CarTechTalk Podcast

CarTechTalk Podcast

By CarTechTalkLeisureAutomotive
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CarTechTalk Podcast episodes

  • 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
                            • How to Inspect Jack Stands Before You Get Under Your Car

                              Alex and Emma break down essential pre-use checks for jack stands, covering frame inspections, locking mechanisms, and safe vehicle support. Learn the critical stop-use signs that keep you safe during DIY vehicle repairs.

                              In this episode
                              • Inspect stands in good light before every use and after any drop or storage period.
                              • Verify the lock seats fully and test all moving parts unloaded.
                              • Reject stands with cracks, bent metal, damaged welds, or deep rust causing metal loss.
                              • Always match stands as an identical pair and confirm vehicle support points in the owner's manual.
                              • Never rely on a hydraulic floor jack alone to support a vehicle.
                              • Links & resources
                                • Read the full article: How to Inspect Jack Stands Before Use
                                • floor jack
                                • floor jack
                                • floor jacks for SUVs
                                • floor jacks for pickup trucks
                                • our jack stand guide
                                • Today's verified car tech deals
                                • How we review car tech
                                • Visit CarTechTalk
                                • 5 min
                                • Choosing Semi Truck Jump Starter: 12V and 24V Guide

                                  Alex and Emma review semi-truck jump starters, voltage compatibility, and critical specs for heavy diesel engines.

                                  In this episode
                                  • Match vehicle voltage system first before checking peak amp ratings
                                  • Dual voltage units support mixed fleets but require strict storage upkeep
                                  • Documented engine displacement limits outweigh generic heavy duty marketing claims
                                  • Jump packs provide emergency starts without fixing dead battery root causes
                                  • Links & resources
                                    • Read the full article: Best Jump Starter for Semi Trucks: 12V and 24V Picks
                                    • Truck Jump Starter
                                    • Jump Starter Size Guide for Cars and Trucks
                                    • Best 12V Car Battery Jump Starter for Cars, Trucks, and Diesel Engines
                                    • 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…