CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
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CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • Best 3000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter for 12V Systems

    The best 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter for most 12V RV and off-grid setups is the BELTTT 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC, with 3000W continuous output, 6000W peak rating, an LCD, and a 23-foot remote. Its 12V…

    Links & resources
    • Read the full article: Best 3000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter for 12V Systems
    • Car Power Inverter Buying Guide
    • Best Pure Sine Wave Inverter for Cars
    • Pure Sine Wave vs Modified Sine Wave Inverter
    • Today's verified car tech deals
    • How we review car tech
    • Visit CarTechTalk
    • 7 min
    • Tesla Model Y Home Charging: Plug-In Versus Hardwired Picks

      Alex and Emma compare top plug-in and hardwired EV chargers for Tesla Model Y. Learn how home electrical circuits, cable reach, and app controls determine best charging setup.

      In this episode
      • Home electrical service determines plug-in versus hardwired choice
      • EVDANCE offers 40-amp plug-in flexibility with NEMA 14-50 connection
      • EVIQO and IYILO deliver 48-amp hardwired performance with smart app controls
      • Vratzn provides dual-voltage backup using 120-volt and 240-volt adapters
      • Vehicle onboard limits and cable reach matter more than maximum amp numbers
      • Links & resources
        • Read the full article: Best EV Charger for Tesla Model Y: Picks for Plug-In and Hardwired Homes
        • why some EV charging adapters do not support DC charging
        • why an EV does not reach its charger’s advertised speed
        • how cold weather affects EV charging speed
        • Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
        • Best EV Home Charger
        • Today's verified car tech deals
        • How we review car tech
        • Visit CarTechTalk
        • 7 min
        • Jump Starting Hybrid 12V Battery: Safety, Steps, and Secrets

          Hybrids carry two separate battery systems, and dead 12-volt units cause unexpected startup failures. Alex and Emma explain safe jump methods, critical connection points, and warning signs.

          In this episode
          • Hybrids use 12-volt battery for electronics and high-voltage battery for propulsion
          • Orange cables mark high-voltage components and must never be touched
          • Jump start enables READY mode, allowing DC-to-DC converter to take over
          • Engine noise does not indicate startup success in hybrid vehicles
          • Most hybrid models should not be used to jump start other cars
          • Links & resources
            • Read the full article: Can You Jump Start a Hybrid Car 12V Battery?
            • jump starter
            • jump starters for stored vehicles
            • jump starters for winter emergencies
            • Battery Chargers & Testers category
            • jump starters guides
            • Today's verified car tech deals
            • How we review car tech
            • Visit CarTechTalk
            • 7 min
            • Choosing the Best 6 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger

              Alex and Emma break down top manufacturer-rated 6 volt golf cart battery chargers, highlighting key features like multi-voltage support, pulse repair, and safety modes.

              In this episode
              • Matching voltage settings correctly is critical when using multi-voltage chargers on 6 volt golf cart batteries.
              • Adjustable amperage between zero and fifteen amps gives flexibility for different battery capacities and charge speeds.
              • Desulfation and pulse repair modes help recondition and recover low-voltage lead-acid batteries.
              • Built-in safety features like automatic shutoff and reverse polarity protection prevent damage during charging.
              • Links & resources
                • Read the full article: Best 6 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger
                • Best 48 Volt Golf Cart Battery Charger for the Right Cart and Battery
                • Battery Charger For 6 Volt And 12 Volt
                • Best 6 Volt Battery Charger For Antique Cars
                • Today's verified car tech deals
                • How we review car tech
                • Visit CarTechTalk
                • 5 min
                • Rivian EV Charger Guide: Home Power and Travel Adapters

                  Alex and Emma review top Level 2 home charging units and travel gear for Rivian drivers. Discussion covers panel capacity, hardwired options, outlet types, and DC fast-charging adapters.

                  In this episode
                  • Match charger amp draw to circuit capacity, such as 48-amp charger requiring 60-amp circuit
                  • Emporia Pro with PowerSmart provides panel load balancing without electrical service upgrade
                  • NEMA 14-50 and NEMA 6-20 plugs differ in output capacity and pin layout
                  • Telatefe NACS to CCS1 adapter works only for DC fast charging, not AC home equipment
                  • Links & resources
                    • Read the full article: Best EV Charger for Rivian: Home Charging and Travel Picks
                    • why an EV may not reach advertised charger speed
                    • finding an EV charger compatible with your car
                    • guide to EV adapter limits
                    • EV charging stop procedure
                    • Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
                    • Today's verified car tech deals
                    • How we review car tech
                    • Visit CarTechTalk
                    • 6 min
                    • Can Low Battery Voltage Cause OBD2 Codes?

                      Low battery voltage can cause temporary or secondary OBD2 fault codes and communication problems. It does not prove that every stored code came from the battery. Check battery and charging-system condition alongside the wiring and circuit identified by each code.Key…

                      Links & resources
                      • Read the full article: Can Low Battery Voltage Cause OBD2 Codes?
                      • OBD2 scanner
                      • OBD2 scanners for advanced vehicle use
                      • battery chargers and testers guide
                      • OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
                      • OBD2 scanners guides
                      • Today's verified car tech deals
                      • How we review car tech
                      • Visit CarTechTalk
                      • 9 min
                      • Can Loose Gas Cap Trigger Check Engine Light? EVAP Truths Revealed

                        Loose gas cap triggers EVAP trouble codes without causing drivability problems. Tightening cap requires drive cycles before engine computer turns off warning light.

                        In this episode
                        • Loose cap creates EVAP leak triggering codes like P0455 and P0456.
                        • Check engine light remains illuminated until driving cycles run EVAP tests.
                        • Clearing codes erases readiness monitors necessary for state emissions tests.
                        • Cracked vapor lines, faulty purge valves, or bad vent valves mimic cap leaks.
                        • Flashing check engine light indicates engine misfire requiring immediate service.
                        • Links & resources
                          • Read the full article: Can A Loose Gas Cap Trigger A Check Engine Light?
                          • OBD2 scanner
                          • OBD2 scanner
                          • OBD2 scanners for live data and fuel trim
                          • professional car diagnostic tools for advanced troubleshooting
                          • OBD2 scanners for advanced use
                          • Today's verified car tech deals
                          • How we review car tech
                          • Visit CarTechTalk
                          • 5 min
                          • Why Check Engine Light Turns Off On Dashboard

                            Check engine light turns off when vehicle passes automated monitors during drive cycles. Vehicle computer retains trouble codes in memory despite dark dashboard.

                            In this episode
                            • Automated monitors turn off indicator lamp after drive cycles pass self-tests.
                            • Stored codes remain in vehicle memory even when dashboard light disappears.
                            • Loose fuel caps, temporary misfires, and weak battery voltage cause intermittent warnings.
                            • Flashing check engine light indicates severe misfire risking catalytic converter damage.
                            • Clearing trouble codes erases freeze-frame data and delays emissions inspection readiness.
                            • Links & resources
                              • Read the full article: Why Check Engine Light Turns Off By Itself
                              • OBD2 scanner
                              • OBD2 scanners for live data and fuel trim
                              • OBD2 scanners for advanced vehicle diagnostics
                              • OBD2 scanners guides
                              • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                              • Today's verified car tech deals
                              • How we review car tech
                              • Visit CarTechTalk
                              • 8 min
                              • Why OBD2 Readiness Monitors Show Not Ready

                                Vehicle readiness monitors stay incomplete after battery loss, code resets, or partial drive cycles. Hosts explain self-test rules, scanner checks, and steps drivers take before inspection.

                                In this episode
                                • Battery disconnection and cleared diagnostic codes reset emissions monitors
                                • Each monitor demands specific driving conditions like cold starts and highway cruising
                                • Scanners display monitor completion status but cannot force monitors ready
                                • Underlying faults and pending codes block self-tests from finishing
                                • Links & resources
                                  • Read the full article: Why OBD2 Readiness Monitors Show Not Ready
                                  • OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
                                  • OBD2 scanners guides
                                  • Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M)
                                  • J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
                                  • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                                  • How we review car tech
                                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                                  • 6 min
                                  • Best 48 Amp EV Charger for J1772 and NACS Homes

                                    The best 48 amp ev charger for many homes is the EMPORIA Pro Level 2 EV Charger with PowerSmart, because its load-balancing feature can adjust charging around household electricity use. It also supports plug-in or hardwired installation, but its higher…

                                    Links & resources
                                    • Read the full article: Best 48 Amp EV Charger for J1772 and NACS Homes
                                    • why some EV charging adapters do not support DC charging
                                    • Why an EV does not reach charger advertised speed
                                    • how cold weather affects EV charging speed
                                    • Best EV Charger Extension Cable
                                    • Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
                                    • 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…