CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
Download on the App Store

CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • Check Used Car Electronics: Wiring, Power States, Compatibility

    Alex and Emma review inspection steps for used vehicle electronic accessories before purchase. Learn three power state tests, wire routing checks, and phone compatibility limits.

    In this episode
    • Inspect physical mounts, wire routing, and power connections
    • Test electronics across three separate ignition power states
    • Confirm phone operating system and firmware compatibility
    • Scan OBD2 trouble codes before clearing vehicle computer memory
    • Hire professional electricians for airbag sections and high-voltage circuits
    • Links & resources
      • Read the full article: How To Check Used Car Electronic Accessories
      • NHTSA recall lookup
      • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
      • J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
      • Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
      • Today's verified car tech deals
      • How we review car tech
      • Visit CarTechTalk
      • 7 min
      • How to Prepare Your Car for Summer Storage

        Alex and Emma break down the essential steps to prepare any vehicle for summer storage, from cleaning and battery maintenance to tire pressure and pest prevention. Learn how to protect your car from heat, humidity, and flat spots before parking it for the season.

        In this episode
        • Clean and dry the exterior and cabin to prevent corrosion, odors, and rodent nesting.
        • Change overdue engine oil and check all fluid levels before parking.
        • Protect the 12-volt battery using a matched maintainer or safe disconnection.
        • Set tire inflation to the driver door placard cold pressure, never the sidewall maximum.
        • Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for leaks, nests, and brake issues before restarting.
        • Links & resources
          • Read the full article: How To Prepare A Car For Summer Storage
          • battery chargers and maintainers guides
          • Tire Safety
          • Battery Council International
          • Today's verified car tech deals
          • How we review car tech
          • Visit CarTechTalk
          • 6 min
          • Best Battery Charger for Deer Feeder Batteries: 6V and 12V Picks

            For most feeder owners, the best battery charger for deer feeder batteries is the Moultrie 6V and 12V Battery Charger. It automatically detects 6V or 12V batteries, supports float charging, and includes reverse-polarity protection. The Wildgame Innovations eDRENALINE is a…

            Links & resources
            • Read the full article: Best Battery Charger for Deer Feeder Batteries: 6V and 12V Picks
            • Best Rechargeable Battery Charger for 12V Batteries
            • Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
            • Battery Charger for 6 Volt Game Feeder Batteries
            • Today's verified car tech deals
            • How we review car tech
            • Visit CarTechTalk
            • 8 min
            • Winter Rubber Door Seal Care Guide

              Alex and Emma explain winter door seal maintenance. Steps cover cleaning, safe conditioners, and opening frozen doors without damage.

              In this episode
              • Inspect weatherstripping and clear door drains before freezing temps hit
              • Clean dirt with mild soap and dry completely before treatment
              • Use automotive rubber conditioner, avoid petroleum products
              • Push door inward gently to break ice bond instead of yanking handle
              • Links & resources
                • Read the full article: How To Maintain Rubber Door Seals In Winter
                • how car covers handle fit, sun, rain, and wind
                • Automotive Floor Mats & Interior Protection
                • digital tire pressure gauge with memory
                • Today's verified car tech deals
                • How we review car tech
                • Visit CarTechTalk
                • 5 min
                • Choosing Right Rechargeable Batteries and Charger Kits

                  Alex and Emma break down household rechargeable battery kits, bay counts, chemistries, and why vehicle maintainers stay separate.

                  In this episode
                  • Match battery chemistry and cell size to charger specifications
                  • Choose kit with included cells or charger-only based on needs
                  • Independent charging slots handle odd numbers of cells
                  • Vehicle maintainers serve lead-acid and lithium car batteries only
                  • Links & resources
                    • Read the full article: Best Batteries for Battery Charger Kits, From AA Packs to 12V Maintainers
                    • Best Battery Charger for AA Batteries
                    • Best Battery Charger For AA Rechargeable Batteries
                    • Best Rechargeable Battery Charger for 12V Batteries
                    • Today's verified car tech deals
                    • How we review car tech
                    • Visit CarTechTalk
                    • 4 min
                    • Choosing Best 8-Bay AA Battery Charger: Chemistry, Power, and Fit

                      Alex and Emma break down top eight-bay AA battery chargers based on manufacturer specifications. Discussion covers battery chemistry differences, independent charging channels, vehicle charging safety, and adapter requirements.

                      In this episode
                      • Match battery chemistry strictly between nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and proprietary lithium cells
                      • Select independent charging channels to handle uneven battery counts and avoid overcharging
                      • Never recharge disposable alkaline batteries due to severe rupture and leakage risks
                      • Do not compare milliamp-hours directly with milliwatt-hours across different voltages
                      • Verify power adapter inclusions and disconnect vehicle chargers when ignition switches off
                      • Links & resources
                        • Read the full article: Best 8-Battery Chargers for AA Batteries: Nine Compatible Choices
                        • battery charger for AA batteries
                        • Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
                        • Best Battery Charger For AA Rechargeable Batteries
                        • Today's verified car tech deals
                        • How we review car tech
                        • Visit CarTechTalk
                        • 7 min
                        • Clear Ice From Backup Camera Without Damage

                          Alex and Emma explain safe methods to thaw frozen backup camera lenses without scratching delicate coatings or causing water intrusion. Learn why scrapers and boiling water fail, plus troubleshooting steps for lingering camera faults.

                          In this episode
                          • Never use scrapers, boiling water, or high-pressure spray on backup camera lenses.
                          • Clear loose snow by hand or soft brush, then thaw ice using lukewarm damp cloth or low-heat hair dryer.
                          • Dry lens thoroughly after thawing to prevent refreezing and water spots.
                          • Persistent blur or black screen points to moisture intrusion, failed seals, or wiring faults needing inspection.
                          • Links & resources
                            • Read the full article: How To Remove Ice From A Backup Camera
                            • backup cameras guides
                            • NHTSA recall search
                            • Wireless Backup Camera Buying Guide
                            • How To Clean A Backup Camera Lens
                            • How to Install a Wireless Backup Camera
                            • Today's verified car tech deals
                            • How we review car tech
                            • Visit CarTechTalk
                            • 6 min
                            • Chassis Battery Chargers: Power, Maintenance, Smart Options

                              Alex and Emma review top chassis battery chargers, explaining charging current, battery chemistry compatibility, and maintenance needs for vehicles.

                              In this episode
                              • Chassis batteries power vehicle starting systems and require correct voltage matching.
                              • Chemistry types like AGM, flooded lead-acid, and LiFePO4 require dedicated charging profiles.
                              • Low current maintainers suit storage while high amperage units restore depleted cells faster.
                              • Chargers require AC power and differ from portable jump starters.
                              • NOCO GENIUS5 balances charging speed, maintenance features, and broad chemistry support.
                              • Links & resources
                                • Read the full article: Best Battery Charger for Chassis Batteries: 10 Smart Options
                                • Best Battery Charger for Deep Cycle Batteries
                                • Best 6 Volt Battery Charger Cars
                                • Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
                                • Today's verified car tech deals
                                • How we review car tech
                                • Visit CarTechTalk
                                • 7 min
                                • Car Tech Gifts for Older Drivers

                                  Episode covers practical car tech gifts for older drivers, focusing on compatibility, controls, and setup support. Hosts discuss tire gauges, jump starters, scanners, and safe installation.

                                  In this episode
                                  • Match hardware to specific driving problems instead of driver age
                                  • Prioritize physical controls, readable displays, and clear status signals
                                  • Verify vehicle socket power, port types, and battery configurations
                                  • Complete device setup and testing inside parked vehicles before driving
                                  • Links & resources
                                    • Read the full article: Car Tech Gifts for Older Drivers
                                    • tire pressure gauge
                                    • CarPlay and Android Auto coverage
                                    • digital tire pressure gauges with memory
                                    • NHTSA’s recall lookup
                                    • jump starters guides
                                    • Today's verified car tech deals
                                    • How we review car tech
                                    • Visit CarTechTalk
                                    • 6 min
                                    • Smart Emergency Equipment Storage For Small Cars

                                      Alex and Emma explain how to organize roadside emergency equipment in small cars safely. Learn urgency-based packing, projectile prevention, and battery storage rules.

                                      In this episode
                                      • Divide emergency items into three urgency groups for immediate road access
                                      • Anchor heavy tools low using factory tie-downs to avoid projectile hazards
                                      • Keep dashboard, pedals, seat rails, and airbag deployment zones clear
                                      • Protect lithium batteries from extreme cabin temperatures and check cable compatibility
                                      • Store first-aid supplies in sealed pouches away from moisture and dirty tools
                                      • Links & resources
                                        • Read the full article: How To Store Emergency Equipment In A Small Car
                                        • digital tire pressure gauge with memory
                                        • best tire pressure gauge for dually trucks
                                        • battery chargers and testers category
                                        • jump starters guides
                                        • Check for Recalls
                                        • Today's verified car tech deals
                                        • How we review car tech
                                        • Visit CarTechTalk
                                        • 7 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…