Articles | Parkside Motors

Need to Know: Fuel Filters

Let's not split hairs, your fuel filter passes gas. When it doesn't, that is when the problems begin. Below we take a look at the 3 key benefits of a clean fuel filter and its suggested replacement interval.

From the Mailbag: Rockets and Paint Chips

We get so many questions through the week about car maintenance and driving that we have decided to highlight some of the most interesting, weird, and wonderful topics here on the blog. This week: when paint chipping should be repainted for free, and YES, your car does have a built in rocket launcher.

Need to Know: Timing Belts

One of the greatest dangers to high mileage cars is also one of the least well known. We all know how to maintain our engine oil and to prevent cases of transmission failure, but the death of many high mileage cars is cause by the failure of the timing belt. Lucky for us, its maintenance is predictable and can be scheduled far enough in advance to ensure your vehicle’s health.

Tips: Not filling up can be costly

Do you hesitate to fill your tank when you see the prices at the pump increase? At $1.30 a litre it can be tempting to put in a few dollars here and there while you hope for the price to drop so you can fill the tank. For those who put off the fuel stop until the last possibly moment, the cost could be even higher.

Need to Know: Engine Diagnostics

Everything you need to know about how your car's systems compensate for each other when there are errors, and how we use engine diagnostics to get to the root of the problem before any serious damage is done.

Why you should use your A/C in the winter

How is it possible that using your Air Conditioner year round can actually be good for your car? It is a common misconception is that air conditioning systems are strictly for cooling air in the summer (even though that is a great luxury) but in fact, it is almost more important to use your cars air conditioning system during the cold and rainy seasons. How can this be?

Vital Fluids Round-Up

As part of our blogging initiative, we are committed to writing detailed articles about each one of our services so that you, our customers, will be well informed about the health of your vehicle. The more you know, the more confident you will be, and your decisions will be so well informed that you will leave the shop more satisfied than ever.

Need to Know: Engine Coolant

Although gasoline engines have improved a lot, they are still not very efficient at turning chemical energy into mechanical power. Most of the energy in the gasoline is converted into heat, and it is the job of the cooling system to take care of that heat. Let's dig in and see how we take care of your car's cooling system.

Need To Know: Transmission Fluid

Is it time for a transmission fluid flush on your vehicle? Read this article to see why this should be part of your regular maintenance schedule, what will happens if this is neglected, and see a slideshow that will walk you through what you can do between your regular maintenance interval to keep your transmission healthy.

Need To Know: Oil Changes

Everyone knows they need to have their oil changed when the sticker date comes or the instrument panel's oil light comes on, but do you know why? And did you know that there are options for you to choose from? Read about the most important basics of oil changes in this week's Need to Know.

What makes an honest mechanic?

When you have limited knowledge in an area like auto mechanics, it can be hard to know what the best practices are for your vehicle maintenance, where to go for quality service, and who you can trust. Click here for a short list of what you should be looking for in an honest mechanic.