Owner’s manuals have schedules for preventive maintenance. Kelowna car owners can check on things like oil changes, transmission service and so on. They say you should change your oil every so many kilometers or after so many months. Kelowna motorists understand this very well. What they may not know is that there are actually two service schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. The mileage and time intervals are lower on the severe service schedule.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn’t apply to you because you don’t feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it’s just normal everyday driving. So let’s list some of the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that Kelowna motorists can make the judgment on their own driving.

• Most trips are less than six kilometers.
• Most trips are less than fifteen kilometers and outside Kelowna temperatures are below freezing
• You drive in very hot weather in BC
• Driving at low speed most of the time around the Kelowna area (under 90 kph)
• Stop and go driving
• Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy Kelowna conditions
• You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier

Most of us Kelowna auto owners operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do we know which car maintenance schedule to follow?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your thoughtful VALLEYPRO AUTOHOUSE service professional can help you with your decision. 

778-753-5339

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Question:

My new car has a “GDI” engine. What does that mean to me and other Kelowna motorists with this new type of engine?

VALLEYPRO AUTOHOUSE Answer:
GDI stands for Gasoline Direct Injection. It’s a type of fuel injection system that is becoming very popular on modern engines.

Let’s talk about the two most common forms of fuel injection. Port Fuel Injection has been common in Kelowna for the last several decades. With this type, there is a small port just outside the cylinder on the engine.
• The fuel injector squirts a bit of gas into this area just before the intake valve opens
• When the valve opens, air enters the port and mixes with the gas and then flows passed the valve and into the engine
• The gas and air mixture is compressed by the piston
• The spark plug fires, igniting the gas which pushes against the piston thus powering the engine

With Gasoline Direct Injection the process is a bit different.
• First, there is no port outside the cylinder
• When the intake valve opens, air is drawn into the cylinder
• The air is compressed by the piston
• At the correct time, the engine management computer signals the fuel injector to spray gasoline directly into the cylinder (hence, Gas Direct Injection)
• The pressurized gas and air are ignited by the spark plug, powering the engine

So why did automakers move to GDI? Well, by injecting the gas directly into the engine, the management computer is able to time the injection event more precisely. Also the gas sprayed directly into the engine cools the compressed air enough to allow for better combustion. This adds up to more power and better MPG for a given engine size.

Now these two types of fuel delivery systems call for different kinds of fuel injectors. Port fuel injectors squirt their fuel at 40 to 65 pounds per square inch – that’s like the pressure in a bicycle tire.

GDI injectors operate at over 2,000 pounds per square inch. Of course it’s always important to keep your fuel injectors clean – but it’s even more important for GDI injectors. When they become contaminated, the affect performance and MPG.

Speaking of fuel system cleaning, different cleaners and cleaning processes are required for GDI engines. Intake valves get a fair amount of carbon build-up over time. With port injection, some gasoline flows over the valve when it opens to let in the gas and air. This has a cleaning effect – which doesn’t occur with GDI. So pouring a bottle of fuel system cleaner in your gas tank will not reach the backside of those intake valves. A professional fuel system cleaning process at VALLEYPRO AUTOHOUSE in Kelowna will take care of that concern for Kelowna auto owners.

So, GDI will continue to be more prevalent in BC on everything from compact cars to pick-up trucks. Ask your VALLEYPRO AUTOHOUSE tech if your sedan could benefit from a fuel system cleaning.

Give us a call

778-753-5339

Book An Appointment Online

The heat is rising so beat the rush and have yor AC tuned up and keep cool in the hot Okanagan sun!

For $168 plus the cost of refridgerant.

Price includes all labour to recharge your air conditioning system, air conditioning dye, air conditioning oil, and refrigerant stop leak.

Call 778-753-5339

or Book Online Today

It is that time of year again! Spring has come early in the Okanagan so we are offering up a Tire Swap Special. Don't wear down those winters. Swap to your summers or all-seasons and now save.

We are offereing a tire swap over, mounting and balancing for only $65.

Low profile tires may cost a little extra depending on tire, rim and profile.

BOOK ONLINE

Restore your headlights with a professional polishing service from the pros at ValleyPro Autohouse. We use professional grade cleaners and restoration techniques so you can get back to seeing all of the road.

Take advatage of this limited time offer and save $30.

Valid until March 13th 2015

Click here to Book an Appointment Online

$10 on service over $100
$30on service over $300
10% on transmission service

Call Europro Autohaus for all your European vehicle needs: 250-870-8339

Call ValleyPro Autohouse for all your Domestic and Asian vehice needs: 778-753-5339

Offers Valid until February 2nd, 2015

Get an oil change and receive 50% off your next oil change.

Call Europro Autohaus for all your European vehicle needs: 250-870-8339

Call ValleyPro Autohouse for all your Domestic and Asian vehicle needs: 778-753-5339

Offers Valid until February 2nd, 2015 Can not be combined with other offers.

Improve fuel economy and idle quality with a fuel injection cleaning and flush.

Save $90! Regular price $159.99 now $69.99

For Gas & Diesel Engines using the MotorVac System

Call ValleyPro Autohouse for all your Domestic and Asian vehicle needs: 778-753-5339

Call Europro Autohaus for all your European vehicle needs: 250-870-8339

Offers Valid until February 2nd, 2015

Winter driving can be tricky when navigating varying conditions. Having good brakes can make all the difference. With better control and stopping power you can drive with confidence. 

Take advantage of our Mid-Winter brake special. Get FREE Premium Brake Pads with the purchase of new rotors. 

Call ValleyPro Autohouse for all your Domestic and Asian vehicle needs: 778-753-5339

Call Europro Autohaus for all your European vehicle needs: 250-870-8339

Offers Valid until February 2nd, 2015