Dynamic Westside Automotive

Toyo Mail-in Rebate Dates

Purchase a set of 4 qualifying Toyo tires between March 15 and June 2, 2012 and receive up to $80 back!

Michelin Mail-in Rebate Dates

Purchase any set of 4 Michelin Passenger or Light Truck tires between March 26 and May 19, 2012 and receive $70 back! Also when you purchase Michelin tires, they offer a “Promise Plan” which includes a 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee, Limited Mileage Warranty, and a 3-year Flat Tire Changing Assistance at no extra cost!

BFG Mail-in Rebate Dates

Purchase any set of 4 BFG Passenger or Light Truck tires between March 26 and May 19, 2012 and receive $50 back!

Come in to Dynamic Westside Auto TODAY and let us help you find the best tire suited for your vehicle and driving needs.

Winter tires have the “mountain snowflake” symbol on the sidewall of the tire, which tells you that this tire has been tested and passes winter safety standards. Winter tires are designed with softer tread compounds so they can dig into snow and stick to ice at low temperatures. To help maintain control and stability of your vehicle in slippery conditions, Transport Canada recommends that snow tires are installed in sets of four. Vehicle handling will be improved when identical tires are installed on all four wheels. Also, mixing tires with different tread patterns, internal construction, and size degrades the stability of the vehicle and should be avoided.

All-season tires continue to provide safe all-weather performance, but may not always be suitable for severe snow conditions. All-season tires do not have cold weather rubber compounds, channelling tread patterns, the large number of tread sipes for wet surface control, and the open tread block pattern for deep snow traction that winter tires feature. The lack of a formal “snow” designation on the tire has further fuelled the misconception that “all-season” tires also mean “winter” tires.

On dry pavement, the overall performance of an all-season tire steadily declines as the temperature gets colder. The crossover point is about 5 degrees Celsius. Colder than that, a winter tire outperforms an all-season tire. Winter tire performance sharply improves as temperatures fall from 5 degrees to -30 degrees Celsius, while the all-season tire approaches the “not recommended” status.

Come in to Dynamic where we will help you choose the best tire for your personalized driving style.

Dynamic Westside Auto are a proud sponsor of the Westside Warriors! Catch a game puck at any Westside Warriors Home hockey game and come exchange it for an autographed one by your favorite Warriors hockey players. You will also recieve a Lube, Oil Filter when exchanging your puck. Please call ahead to book your appointment. (Value of $39.95)

As your car ages and the forces of friction and heat take their toll on brake components, your braking system will gradually begin to lose some of its effectiveness.

To keep your vehicle safe in Kelowna for all conditions, you need to keep your brakes properly serviced, and the first step in that process is a brake inspection.

The main elements of the brake system should be checked about every 10,000 miles or so.

How frequently you check may depend on a number of factors such as the age of your vehicle, the type of braking system, the terrain where you live and the manner in which you drive.

Someone who lives in a hilly area like West Kelowna will wear through brakes more frequently than someone living in Kelowna, for example, because of constant braking to slow or remain stationary on hills.

Likewise, people who tend to ride the brake pedal will cause their brakes to wear out prematurely.

Mileage that you put on your car driving in city traffic — with all of its stops and starts — is harder on brakes than highway mileage. On average, it’s a good idea to check your brakes at least once a year, but it certainly won’t hurt to do it more frequently.

Frequently asked Questions

My brakes squeal when I step on the brake pedal. Is it time to replace?
It could be as simple as debris or brake dust on the brake pads or shoes, or due to glazed rotors or drums—which would need to be resurfaced or replaced. If you hear a high-pitched squeal when your foot is OFF the brake pedal that goes away when your foot is on the pedal, this is an indication that you need service.

My steering wheel shakes when I apply the brakes. Why?
This is most likely indicative of a warped brake rotor or drum, but it could also indicate a suspension problem such as a loose front-end part or possibly a bad strut or shock absorber.

How do brakes work? What does each part do?
There are two different kinds of brakes: disc and drum. On disc brakes, when the brake pedal is pushed, pads with friction material “grab” the rotor, which rotates with the wheel, to stop the rotation. Drum brakes also rotate with the wheel, but when the brake pedal is pushed two brake shoes are pushed outward, against the drum, to stop the rotation. Either system could have anti-lock brakes, which puts a computer in control of each wheel individually to “pump” the brakes quickly during a panic stop situation to avoid wheels locking and vehicle skidding.

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/

Dynamic West Side Auto opens up its door for a special kind of client for a night. The special guests were our very own West Side Brownies. They spent the night looking at and learning the ways of a today’s automotive shop. Upon their visit they learned about what happens from when Dynamic West Side Auto front end gets a call, to the car coming in and the repairs getting done to the car leaving.

The brownies had a fun filled night of learning about what transmissions look like and how they work. Also got to see how the technicians get the cars in the air and work under the vehicle. The girls also got a chance to learn about how the computers work within the cars engine, upon learning about the computers they also got a chance to see how the technician uses the tools to get the information out of the computer, or put in the information.

The owner Ron Smith was on hand to give the girls a tour of his shop and a little bit of history of Dynamic West Side Auto. The brownies also got a first hand look at a 1957 Chevy Bel-air that is in the shop getting an engine rebuild. Ron even turned the newly rebuilt engine block over for the girls to give them a once in a life time look at how the pistons work.

Upon showing the girls how the engine works, it seemed to spark some interest in the girls face’s, upon getting ready to leave all the brownies had all kind of automotive questions for the Dynamic staff. This left the staff to wonder if not only they touched the hearts of the little wondering minds but have we started the new wave of soon to be automotive technician or service writers?

Article by Kendra Dell

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/

1961 Cadillac Engine Rebuild by Dynamic Westside Automotive Kelowna BC.

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/

Electrical gremlins can haunt even the most well built automobiles. Troubleshooting electrical problems can be a daunting task, but as long as you follow the right path, in the right order, you’ll slowly eliminate potential repairs until you figure out what’s really causing your car to malfunction.

We recommend the following guide lines:

General Electrical Troubleshooting

• Plug Wire Inspection
• Starting Problems
• Fuses and Fused Circuits
• Circuit and Continuity Testing
• Checking for Spark
• Testing Your Coil

OBD (On Board Diagnostics) Evaluation
Modern automobiles are equipped with their own troubleshooting systems called On Board Diagnostics, or OBD. These systems take thousands of readings from your car’s sensors, continuously compiling information about how everything’s working.

When something is awry, the system sends out a code telling mechanics (or you!) what’s gone wrong, and often triggers the dreaded Check Engine light.

Unfortunately, the language of OBD and OBD-II systems is a bunch of numbers. Use our guide to figure out what your error code number means, what sytem it’s talking about, and what you need to do to fix it.

• Check Engine Lights
• Reading OBD Codes
• OBD and OBD-II Code Database
• No Codes?
• OBD-I
• OBD-II

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/

by: Manny Lontok

To ensure the longest possible driving life for your vehicle, it is crucial that you choose a reliable auto service staffed with highly skilled mechanics that can do an excellent job in terms of car repair and maintenance, and specializing in diagnostic services on automotive transmission, brakes and engine problems. They should not neglect even the simplest jobs such as auto AC repair, especially in hot Kelowna weather. Of course, you should give much attention to automotive transmission maintenance and repair since this is quite expensive. As any automotive expert knows, though, what is even more important than general maintenance and repair is preventive care. This will ensure that you will not have frequent need of towing services from a tow truck.

For better preventive care, you should learn how to do your own simple diagnostic checks on your automotive transmission right in your garage. This will allow you to save a lot on auto service costs. Getting an early alert on any possible problem may also mean less expensive tune ups or repairs.

Any leak should always be inspected. Check the ground or parking space under your vehicle regularly to make sure that your transmission fluid is not dripping away. Even if you do not find a leak, you should regularly check your transmission fluid using your vehicle’s dipstick. Wipe it clean with a cloth, dip it into your transmission fluid and let the fluid drip on a sheet of white paper. You should see a reddish but transparent liquid that does not contain any particles. Be concerned if you find black flakes or metal filings, or if the fluid has become dark in color or smells burnt. These are dangerous signs and you should immediately consult your transmission service mechanic.

Also observe how your automotive transmission system is working while you are driving in Kelowna. Whenever you shift from “park” to “drive” or from “drive” to “neutral” or even “reverse” your transmission should immediately respond by engaging smoothly without delay, with no jerking and no unexpected noises. Continue to observe your automotive transmission system as you drive your car because other problems may arise only after the car has already been heated up. Your vehicle’s gears should shift smoothly without any delays as you accelerate or decelerate. If you notice any shudders, jerks or strange noises, this may mean that your automotive transmission system has been worn down. This assumes that you yourself are observing all the proper driving procedures for your automatic or manual transmission system. Take your car to Dyanmic Westside auto for a proper diagnostic check up.

Avoid overheating your vehicle. Overheating can be triggered by many factors such as continuous stop and go in heavy traffic and carrying heavy loads in the vehicle. Overheating burns and oxidizes your transmission fluid, creating deposits that may clog the transmission system. Overheating also warps the metal parts and hardens the rubber seals and gaskets of the transmission system, creating leaks. Your automotive transmission system is particularly vulnerable to high heat especially under Kelowna summer weather.

Pay attention to the transmission fluid you are using. Be aware that automatic and manual transmission systems use different kinds of fluid and they cannot be interchanged.

If your automotive transmission eventually breaks down on you, only bring your vehicle to your trusted auto service mechanic. Remember that an unskilled mechanic could do more harm than good to your automotive transmission system and may cost you more in the long run.

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto – Kelowna Transmission Repair
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/

I came across this great article about the advantages of going with a diesel car or truck.

Ron

By Lucy Lazarony

Looking for a car with super fuel economy? You may want to consider a diesel.

Diesel cars and trucks deliver great fuel economy, 20 to 30 percent better than comparable vehicles with gasoline engines.

And while today’s diesels may not be squeaky-clean, they’re a far cry from the noisy and smelly pollution hogs that they used to be.

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of going diesel on your next auto purchase.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a diesel car or truck is fuel economy. A diesel’s extra 20 to 30 percent of fuel efficiency makes a difference. You’ll use less fuel as you drive and fill up your tank less often. Fewer trips to the pump means more money stays in your wallet. Just ask any diesel driver.

“People who own them love them and tend to spread the gospel about them,” says Tony Fouladpour, a spokesman for Volkswagen of America.

“First and foremost, it’s the fuel economy. On the New Beetle it’s almost 50 miles per gallon. You can drive from Chicago to New York without stopping for fuel. They’ve got tremendous driving range.”

The fuel savings on a diesel is so impressive that you’ll make up the extra cost of the engine in just a few years.

Take a look at this example from Walter McManus, an auto analyst at J.D. Power and Associates. He compared the cost of buying a 2004 Jetta GLS with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and the cost of buying a 2004 Jetta GLS with a 1.9-liter turbo diesel.

The price of the gasoline Jetta is $19,460. The cost of the turbo diesel Jetta is $20,480, a difference of $1,020. But the turbo diesel Jetta gets much better fuel economy, 46 miles per gallon, compared to the gasoline Jetta’s 31 miles per gallon.

Let’s say you drive 15, 000 miles a year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, (week of June 21, 2004), the national average cost per gallon of diesel was $1.90; the average cost per gallon of regular was $1.94.

Driving the turbo diesel Jetta, you’d save $383 in fuel costs each year. In three years, you’d save $1,149 in fuel costs, $129 more than the cost of your diesel engine.

Here are some diesel autos:

Diesels in America:
Passenger cars
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta Wagon
Volkswagen New Beetle
Volkswagen Passat
Mercedes E-320 sedan
Sport utility vehicles
Volkswagen Touareg SUV
Chrysler Jeep Liberty

Pickup trucks
Chevy Silverado
GMC Sierra
Dodge Ram
Ford E-series, F-series

Here’s one more thing to consider. A turbo diesel Jetta holds its value better than a gasoline Jetta. McManus estimates that a 3-year-old turbo Jetta will be worth nearly $300 more than a 3-year-old Jetta with a gasoline engine.

So even if you only owned your turbo diesel Jetta for three years, you’d save $1,149 in fuel costs and pick up an extra $300 when you sold the car. Your total savings for going diesel after just three years is $1,449, which more than makes up for the extra $1,020 you paid for the engine.

That’s pretty impressive. But many diesel car drivers would balk at the notion of keeping their cars for a measly three years.

With proper maintenance it’s not unusual for a diesel engine to run for 250,000 miles. And some diesel car owners are determined to get every penny of fuel savings out of their never-say-die engines.

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/

For most people, a vehicle is a major investment, second only to buying a house. A National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) study found that at least half of consumers neglect routine maintenance, with young people being the least likely to keep up with service schedules. Almost two-thirds of automotive technicians believe that consumers can take care of their vehicles’ maintenance and repair needs for less than $500 annually. Considering the average cost and complexity of a new vehicle, you may be penny-wise and dollar-foolish if you neglect routine maintenance.

What do we mean by “vehicle maintenance”?
Vehicle maintenance means keeping all the systems and features functioning as closely as possible to the manufacturer’s original design intentions. Routine maintenance should be an ongoing process that begins when the vehicle is new, because any machine that receives use will also accumulate wear. Proactively tending to your vehicle’s maintenance needs is likely to help your vehicle start, run, and stop as the manufacturer intended, so you get the maximum amount of performance, reliability, and service life. Periodic inspections of the vehicle’s systems are the easiest way to monitor its health.

Here are ten of the most common systems and components that should be regularly maintained on your vehicle:

Oil and Oil Filters
Having your oil and oil filter changed, at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer, is likely to generate the single biggest return on your routine-maintenance investment. Replacing the dirty oil and filter will help protect the internal parts of the engine from premature wear. It’s important to use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle for the best protection and fuel mileage. See your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval, or follow the oil-life monitoring system, if equipped.

Air Filters
A dirty air filter prevents the engine from breathing properly, which can decrease fuel mileage and performance and make the engine work harder than it needs to. Let your vehicle breathe! Change the air filter once a year or when recommended in your owner’s manual. Change it more often if you drive in dirty or dusty conditions.

If your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, change that too. A dirty cabin air filter reduces the airflow through the vehicle’s ventilation system. Cabin air filters help keep pollens, fumes, smoke, and other materials from reaching the inside of a vehicle. See the owner’s manual to determine if your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter.

Brakes
Often, brakes have wear indicators that produce noise when it’s time to change the pads. Or your brakes may “feel” different when you press on them. If you think there may be a problem with your vehicle’s brakes, have them inspected at an Independent Service Center that features quality ACDelco parts. When it’s time to replace the brakes, ask for ACDelco DuraStop Brakes, which are D3EA-certified to federal safety standards and offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Charging/Battery
Extreme heat and cold are hard on automotive batteries. If your vehicle is a few years old, have the battery and charging system tested to be sure that your battery has the power to start your vehicle and that your alternator is recharging the battery as it should. ACDelco Batteries have some of the best warranties in the industry, and our alternators are 100% performance- and reliability-tested to help provide you with a quality, proven product.

Belts
Drive belts are essential for keeping your vehicle’s electrical (alternator), engine cooling (water pump), and air-conditioning systems running. Having them inspected periodically and replaced when necessary means you’re less likely to experience a broken belt and the resulting vehicle breakdown.

Cooling
A cooling system that is clogged or low on fluid can cause serious damage to the engine and other components. Get into the habit of checking the fluid level regularly, and have the fluid changed or flushed when recommended.

Wipers
Don’t wait for a rainy day to discover that your windshield wipers are worn and need replacement. Worn wipers can hinder visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. ACDelco’s Beam Blades have a curved design that conforms to the shape of your windshield and provides constant pressure for a smooth, uniform wipe.

Ignition
Though many spark plugs are designed to last 100,000 miles, they can still get dirty or fail prematurely. Ignition wires lose insulating ability over time, and the connection to the plug or ignition coil can degrade as well. Having your service technician regularly inspect your ignition system can help you avoid conditions that may result in poor performance or reduced fuel economy.

Shocks/Struts
The suspension system affects your vehicle’s steering, braking power, and stability, so it’s important to have these functions inspected regularly and to replace parts when they become worn — and dangerous! ACDelco has shocks and struts that fit your style and budget and that feature a competitive, limited lifetime warranty. It’s also important to have other chassis items, such as tie-rod ends, control arms, and ball joints, checked periodically.

Transmission
Automatic transmissions have become more sophisticated with additional gears and computerized electronic controls and are designed to work with the engine controls for best operation. Have the transmission inspected and serviced as recommended in the owner’s manual.

For more information please contact:

Dynamic Westside Auto
1856 Byland Road
Kelowna BC V1Z3E5
(250) 769-7203
http://www.dynamicwestsideauto.com/