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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- Best Blind Spot Mirrors for Trucks: Size and Mount Match Rig
Alex and Emma break down top blind spot mirrors for pickups, heavy-duty trucks, and trailers. Learn how mounting style and mirror size impact visibility and road safety.
In this episode- Adhesive mirrors fit pickups, bracket mounts fit heavy-duty rigs
- Convex glass widens field of view but shrinks apparent object size
- RETRAC 8-inch mirror leads commercial truck category
- Surface prep and factory mirror space dictate adhesive fit
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Blind Spot Mirrors for Trucks: Match Mirror Size to Your Rig
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Best Battery Charger For Laptops
Overview Searching for the best battery charger for laptops? This guide compares the top portable power banks designed for charging laptops on the go based on the manufacturer-listed specifications for fast charging, capacity, and output. The Short Answer Best for…
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Battery Charger For Laptops
- portable battery charger for laptops
- Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
- How To Check Battery Charger Polarity
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
8 min - FIXD vs BlueDriver: Which OBD2 Scanner Fits Your Car?
Alex and Emma compare FIXD and BlueDriver OBD2 scanners to help everyday drivers pick the right diagnostic tool. They break down system coverage, app models, vehicle compatibility, and diagnostic limits.
In this episode- Both scanners plug into an OBDII port and stream data wirelessly via Bluetooth to a phone or tablet.
- FIXD translates over 39,000 codes into simple language, tracks maintenance, and supports diesel and hybrid vehicles.
- BlueDriver reads advanced systems including ABS, airbags, TPMS, and transmission, alongside live data and Mode 6 results.
- BlueDriver includes all features without subscription fees, while FIXD offers a free base tier with an optional paid Premium upgrade.
- Diagnostic trouble codes show fault areas rather than specific broken parts, and neither tool replaces a professional shop scanner.
Links & resources- Read the full article: FIXD Vs BlueDriver: Which OBD2 Scanner Fits Your Car?
- professional automotive diagnostic scanner
- professional automotive diagnostic tools
- live data scan tool guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Choosing the Right Tacoma Tonneau Cover: Fit, Rails, and Bed Access
Alex and Emma break down the critical fitment differences among top Tacoma tonneau covers, from rail systems and bed lengths to cargo access styles. Learn how to match your truck year and bed hardware before buying.
In this episode- Model year alone does not guarantee fitment; bed length and track systems must match
- Tutel covers 2016 through 2026 models with OE track systems and offers tool-free removal
- LEDKINGDOMUS serves 2016 to 2023 five-foot beds with a tri-fold honeycomb core
- Rough Country provides a flush flip-up design for 2024 and newer Utility Rail trucks
- Hard panels deter theft and reduce water intrusion, but cannot replace sealed containers
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Tonneau Cover For Tacoma: Fit, Access, and Bed Protection
- tonneau cover
- tonneau cover guide for winter weather
- winter truck bed mat guide
- soft roll-up tonneau covers
- freezing-weather tonneau cover guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Best Choice 6V Motorcycle Chargers: Stop Guessing Connectors
Alex and Emma break down replacement chargers for six-volt ride-on motorcycles and garage bikes. Learn why voltage alone never guarantees compatibility across connectors, polarity, and battery types.
In this episode- Never match six-volt chargers by voltage rating alone
- Verify connector shape, pin dimensions, and center-positive polarity
- Match exact factory amperage instead of choosing higher current
- Separate toy plug adapters from road motorcycle terminal maintainers
- Avoid diagnosing battery health solely through charger indicator lights
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Choice 6 Volt Motorcycle Battery Charger: Compatibility First
- Best Choice Products Battery Charger 6 Volt
- Best 6 And 12 Volt Car Battery Charger
- Battery Charger For 6 Volt And 12 Volt
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - NOCO GENIUS10 Smart Charger Guide
Alex and Emma analyze NOCO GENIUS10 ten-amp battery charger capabilities. Discussion covers dual-voltage support, chemistry fit, Force Mode, and storage maintenance.
In this episode- Ten-amp output supports both six-volt and twelve-volt lead-acid plus LiFePO4 batteries.
- Built-in temperature compensation protects batteries across freezing and scorching ambient conditions.
- Force Mode manually pushes charge into deeply discharged batteries down to zero volts.
- Pulse desulfation helps recover neglected plates without replacing damaged or frozen batteries.
- Included eyelet terminals, clamps, and mounting hardware suit mixed garages and seasonal storage.
Links & resources- Read the full article: NOCO GENIUS10 Review: 10A Charging for Cars, RVs, Boats, and More
- best battery maintainer for winter car storage
- best 12 volt battery charger maintainer
- cold weather battery charger guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
8 min - OBDLink MX+ vs Veepeak: Bluetooth Scanner Matchup
Alex and Emma analyze OBDLink MX+ and Veepeak OBDCheck BLE capabilities. Discussion covers generic diagnostics, manufacturer module access, platform support, and app compatibility.
In this episode- Veepeak covers standard OBD II engine faults and readiness checks via mobile apps
- OBDLink MX+ adds Windows support, enhanced OEM access, and monitoring for ABS, SRS, and TPMS
- App selection dictates available features and vehicle module compatibility
- Neither device replaces professional shop tools for advanced safety system service
Links & resources- Read the full article: OBDLink MX+ vs Veepeak: Which Bluetooth Scanner Fits Your Car?
- BlueDriver vs OBDLink MX+
- best OBD2 scanners and diagnostic tools for home mechanics and drivers
- best live data scan tool
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Veepeak OBDCheck BLE: Wireless Diagnostics for Everyday Drivers
Alex and Emma break down the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE scanner and how third-party phone apps handle basic check engine diagnostics. They discuss supported features, critical setup rules, and major service limits.
In this episode- Plugs into OBD II port on most 1996 and newer US vehicles for basic powertrain data
- Requires a separate third-party mobile app on iOS or Android to work
- Must pair inside the chosen app rather than phone system Bluetooth settings
- Handles check engine codes, freeze frame, live data, and readiness monitors
- Does not support service resets, ABS bleeding, relearns, or incompatible tuning apps
Links & resources- Read the full article: Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Review: Best for Basic Phone Diagnostics
- professional automotive diagnostic tool guide
- live data scan tool guide
- OBD2 scanner and diagnostic tool guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Flashlight Battery Chargers: Chemistry, Fitment, and Power Guide
Episode breaks down flashlight battery charger compatibility based on cell chemistry, physical size, and power source. Alex and Emma explain critical fitment rules for lithium-ion and Ni-MH batteries.
In this episode- Battery chemistry and physical size dictate charger compatibility over speed or bay count
- Size labels mislead: 14500 lithium-ion and AA cells require distinct charging profiles
- Disposable alkaline and primary CR123A batteries must never enter rechargeable docks
- Protected button-top cells exceed nominal lengths and require verified slot clearance
- USB-C connectors indicate plug geometry rather than guaranteed charging speed
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Battery Charger for Flashlight Batteries: 9 Compatibility-Matched Choices
- Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
- Best Battery Charger For Lithium Batteries
- Best Battery Charger for D Batteries
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
8 min - Compact Jump Starter Breakdown: The NOCO Boost GB20 Explained
Alex and Emma break down the NOCO Boost GB20 jump starter, exploring its compact design, safety features, engine limits, and ideal roadside use cases.
In this episode- Designed specifically for 12-volt systems with gas engines up to 4.0 liters, excluding diesel.
- Features 500-amp peak output, spark-proof connections, and reverse polarity protection.
- Offers portable utility at 2.4 pounds, with a built-in phone charger and a 100-lumen multi-mode light.
- Does not include diagnostics or tire inflation, functioning purely as an emergency starting aid.
Links & resources- Read the full article: NOCO GB20 Review: Compact 12V Jump Starter for Gas Cars
- Jump Starter
- jump starter
- jump starter
- best jump starter for winter emergencies
- best portable jump starter for diesel trucks
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min
About CarTechTalk Podcast
From the publisher's feed
The CarTechTalk Podcast turns our car tech buying guides and how-to articles into short, friendly conversations. OBD2 scanners, jump starters, battery chargers, dash cams, tire inflators and EV…
charging, explained for everyday drivers. Every episode links to the full article on cartechtalk.com.