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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- Protect an Outdoor EV Charger From Weather
To protect an outdoor EV charger from weather, use charging equipment approved for its installation location, keep its connector and cable in good condition, and follow its installation and care instructions. A cover or shelter can reduce direct exposure, but…
Links & resources- Read the full article: Protect an Outdoor EV Charger From Weather
- Alternative Fuels Data Center guide to charging electric vehicles at home
- Alternative Fuels Data Center’s EV charging infrastructure guidance
- EV chargers guides
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide
- How To Check Public EV Charger Availability Before You Go
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
3 min - Home Backup Power Inverters: Choosing Pure Sine Wave and 12V Battery Setups
CarTechTalk breaks down home battery inverters, comparing pure sine wave versus modified wave models across twelve volt and EGO platforms. Hosts explain battery sizing, critical wiring, and home backup safety rules.
In this episode- Inverters require separate batteries, heavy cables, and ventilation
- Pure sine wave protects sensitive computers, motors, and refrigerators
- LANDERPOW twelve hundred watt model offers balanced home backup
- High wattage twelve volt inverters demand massive direct current amperage
- Never connect standalone inverters to household wall outlets
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Power Inverter With Rechargeable Batteries for Home: Practical 12V and EGO Picks
- Best Power Inverter With Rechargeable Batteries For Home
- Car Power Inverter Buying Guide
- How To Estimate Runtime For A Car Power Inverter
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
8 min - What to Check Before Buying a Used EV Charging Cable
Alex and Emma break down how to safely inspect and choose a used EV charging cable or portable EVSE without risking damage to your vehicle or home electrical system.
In this episode- Distinguish between a standalone charging cable and a complete portable EVSE with a control box.
- Verify connector compatibility for your specific vehicle make and model year, especially regarding J1772 and NACS.
- Understand that voltage and amperage ratings act as maximum limits, constrained by the weakest link in your charging setup.
- Inspect the entire cable, control box, and connectors thoroughly for physical damage, heat signs, and unapproved modifications.
- Recognize that a quick live test proves only temporary function in one setup, not total safety or broad compatibility.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Check a Used EV Charging Cable Before Buying
- Alternative Fuels Data Center guide to charging electric vehicles at home
- EV charger buying guide
- EV chargers guides
- How to Inspect an EV Charging Cable Safely
- Best EV Charging Cable Organizer for Winter Storage
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - How to Pick the Best Power Inverter to Charge Tool Batteries
Alex and Emma break down how to choose between vehicle-powered and battery-mounted inverters to recharge power tool batteries on the go. Learn why matching battery platforms and checking continuous wattage are critical.
In this episode- Direct charging via USB-C PD works on select models like EGO, while others require indirect charging through AC outlets.
- Continuous wattage matters more than peak wattage for sustained charger loads.
- Vehicle inverters provide flexibility from a 12V port, whereas slide-on adapters rely on tool battery capacity.
- Battery platforms are not interchangeable across brands like DeWALT, Milwaukee, and Ryobi.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Power Inverter To Charge Power Tool Batteries: Match the Battery System
- Car Power Inverter Buying Guide
- Best Power Inverter for 12 Volt Battery
- Best Battery to Use With Power Inverter
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Why Floor Jack Will Not Fit Under Car
Floor jacks fail to clear vehicle bodies when lowered height, handle travel, or frame length block access to approved lift points. Proper fit requires measuring entire travel path, checking factory service points, and using jack stands.
In this episode- Check entire travel path beneath vehicle, not just front bumper clearance.
- Low-profile jacks solve entry height but still require proper reach, capacity, and saddle fit.
- Never use improvised spacers like wood boards or bricks to alter clearance.
- Always support raised vehicles with rated jack stands at approved lift points.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Why a Floor Jack Will Not Fit Under a Car
- floor jack
- floor jack
- floor jacks for SUVs
- floor jacks for pickup trucks
- jack stands and vehicle support
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Power Laptop Safely With Car Inverter: CarTechTalk Guide
Alex and Emma break down how car inverters safely power laptops. Learn continuous wattage needs, vehicle 12-volt socket limits, and critical battery safety rules.
In this episode- Match laptop charger wattage to inverter continuous power rating, not peak power
- Pure sine wave inverters deliver cleanest, safest power for sensitive laptop electronics
- Vehicle 12-volt sockets have strict current limits that cap safe inverter output
- Engine-off operation risks draining starter battery, while idling risks carbon monoxide build-up
Links & resources- Read the full article: Power a Laptop Safely With a Car Inverter
- matching an inverter to a power setup
- power inverters guides
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
4 min - Best MicroSD Cards for BlackVue Dashcams: Capacity and Compatibility Guide
Choosing correct microSD card for BlackVue dashcams requires matching capacity limits, endurance ratings, and file formats. Learn which cards offer official compatibility, maximum storage, or spare rotation options.
In this episode- Check camera manual for microSDHC versus microSDXC support and maximum capacity limits
- BlackVue Official 64GB card guarantees brand compatibility across all models
- High endurance cards withstand continuous loop recording better than standard speed cards
- Cards require proper file formatting such as FAT32 or exFAT inside dashcam
- MicroSD cards store video footage but cannot provide parking power or GPS tracking
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best MicroSD Cards for BlackVue Dashcams: Capacity and Compatibility
- Best SD Cards for Thinkware Dash Cams by Capacity
- Best SD Cards for Dash Cam
- How To Power A Dash Cam In A Car With No Cigarette Lighter
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - Questions to Ask Before Installing EV Charger
Alex and Emma explain essential questions drivers must ask electricians before home EV charger installation. Discussion covers electrical capacity, vehicle fit, wiring routes, permits, and safety.
In this episode- Ask electrician for full load assessment, not quick panel check
- Match EVSE output and connector to vehicle onboard limits
- Map charger location and cable route to parking spot
- Confirm permit handling, inspections, and written scope before work
- Never open electrical panel or attempt DIY high-voltage work
Links & resources- Read the full article: Questions to Ask Before Installing an EV Charger
- EV chargers guides
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide
- How to Inspect an EV Charging Cable Safely
- How to Troubleshoot Public EV Charging Payment Failures
- Charging Electric Vehicles at Home
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Fix Public EV Charging Payment Failures Fast
Alex and Emma break down causes of public EV charging payment failures. Learn how to diagnose station errors, account issues, and card holds without repeated declined attempts.
In this episode- Declined payment stems from charger, network, or vehicle issues, not card alone
- Pending bank holds differ from final completed charges
- One failed attempt needs careful check before single retry
- Damaged QR codes and unsolicited help present security risks
- Vehicle handshake faults require separate check from payment errors
Links & resources- Read the full article: Fix Public EV Charging Payment Failures
- home EV charger setup guide
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide
- Best Portable EV Charger Under $400
- EV Charging & Automotive Power guides
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Trucker Dash Cams: Choosing the Best 4-Camera Setup
Alex and Emma break down four-channel dash cam systems for truck drivers, covering multi-angle blind spot views, cable management, memory demands, and parking surveillance limits.
In this episode- Four-channel systems monitor front, rear, and sides or cabin, but create four simultaneous video files that stress memory cards.
- Hardware kits are consistently required for parking modes across all models, and none document built-in low-voltage cutoffs.
- The HUPEJOS model targets commercial drivers with 4K front resolution and radar detection, though wireless specs conflict in documentation.
- Supercapacitor designs like the IIWEY N6 and BOTSLAB avoid internal batteries entirely, relying strictly on vehicle power.
- Cable length verification and mounting clearance are essential checks before installing multiple wired channels in a truck cabin.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Trucker Dash Cam 4 Cameras: Coverage, Storage, and Parking Mode
- Best Dash Cam With Parking Mode
- Best Dashcam
- Best Dash Cam With Dual Cameras for Front, Rear, and Cabin Coverage
- 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.