CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
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CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • Battery and Alternator Diagnostic Scanner Guide | CarTechTalk Podcast

    Alex and Emma break down how dynamic battery and alternator diagnostic scanners isolate charging system failures from failing batteries without chasing ghost codes.

    In this episode
    • Passive OBD2 line voltage checks miss weak battery cells and failing alternator diodes
    • Dynamic diagnostic routines evaluate starter cranking voltage drops and rectifier ripple current
    • Scanner selection depends on anti-lock brake coverage, starting parameter depth, and vehicle architecture
    • Commercial diesel platforms and high-voltage electric vehicles require dedicated heavy-duty shop testers
    • Seven-step diagnostic sequence isolates battery degradation from faulty alternator voltage regulation
      • Links & resources
      • Read the full article: Best Battery and Alternator Diagnostic Scanner: Field Guide for Charging Systems
      • OBD2 Scanner
      • Battery Tester
      • OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
      • Today's verified car tech deals
      • How we review car tech
      • Visit CarTechTalk
        • 8 min
      • Best OBD2 Scanner for Winter Car Checks: Diagnostic Tools for Cold Starts and Battery Health

        Subzero mornings place severe electrical load on vehicle systems, making the FOXWELL NT301 Plus 2-in-1 OBD2 Scanner & 12V Car the strongest choice for cold-weather readiness because it pairs standard engine code retrieval with dedicated 12-volt battery, cranking, and charging…

        Links & resources
        • Read the full article: Best OBD2 Scanner for Winter Car Checks: Diagnostic Tools for Cold Starts and Battery Health
        • OBD2 Scanner
        • Battery Tester
        • OBD2 Scanner Buying Guide for Beginners
        • Today's verified car tech deals
        • How we review car tech
        • Visit CarTechTalk
          • 3 min
        • Best Tonneau Cover for Winter Weather: Cold Climate Truck Bed Protection

          Rigid panel construction makes OEDRO Low-Profile Quad-Fold Tonneau Cover Fit strongest choice for severe winter weather because hard folding sections carry heavy snow weight better than unsupported vinyl, while dedicated drainage tubes channel melting sleet away from bed perimeter. Buyers…

          Links & resources
          • Read the full article: Best Tonneau Cover for Winter Weather: Cold Climate Truck Bed Protection
          • Tonneau Cover
          • Best Waterproof Tonneau Cover for Winter
          • Tonneau Cover Buying Guide
          • Today's verified car tech deals
          • How we review car tech
          • Visit CarTechTalk
            • 3 min
          • Best Heated Car Seat Cushion for Winter Commuting: Cold-Weather Driver Guide

            For morning drivers facing freezing cabin temperatures, Heated Seat Covers with Fast Heat serves as the strongest choice for the best heated car seat cushion for winter commuting. The cushion integrates dual heating zones across the seat and full back,…

            Links & resources
            • Read the full article: Best Heated Car Seat Cushion for Winter Commuting: Cold-Weather Driver Guide
            • Best Heated Car Seat Cushion With Automatic Shutoff
            • Best Heated Car Seat Cushion Under $75
            • Best Heated Car Seat Cushion Under $50
            • Today's verified car tech deals
            • How we review car tech
            • Visit CarTechTalk
              • 3 min
            • Choosing Best 12V Battery Charger Starter For Garage And Road

              Alex and Emma break down 12-volt battery charger starters, comparing AC garage units and portable emergency jump packs. Learn how amperage, chemistry compatibility, and voltage options determine right tool for dead batteries.

              In this episode
              • AC plug-in chargers provide ongoing maintenance while portable jump packs offer roadside starts
              • TowerTop delivers balanced garage charging with selectable amperage and 100A engine start
              • Wheeled Schumacher units offer heavy workshop boost current up to 250A
              • Portable units like LOKITHOR and GOOLOO integrate jump starting with tire inflation or maintenance
              • Chargers restore depleted cells but cannot fix internal battery faults or parasitic vehicle drains
                • Links & resources
                • Read the full article: Best 12 Volt Battery Charger Starter for Garage and Roadside Use
                • Best Battery Charger For 12 Volt Battery
                • 12 Volt Maintenance Battery Charger
                • Best 12 Volt Desulfator Battery Charger
                • Today's verified car tech deals
                • How we review car tech
                • Visit CarTechTalk
                  • 5 min
                • Portable Power Banks for Phones and Tablets: Speed, Size, and Travel Picks

                  Alex and Emma review portable chargers for mobile devices, comparing compact 10,000mAh units against massive emergency power banks. Discussion covers wattage output, built-in cables, AC plugs, and flight restrictions.

                  In this episode
                  • INIU 45W models balance tablet charging speed with daily portability
                  • Built-in AC plugs eliminate separate wall adapters during travel
                  • Massive 50,000mAh and 56,800mAh banks supply roadside backup but face airline bans
                  • Wattage and connector compatibility matter more than nominal battery capacity
                    • Links & resources
                    • Read the full article: Best Portable Battery Charger for Phones and Tablets: Capacity, Speed, and Travel Picks
                    • Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
                    • Best Portable Battery Charger For Car Batteries
                    • How To Choose The Correct Battery Charger Mode
                    • Today's verified car tech deals
                    • How we review car tech
                    • Visit CarTechTalk
                      • 5 min
                    • Checking Tonneau Cover and Toolbox Clearance

                      Alex and Emma explain how to measure and verify clearance between a truck tonneau cover and a toolbox. Learn why dynamic movement matters just as much as closed measurements.

                      In this episode
                      • Static measurements miss moving parts like opening lids and folding panels.
                      • Hardware, rails, hinges, and mounting feet often define clearance limits.
                      • Vehicle specifics such as model year, bed length, and trim change available space.
                      • Both accessories must be tested through their full range of motion.
                        • Links & resources
                        • Read the full article: Check Tonneau Cover and Toolbox Clearance
                        • tonneau cover
                        • F-150 tonneau cover and toolbox fit guide
                        • tonneau cover
                        • GMC Sierra 1500 cover fitment guide
                        • Today's verified car tech deals
                        • How we review car tech
                        • Visit CarTechTalk
                          • 4 min
                        • Why Wheel Chocks Matter When Lifting a Car

                          Alex and Emma break down the physics of lifting a car and explain why wheel chocks are essential for preventing dangerous rolling. Learn proper chock placement, safe lifting sequences, and common mistakes to avoid.

                          In this episode
                          • Jack changes vehicle weight distribution, making grounded tires prone to rolling
                          • Chocks add essential restraint that parking brakes and transmission gears alone cannot guarantee
                          • Always place purpose-built chocks snugly against tires that stay grounded before lifting begins
                          • Floor jacks only lift; approved jack stands on level ground must support vehicle before work starts
                            • Links & resources
                            • Read the full article: Why Wheel Chocks Matter When Lifting a Car
                            • floor jack
                            • floor jack
                            • floor jack guide for SUVs
                            • guide to jack stands
                            • Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment
                            • Today's verified car tech deals
                            • How we review car tech
                            • Visit CarTechTalk
                              • 5 min
                            • Store Truck Bed Tonneau Covers Without Damage: Full Guide

                              Learn safe methods for removing, cleaning, drying, and storing tonneau covers. Protect hinges, panels, seals, and hardware from costly damage.

                              In this episode
                              • Follow manufacturer manual for exact storage orientation and lifting points
                              • Store removed hardware in labeled containers kept beside cover
                              • Clean gently and dry completely before storing to prevent mildew and corrosion
                              • Avoid vertical leaning, hanging from clamps, or stacking cargo on panels
                              • Choose climate-controlled indoor space away from heat, moisture, and sunlight
                                • Links & resources
                                • Read the full article: How to Store a Removed Tonneau Cover
                                • tonneau cover
                                • tonneau covers for winter weather
                                • tonneau covers for freezing weather
                                • Today's verified car tech deals
                                • How we review car tech
                                • Visit CarTechTalk
                                  • 7 min
                                • How To Change CarPlay App Order

                                  To change CarPlay app order, open Settings on your iPhone, select General, then CarPlay, choose your vehicle, and drag apps into place. Your iPhone must have CarPlay set up with that vehicle; menu labels and available apps can vary with…

                                  Links & resources
                                  • Read the full article: How To Change CarPlay App Order
                                  • CarPlay available models list
                                  • CarPlay and Android Auto category
                                  • Wireless CarPlay Adapter Buying Guide
                                  • Best Car Stereo With CarPlay for Different Dash Layouts
                                  • Best Wireless CarPlay Adapter Under $50
                                  • Today's verified car tech deals
                                  • How we review car tech
                                  • Visit CarTechTalk
                                    • 3 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…