Travel Tips Archives - Rivard Buick GMC Blog

Great Buick Models for Road Trips in Florida

Florida is a great state to take a road trip in, whether you’re going south to Miami Beach or north to the Florida Panhandle. It can take a while to arrive at your destination, though, so you need to ride in a vehicle that’s extra comfortable and safe. Buick makes many family-friendly SUVs that are great for weekend getaways in Florida. Here are three Buick models for road trips that you’ll find at Rivard Buick GMC.

Buick Envision

Luxury is king on the Buick Envision. This trendy SUV flaunts a chic, modern look that will look great in your vacation photos. Plus, it offers up to 52.7 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded flat, so you can leave the kids at home and take that much-needed camping getaway.

Buick Enclave

If you need to seat seven passengers, the Enclave is a great choice. This spacious SUV is the biggest model in the Buick lineup and offers three rows of seats for your children — and the grandparents to tag along! Plus, the newest Enclave can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so you can bring a boat or camper on your excursion.

Buick Encore GX

A stylish and affordable SUV, the Buick Encore can elevate any road trip with its abundance of technology. With the Buick Driver Confidence Package included on every Encore GX, you’ll have a suite of assistive safety systems watching over you and your family.

Before you take your next drive across Florida, bring your car to Rivard Buick GMC for a tune-up. And if you don’t own a Buick, now is the perfect time to trade in your car for a new one!

Summer Car Maintenance Tips

If you are making some summer road trip plans, you need to make sure your car is ready for the road, too. Here are a few tips on summer car maintenance to help you stand up to the heat.

HVAC. There is almost nothing worse than having your A/C go out while on a road trip. Get your system thoroughly inspected and repaired, if needed, before you hit the road.
Battery. Summer heat can wreak havoc on your car, especially on the battery. Have your battery tested to make sure it won’t give out on you when you need it most.
Tires. Your tire pressure will fluctuate with the changing temperatures. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. In addition, inspect your tires for any signs of extreme wear and check the tread depth.
Windshield wipers. Your windshield wipers should be replaced every six months or so. If yours are leaving streaks, stuttering, or have cracks, it is time to replace them.
Brakes. If your brake pads are getting thin, you may want to consider replacing them before starting a road trip, especially if this trip will include any mountain driving.

If you need any service done on your car this summer, schedule a service appointment with us here at Rivard Buick GMC.

Top Tampa Attractions: Things to Do this Summer

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Visit one of the many top Tampa attractions. You can find something for everyone in the area, whether you’re looking for relaxing beaches or new thrills. At Rivard Buick GMC, we’re put together a list of some of our favorite places to go.

According to Vacation Idea, one of the most popular destinations is Busch Gardens Tampa. For those who love roller coasters, this world-renowned amusement part has rides, kids’ attractions, live entertainment and more. SeaWorld runs this location, so you can also see animal attractions, making Busch Gardens a one-stop destination that’s bound to make everyone happy.

Next, stop by the Tampa Museum of Art. You can find incredible exhibits and displays, and the museum is also home to educational programs, workshops, and more. The permanent collection includes Greek and Roman antiques, modern lithography and screen printing, and classic realist painting. You can also see local artwork.

Finally, the Tampa Riverwalk is idea for date night as well as a family adventure. This pathway extends along the Hillsborough River and leads to the downtown area. You can see the Florida Aquarium, visit the WWII American Victory Ship, see Brooke Park, and more.

Vehicle Safety Tips: What to Put in a Winter Emergency Kit

As the weather turns colder and the roads get treacherous, it’s time to start preparing our cars to deal with the harsher conditions. One of the most important parts of winter readiness is putting together a winter emergency kit.

First, you need to gather some things that will help you dig your way out of a snow drift if you run into one. Always have a shovel and some cat litter or road salt to create traction so you can drive out. You should also get some emergency flares or something that will help attract attention in case of a crash. It’s a good idea to keep a cheap cell phone fully charged in your kit so you can call for help if your phone dies.

If your car breaks down and you’re stuck somewhere for several hours, you’ll want some basic necessities for yourself, including warm blankets, clothes to change into if yours get wet or to put on as an extra layer, and a few bottles of water and non-perishable snack foods.

And of course, keep your usual items—jumper cables, a spare tire, and a set of tools.

Tips On How To Eat Healthy On A Road Trip

Road Trip Thinking about heading out for a long autumn drive? Before you do, ask yourself: do candy and energy drinks constitute a healthy diet?

Admit it. You are cruising for a bellyache. Leave the candy at home and follow these tips on how to eat healthy on a road trip.

# 1 – Try to maintain your regular schedule. We often go long periods without eating when we go on road trips. This is part of why our energy levels get so out of whack. That’s when we reach for coffee and energy drinks and drink to excess. Eat meals and snack sparingly.

# 2 – Hey, what’s wrong with snacking? Nothing, as long as they aren’t abused. Think about it. How often and at what quantity do you snack when you’re not road tripping? It likely pales in comparison to what you eat on the road. Snack healthy. Try things like almonds, veggies and hummus, Greek yogurt, or dried fruit.

# 3 – Stay hydrated! Coffee is known for its dehydrating effects; sugary drinks too. Making sure you drink plenty makes sure you keep your energy up too.

The bottom line is that eating healthy ensures that you are at your best. And only then can you enjoy your trip to the fullest!

All in the Family: Tips for Traveling with Pets

Summer is here! As you plan your summer vacation, you may find yourself despondent as you consider the prospect of having to board your pet. Although it depends on your destination, there is no reason you can’t bring your furry friend with you as long as you are properly prepared! Here are some tips for traveling with pets to help you do just that.

Make plenty of stops and allow your pets to stretch their legs. Dogs especially have lots of energy which can build up and make them very unhappy after being cooped up for too long. Stopping often can also help prevent your pet from soiling themselves.

Although it might be nice to be able to cuddle with your dog during the road trip, the safest place for your dog to be is in a crate or a harness secured with a seat belt.

We know it can be hard to keep your dog’s head inside the window when he or she seems to enjoy it so very much, but it really is for the best. Doing so can cause ear or lung infections.

Each animal is unique. So some of the solutions for making a trip as pleasant as possible for your pet are going to be just as unique. Consider bringing their favorite toys, or their beds from home.