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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- Choosing the Best Home and Travel EV Charger for Your Chevy Bolt
Alex and Emma break down the top EV chargers for Chevy Bolt drivers, explaining why outlet type and circuit limits matter far more than advertised charging speeds.
In this episode- All Chevy Bolt home chargers use standard J1772 connectors, but vehicle onboard limits cap actual charging speeds.
- Matching the charger to your specific outlet type and circuit capacity is critical for electrical safety.
- Top picks range from portable dual-voltage units like the EVPOVO to hardwired stations like the EVIQO.
- Weather-resistance ratings for charger enclosures do not mean the wall plug itself is waterproof.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best EV Charger for Chevy Bolt: Picks for Home and Travel
- why an EV may not reach advertised charger speed
- how cold weather affects EV charging speed
- some EV charging adapters do not support DC charging
- Best Weatherproof EV Charger Chevy Volt
- Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Holiday Gift Guide for Home Mechanics: Universal Tools to Garage Novelties
Alex and Emma break down practical holiday gift ideas for home mechanics, covering hardware specs, mechanical limits, and garage safety rules.
In this episode- Universal pin sockets grip irregular fasteners but cannot replace solid six-point sockets under heavy torque.
- Emergency ten-millimeter kits offer real backup utility alongside novelty workshop decor.
- Decorative candles provide relaxation outside the shop but present severe fire hazards in active garages.
- Professional master technicians require specialized precision tools rather than general novelty items.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Christmas Gift Ideas For Home Mechanics: Practical Tools And Garage Novelties
- Christmas Gift Ideas for Mechanics
- Best Torque Wrench Under $50
- Best Mechanics Tool Set Under $50 for Automotive and Home Repairs
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Choosing Tablet Scan Tools for DIY Mechanics and Repair Shops
Diagnostic tablet scan tools range from four-system readers to full-system bidirectional units with ECU coding. Selecting correct hardware requires matching vehicle modules, coverage, and gateway access rules.
In this episode- Match scanner capabilities to specific vehicle make, model, year, and module
- Distinguish code reading from bidirectional controls and maintenance service resets
- Verify software update terms and third-party security gateway subscription requirements
- Remember fault codes indicate detected conditions rather than confirmed part failures
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Tablet Scan Tool: Picks for DIYers and Repair Shops
- checking misfire data with a scanner
- reading coolant temperature through OBD2
- Ford diesel scan tool guide
- Chevy Volt diagnostic scanner guide
- J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
8 min - Can an OBD2 Scanner Reveal Your Car’s Real Mileage?
Alex and Emma break down whether an OBD2 scanner can show accurate odometer mileage, where distance data actually hides across vehicle modules, and why a matching number still does not rule out rollback.
In this episode- Basic OBD2 scanners focus on emissions and powertrain faults, rarely reading odometer data.
- Mileage can be stored across multiple modules including the cluster, engine computer, body control module, and airbag systems.
- Differing numbers between modules can point to replacements, coding glitches, or tampering.
- Matching module mileage confirms consistency at scan time but does not prove a vehicle was never rolled back.
- A full mileage check requires advanced scan tools, stable vehicle voltage, and paper records like titles and service receipts.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Can OBD2 Show Mileage Accurately?
- this guide to advanced OBD2 scanners
- professional car diagnostic tools
- OBD2 scanners for live data and fuel trim
- OBD2 scanners guides
- J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Choosing the Best NACS Level 2 Home EV Charger
Alex and Emma break down the top NACS Level 2 home chargers, explaining circuit requirements, plug-in versus hardwired setups, and smart features.
In this episode- Hardwired chargers like the 48-amp EVIQO require a dedicated 60-amp circuit installed by an electrician.
- Plug-in models use a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a dedicated 50-amp circuit and max out at 40 amps.
- Connector fit, vehicle acceptance rates, and cable reach must be verified before buying.
- Smart features like app scheduling require a reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best NACS Level 2 Home Charger for Tesla and Other NACS EVs
- why an EV may not reach a charger's advertised speed
- why some EV charging adapters do not support DC charging
- Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
- Procurement and Installation for EV Charging Infrastructure
- Best Portable Level 2 EV Charger
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - ADAS Calibration Tools: Radar Targets, Camera Boards, Proper Setup
Calibration gear requires exact procedure matching for vehicle sensors. Reflector targets, camera boards, stands serve separate setup tasks.
In this episode- Match physical tools to vehicle-specific calibration procedures
- Physical radar targets and camera boards require separate diagnostic scanner
- Mounting stands, target boards, angle gauges often sell separately
- Floor markers preserve layout points without replacing measuring tools
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best ADAS Calibration Tool: Radar Targets, Camera Boards, and Setup Gear
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - Dash Cam Guide: Front, Rear, and Cabin Options Explained
Alex and Emma break down dash cam channel layouts, storage traps, and battery drain risks. Learn which multi-camera setups fit daily commutes, rideshare needs, and parked surveillance.
In this episode- Resolution labels do not guarantee legible license plate evidence
- Channel layout determines wiring complexity, cabin privacy, and file storage demands
- Protected incident recordings fill memory cards unless monitored and backed up
- Hardwired parking modes risk vehicle battery drain without documented low-voltage cutoff
- Local laws govern windshield mounting limits and interior passenger audio recording
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Dash Cam Under $100: Front, Rear, and Cabin Picks
- Best Front And Rear Dash Cam Cameras
- How To Aim A Rear Dash Cam
- Best Dash Cam With WiFi and GPS for Front, Rear, and Cabin Coverage
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - DIY Key Programming: How to Pick the Right Tool
Alex and Emma break down automotive key programmers, explaining why exact vehicle compatibility beats universal scanner promises every time.
In this episode- Vehicle-specific kits beat universal tools for single key replacements
- FCC IDs, board numbers, and start systems must match original keys
- Diagnostic scanners do not guarantee key programming capability
- Many programmer tools lock permanently to a single vehicle VIN
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Automotive Key Programmer for DIY Key Replacement
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Roadside Emergency Floor Jacks: Choosing Right Gear
Alex and Emma review portable floor jacks for roadside tire emergencies. Guide covers electric kits, cordless hydraulic models, manual options, plus critical safety rules.
In this episode- VEVOR five ton electric kit provides built-in inflator and impact wrench
- STANDTALL eighteen volt hydraulic jack delivers cordless operation using existing battery packs
- Manual trolley jacks avoid electrical dependence but require physical pumping
- Rated lift capacity never guarantees proper clearance under low vehicles
- Never place body parts under vehicles supported only by jacks
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Portable Floor Jack for Roadside Emergencies: 10 Practical Picks
- floor jack
- Floor Jack
- Floor Jack Capacity Guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Best Dash Cams for Truckers: Channels, Power, and Parking
Alex and Emma break down the top dash cams for truck drivers, exploring channel coverage, parking mode power setups, and memory card endurance.
In this episode- Channel selection determines front, cabin, and side blind spot coverage
- Parking surveillance typically requires a separate hardwire kit to protect battery life
- High-endurance microSD cards are critical for long commercial driving hours
- Interior recording requires clear privacy awareness regarding passengers and local rules
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Dash Cam For Truckers: Coverage, Storage, and Parking Fit
- Dash Cam Buying Guide for Beginners
- Dash Cam GPS Explained
- Dash Cam WiFi Explained
- 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…
charging, explained for everyday drivers. Every episode links to the full article on cartechtalk.com.