Kelowna Auto Repair

When you think of the check engine light, your first thought might be a gasoline-powered car with engine trouble. But what about electric vehicles? These cars don't have traditional engines, yet they still have check engine lights. So, what does it mean when this warning appears in an EV? Understanding the purpose of this light in electric vehicles is crucial for preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems. While the systems in an EV differ from those in gas-powered cars, modern EVs are still complex machines packed with sensors, software, and electric drivetrains that need regular oversight.   Why Do EVs Have a Check Engine Light Even though EVs don’t use internal combustion engines, they have electronic control units (ECUs), battery management systems, and drive motors that can trigger fault codes. The check engine light is a general warning indicator designed to alert you that one or more of these systems aren't operating a ... read more

You might not think about your tires until one goes flat or the tread starts to look worn—but regular tire rotation plays a big part in how long they last and how well your car drives. It’s one of those simple maintenance steps that makes a real difference, even if it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. If you’ve ever noticed one tire wearing out faster than the others or your vehicle pulling slightly to one side, uneven tire wear might be the reason. Knowing when and why to rotate your tires can help you extend their lifespan, improve safety, and even save money on fuel.   What Does Tire Rotation Actually Mean Tire rotation involves moving your tires from one position on the vehicle to another—typically switching the front and rear tires, and sometimes crossing them from side to side depending on the vehicle’s drivetrain. The goal is to ensure that all four tires wear evenly over time. Why does this matter? B ... read more

Heavy rain doesn’t just make the drive more uncomfortable—it dramatically changes how your vehicle handles. One of the most common types of accidents during rainy weather is the rear-end collision, and there’s a reason why they spike every time the skies open up. Reduced traction, longer stopping distances, poor visibility, and slower reaction times all play a part in turning wet roads into crash zones. Even experienced drivers aren’t immune. When it comes to driving in the rain, confidence can sometimes work against you. Understanding why these collisions happen—and how to avoid them—can help keep your vehicle and everyone inside it safer during the next downpour.   Rain Reduces Traction When your tires hit a wet surface, they don’t grip the pavement as well as they do on dry roads. This is especially true if the road has oil buildup, worn asphalt, or pooling water. As a result, your braking distance increases, an ... read more

You will be able to take an electric car for a spin—no strings attached—next month in Kelowna. The non-profit group that hopes to help Canada achieve its goal of 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 or earlier will be spending much of April in Kelowna. Plug’n Drive and NexDrive will bring the EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour to A-Plus Automotive, which is located at 2165 Rutland Ct., from April 3-20, and to Highway 33 Napa Autopro, which can be found at 160 Hwy 33 E, from April 14-16. The tour’s mission is to educate Canadians about electric vehicles using a sales-free, no-pressure model. “Plug’n Drive is delighted to have the support of NexDrive on this journey toward Canada’s net-zero future,” Plug’n Drive president and CEO Cara Clairman said in a press release. “NexDrive recognizes the power of connecting Canadians with hands-on experiences like test drives and EV education as a way to accelerate the transition to ... read more

The auto repair industry has come a long way from the days of paper checklists and vague explanations about vehicle issues. Thanks to digital inspections, both repair shops and customers now benefit from a more transparent, efficient, and accurate service experience. With the help of modern technology, technicians can provide detailed reports, photos, and videos of a vehicle’s condition, giving drivers a clearer understanding of what’s happening under the hood. If you’ve ever felt unsure whether a recommended repair was necessary, digital inspections are changing that by bringing honesty and clarity to the process. Here’s how this innovative approach is transforming auto repair for both technicians and car owners.   More Transparency and Trust for Customers One of the biggest frustrations for vehicle owners is not knowing exactly what’s wrong with their car. Traditional inspections often leave customers relying solely on a mec ... read more