CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
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CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • How To Position A Dash Cam For The Best View

    Alex and Emma explain where to place and aim front and rear dash cams for clear footage without blocking vehicle sensors or airbags.

    In this episode
    • Mount high behind rearview mirror inside windshield wiper sweep path.
    • Aim lens level with road so horizon sits near upper-middle of frame.
    • Avoid blocking factory sensors, glass tint bands, or airbag deployment paths.
    • Position rear cameras within rear wiper sweep and protect hatch cables.
    • Links & resources
      • Read the full article: How To Position A Dash Cam For The Best View
      • dash cams guides
      • Dash Cam WiFi Explained
      • Dash Cam GPS Explained
      • Dash Cam Buying Guide for Beginners
      • Check for Recalls
      • Today's verified car tech deals
      • How we review car tech
      • Visit CarTechTalk
      • 4 min
      • Can You Test Solar Batteries with Car Gear?

        Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right battery tester for solar storage setups, from voltage compatibility to deep cycle limitations. They compare top automotive-style analyzers and explain when dedicated solar monitors are needed.

        In this episode
        • Solar storage batteries need matching voltage and chemistry before features matter
        • Automotive analyzers measure cold cranking amps rather than true solar storage capacity
        • The Clore Automotive SOLAR Digital 12V handles standard twelve volt lead acid setups
        • The Clore BA327 adds explicit deep cycle support with a starting rating and printed records
        • High voltage banks and lithium systems with proprietary management systems need dedicated solar monitors
        • Links & resources
          • Read the full article: Best Battery Tester for Solar Batteries: Deep Cycle Choices by Voltage
          • Battery Tester Buying Guide for Beginners
          • Best Battery Tester For Household Batteries
          • Battery Tester For Button Batteries
          • Today's verified car tech deals
          • How we review car tech
          • Visit CarTechTalk
          • 5 min
          • Motorcycle Battery Testers: Top 12V Garage Diagnostic Tools

            Alex and Emma break down best motorcycle battery testers for garage diagnosis. Guide covers load testing, digital analyzers, lithium support, and charging system checks.

            In this episode
            • Match tester to battery chemistry before features
            • Battery Tender load tester delivers true 100A load for 12V systems
            • ANCEL BT410 provides digital health stats and lithium-ion support
            • BR502 offers budget digital diagnostics across multiple lead-acid types
            • Testers diagnose electrical faults but never replace chargers or service manuals
            • Links & resources
              • Read the full article: Best Battery Tester for Motorcycle: 12V Picks for Garage Diagnosis
              • best battery maintainer for winter car storage
              • best 12 volt battery charger maintainer
              • Battery Tester Buying Guide for Beginners
              • Today's verified car tech deals
              • How we review car tech
              • Visit CarTechTalk
              • 6 min
              • Finding the Right OBD2 Scanner for Your Mazda

                Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right OBD2 scanner for your Mazda, from basic check engine code readers to multi-system tools for ABS and airbags.

                In this episode
                • Basic OBD2 readers handle engine and emissions codes but miss manufacturer modules like ABS and SRS
                • BlueDriver offers broad system coverage for Mazda through a smartphone app without subscription fees
                • OBDLink MX+ works best for enthusiasts using specialized software like FORScan across multiple platforms
                • FOXWELL NT604 Elite provides standalone multi-system diagnostics without requiring a smartphone
                • Clearing codes resets emissions monitors and does not fix underlying mechanical problems
                • Links & resources
                  • Read the full article: Best OBD2 Scanner for Mazda: Picks for Check Engine and ABS Codes
                  • OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
                  • Best OBD2 Scanner for Nissan
                  • How To Check Charging Voltage With An OBD2 Scanner
                  • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                  • J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                  • How we review car tech
                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                  • 5 min
                  • Choosing the Best Battery Charger for Gel Batteries

                    Alex and Emma break down the top smart battery chargers compatible with 12V gel lead-acid batteries and explain how to match voltage and amperage to your specific garage needs.

                    In this episode
                    • Gel batteries require specific lead-acid charging profiles distinct from standard lithium batteries.
                    • Schumacher 12V/6V provides the most balanced everyday option with a 15A output and auto-maintain mode.
                    • NOCO GENIUS1 offers 1A low-current trickle charging ideal for seasonal storage and small batteries.
                    • High-output chargers like TowerTop and E-FAST deliver up to 25A for faster charging and multi-voltage setups.
                    • Desulfation and repair modes are manufacturer features, not guarantees for physically damaged batteries.
                    • Links & resources
                      • Read the full article: Best Battery Charger for Gel Batteries: Smart 12V Picks
                      • Best Car Battery Charger Under $50
                      • Best Rechargeable Battery Charger for 12V Batteries
                      • Best Battery Charger for Chassis Batteries
                      • Today's verified car tech deals
                      • How we review car tech
                      • Visit CarTechTalk
                      • 5 min
                      • Winter Airport Car Parking Preparation Guide

                        Cold weather damages unattended vehicles during long airport parking stays. Learn essential steps to protect batteries, tires, fluids, and vehicle systems before departure.

                        In this episode
                        • Test twelve-volt battery health prior to departure
                        • Set cold tire pressure according to vehicle door placard
                        • Maintain adequate fuel level or electric charge reserve
                        • Protect wiper arms, glass surfaces, and door seals
                        • Remove interior valuables, food, and phantom electrical loads
                        • Links & resources
                          • Read the full article: Prepare Your Car for Winter Airport Parking
                          • digital tire pressure gauges with memory
                          • tire pressure gauge guide for dually trucks
                          • battery chargers and maintainers guides
                          • Tire Safety
                          • Battery Council International
                          • Today's verified car tech deals
                          • How we review car tech
                          • Visit CarTechTalk
                          • 7 min
                          • OBDeleven 3 Pro Pack: VAG Coding And Multi-System Diagnostic Guide

                            OBDeleven 3 Pro Pack connects phones to modern vehicles for diagnostics and manual coding. Episode covers brand limits, PRO plan features, credits, and maintenance tasks.

                            In this episode
                            • Volkswagen Group vehicles receive deepest manual coding and SFD access.
                            • Package includes hardware, 12-month PRO subscription, and 100 app credits.
                            • BMW, MINI, Toyota, Lexus, and US Ford get advanced diagnostic support.
                            • Other car brands only get basic engine and transmission fault scans.
                            • One-Click Apps need credits, while manual coding needs technical skill.
                            • Links & resources
                              • Read the full article: OBDeleven Review: Strongest Choice for VAG Coding and Multi-System Diagnostics
                              • professional car diagnostic tools
                              • OBD2 scanners for MINI Cooper
                              • OBD2 scanners for live data and fuel trim
                              • OBD2 scanner
                              • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                              • Today's verified car tech deals
                              • How we review car tech
                              • Visit CarTechTalk
                              • 5 min
                              • Best Camper Van Power Inverters: 12V Picks For Real Demands

                                Guide compares plug-in and hardwired 12V power inverters for camper vans. Details cover wattage, ports, sine wave output, and electrical limits.

                                In this episode
                                • Pro Chaser 400W handles everyday electronics from standard 12V vehicle socket.
                                • BESTEK 300W delivers budget power with wide voltage support and aluminum body.
                                • BELTTT 2000W provides pure sine wave output for hardwired battery setups.
                                • Vansoet 400W prioritizes fast USB-C ports with independent switch control.
                                • Continuous wattage and battery protection dictate camper electrical safety.
                                • Links & resources
                                  • Read the full article: Best Power Inverter for Camper Van: 12V Picks for Real Loads
                                  • portable power stations for car camping
                                  • Car Power Inverter Buying Guide
                                  • Best Power Inverter Under $100
                                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                                  • How we review car tech
                                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                                  • 7 min
                                  • Best Floor Mats for Honda CR-V: Fitment, Coverage, and Value

                                    Best floor mats for Honda CR-V buyers are usually the AUXKO All Weather Floor Mats for Honda CR-V, because they cover 2023 through 2026 models, include hybrids, use TPE, and add high walls for wet messes. Owners of 2023 to…

                                    Links & resources
                                    • Read the full article: Best Floor Mats for Honda CR-V: Fitment, Coverage, and Value
                                    • All Weather Floor Mats
                                    • rubber car mats for road salt guide
                                    • car floor liners for slush and snow comparison
                                    • SUV cargo liner guide for winter gear
                                    • Today's verified car tech deals
                                    • How we review car tech
                                    • Visit CarTechTalk
                                    • 7 min
                                    • Choosing the Best Professional Tire Inflator for Your Vehicle

                                      Alex and Emma break down top tire inflators, comparing power sources, PSI ratings, and practical features for everyday drivers. Learn which portable compressor fits your roadside and garage needs without overbuying.

                                      In this episode
                                      • DEWALT 20V offers three power sources, threaded chuck, and high-volume modes.
                                      • Dual-power models like AstroAI Cordless provide battery mobility plus 12V vehicle backup.
                                      • Pressure ratings and tire size limits differ between passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles.
                                      • Dedicated 12V cords eliminate battery charging concerns but require a running vehicle engine.
                                      • Links & resources
                                        • Read the full article: Best Professional Tire Inflator With Gauge: Cordless and 12V Picks
                                        • tire inflator
                                        • tire pressure gauge guide for winter commuting
                                        • best tire inflators for winter emergencies
                                        • 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…