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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- TPMS Diagnostics and OBD2 Scanners Explained
Alex and Emma analyze OBD2 scanners equipped with tire pressure monitoring system resets. Discussion clarifies differences between direct and indirect monitoring systems and breaks down specific diagnostic tool capabilities.
In this episode- Indirect TPMS relies on wheel speed sensors calibrated via OBD2 relearn routines.
- Direct TPMS requires scanners registering radio sensor IDs into vehicle engine control units.
- TOPDON AD600S balances four-system diagnostics with nine resets and Wi-Fi updates.
- FOXWELL NT726 delivers bidirectional actuator control across all vehicle subsystems.
- KINGBOLEN Ediag Elite brings all-system diagnostics and resets to mobile smartphones.
- BLCKTEC 460T provides continuous polling and diagnostic database support in North America.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best OBD2 Scanner With TPMS Reset: Diagnostic Tools for Tire Pressure Maintenance
- OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
- Automotive Multimeter Buying Guide
- Best Rated OBD2 Scanner
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
10 min - Truck Bed Drawers vs Sliding Trays: Finding the Right Fit
Alex and Emma break down the differences between enclosed truck bed drawer systems like DECKED and open sliding alternatives like Tmat and Maxzina. They cover critical fitment details, cargo ratings, and how to choose the right setup for your truck.
In this episode- DECKED offers full-length enclosed drawers beneath a deck rated for up to 2,000 pounds.
- Drawers are weather-resistant and dust-resistant, but they are not airtight containers.
- Tmat uses modular blockers on a mat to restrain cargo in open truck beds without drilling.
- Maxzina provides removable sliding trays, but they are only 3.47 inches deep and exclude midsize trucks.
- Vehicle model, model year, and exact bed length determine compatibility before any other factor.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Truck Bed Drawer System: DECKED Fitment and Lower-Cost Alternatives
- how to inspect tonneau cover weather seals
- how to secure cargo under A tonneau cover
- how to prepare a truck bed for winter
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Best OBD2 Scanners: Pick Right Diagnostic Tool For Your Garage
Alex and Emma break down OBD2 scan tools for DIY drivers. Learn differences between budget code readers, multi-system Bluetooth adapters, and bidirectional diagnostic tablets.
In this episode- Match diagnostic tool coverage directly to vehicle problem
- Basic code readers scan engine emissions but miss ABS and airbag modules
- Bluetooth adapters provide phone portability while handheld scanners offer standalone operation
- Bidirectional tools enable active component tests plus service resets
- Heavy-duty truck platforms require specialized communication protocols
Links & resources- Read the full article: Black Friday OBD2 Scanner Deals for Every Garage Budget
- OBD2 scanner buying guides
- how to read OBD2 codes
- today’s verified car tech deals
- OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
- Best Rated OBD2 Scanner
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Choosing the Right Retractable Tonneau Cover for Your Truck
Alex and Emma break down retractable tonneau cover options for Ram, GM, and Ford trucks. Learn how strict fitment rules, bed canisters, and drain maintenance affect your choice.
In this episode- Fitment is specific to exact truck models, years, and bed lengths.
- Retractable canisters use front bed space, and installation involves drain tubes.
- Weight capacities apply only to evenly distributed static loads, not concentrated weight.
- Regular rail lubrication and seal inspections are required for proper upkeep.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Retractable Tonneau Cover for Ram, Silverado, Sierra, and F-150
- how to inspect tonneau cover weather seals
- how to clean tonneau cover drain tubes
- ways to secure cargo under a tonneau cover
- how to prevent water pooling on a tonneau cover
- how to prepare a truck bed for winter
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Smart Battery Chargers and Desulfation: Picking the Right Tool
Alex and Emma break down smart battery chargers, explaining what desulfation modes actually do and how to choose the right charger for 6V, 12V, and 24V batteries.
In this episode- Desulfation uses pulse charging to address lead-acid battery sulfation but cannot revive physically damaged cells.
- Matching voltage, chemistry, and output current to the specific battery type is essential for safety and performance.
- Different garage needs call for different designs, ranging from slow trickle maintainers to high-amp multi-voltage workhorses.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Smart Battery Charger With Desulfation Mode: Picks for 6V, 12V, and 24V Systems
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Garage Floor Jacks: Capacity, Clearance, and Aluminum Design
Alex and Emma break down key specifications for garage floor jacks, comparing hybrid and full aluminum designs across lifting capacity, clearance, and reach. Listeners learn how to choose proper equipment based on vehicle lifting points and garage requirements.
In this episode- Jack capacity covers vehicle portion lifted, not total curb weight
- Clearance requires measuring ground to lifting point, not advertised ride height
- Hydraulic floor jacks lift vehicles while jack stands provide support
- Hybrid designs balance steel structural strength with aluminum weight savings
- Full aluminum jacks maximize portability for transport between work areas
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Aluminum Floor Jack For Garage Use: Capacity, Clearance, and Portability
- Floor Jack
- Low Profile Floor Jack
- Floor Jack Capacity Guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Choosing the Best Portable Power Station for Home Backup by Capacity
Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right portable power station for emergency home backup based on battery capacity and continuous power limits. Learn which sizes handle basic electronics versus household refrigerators without overloading.
In this episode- Battery capacity determines runtime, while continuous wattage limits what appliances can operate.
- The 1,024Wh class offers a balanced middle ground for essentials and fast UPS switchover.
- Larger 2,010Wh reserves provide extended runtime but add weight and may lack certain ports.
- Compact sub-300Wh units are strictly designed for small electronics and laptops.
- Never backfeed household circuits through standard wall outlets without an approved transfer switch.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Portable Power Station for Home Backup: Picks by Capacity
- Best Portable Power Station for Refrigerator
- Best Portable Power Station for Car Camping
- Best Portable Power Station With LiFePO4 Batteries
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Pairing Truck Bed Covers With Ladder Racks: T-Slot Secrets
Alex and Emma break down how to pair ladder racks with tonneau covers, highlighting why T-slot channels are essential and detailing fitment limits for four popular models.
In this episode- Most standard ladder racks conflict with truck bed covers.
- TRUMGETA requires specific T-slot integrated rails to mount over a cover.
- Dynamic and static weight ratings represent movement versus parked capacity.
- Popular alternative racks like ECOTRIC, OTHOWE, and JY Performance strictly require bare bed rails.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Truck Bed Cover With Ladder Rack: T-Slot Fit
- how to secure cargo under A tonneau cover
- prepare the truck bed for winter
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - F-150 Retractable Tonneau Covers: Bed Fit, Locks, and Cargo Limits
Alex and Emma break down how to match retractable tonneau covers to specific Ford F-150 bed lengths and model years. They compare load ratings, locking mechanisms, rail systems, and space tradeoffs across top options.
In this episode- Bed length and model year must match before comparing features
- RetraxPRO MX offers stated 500-pound rating and lifetime warranty for 5-foot-7-inch beds
- Flowkottu lists 600-pound distributed capacity but has specific partial-lock rules
- INNODDUS and Bestwyll provide T-slot rails for accessory mounting
- No covered models fit 8-foot beds and front canisters consume cargo space
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Retractable Tonneau Cover for F-150: Match Bed Fit to Use
- Tonneau Cover Buying Guide
- How to Measure a Truck Bed for a Tonneau Cover
- Tonneau Cover vs Truck Cap
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - Choosing the Best Solar Generator for Home Emergency Backup
Alex and Emma break down capacity, AC output, and recharge options for top solar generators during power outages.
In this episode- Battery capacity measured in watt-hours dictates run time, while continuous wattage limits appliance size.
- Anker SOLIX S2000 provides the largest capacity at 2,010 watt-hours for longer refrigerator support.
- EF ECOFLOW DELTA 3 Classic offers the highest output at 1,800 watts with fast AC charging.
- Portable power stations are meant for directly plugged essential loads, not whole-home backfeeding.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Solar Generator for Home Backup: Capacity and Output Compared
- EV Charging and Automotive Power section
- Best Portable Power Station for Refrigerator
- Best Portable Power Station Under $750
- Best Portable Power Station Under $200
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
4 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.