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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- Choosing the Right WiFi Dash Cam and Portable Backup Camera
Alex and Emma break down the top dash cameras paired with portable backup cameras, covering all-in-one screens, mirror setups, rideshare coverage, and trailer cameras.
In this episode- Portable CarPlay screens like the IIWEY iK7 add 4K recording and reversing views without radio replacement.
- The magnetic Casoda wireless camera offers wire-free rear viewing specifically for trailers and RVs.
- Rideshare drivers benefit from multi-channel setups like the Tehclife for interior and side coverage.
- Parking surveillance on most models requires an optional hardwire kit to avoid vehicle battery drain.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Dash Cameras With WiFi Portable Backup Camera: Flexible Picks for Cars, Trucks, and RVs
- Best Dash Cam With Backup Camera for Safer Reversing
- How To Set The Date And Time On A Dash Cam
- How To Choose Dash Cam Recording Resolution
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - How to Calculate Your Home EV Charging Electricity Use
Alex and Emma break down how to accurately track home EV electricity use, estimate charging costs, and avoid common calculation traps.
In this episode- Dedicated charger or submeter readings give the most accurate home-side kWh data.
- Estimating requires multiplying average charging power by hours, not charger maximum ratings.
- Energy drawn from the home exceeds energy stored in the battery due to charging losses.
- Time-of-use utility rates require calculating energy used during specific rate windows.
- Safety issues like overheating gear or tripping breakers require a licensed electrician.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Calculate Home EV Charging Electricity Use
- Alternative Fuels Data Center's home EV charging overview
- home EV charger options and charging setups
- EV chargers guides
- How to Check EV Charging Adapter Compatibility
- How to Inspect an EV Charging Cable Safely
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Safe EV Cable Inspection: Spot Hazards Before You Plug In
Learn how to inspect electric vehicle charging cables safely for physical damage, heat wear, and moisture before plugging in. Proper inspection routines protect charging equipment and prevent dangerous electrical faults.
In this episode- End charging sessions and unplug equipment before conducting inspections
- Check cable length, connectors, and control boxes for cuts, cracks, or heat damage
- Never probe connector contacts, use tape for repairs, or force stuck plugs
- Keep wet, corroded, or heat-damaged charging gear out of service
- Verify connector compatibility with vehicle specifications before use
Links & resources- Read the full article: How to Inspect an EV Charging Cable Safely
- Alternative Fuels Data Center guide to charging electric vehicles at home
- EV charger options for different home charging setups
- EV chargers guides
- Best EV Charging Cable Organizer for Winter Storage
- How to Troubleshoot Public EV Charging Payment Failures
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - EV Charging Adapters: How to Check Compatibility Before You Plug In
Alex and Emma break down how to verify EV charging adapter compatibility across connectors, power limits, and charging types. Learn why a physical fit never guarantees safe charging.
In this episode- Physical connector fit does not guarantee charging compatibility
- AC and DC fast charging require distinct adapter and communication support
- The lowest electrical limit among charger, adapter, and vehicle controls power
- Direction, vehicle model year, and network approval dictate adapter safety
Links & resources- Read the full article: Check EV Charging Adapter Compatibility
- home charging overview
- EV charger guide for home charging setups
- EV charging adapters guides
- How to Inspect an EV Charging Cable Safely
- What To Check Before Buying A Used EV Charging Cable
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Smart FM Transmitters for Older Cars
Alex and Emma review top FM transmitters upgrading older car stereos with smartphone audio, hands-free calling, and fast charging.
In this episode- FM transmitters bridge smartphones to older car radios via blank FM frequencies.
- Top picks balance Bluetooth audio, hands-free calling, multi-device charging, and display screens.
- Specialized models support removable media, 3.5mm headphone jacks, and multi-use portable setups.
- Skip FM transmitters if vehicle already features factory Bluetooth, CarPlay, Android Auto, or AUX inputs.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best FM Transmitter for Smartphones: Clear Picks for Older Cars
- Best FM Transmitter for Rear Antennas
- Best Non 12 Volt Wireless FM Transmitter Options for Vehicles and Portable Audio
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - How to Check Public EV Charger Availability
Alex and Emma share practical strategies for verifying EV charger availability before pulling up to plug in. Learn how to read port-level statuses, confirm compatibility, and plan reliable backup stops.
In this episode- Match connector types and charging limits to vehicle specifications before searching
- Treat available app labels as planning aids rather than guaranteed reservations
- Inspect station access rules, operating hours, and payment methods in advance
- Compare third-party map data with the network operator app for port-level status
- Identify a compatible backup charging station and recheck availability shortly before arrival
Links & resources- Read the full article: How to Check Public EV Charger Availability
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide
- How to Troubleshoot Public EV Charging Payment Failures
- What to Ask an Electrician Before Installing an EV Charger
- Procurement and Installation for EV Charging Infrastructure
- EV Charging & Automotive Power section
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Can You Charge an EV Outdoors in the Rain?
Alex and Emma break down the safety rules for charging an electric vehicle outdoors during wet weather, explaining built-in protections, essential safety checks, and common mistakes to avoid.
In this episode- Outdoor-rated EV equipment and vehicles are designed to safely charge in ordinary rainfall.
- Never charge in standing floodwater or handle charging equipment during active lightning.
- Inspect cables, handles, and inlets for cracks, fraying, or debris before connecting.
- Avoid unapproved extension cords, improvised covers, and forcing incompatible adapters.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Charging an EV Outdoors in Rain
- Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
- EV charger guide for home setups
- EV chargers guides
- Procurement and Installation for EV Charging Infrastructure
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Practical Garage Gifts: Smart Picks for Dads Who Love Cars
Alex and Emma break down practical holiday automotive gifts that solve real garage problems without collecting dust. Discover functional recovery tools, cold-weather shop wear, home relaxation items, and vital garage safety rules.
In this episode- Evaluate car gifts by utility, comfort, safety, and maintenance overhead
- Magnetic pickup tools solve blind fastener recovery in cramped engine bays
- Acrylic shop wear provides winter insulation but requires strict heat separation
- Lavender home candles neutralize stubborn automotive odors outside active shops
- Safety protocols demand battery disconnects and engine shutdown during tool retrieval
Links & resources- Read the full article: Practical Christmas Gifts For Dads Who Love Cars: Garage Essentials And Gear Guide
- Christmas Gifts For Dads Who Love Cars Under $50
- Christmas Gifts For Grandpas Who Love Cars Under $50
- Christmas Gifts for Motorcycle Riders Under $50
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Dual EV Home Charging Guide: One Circuit, Two Cars
Two electric vehicles create charging bottlenecks at home. Hardware choices split between dual-port units and power-sharing setups.
In this episode- Dual-port stations share one circuit between two cables
- Enphase HCS-D50 splits 40 Amps into 20 Amps per vehicle
- IYILO runs power sharing across two separate chargers
- Vehicle onboard AC limits cap charging speed regardless of station rating
- Electrician must verify panel capacity before hardware purchase
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Home EV Charger to Take Advantage of Dual Chargers
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide
- How to Protect an Outdoor EV Charger From Weather
- Best EV Home Charger
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Smart EV Road Trip Planning: Chargers, Range, and Backups
Alex and Emma discuss practical strategies for planning electric vehicle road trip charging stops, from avoiding range pitfalls to understanding connector compatibility and charging curves.
In this episode- Plan stops using actual route estimates and conditions rather than advertised maximum range
- Physical plug fit does not guarantee network access or charging capability
- Identify backup chargers for legs with limited options or harsh driving conditions
- Charging to 100 percent at every stop often wastes time due to slower charging curves
- Set up necessary network apps, payment methods, and battery preconditioning before driving
Links & resources- Read the full article: Plan EV Road Trip Charging Stops
- EV Charging & Automotive Power
- Home EV charger setup considerations
- 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.