CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
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CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • EVIQO NACS EV Charger Review: 40A Plug-In Home Charging

    For an EVIQO NACS EV charger review, the EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger NACS 40A NEMA 14-50 is the clearest fit for Tesla drivers with a compatible 240V outlet. Its native NACS connector, adjustable 6–40A current, and 25-foot cable suit…

    Links & resources
    • Read the full article: EVIQO NACS EV Charger Review: 40A Plug-In Home Charging
    • estimating home EV charging time
    • why EV charging often slows after 80 percent
    • WOLFBOX WE50 hardwired charger review
    • Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
    • Procurement and Installation for EV Charging Infrastructure
    • Today's verified car tech deals
    • How we review car tech
    • Visit CarTechTalk
    • 7 min
    • Can You Inflate a Run-Flat Tire With a Portable Inflator?

      Alex and Emma discuss whether a portable inflator works on a run-flat tire, proper inflation steps, and why restoring pressure does not guarantee safe driving.

      In this episode
      • Portable inflators can add air to intact run-flat tires through standard valves.
      • Inflating a run-flat does not repair punctures or reverse internal structural damage.
      • Target pressure comes from door placard or owner manual, never tire sidewall maximum.
      • Tires driven flat or severely underinflated require professional inspection.
      • Stiff run-flat sidewalls hide air loss, making gauge checks and TPMS alerts critical.
      • Links & resources
        • Read the full article: Inflating a Run-Flat Tire With a Portable Inflator
        • 12V tire inflators with automatic shutoff
        • what digital tire gauges with memory store
        • tire pressure checks in cold weather
        • tire inflators guides
        • tire pressure gauge
        • Today's verified car tech deals
        • How we review car tech
        • Visit CarTechTalk
        • 5 min
        • Checking Aftermarket TPMS Batteries: What Your Sensor Is Really Telling You

          Alex and Emma break down how to properly diagnose aftermarket TPMS sensor issues without jumping to conclusions about dead batteries. Learn why a dedicated scan tool matters and why tire pressure checks always come first.

          In this episode
          • Always check cold tire pressure against the vehicle placard before diagnosing sensors
          • Phone apps and generic OBD scanners cannot directly read wheel sensors
          • A non-responsive sensor may indicate setup or protocol mismatch rather than a dead battery
          • Most aftermarket TPMS sensors are sealed units requiring full replacement when batteries fail
          • Cracking open a sealed sensor to test with a multimeter damages the component
          • Links & resources
            • Read the full article: How to Check Aftermarket TPMS Sensor Batteries
            • digital tire pressure gauges with memory
            • NHTSA’s tire safety guidance
            • tire pressure gauge access and range
            • tire pressure gauges guides
            • How to Reset a TPMS Sensor
            • Today's verified car tech deals
            • How we review car tech
            • Visit CarTechTalk
            • 4 min
            • Deep Dive: LAUNCH Creader Elite X500 for Toyota and Lexus

              Alex and Emma break down the LAUNCH Creader Elite X500, exploring its module diagnostics, bidirectional controls, and compatibility limits for Toyota and Lexus owners.

              In this episode
              • Dedicated diagnostics for Toyota and Lexus systems beyond standard engine codes
              • Bidirectional controls enable active testing of supported components like fans and windows
              • Reset functions cover procedures such as ABS bleeding and steering angle sensor calibration
              • Auto VIN coverage begins from 2006, but specific feature support varies by vehicle model and year
              • Standalone hardware includes a four-inch touchscreen, Android 8.1, and lifetime Wi-Fi updates
              • Links & resources
                • Read the full article: LAUNCH Creader Elite X500 Review: Toyota and Lexus Diagnostics
                • using a scanner to check misfire data
                • checking coolant temperature with an OBD2 scanner
                • J1979 diagnostic test modes standard
                • guide to professional Bluetooth OBD2 scanners
                • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                • Today's verified car tech deals
                • How we review car tech
                • Visit CarTechTalk
                • 5 min
                • Best Innova OBD2 Scanners for DIY Repairs and Full System Diagnosis

                  Alex and Emma review top Innova OBD2 scanners for home vehicle repair. Discover which scan tools handle engine, brake, transmission, battery, and bidirectional diagnostics.

                  In this episode
                  • Innova 5410 provides balanced all-system diagnostics including engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission.
                  • Innova 5610 and SDS43 deliver bidirectional controls and active component testing for advanced repairs.
                  • Innova 5210 excels at battery health checks, alternator testing, and oil maintenance resets.
                  • Standard OBD2 ports do not guarantee complete vehicle system or module coverage.
                  • Check Innova Coverage Checker for exact vehicle make, model, and year before buying.
                  • Links & resources
                    • Read the full article: Best Innova OBD2 Scanner for DIY Repairs and Full System Diagnosis
                    • OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
                    • Best Wireless OBD2 Scanner for DIY Diagnostics and Full-System Scans
                    • Best Rated OBD2 Scanner
                    • Today's verified car tech deals
                    • How we review car tech
                    • Visit CarTechTalk
                    • 7 min
                    • XTOOL A30M Review: Bluetooth Diagnostics and 26 Reset Functions

                      The XTOOL A30M review points to a good fit for DIY owners who want Bluetooth access to multiple vehicle systems, live data, and service functions in one scanner. XTOOL lists bidirectional controls, 26 reset and relearn functions, CAN FD support…

                      Links & resources
                      • Read the full article: XTOOL A30M Review: Bluetooth Diagnostics and 26 Reset Functions
                      • checking coolant temperature with an OBD2 scanner
                      • how to check misfire data with a scanner
                      • professional OBD2 Bluetooth scanner guide
                      • J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
                      • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                      • Today's verified car tech deals
                      • How we review car tech
                      • Visit CarTechTalk
                      • 3 min
                      • Clear the View: How to Safely Clean Your Backup Camera Lens

                        Alex and Emma break down the right way to clean a blurry backup camera lens without scratching it or causing water damage. Learn safe cleaning steps, common mistakes to avoid, and how to tell if your camera issue is more than just surface grime.

                        In this episode
                        • Always rinse away loose grit with water before touching the lens with a cloth.
                        • Use only soft microfiber cloths and mild diluted soap for oily film, avoiding paper towels and harsh solvents.
                        • Never aim high-pressure washers or scraping tools directly at the camera housing.
                        • A blank screen, flickering display, or moisture behind the lens indicates electrical or hardware issues that cleaning cannot fix.
                        • Links & resources
                          • Read the full article: How to Clean a Backup Camera Lens
                          • Dash Cams & Vehicle Cameras
                          • How to Install a Wireless Backup Camera
                          • Best Backup Camera For Pickup Truck
                          • Best Wireless Backup Camera For iPhone
                          • Today's verified car tech deals
                          • How we review car tech
                          • Visit CarTechTalk
                          • 5 min
                          • XTOOL D5S Scanner Guide: Four Systems, Resets, Real Vehicle Fit

                            Alex and Emma break down XTOOL D5S scanner capabilities across four systems and sixteen resets. Hosts explain why verifying vehicle-specific fit matters before buying.

                            In this episode
                            • D5S reads engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS codes plus live data graphing.
                            • Sixteen reset functions depend strictly on vehicle make, model, and year support.
                            • Hardware includes 5.45-inch touchscreen, CAN FD, FCA AutoAuth, and lifetime updates.
                            • Tool does not support Indian domestic brands or replace deep workshop programming.
                            • Links & resources
                              • Read the full article: XTOOL D5S Review: 16 Reset Functions and Vehicle Fit
                              • how to check misfire data with a scanner
                              • Ford diesel scan tool guide
                              • J1962 Diagnostic Connector standard
                              • J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
                              • Today's verified car tech deals
                              • How we review car tech
                              • Visit CarTechTalk
                              • 6 min
                              • How to Identify an AGM Car Battery Accurately

                                Alex and Emma explain how to confirm if your vehicle has an AGM battery using labels and manuals rather than guessing by appearance. They also cover why battery chemistry matters for charging and replacement.

                                In this episode
                                • Look specifically for AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat on label
                                • Sealed cases and start-stop tech do not guarantee AGM chemistry
                                • Group size and cold-cranking amps define fit not internal construction
                                • Charger modes and vehicle battery registration require verifying exact chemistry
                                • Links & resources
                                  • Read the full article: How to Identify an AGM Car Battery
                                  • NOCO GENIUS vs battery tender
                                  • cold-weather battery charger guide
                                  • Battery Council International
                                  • battery chargers and maintainers guides
                                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                                  • How we review car tech
                                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                                  • 4 min
                                  • How to Protect Your Privacy When Sharing Vehicle Location

                                    Alex and Emma explain how vehicle location sharing works across apps, car accounts, and trackers. Learn how to protect your privacy and avoid common sharing mistakes.

                                    In this episode
                                    • Phone apps, vehicle accounts, and GPS trackers share location through completely separate paths.
                                    • Always choose the narrowest access and set an automatic end time.
                                    • Deleting an app or unpairing Bluetooth does not revoke account-level access.
                                    • Prioritize personal safety before altering settings if you suspect unwanted tracking.
                                    • Links & resources
                                      • Read the full article: Protect Privacy When Sharing Vehicle Location
                                      • GPS tracker placement guide
                                      • GPS trackers guides
                                      • 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…