Kelowna Auto Repair

Chances are you’ve had the power go out in your neighborhood at some time, and you know how helpless you feel.  No lights, no microwave oven, no cold refrigerator: Yikes, it’s like living in another century. Well, your vehicle is also highly dependent on having power for it to run properly.  When your battery cables are failing, that power is not transferred as it should be.Battery cables are essentially the wires that connect your vehicle to its battery.  The positive cable supplies the power to various components that use them and the negative grounds the system to the vehicle chassis.  This setup allows you to have power throughout your vehicle.When a battery cable fails, your vehicle may not start, your starter may turn over very slowly, or you may hear a clicking noise.  And you may see your battery warning light go on. Just like a house with no power, a vehicle with no power needs to get it back for things to work the way they should.It ... read more

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