Tips | Parkside Motors

Round-Up: Automatic Transmissions

We have been busy over the last month writing articles that address many of the questions and concerns we are faced at the shop regarding automatic transmissions. Below is a quick round up of our latest work. Spend some time digging around, we think you will like what you find.

Myth or Fact: I Should Coast In Neutral to Save Fuel

There is a ton of false information out there. Some of it is misguided, and some of it is just left over from when vehicles were made in a different way to completely different regulations. This week we decide if coasting in neutral to save fuel is a fact or myth.

Why does my car keep blowing fuses?

Is your vehicle blowing fuse after fuse? There might be a simple explanation. Let's explore the possible causes.

Safety: Floor Mats

Over the last few years there were millions of recalls of vehicles to correct "a possible incursion of an incorrect or out-of-place front driver's side floor mat into the foot pedal well, which can cause pedal entrapment". Let's look at what that means and how to make sure we are not effected ourselves.

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.

Why does my car burn oil?

In this series of Q&A posts we are using google's autocomplete function to find the most commonly asked questions about cars and giving them each a definitive answer. This week we answer the question "why does my car burn oil?"

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.

Tire Care For Families

Since your tires are the only part of your vehicle that is actually ON the road, you can assume that they are integral to essentially all aspects of how your vehicle handles, rides, starts, stops, accelerates, and handles all manner of weather. Tires can be a bit confusing though, and we field quite a few basic questions about how to check them for damage, maintenance, and replacement. This infographic will tell you everything you need to know and then some.

Tips: Sunroofs in Winter

During the winter, which is more like the rainy season in Victoria, there is a common problem that pops up in regards to sunroofs. We live in the perfect city for an open top vehicle, but the constant wet and rain brings leaks and flooding along with it. This is the type of problem where the maintenance is cheap and effective, while the damage caused by leaving it too long can be expensive and inconvenient.

Q&A: When should I switch to my winter tires?

As the weather starts to to turn you are right to be thinking about switching over to your winter tires. When is the right time to do it to stay safe? We give you all the details in this week's Q&A.