Canada you will do as I did, miss it completely (what a shame).

The Custom Agent there was a nice as the other one: “Passports please. Where do you came from? Roll down the rear window please. Welcome back to Canada” and off we go. We stopped at Montana’s in Kingston for diner and arrived home around 2 AM Sunday morning.

Conclusion

It was an amazing trip. I had a lot of worries before we left driving so long with 5 kids. Everybody who saw us said that we were crazy. Well, au contraire, we all had a lot of fun and were all sad to come back home. One of the reason the drive was so pleasant is the fact that we had a Dodge Grand caravan Stow’N’Go. It is amazing how much room this vehicle has for luggage at the back and underneath the benches. I don’t think any other vehicle would have done as great as a job.

Now back to the CONTEST

I think I have given you enough details so you can figure out how many KMs I did on that trip. Be the closest and choose between a full detailing (a value of $150) or $1000 off the dodge caravan I was driving.

You can view the van at: http://www.southbank.ca/view/2010-Dodge-Grand-Caravan-3660

You have until Friday July 29 to give me your answers on our facebook page Southbanknation

Did you know?

SouthBank Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Ottawa Ontario

Ottawa Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat by southbank is conveniently located in Ottawa Ontario, just north of Bank St and Hunt Club. SouthBank Dodge Chrysler Jeep Fiat has the area’s largest selection of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat and certified preowned vehicles from cars and trucks to vans and SUVs.

Ottawa Chrysler in Ottawa

If you are looking to buy a new or used vehicle and need financing, SouthBank Chrysler is the dealer for you. Our finance team can assist you with securing affordable options on any new:

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler Aspen

2011 Chrysler

2011 Chrysler

2011 Chrysler Pacifica

2011 Chrysler PT Cruiser

2011 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

2011 Chrysler Sebring or Town & Country

Ottawa Dodge in Ottawa

If you are looking to buy a new or used vehicle and need financing, SouthBank Dodge is the dealer for you. Our finance team can assist you with securing affordable options

2011 Dodge Caliber

2011 Dodge Gran Caravan

2011 Dodge Charger SRT8

2011 Dodge Dakota

2011 Dodge Durango,

2011 Dodge Durango Hybrid

2011 Dodge Magnum

2011 Dodge Nitro

2011 Dodge RAM 1500

2011 Dodge RAM 2500/3500

2011 Dodge RAM 3500,Heavy Duty Chassis Cab or Sprinter.

Ottawa Jeep in Ottawa

If you are looking to buy a new or used vehicle and need financing, SouthBank Jeep is the dealer for you. Our finance team can assist you with securing affordable options on any new:

2011 Jeep Commander

2011 Jeep Compass

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Liberty

2011 Jeep Patriot

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Best of all, SouthBank Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat has a great staff on hand to assist you with your all of your needs when it comes to Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat parts, factory service and OEM accessories for your vehicle

Visit our Ottawa Chrysler, Ottawa, Jeep and Ottawa Dodge showroom today at:

Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Ottawa
1255 Johnston Road at Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 8Z1

It's a SouthBank Nation Summer!

Tires are black and round. For most drivers, tires are an afterthought, taken for granted and often poorly maintained. That, in itself, is funny because no matter how proudly purchased and carefully maintained a car is, its only connection to the road is those four small patches of rubber. Without those, the rest of the mighty powertrain, electronics, safety systems, etc., just don’t matter.
A driver can save more than $100 at the pump if the tires are kept properly inflated (driving an average 20,000 km/year). In addition to saving money, you will also be doing your part in preventing the release of an additional 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Make sure your car’s tires are in good working condition and that they are properly inflated.
Remember to put safety first, oxygen breaks down the rubber in your tires, weakening their elasticity an strength. Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep offers 4 tire Nitrogen-fill for only $29.95 plus tax. Nitrogen maintains tire pressure longer. Because of its larger molecular size, nitrogen migrates through a tire three times slower than oxygen. Reduces tire oxidation and eliminates interior wheel corrosion extending your tire's life. Nitrogen is a dry gas, which means it is free of moisture; the moisture in oxygen causes damage to your tires. Nitrogen is not affected by temperature like oxygen is, giving you cooler running tires.

Springtime maintenance prepares your car for summer!

Winter is without a doubt tough on a lot of things, including your car. Low temperatures, snow and ice, road salt and potholes put your car to the test.

If you are like most of us, you try to take your car in for service before the cold hits to make sure it will make it to spring. Well, spring is here and there are a number of things you want to do to your car to avoid breakdowns and ensure its best performance for those summer trips.

Spring is the perfect time to get rid of old man winter's effects and get ready to enjoy the warmer weather.

Our service plans pay attention to the most important parts of you car, making sure it's always ready to go.

Batteries work harder when it's cold. Testing and replacing old or weak batteries, can be cheaper than a tow and replacement on the road.

Cold weather can reduce tire pressure. We will make sure that all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated. This practice, along with keeping your tires balanced and wheels properly aligned, will also help you save on gas.

We will inspect and replace worn or cracked belts, as well as radiator hoses that are blistered, brittle or too soft. Belts and hoses older than five years, even if they look intact, might need to be replaced.

There can't be enough said about how important your brakes are. A spring checkup can uncover any winter damage such as rust. The brake system inspection, includes checking lines, hoses, pads, brake fluid and parking brake.

Deep potholes aren't friendly to shocks and struts. A suspension check up will determine wear or leaks which can alleviate bigger issues down the road.

We will inspect the antifreeze/coolant level, the transmission fluid, power steering fluid making sure they meet the specifications listed in the vehicle owner's manual for top performance and longer engine life.

Check out our Recommended Maintenance Schedule page to see which package suits your needs, and get ready to enjoy the summer!

$1000 Giveaway to a Non-Profit Organization

Have you heard? Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep will be donating $1,000 to a non-profit organization every month for the remaining of 2011!

To kick-off 2011 right, Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep will be taking part in a new initiative to show our appreciation to everyone in our community. This is our way of saying thank you to all of our wonderful customers; you make us a huge success every year and we couldn’t have made it this far without you!

How do we plan to show our appreciation? We will be donating $1,000 to a non-profit organization for every month of 2011. This could be any charity or non-profit organization, and remember no cause is too small. There are many organizations that can benefit from this money, so be sure to get involved and spread the word with us!

Do you have a cause you are passionate about? We want to hear about it! Join our Facebook page Southbank Nation by clicking the ‘like’ button. Once you have joined we encourage you to post information about your cause. We would also suggest you tell others to join and share their stories about the organization as well to better your chances of winning. We want to hear what the organization of your choice is doing to make our community a better place. Log on and share your stories today!

Get the word out! This is very exciting to all of us here at Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep, and we are hoping to get as many people involved as possible. We have already generated some interest and we want it to continuously grow throughout the year. Help us spread the word!

The draw takes place on the last Friday of every month, so we will be posting a blog the following week to inform you of the winner, and to share their stories with you. Let’s work together to give back to our community this year!

Thank you to everyone who is already a member of the Southbank Nation and to everyone else we invite you to join today!

For full contest details and rules click the link below:
http://www.southbank.ca/promotions

To join our Facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/southbanknation

Camping et pêche: Pêche sur glace! Sécuritaire ou pas?

Camping et pêche: Pêche sur glace! Sécuritaire ou pas?: "Pêche sur glace! Sécuritaire ou pas? Pour un grand nombre de pêcheur, l’arriver de l’hiver annonce d’au..."

Info Glace!!

Pêche sur glace! Sécuritaire ou pas?

       Pour un grand nombre de pêcheur, l’arriver de l’hiver annonce d’autres préparations pour une saison remplie d’aventure. Celle de la pêche sur glace! Une fois les préparations faites, il nous reste que l’attente de la glace. Mais quand peut-on dire que cette fameuse glace est suffisamment solide? Un pouce, deux pouces, six pouce ou bien faut attendre pour 12 pouces de glace? Voila une question que tout bon pêcheur doit ce poser avant de faire une sortie au mois de décembre et début janvier.

        Avant de circuler sur la glace, il faut mesurer l'épaisseur de cette dernière, et ce à différents endroits,  afin de vous assurer qu’elle est suffisante pour supporter votre poids, celui de votre équipement de pêche et celui de votre moyen de transport. Cette épaisseur se doit d’être uniforme pour assurer votre sécurité. De nombreux facteurs peuvent modifier l’épaisseur de la glace : la nature du plan d’eau (lac, rivière, fleuve, réservoir) et les variations climatiques (neige, pluie, chaleur, etc.)  De même que les courants, les marées, les fluctuations dans les niveaux d’eau et les structures qui peuvent absorber la chaleur du soleil sont des facteurs à prendre en considération.

        On classe habituellement la glace en fonction de sa couleur : la glace bleue transparente est la plus résistante, une glace blanche opaque, que l’on nomme glace de neige contient des bulles d’air et sa résistance est moindre, enfin on évitera de circuler sur de la glace de couleur grise car cette dernière révèle la présence d’eau.

Les données suivantes sont recommandées pour circuler sur de la glace bleue.

• 10 cm (4 po) : pêche sur glace, ski de fond, marche.
• 12 cm (5 po) : motoneige ou un VTT.
• 20 à 30 cm (8 à 12 po) : automobile ou petite camionnette.
• 30 à 38 cm (12 à 15 po) : camion de taille moyenne (camionnette ou semi-remorque fourgon).

Petits conseils de base.

1. Idéalement on ne devrait jamais partir seul sur la glace et avant de partir on devrait indiquer à une personne notre destination et l’heure prévue de retour.
2. Il faut éviter de circuler en véhicule sur la glace la nuit ou lorsqu’il neige car une visibilité réduite ne permettra pas de déceler les endroits où la glace est dangereuse.
3. Si vous pêchez en pourvoirie assurez-vous de rester sur la route tracée par le pourvoyeur.
4. Pour les aventuriers dans l’âme une combinaison de flottaison  conçue pour des activités en eaux froides constitue un excellent investissement. En cas d’incidents, elle vous permettra de rester à flot et d’augmenter votre résistance à l’hypothermie.
5. N’oubliez pas que l’alcool accélère l’hypothermie et que la modération à meilleur goût!
6. Enfin si vous pêchez en compagnie d’enfants ces derniers devraient en tout temps être surveillés par une personne responsable et ne jamais quitter le périmètre qui a été vérifié!

Sur ce, bonne pêche !

Steve Morrissette

Ma plus belle journée de pêche!

Depuis que ma fille a 2 ans elle me suit partout! Que ce sois travailler dans la cours arrière, une randonner de jeep, marche en forêt et même pour aller à la pêche peut importe la température.  Aujourd’hui ma fille a sept ans et continue de me suivre.

      Cet été elle m’a demandé d’aller à la pêche sur la rivière des Outaouais (Ottawa river). Comme je suis un mordu de la pêche je lui ai dit oui pour le prochain samedi sans me faire prier de mille et une façon. Ce fut une très longue semaine d’attente pour ma princesse mais bon nous sommes déjà Vendredi soir!!! « Papa vite faut préparer le bateau!» Déjà à son âge elle veut prendre de l’avance pour sa journée tant attendu.

       Samedi 5h00 du matin j’entends une petite voix et une petite main me tapoter doucement : « Papa il va faire jour bientôt, faut s’habiller et déjeuner au plus vite! » Me voilà debout et ma journée commence de façon fabuleuse. Un sourire venant d’un enfant avec autant d’étoiles dans les yeux ferait la journée de quiconque sur cette planète terre. Bien sûr que je n’ai pas eu besoin de me répéter deux fois pour qu’elle se prépare et déjeune. (C’est différent comparé à  des matins d’école.) Wow!!! Un super beau matin du mois d’Octobre avec un lever de soleil éblouissant, un enfant avec un sourire plein de fierté et un papa qui partage sa passion avec sa fille! Quoi demander de mieux?

     Nous voilà enfin sur la rivière à 7h00 le matin. Un peu frisquet mais nous sommes bien habiller. Océane presser de mettre sa ligne à pêche à l’eau, me supplie de préparer sa canne en premier. Voila c’est fait et en quelques secondes ¨ploc¨ la ligne descend doucement au fond de la rivière. Midi arrive et toujours rien n’a mordu! Je me suis donc dit que cette journée appartenait a ma fille! J’ai donc décidé d’entrer dans l’embouchure de la Baie Clément dans le secteur Angers. WOW! Nous étions là que pour le plaisir! Faire en sorte de sentir au bout de notre ligne un peut de morsure de poisson et ce… peut importe la sorte de poisson!

     Premier poisson pris par Océane est une belle perchaude! 2ieme poisson, un bel achigan de 2 lb. Pas besoin de vous dire que ma fille avait plus d’étoiles dans les yeux que le ciel de la nuit peut en contenir! Pour ma part j’aurais tant aimé que le fameux doré morde autant mais bon, la joie que j’éprouvait en voyant mon enfant adorer ma passion était si grande que j’en oubliais ce poisson tant voulu de nous pêcheurs.  

  

À un moment donné, Océane me demande si elle peut lancer sa canne à pêche comme je le fait. Un peut craintif je lui dis oui et range ma canne pour la superviser. Je lui ai expliqué comment faire pendant quelques secondes et la voilà…  Du premier coup, elle la lance d’une facilité incomparable. Surpris je me suis dit que c’étais un coup de chance! Elle la relance et encore une fois de manière à faire rougir certains adultes! Je lui ai dit ¨bravo championne Papa est fier de toi¨. Depuis ce jour, Océane prend un appât dans mon coffre et lance sa canne elle-même.

   Bon il est maintenant 15h30 et je lui demande si elle veut continuer à pécher ou bien partir? La réponse était de rester de façon solide! Nous avons donc pêché jusqu'à la noirceur. Surprise par un coup assez puissant sur sa canne à pêche elle me crie : ¨PAPA!!! Ca mort!!! J’ai de la misère à tenir ma canne à pêche!¨ Voyant sa canne plier ainsi, la tentation de prendre sa canne et ramener le poisson au bateau moi-même était énorme! Je me ressaisi! Je lui lance un crie : ¨Vas-y ma championne, lâche pas et ramène moi ce poisson. Papa te surveille t’inquiète pas!¨ Je viens de la sécuriser avec mes mots et voilà le poisson qui fait surface! Je le puise! SURPRISE! Un bel esturgeon de 5 lb! On a ensuite ramené notre embarcation, replier bagage et retourné a la maison.

     Vous ne pouvez même pas imaginer tout ce qu’elle avait à raconter de cette journée inoubliable que j’ai passé avec mon enfant. Je n’ai pas pris ma limite de dorée tant souhaité, je n’ai pas fait une pêche record de nombre de poisson, mais j’ai passé la plus belle journée de pêche jusqu'à présent et ce avec ma fille. Je vais recommencer cette expérience à plusieurs reprise et ce sans crainte de ne pas prendre mon poisson tant recherché!

Je t’aime mon Amour et papa est fier de toi!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpINggLtGkY

Vous quel est votre plus belle journée de pêche?

Rick's Tips: Preparing your vehicle for winter driving

Today Rick Cain is going to talk about preparing your vehicle for winter driving, where it is very important your vehicle is safe for your family and yourself.

All too often drivers neglect to do maintenance before winter arrives which could end up with a low battery, bad tires, bad brakes, bad wiper blades, all causing hazardous driving during the winter. I want to go over a few items here to show you how to prepare your vehicle for good driving in the winter months.

One of the easiest things to check, and one of the most important is your wiper blades. A worn wiper blade will cause streaking which could blur your vision while driving. You must also check the tips to make sure they are still in good shape. Most vehicle come with all season wiper blades. In the winter time, you may opt to install winter blades which are covered in rubber to stop freezing and streaking on the windshield and promote safe driving.

The next item we want to check on your vehicle is your battery. You want to have a good reliable battery with long cranking time for the cold weather. Make sure your terminals are clean and the level checked if available or applicable. It would be a good idea to have your battery checked by your technician to ensure you have enough cranking hours when it gets cold.

Your engine coolant should be clean and also good for approximately 45 degrees below 0. There are various types of anti-freeze recommended depending on the make of the vehicle. Ensure you have the right type of coolant for your car or truck. We recommend a coolant flush every 2 years to make sure your anti-freeze is efficient.

All seasons tires are great in the rain, during the summer months and even in the fall months. But for winter driving in Canada, you need snow tires. Snow tires are made of a different composition of rubber and they help grip in the colder weather. At 14 degrees Celsius, all seasons tires become very hard and they don’t grip the road as well as snow tires do. All seasons tires have on average 4 to 5 millimeters of treads. On snow tires, you get around 10 to 11 millimeters. More traction means more safety.

Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep is ready to prepare your vehicle for winter driving. We have a special package that includes changing your oil and filter, checking all fluid levels, checking brakes and tire as well as a wheel alignment if necessary. Contact Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep Service Department today at 613-731-1970.

You can also watch the video on Preparing your vehicle for winter driving.

Rick Cain is a long time Service Manager at Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep.


Southbank Nation Blogs are part of the Southbank Nation Community with encompass Southbank Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Leisure Days Gatineau, and RMB Récréatif

Trophée Roses des sables

Le Trophée Roses des Sables est une compétition exclusivement réservée aux femmes. Elle est issue de la pure tradition des rallyes raids africains. A bord d’un 4X4, d’un buggy, d’un quad ou d’une moto, l’objectif est de rallier l’étape du jour à l’aide d’un road-book, d’une carte et d’une boussole, en respectant les différents contrôles de passage (CP).

La notion de vitesse n’est pas retenue. Le classement est basé sur deux critères principaux : l’orientation dans le désert et le franchissement des dunes.

En 2007 Jade Montpetit de TVA et Stéphanie de Tag radio entre en contact avec moi pour savoir si il m'étais possible de leur donné un entrainement et de leur donnée un coup de main pour organisez plusieurs levées de fond avec mon Club Passion Jeep, avec beaucoup d'enthousiaste j'ai accepter immédiatement et avont fais quelques levé de fond car pour participé à ce rally il y as des frais d'environ 25 000$, Malheureusement les filles on du abandonné et ils ont remis l'argent à l'Apico un organisme de la région.

2008 Une autre équipes nous approche pour la même chose mais avec là déception que j'avais eu de voir l'équipes de 2007 abandonné le projet j'ai préférer ne pas embarquer pour cette année.


2009 Julie Yacoub de Radio NRJ et Marie-Michelle Caux décide de se lancé et de participé à ce prestigieux Rally ! Étant un fidèle auditeur de Julie on décide donc moi Denis et un autre membre du Club d'aller la rencontrez avec Marie-Michelle et quand on a vu à quel point elles étais motivé par ce projet j'ai tout de suite eu le gout de leur donné un coup de main !

Nous avons fais quelques levés de fond et nous somme partie 3 jeep du Club Passion Jeep et leur avons donnée une formation en Hors-route et une deuxième journée dans le sable avec les jeep et les pelle car il étais important pour nous qu'il s'enlise comme il faut pour savoir comment s'en sortir par la suite ! On leur as donnée un cour de carte et boussole avec un membre du club qui donne des cours dans l'armé Canadienne.


Finalement le grand jour arriva et nos deux aventureuse parte pour le Maroc ! Nous les avons suivie pendant les 10 jours de l'épreuve et nous étions très fière de voir ''nos fille'' arrivé 2e dans l'épreuve des dunes de sable !!!

Merci les filles de nous avoir fais vivre cette expérience extraordinaire !

Maintenant place à notre nouvelle équipe 2011
Stéphanie Gauthier & Josée Marinier !!!
vous pouvez suivre leur activités via facebook ICI

WhiteKrawler

Journée de gars à Moab !

Grosse journée à planifier ! On est assit moi Denis dans les marche de notre Motel en sirotant une petit bouteille de JackDaniel au citron et planifions de faire une grosse journée de trail ! 3 grosses trail de calibre Difficile ! On doit prévoir un bon 8 à 10 heures pour faire le trajet au complet ! Goldbar rim une trail de 3.7 Miles, Poison Spyder Mesa une trail de 11.1 Miles et Golden Spike une trail de 7 Miles !

Trop longe et trop dangereuses pour les enfants on décide de partir les gars seulement pour vivre cette aventure ! Des 8h am nous étions à l'extérieure pour enlever notre toit et nos portes il faisais beau et chaud et nous étions excité d'aller faire ces légendaires trail avec une certaine adrénaline et une crainte de brisé nos Jeep mais on est confiant et on part à l'aventure !


Des le départ les paysages sont à couper le souffle, on monte sur Poison Spyder à plus de 5000 Pieds d'altitudes et on peu voir la rivière colorado juste en bas de la falaise ! Les obstacles étais superbe et nous n'avons eu aucun problèmes ! Sur notre trajet on rencontre quelque croix de gens qui sont décédé et la coutume veut q'on y laisse des sous noir ou n'importe quoi afin de nous porter chance pour les obstacles à venir ! Inquiétant vous dite ? l'adrénaline étais à son meilleur !


on s'arrête pour prendre un petit gouter et nous poursuivons notre journée de gars sur Golden Spike ou se trouve la légendaire Golden Crack et les golden staires ! La Golden Crack est une grosse crack dans les rocher plutôt difficile à passer ! les golden staires monte sur plusieurs mètres et sont assez spectaculaire à faire ! après un bon 7h de route il nous restais encore un choix à prendre soit Gold bar rim ou Rusty nail ... On décide du poursuivre avec notre itinéraire et partons sur Gold bar rim il ne reste que une ou deux heures à faire et commençons à être un peu fatiguer mais apprécions tellement le moment que ca passé tres vite ! quand nous somme sorti nous étions très fier d'avoir fais ces 3 superbe trail sans aucun pépin et aucun bris mécanique ! On rentre au motel on prend un bon spa et on se reparle pendants des heures de cette journée inoubliable ... on s'assoit dans les marche du motel et on planifie notre journée de demain !!

VIDÉO DE POISON SPIDER CLIQUEZ ICI

VIDÉO DE GOLDEN SPIKE CLIQUEZ ICI

VIDÉO DE GOLD BAR RIM CLIQUEZ ICI


WhiteKrawler

Long Canyon MOAB Utah

En Mai 2010 moi et un copain somme parti avec notre famille afin de réalisé notre plus grand rêve ! aller faire du hors-route au paradis des amateurs de Jeep qui se trouve à Moab Utah au État-Unis. Il nous as fallu 40h de routes pour arrivé à destination ! Les paysage étais à couper le souffle et nous avons fais 6 pistes incroyable de niveau facile à extrême ! Voici un petit montage vidéo de moi et ma famille dans un sentier facile qui se nomme Long Canyon ! Dans les prochaines semaine je vous ferai découvrir différent vidéo de ce voyage extraordinaire incluant quelques anecdotes !

Long Canyon est classé facile, c'est un chemin de graver pas plus large que 2 jeep avec des petit obstacle et un beau ravin tout le long ! Cette petit piste peu être fais avec n'importe quel SUV le parcours est d'environs 1h

VIDÉO CLIQUEZ ICI !

N'hésitez pas à me posé des questions ou mettre des commentaires !

WhiteKrawler

Why Should You Change Your Oil Regularly?

The oil you put in your vehicle serves many purposes. Its main function is to lubricate the various engine internal parts that require so. Oil also contains additives that can neutralize acids. It can also absorb dust, water and various particles emanating from your internal engine. Over time, your oil loses his ability to effectively perform these tasks and undergo a thermal breakdown due to high temperatures which again lowers the effectiveness of your oil. The older your oil gets, the more chances you have to spend a lot more money on your next visit at the mechanic. The same thing happens when your oil level is low. Not enough oil means not enough lubricant; therefore your internal parts will wear out a lot faster.

Depending on how many people you are talking to, you will probably get as many different answers. Let’s try to demystify the concept of WHEN should I do an oil change.

Many factors will impact on the frequency of your oil change: The way you drive (Speedy Gonzales or Eeyore the donkey), the age of your vehicle, the environment (dirt, extreme heat and cold), the purpose of your vehicle (what you carry), etc. Most manufacturers will suggest an oil change anywhere from 3,000km to 10,000km. It is important to refer to your owner’s manual for an exact match. Try to be as accurate as possible as this will definitively increase the life of your engine and therefore save you a lot of money at the end. What is $50 spent on an oil change 3 or 4 times a year compared to a full engine rebuild? Asking the question is getting the answer! Remember; consider changing your oil more frequently if you drive in rough conditions, if you drive roughly, if temperatures are extreme, and if your vehicle is old.

Now this is all good but what type of oil should I put in my vehicle?

The type of oil you put in your vehicle will depend on many factors as well. The type of engine and the environmental conditions are the two main deciding factors for your oil selection. We will write another blog explaining all the different types of oil on the market and which one is good for you. In the mean time, refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended type of oil for your vehicle. The oil grade required might also be written on top of your oil cap.

Quick tip : If you are running low on oil, you can put any grade of motor oil for the time being, but try if possible to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation next time you do a full oil change.