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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- Truck Seat Covers Explained: Custom Fit, Safety, and What Fits
Alex and Emma break down the differences between custom, semi-custom, and universal truck seat covers for Tacoma and Silverado models. Learn how to verify cab configurations and ensure safety features like airbags remain fully functional.
In this episode- Custom fit definitions vary significantly across truck seat cover brands.
- GIANT PANDA covers target specific Toyota Tacoma trims and cabs from 2005 to 2026.
- RIDEPOSH covers require specific Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab configurations.
- Airbag breakaway seams and seat controls must never be altered or obstructed.
- Semi-custom and universal options trade tailored fit for broader vehicle compatibility.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Custom Fit Seat Covers for Tacoma and Silverado Trucks
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Demystifying Calculated Engine Load on OBD2
Calculated engine load estimates current vehicle engine demand rather than measuring horsepower or mechanical wear. Learn how powertrain computers calculate load percentage and how mechanics use load data during diagnostics.
In this episode- Calculated load represents estimated engine demand as percentage of reference capacity.
- Reading does not measure horsepower, fuel consumption, or mechanical engine wear.
- Calculated load differs from absolute load across scan tools.
- Diagnosing faults requires pairing load with RPM, airflow, and fuel trim data.
Links & resources- Read the full article: What Is Calculated Engine Load on OBD2?
- OBD2 scanner
- OBD2 scanners guides
- J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
- J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
- OBD2 scanners for live data and fuel trim
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Practical Christmas Gifts for Car-Loving Grandpas
Alex and Emma break down practical holiday gift ideas for car-enthusiast grandpas, matching gear to their actual garage routines and comfort needs.
In this episode- Avoid buying technical tools like scan tools or torque wrenches due to duplication and specific tolerances
- Classify grandpas into three profiles: active wrench turners, classic cruisers, and lounge spectators
- Magnelex Magnetic Wristband keeps steel hardware accessible but only works on ferromagnetic metals
- Graphic tees and novelty socks offer comfort for car shows and indoor relaxing without workshop clutter
- Skip these items for master mechanics with strict brand loyalty or individuals with medical device conflicts
Links & resources- Read the full article: Practical Christmas Gifts For Grandpas Who Love Cars: Useful Workshop And Everyday Picks
- Christmas gifts
- Christmas Gifts For Grandpas Who Love Cars Under $50
- Practical Christmas Gifts For Dads Who Love Cars
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - RV Solar Panels: Choosing the Right Setup for Curves, Shade, and Roof Space
Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right RV roof solar panel based on roof shape, shade management, and electrical system compatibility. Learn about flexible modules, shade-resistant designs, and complete starter kits.
In this episode- Roof shape and obstructions like vents dictate panel style more than raw square footage.
- Bypass diodes and anti-shading designs reduce output drops from partial shade but cannot overcome heavy blockage.
- Flexible panels fit curved surfaces and cut weight, while framed rigid panels offer higher rated output.
- Charge controller input limits and battery chemistry must be verified before pairing components.
- Starter kits simplify mounting and wiring for beginners, while individual panels suit custom electrical arrays.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Solar Panel for RV Roofs: Picks for Shade, Curves, and Complete Kits
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Choosing the Right EV Charger Extension Cable: J1772 and NACS Guide
Alex and Emma break down key considerations when choosing an EV charger extension cable, covering connector types, current ratings, and length management for J1772 and NACS setups.
In this episode- J1772 and NACS extension cables are not interchangeable and work only with AC charging, never DC fast chargers or Superchargers.
- A cable current rating is an upper limit, not a speed guarantee, and the lowest-rated component governs overall charging.
- Certain 50-amp NACS cables instruct owners of 48-amp Wall Connectors to lower output to 40 amps.
- Choosing cable length requires measuring the actual path around obstacles while avoiding excess slack that creates hazards.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best EV Charger Extension Cable: J1772 and NACS Picks
- Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
- why some EV charging adapters do not support DC charging
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide
- Best EV Charger 240 Volt
- Procurement and Installation for EV Charging Infrastructure
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Why Jump Starter Peak Amps Mislead: Real Cranking Power Explained
High peak amp numbers promise effortless starting but hide dangerous voltage drops and weak sustained cranking power. Understand real hardware limits, cable resistance, and temperature impacts before buying emergency boosters.
In this episode- Peak amps measure brief momentary spikes, not sustained current required to spin starter motors.
- Voltage drops during heavy cranking disrupt vehicle computers, fuel delivery, and ignition timing.
- Sub-zero cold, thin cables, weak clamps, and high-compression diesel engines increase power demand.
- High milliamp-hour capacity cannot compensate for inadequate cranking current or dead vehicle batteries.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Why Jump Starter Peak Amps Mislead
- jump starter
- cold-weather jump starter guide
- jump starter and tire inflator guide
- stored-vehicle jump starter guide
- jump starters guides
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Finding the Right Innova OBD2 Scanner for Your Car
Alex and Emma break down the lineup of Innova OBD2 scanners to help DIY car owners match the right diagnostic tool to their vehicle and repair needs.
In this episode- Compatibility varies by make, model, and year, requiring Innova Coverage Checker verification.
- The Innova 5410 serves as the best overall DIY choice across engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission systems.
- The 5210 handles basic maintenance and live data, while the 3020RS and 3040RS target entry-level diagnostics.
- Advanced tools like the 5610 and SDS43 provide bidirectional controls, whereas the 3170RS supports older OBD1 vehicles.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best OBD2 Scanners from Innova for DIY Diagnostics
- Best American OBD2 Scanners for DIY Diagnostics
- Best iOS Wireless OBD2 Scanners for DIY Diagnostics
- Best Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners for Clearer DIY Diagnostics
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Choosing the Best Mid Rise Scissor Lift for Your Garage
Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right mid rise scissor lift for home garages, covering vehicle weight limits, clearance heights, and power requirements. They compare top 110V and 220V models and highlight key delivery and safety details.
In this episode- Always match vehicle curb weight and factory lifting points to the lift rather than relying purely on headline capacity.
- Minimum pad height and maximum lift height determine clearance for low vehicles and underbody access.
- Power compatibility is critical, with models requiring specific 110V or 220V circuits.
- Delivery logistics like freight unloading must be planned alongside safety lock systems and stable floor requirements.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Mid Rise Scissor Lift for Home Garages and Shops
- portable automotive service equipment safety standard
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Commanded Equivalence Ratio: Decode Engine Fuel Targets Like Pro
Alex and Emma explain commanded equivalence ratio readings on OBD2 scan tools. Learn how computer fuel targets differ from actual cylinder delivery during vehicle diagnosis.
In this episode- Commanded equivalence ratio represents computer target, not delivered fuel
- Values near 1.00 indicate stoichiometric closed-loop operation
- Values above 1.00 signal lean targets; values below 1.00 signal rich targets
- Cross-reference commanded values with fuel trims and oxygen sensor data
- Mechanical faults like vacuum leaks or weak pumps cause command-feedback mismatches
Links & resources- Read the full article: Commanded Equivalence Ratio Explained
- OBD2 scanners guides
- J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
- J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
- Best OBD2 scanners live data and diagnostic for fuel trim
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Portable CarPlay Screens: Six Plug-In Dashboard Upgrades
CarTechTalk hosts break down portable smartphone displays for older vehicles. Drivers discover screen sizes, audio connections, camera options without replacing factory radios.
In this episode- Portable screens plug into twelve-volt accessory sockets without stereo removal.
- GTVFS balances nine-inch display size with four audio output methods.
- Compact seven-inch units fit cramped dashboards while ten-inch displays show wider maps.
- Camera bundles demand wiring into reverse lights and cabin trim.
- Screens mirror smartphone navigation apps instead of offering independent GPS.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Portable CarPlay Screen: Six Plug-In Upgrades for Older Cars
- CarPlay supported-model information
- Android Auto setup instructions
- stereo head units with front and rear cameras
- FM transmitter guide
- Android Auto phone charger
- 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…
charging, explained for everyday drivers. Every episode links to the full article on cartechtalk.com.