CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
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CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • Choosing the Right Onboard Charger for Two Batteries

    Alex and Emma break down how to choose a two-bank onboard battery charger by matching amperage, chemistry, and voltage to your boat or vehicle setup.

    In this episode
    • Two-bank chargers isolate outputs to suit mixed battery roles or chemistries.
    • Per-bank current determines charge speed, with five amps suited for maintenance and ten amps for fast turnaround.
    • Mode selection must strictly match battery chemistry, including AGM, lead-acid, calcium, and lithium.
    • Hardware, cable routing, waterproof ratings, and warranty coverage are vital installation factors.
    • Links & resources
      • Read the full article: Best Onboard Battery Charger For 2 Batteries: Choosing the Right Bank Output
      • Best Marine Battery Charger For Multiple Banks
      • Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
      • Best Battery Charger to Keep Batteries During Winter
      • Today's verified car tech deals
      • How we review car tech
      • Visit CarTechTalk
      • 5 min
      • Why Wireless CarPlay Drains iPhone Battery and How to Fix It

        Alex and Emma break down why wireless CarPlay uses so much phone power during drives. They share practical checks to identify drain sources and explain how car charging ports play a role.

        In this episode
        • Wireless CarPlay simultaneously runs Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS navigation, and streaming audio
        • Weak cellular reception and high heat drastically increase battery consumption
        • A visible charging bolt does not guarantee net battery gain if port wattage is low
        • Check iPhone battery settings and vehicle manual specifications before changing settings
        • Links & resources
          • Read the full article: Why Wireless CarPlay Drains iPhone Battery
          • CarPlay available models page
          • guide to car stereos with CarPlay and Android Auto
          • wireless CarPlay adapters guides
          • Wireless CarPlay Adapter Compatibility Explained
          • Wireless CarPlay Adapter Buying Guide
          • Today's verified car tech deals
          • How we review car tech
          • Visit CarTechTalk
          • 5 min
          • Summer Heat and Lithium Jump Starters: How to Store Them Safely

            Alex and Emma discuss how extreme summer temperatures affect lithium jump starters, why glove boxes are unsafe storage spots, and how to properly store and maintain your pack.

            In this episode
            • Parked vehicles reach temperatures far beyond safe storage limits.
            • Operating, charging, and storage temperature ranges are often completely different.
            • Always check the manual for specific storage charge levels and check intervals.
            • Never charge a hot battery or force it to cool down with ice or freezers.
            • Swelling, cracking, leaks, or strange odors mean you must stop using the pack immediately.
            • Links & resources
              • Read the full article: Store a Lithium Jump Starter in Summer
              • jump starter
              • jump starter
              • jump starters for stored vehicles
              • truck jump starter guide
              • Battery Council International
              • Today's verified car tech deals
              • How we review car tech
              • Visit CarTechTalk
              • 5 min
              • Choosing the Right 24 Volt Marine Battery Charger

                Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right 24 volt battery charger for your boat based on battery chemistry, charging speed, and environmental protection.

                In this episode
                • Battery chemistry dictates charger selection, especially for 24 volt LiFePO4 banks requiring 29.2 volts.
                • Higher amperage is not always better and depends on battery bank capacity and manufacturer limits.
                • Sealed IP-rated chargers suit wet marine environments, while general-purpose chargers often lack water protection.
                • Multi-bank 12 volt chargers cannot simply replace a dedicated 24 volt charging system.
                • Links & resources
                  • Read the full article: Best Battery Charger 24 Volt for Boat: Marine and LiFePO4 Picks
                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                  • How we review car tech
                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                  • 5 min
                  • What to Do After a Successful Jump Start

                    Getting your engine running after a jump start is only step one. Hosts Alex and Emma explain safe cable removal, dashboard warnings, alternator myths, and when to seek testing.

                    In this episode
                    • Disconnect booster cables strictly according to vehicle and equipment manuals
                    • Watch for persistent battery warning lights or physical damage like swelling and leaks
                    • A running engine or short drive does not guarantee a fully recharged battery
                    • Arrange professional battery load and charging system tests to find root causes
                    • Links & resources
                      • Read the full article: What To Do After A Successful Jump Start
                      • jump starter
                      • jump starters for stored vehicles
                      • truck battery jump starters
                      • jump starters guides
                      • Battery Council International
                      • Today's verified car tech deals
                      • How we review car tech
                      • Visit CarTechTalk
                      • 5 min
                      • Checking Tire Pressure Without a TPMS Display

                        Alex and Emma break down how to check and adjust tire pressure manually using a simple gauge without relying on a dashboard screen. Learn where to find proper pressure specs and avoid common inflation mistakes.

                        In this episode
                        • Check tires cold using the doorjamb label rather than the tire sidewall max
                        • Digital, dial, and pencil gauges all work when pressed straight onto the valve stem
                        • TPMS warning lights alert to issues but do not identify individual tire pressures
                        • Never bleed air from hot tires because heat naturally increases pressure
                        • Links & resources
                          • Read the full article: Check Tire Pressure Without a TPMS Display
                          • tire pressure gauge
                          • tire inflator
                          • tire pressure gauges for dually trucks
                          • digital tire gauges with memory
                          • 12V inflators with automatic shutoff
                          • Today's verified car tech deals
                          • How we review car tech
                          • Visit CarTechTalk
                          • 5 min
                          • Forget CarPlay Connection on iPhone: Complete Removal Guide

                            CarPlay connect wrong vehicle or fail launch. Remove pairing from iPhone settings and car infotainment to fix connection issues.

                            In this episode
                            • Remove saved vehicle profile in iPhone Settings under General CarPlay menu
                            • Delete iPhone from vehicle Bluetooth paired-device list to stop automatic wireless reconnection
                            • Verify designated CarPlay USB port because some vehicle ports charge only
                            • Avoid resetting iPhone network settings when troubleshooting single vehicle pairing
                            • Links & resources
                              • Read the full article: Forget a CarPlay Connection on iPhone
                              • CarPlay available models list
                              • wireless CarPlay adapters guides
                              • guide to aftermarket stereos with CarPlay and Android Auto
                              • How to Improve Wireless CarPlay Connection
                              • How To Change CarPlay App Order on Your iPhone
                              • Today's verified car tech deals
                              • How we review car tech
                              • Visit CarTechTalk
                              • 5 min
                              • Best Tire Inflators With Automatic Shutoff

                                Alex and Emma break down top automatic tire inflators for garage and road use. Discussion covers power options, duty cycles, and proper selection methods without over-inflation risk.

                                In this episode
                                • Automatic shutoff stops pump at target pressure but leaves punctures unfixed
                                • Dual power models run on wall outlets and vehicle sockets
                                • Cordless options add portability but require charge planning
                                • Compact units lack power for heavy truck tires
                                • Links & resources
                                  • Read the full article: Best Tire Inflator With Automatic Shutoff for Home and Roadside Use
                                  • How to Set Automatic Shutoff on a Tire Inflator
                                  • How to Use a Tire Inflator
                                  • Best 120 Volt Portable Tire Inflator for Home and Roadside Use
                                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                                  • How we review car tech
                                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                                  • 5 min
                                  • How to Find Leaks in Your Tire Inflator Hose

                                    Alex and Emma explain how to safely inspect and test a tire inflator hose for air leaks using simple soapy water.

                                    In this episode
                                    • Inspect the hose and fittings visually before applying power or pressure.
                                    • Use soapy water on connections to spot growing bubbles indicating escaping air.
                                    • Never exceed pressure ratings or loosen fittings while the hose is pressurized.
                                    • Distinguish between hose leaks, poor valve connections, and actual tire punctures.
                                    • Links & resources
                                      • Read the full article: Check a Tire Inflator Hose for Leaks
                                      • tire inflator
                                      • what a tire pressure gauge with memory stores
                                      • tire safety guidance
                                      • 12V inflators with automatic shutoff
                                      • tire inflators guides
                                      • Today's verified car tech deals
                                      • How we review car tech
                                      • Visit CarTechTalk
                                      • 5 min
                                      • Choosing the Best Lithium Jump Starter with USB-C Charging

                                        Alex and Emma break down how to choose a 12V lithium jump starter with USB-C charging based on engine displacement and charging protocols rather than peak amp claims. They examine top options for everyday drivers, large engines, and budget needs.

                                        In this episode
                                        • Match vehicle engine displacement limits instead of relying on advertised peak amp ratings
                                        • Distinguish basic USB-C input from bidirectional fast USB-C Power Delivery
                                        • NOCO Boost X GBX45 balances 60W bidirectional USB-C PD with everyday engine support
                                        • WOLFBOX 4000A provides up to 65W charging and support for larger engines under 10 liters
                                        • Many jump starters ship without AC wall adapters, requiring separate chargers
                                        • Links & resources
                                          • Read the full article: Best Lithium Jump Starter With USB-C Charging: Choosing the Right 12V Pack
                                          • Portable Jump Starter Buying Guide
                                          • Best Portable Jump Starter With USB-C Charging
                                          • Jump Starter Size Guide for Cars and 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…