Need To Know | Parkside Motors

Need to Know: Electric Cars & The Environment

This week there was a major development in the short history of electric cars. Elon Musk and Tesla Motors announced their third model, the Model ?, and are attempting to…

Need to Know: Engine Break-In Period

There was a time, probably over 10 years ago, when it was important to treat your new vehicle with kid gloves for the first few thousand kilometres of use. Is it still relevant to follow this rule today? We discuss this issue in depth in this week's "Need to Know".

Vehicle Earthquake Preparedness in Victoria, BC

It has been two weeks since a fairly substantial 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit North Saanich and gave everyone (and everything) a good shake. The media, along with scientific researchers, have been telling Vancouver Island residents to plan ahead for an even larger earthquake that could cause unprecedented damage. In this article we take a look at the three types of earthquakes that could occur on the island and layout a solid plan for what you should have in your vehicle to be prepared if an earthquake hits while you are on the road.

Vehicle Earthquake Preparedness in Victoria, BC

It has been two weeks since a fairly substantial 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit North Saanich and gave everyone (and everything) a good shake. The media, along with scientific researchers, have been telling Vancouver Island residents to plan ahead for an even larger earthquake that could cause unprecedented damage. In this article we take a look at the three types of earthquakes that could occur on the island and layout a solid plan for what you should have in your vehicle to be prepared if an earthquake hits while you are on the road.

October is Car Care Month

Parkside Motors and the Car Care Council recommends the following Fall Car Care Month checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold winter weather ahead.

Need to Know: 4×4 Service

The 4×4 system includes differentials and sometimes a transfer case, which all generate power to the wheels. These parts are under a lot of stress and occasionally need a service to flush their lubricant and to save a more expensive repair down the line. Learn all about how we do it at Parkside Motors, right here.

How to Jump Start Your Vehicle

This one might seem like a no brainer, but it can be confusing, especially since it only comes up once in a while. Here is an illustrated look at how to boost your vehicle safely in no time flat.

Pre Purchase Inspections

The best money you can ever spend is on a Pre-Purchase Inspection of your next vehicle. When you buy a new home your purchase conditional on the home inspection, and for vehicles you should do exactly the same thing. Here is what we do and how we do it, in this week's "Need to Know."

Electrical Round-Up

We just finished 3 new pages covering all areas of your vehicle's electrical system. They all need regular maintenance, so we have outlined what each system does, what to look for to diagnose problems, and how we go about repairing them to get you back on the road safely.

Front End Repair Round-Up

We were hard at work last month writing in-depth articles about all aspects of front end repair. We learned about what causes steering and suspension problems, the easy way to prevent driveshaft issues, and how often to change your power steering fluid to keep your car running smoothly. Take a look at this front-end article round-up and follow the links to get more information.

Need to Know: Power Steering Fluid

Power steering is provided on almost all cars via a hydraulic pump which assists the driver in turning the steering wheel with manageable effort. Like all fluids in your vehicle, power steering fluid wears out over time and must be replaced in order to ensure proper vehicle control and the longevity of steering components.