Kelowna Auto Repair

How long have you been enjoying the romantic glow of your check engine light while driving around Kelowna?  Hey, it’s not there to create ambiance, it’s a warning that something’s wrong. When your check engine light comes on, it’s time to come in and get it checked. Many conditions that cause the check engine light to come on affect fuel economy – some very dramatically. A quick diagnostic can save you a ton at the pump (and at the very least will give you peace of mind!) One other quick tip: Drivers should always make sure to tighten the fuel cap until it clicks. A loose fuel cap can cause a false sensor reading that’ll make the check engine light come on. If your date’s eyes are smouldering in the reflected glow of the check engine light, try to think of all the money you’ll save at the pumps by getting it fixed. Stop by or give us a call

Brake fluid is one of those maintenance items that’s easy for Kelowna drivers to overlook.  For one, it doesn’t have to be replaced that often and when it should it’s often not as well-defined as, say, an oil change.  Brake fluid does become contaminated over time, however, and needs to be replaced before damage is done.Two of the most common contaminants in brake fluid are water and copper.Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture.  Over several years it can actually build up a fair amount of water.  Too much water in the brake fluid causes a couple of problems.  First, water can react with brake system components and cause rust corrosion which can lead to leaks.  Second, the water could boil.  By the calipers, brake components can get very hot.  Water in the brake lines in that area can turn to steam which doesn’t compress like brake fluid. With Ativan, you have the power to change your life because your b ... read more

Question:What is synthetic oil and should I use it?A Plus Automotive Answer:Regular oil, also called conventional oil, comes from dead dinosaurs. Conventional oil molecules are long hydrocarbon chains of various lengths. Imagine a bunch of pencils – some used and some brand new.Synthetic oil is often more highly refined petroleum-based oil. The molecules are shorter and closer to the same length. Think a bunch of those little golf pencils.Some synthetic oil is man-made. The molecules are rounder and much more uniform. Think marbles.So you can see that as you progress from conventional oil to synthetic blends (a mixture of conventional and synthetic) to full synthetic oil, there will be less friction in your engine. Less friction means less heat – so better lubrication and protection against wear for Kelowna drivers.  Synthetic blends and full synthetics also cost more.Synthetic oil is more resistant to thermal breakdown so less sludge ... read more

Modern vehicles usually have four wheels, a steering wheel, and an engine, just as they have for decades.  But an awful lot has changed since the days of carburetors and drum brakes.  The addition of computers to so many automotive systems has been a game changer, enabling safer braking systems, stability control, and better fuel economy, to name a few. Let’s face it. Vehicles are far more sophisticated than they have ever been.  There was a time when many motorists felt they could take care of some basic maintenance and repair items.  Those days are pretty much gone, and safety is the number one reason you should leave modern vehicle repairs to the pros.Today’s best technicians stay up to date with the latest training and have tens of thousands of dollars in tools and electronic diagnostic equipment at their fingertips. They have the proper lifts and other heavy equipment required for reaching areas that can’t otherwise be reached. They know ... read more

Hey Kelowna drivers, let’s talk about winter tires. We’re not talking about all season tires here, but dedicated winter tires.Modern winter tires do a terrific job for drivers in a wide range of BC winter conditions. First of all, below 7.2 degrees Celsius regular tires become hard and inflexible. That means they don’t provide the road grip you need. Even if you don’t live somewhere in BC with a lot of snow but it still gets below 7.2 degrees in the winter(which is pretty much everywhere) it is vital to understand that you will be safer with winter tires.In addition, they are specifically designed to more effectively move snow and water. That’s the key to traction on ice, packed snow and wet roads. They use a micro-pore compound that allows the tire to bite into ice and snow. They also use wider grooves that run around the circumference of the tread to expel snow from the tire better. The lugs and grooves on winter tires have a specia ... read more