Euro-specific Motor Oil

Valley Eurotec Ltd. uses only the best products for our customers when performing any service or repair, this starts with using Euro specific engine oil. Our brand of choice: Liquid Moly a product that offers 100% synthetic lubricant, with low ash, phosphorus and sulfur content for European gasoline or diesel engines which the latest approvals of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW request.  

Motor oils are a combination of somewhere between 70 to 90 per cent base oil (which can be a mineral, synthetic or an unconventional oil) and 10 to 30 per cent additives. The base oil has three main functions: to provide a viscous film that prevents metal-to-metal contact in an engine, to remove heat and to circulate the additives throughout the engine and its components. The additive package includes such things as low-temperature fluidity boosters, high-temperature viscosity boosters, anti-wear and friction modifiers, detergents and dispersants, and corrosion inhibitors.

In Europe the automakers association sets performance standards for motor oils and are able to push oil specifications to meet the specific performance requirements of their engine designs while meeting European standards for emissions and performance. As well as the preference for diesel engines.

Check the owner’s manual of most European vehicles for which viscosity of oil to use, and you’ll likely find a chart that suggests different viscosity for different operating temperature ranges. In cold weather, the OEM may recommend 5W-30. In warm weather, 5W-40. Traditionally, drivers settle on an 0W-40 or 5W-40 to offer the best of both worlds – good cold-flow at startup to protect against wear and good resistance to heat once operating temperatures are reached.

Have more questions about the right choice of oil, contact Valley Eurotec Ltd. we are he expects on European engines in the lower mainland and are happy to help with questions you have.

By the way we also suggest go practice oil change intervals of 10,000 kms to get the best life out of your European engine!

Why Choose Valley Eurotec Ltd. for your European Car Repair ?

Valley Eurotec Sales and Service Ltd. is a family-owned and operated independent automotive shop that specializes in the maintenance and repair of European automobiles. We have been in business for nearly 30 years in Abbotsford, BC servicing customers from Hope to North Vancouver and have a combined knowledge base over 60 years.

Valley Eurotec Ltd. is committed to providing quality workmanship dedicated to our customer’s vehicle safety, reliability and comfort. A 27-point inspection is done on all routine maintenance services or oil changes, brakes or larger repairs are performed installing OME parts for the best quality, and we invest in factory diagnostic technology for diagnosing, and programming issues especially on European brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Smart Car, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

Valley Eurotec Ltd.’s long-standing presence in the community has given us a trusted name and reputation, many customers are referred to us by our customers, other automotive shops, tire shops or quick lubes. We have certainly seen a lot of cars in our nearly 30 years, the older models and the next generation models with all electrical motors.

As technology evolves Valley Eurotec Ltd. continues to evolve, investing in carline specific technology, and training our team of factory-trained automotive technicians to ensure your car repairs are performed by experts who know your European brand car. Some of our technicians are from our hometown and some are from as far as the UK and South Africa. Together with our knowledgeable Service Advisor’s, Valley Eurotec Ltd. is committed you serving our communiti’s safety and reliability of their cars.

Come see the difference excellence makes at Valley Eurotec Ltd.

Do You Really Need to Replace Shocks or Struts?

Shocks and struts are an integral part of your vehicles suspension system and road safety, having an annual suspension inspection on your vehicle performed by a trust automotive mechanic is highly recommended as you may not notice the wearing or breaking down of your shocks and struts until you vehicle has become dangerous to drive.

So, what are shocks or struts in a vehicle, what is their function and how important is this repair to your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Shock absorbers are basically oil pumps. A piston attached to the end of a piston rod works against hydraulic fluid in a pressure the tube. As the suspension travel up and down, the hydraulic fluid is forced through tiny holds into the piston. These tiny holes let only small amounts of fluid through the piston, thus slowing the piston down, which slows down the spring and suspension movement. The main function of the shock is to absorb the springs oscillations (movement back and forth), reduce the effect that traveling over rough ground has and to improve ride quality and control of the vehicle on the road by eliminate swaying and bouncing.

The strut has a similar function to the shock, but it takes a major structural part of the suspension and takes the place of the upper control arm and upper ball joint used in conventional suspension. Its primary function is to absorb movement as well as provides structural support for the vehicle suspension, supporting the spring and holding the tire in an aligned position to bear much of the side load of the suspension movement. Internally, a strut is like a shock absorber as a piston is attached to the end of the piston rod and works against hydraulic fluid to control spring and suspension movement. As a result, the strut affects the ride comfort, handling, braking, steering, wheel alignment and wear on other suspension structure.

If you have been advised by your automotive repair shop to replace you shocks or struts know that the repair needs to be done. Shocks and struts are not only responsible for ride comfort but for the handling safety of your vehicle on the roads.

Valley Eurotec Ltd. provides suspension inspections with all regular scheduled maintenance services and can provide an inspection upon request if you have concerns. We monitor our customers vehicles and note if there are concerns requiring monitoring or a repair as we know these repairs can be costly and come as a surprise. We use only OEM approved parts with warranty and installation at a fair value. We look forward to seeing you at your next service.

Tire Pressure… Do you need to check it and when?

Flat tires, shredded tires or blown tires. No one likes the stress of any one of them. So, what can you do to limit the interruption of a flat or tire replacement? Firstly, try not to run over objects on the road, curb the wheels of your car or perform twirling smoke show burnouts. Secondly, take your vehicle to a trusted automotive facility that performs regular multi-point inspections and thirdly, replace worn or damaged tires.

But does checking the tire pressure help too? Do cars even come without tire pressure monitor sensors that tell you when you have a tire problem?

The truth is technology today has greatly improved our ability to monitor our vehicles' performances from the engine, to the power train, to the emission systems to even the tires. However, it is still important to check your tire pressure periodically. Especially when the weather changes a season, you intended to travel long distances, or you have driven over an object on the road.

When we perform a regular oil change or a multi-point inspection, Valley Eurotec Ltd.’s automotive mechanics always check tire pressures to ensure the pressure is set the manufacturers specifics. When there are concerns or issues with your tire pressure monitor sensor (TPMS) we can diagnosis and replace issues that may arise with these systems quickly to get you back on the road safely.

Winter Weather Car Check List

Winter is fast approaching and it is always a good idea to have your vehicle checked over before the cold weather gets here to ensure it is ready for the change. Here are the top five items we encourage our customer to be aware of:

1. Winter tires – changing your winter tires over before the snow gets here is a great idea. Often at the first sign of snow, everyone is rushing into the tire shop and auto shops in a mad rush to swap. Don’t get caught up in the chaos.

2. Wiper Blades – make sure your wiper blades have been replaced in the last 6 months, the rubber in the blades can harden and limit the connection from the wiper to the windshield which will affect the performance and visibility.

3. Coolant – ensure your coolant is good for the right temperature. Where we live the temperature is mild and we do not often see temperatures lower than -15. However, if you choose to head to the ski mountain or into the mountains where temperatures can be colder than -30, making sure your coolant can handle the temperature is very important.

4. Battery – having a health check-up on your batteries condition is important. Batteries experience added stress from the colder weather.

5. Lights – lights should always be checked by your auto repair shop during routine maintenance. But the winter season brings shorter days and long nights, make sure all your low/high beam headlights work, marker and signal lights to ensure full visibility for your self and other drivers.

Valley Eurotec Ltd. provides full winter inspections, tire changeovers, in-stock bulbs and we can test and change your coolant to ensure you are ready for the cold!

Having issues with long cranking or your vehicle not starting? Might Need a Battery

During the colder months of the year, it is common to have an extra strain on your vehicle’s battery due to the colder temperatures. If you are experiencing longer cranking, if it sounds like the vehicle is struggling to start, your battery may have an issue.

Batteries only have so much life, weather temperature and lack of use contribute to this how long this is. No one likes to wake in the morning to a car that won’t start. Valley Eurotec Ltd. provides battery health check with our multi-point vehicle inspection to ensure the health of your car’s battery. And our battery installation comes with a 3-year warranty.

For our customers who do not drive often or have vehicles they store during the winter months, Valley Eurotec Ltd. advises our customers to utilize a trickle charger to help keep the batteries charged fully and help with their lifespan. So, when the weather's nice and you're ready to jump into your convertible, it will fire up on the first try!