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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- When to Replace Leaking Floor Jack: Safety Rules and Repair Limits
Floor jack leaks compromise vehicle lifting safety. Learn when hydraulic jacks need seal repair versus immediate replacement.
In this episode- Never lift vehicle using leaking, creeping, or erratic hydraulic jack
- Identify fluid source on unloaded jack without loosening pressurized fittings
- Use manufacturer repair parts only if manual explicitly authorizes owner service
- Never work under vehicle supported only by floor jack; use rated stands
- Replace jack immediately if structural parts bend, crack, or corrode
Links & resources- Read the full article: When to Replace a Leaking Floor Jack
- 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 - Best Portable 12 Volt Battery Chargers Guide
Alex and Emma break down top portable 12 volt chargers, maintainers, and jump starters for vehicles, boats, and seasonal storage. Guide covers chemistry compatibility, current choices, and why power banks fail as true vehicle chargers.
In this episode- NOCO GENIUS5 balances 5A output with broad lead acid and LiFePO4 support
- NOCO GENIUS1 suits storage maintenance while GENIUS10 delivers faster 10A charging
- TowerTop provides selectable 2A, 10A, and 25A current plus 100A engine start for sealed lead acid batteries
- LOKITHOR JC400 combines 2A charging maintainer with 2500A jump starter
- Power banks like RoyPow and Talentcell lack regulated vehicle charging algorithms
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Portable 12 Volt Battery Charger for Cars, Boats, and Storage
- 12 volt battery charger
- Best Battery Charger For 12 Volt Battery
- Best Quality 12 Volt Battery Charger
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Eliminating Mildew Smell From Car Floor Mats
Alex and Emma explain step-by-step methods for removing stubborn mildew odor from vehicle floor mats and underlying cabin carpet. Learn how proper drying, correct cleaning chemistry, and tracking down interior water leaks keep vehicle floors fresh.
In this episode- Remove mats from cabin before washing to keep vehicle dry and inspect bare floors.
- Select material-safe cleaners for carpet, rubber, or molded designs without saturating backing.
- Air-dry both sides completely before reinstallation to prevent trapping mildew-causing dampness.
- Investigate door seals, sunroof drains, and wet padding if musty odors persist.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Remove Mildew Smell From Car Floor Mats
- floor mat fitment for an F-350 crew cab
- Car Floor Mat Buying Guide
- Best Car Floor Mats Under $25 for Budget Interior Protection
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - How to Read Car Battery Date Codes
Alex and Emma break down car battery date codes on CarTechTalk Podcast. Learn why production stamps vary by brand and why manufacturing age differs from battery condition.
In this episode- Date codes indicate manufacturing date, not sale or installation date.
- Code formats and locations vary across battery brands and product lines.
- Battery age provides context but cannot measure charge, capacity, or health.
- Brand-specific guides must decode stamps instead of generic online charts.
- Damaged, swollen, or leaking batteries require immediate professional assistance.
Links & resources- Read the full article: How to Read a Car Battery Date Code
- Battery Council International
- NOCO GENIUS vs. Battery Tender charger comparison
- guide to battery chargers for cold weather
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Choosing the Best RV Solar Deep Cycle Battery Charger
Alex and Emma break down how to choose the right solar charger for an RV deep cycle battery. They explore power ratings, battery chemistry profiles, and connection options to keep your rig ready to roll.
In this episode- Solar maintainers prevent storage drain but do not replace complete off-grid power systems.
- Selecting appropriate charging profiles for AGM, gel, or lithium batteries is essential.
- Wattage ranges from low-power trickle chargers up to one-hundred-watt recovery panels.
- Connection methods like cigarette-lighter plugs require verified unswitched twelve-volt sockets.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Solar Deep Cycle 12 Volt Battery Charger for RV
- Best Battery Charger For 12 Volt Deep Cycle
- Best 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery Charger
- Best 12 Volt Solar Battery Charger For Campers
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Best Jump Starter for 6 Volt Battery Options
Episode breaks down jump starters for six-volt electrical systems. Analysis covers compatible Schumacher units, voltage dangers, and why portable twelve-volt packs fail.
In this episode- Twelve-volt lithium packs damage six-volt systems despite clamp fit
- Schumacher Time Controlled Battery delivers dedicated twenty-five amp six-volt boost
- SC1308 combines engine starting with alternator diagnosis and maintenance
- DSR118 offers thirteen-point-six volt service mode for workshop tasks
- SC1281 provides automatic voltage detection and trickle maintenance
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Jump Starter for 6 Volt Battery: What Actually Fits
- Best Reviewed 12 Volt Jump Starter Battery
- Best Battery Pack Jump Starter
- Portable Jump Starter Buying Guide
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
8 min - How to Track Down Engine Misfires With an OBD2 Scanner
Alex and Emma explain how to find and interpret misfire data using an OBD2 scan tool. Learn what trouble codes, live counters, and Mode 06 data tell you before you replace any parts.
In this episode- Save all diagnostic trouble codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
- A trouble code shows a detected symptom, not an automatic parts failure.
- Flashing check-engine lights indicate severe misfires that risk catalytic converter damage.
- Cylinder counts and Mode 06 results require vehicle-specific layout knowledge to interpret accurately.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Check Misfire Data With an OBD2 Scanner
- OBD2 scanner
- J1962 diagnostic connector standard
- J1979 diagnostic test modes standard
- OBD2 scanners with live data
- professional diagnostic tools for advanced troubleshooting
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Winter Dash Cam Survival Guide: Cold Weather Setup
Alex and Emma break down essential dash cam features for freezing weather, from supercapacitors to battery drain prevention.
In this episode- Supercapacitors replace lithium-ion batteries to prevent boot failure in sub-zero cabins
- Hardware HDR and wide apertures overcome snow glare and salt haze
- Cold weather reduces car battery power, requiring high voltage cutoffs for parking mode
- High-endurance flash memory and 3M adhesive withstand winter extremes
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Front and Rear Dash Cam for Winter Driving: Cold-Weather Camera Guide
- Best Dash Cam With A Supercapacitor For Winter
- Best Amazon Dash Cam Options for Front, Rear, and Multi-Camera Coverage
- Best Front And Rear Dash Cam Cameras
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Winter Infant Carrier Covers: Cold Weather Car Seat Guide
Alex and Emma break down waterproof shower-cap covers for infant car seats, explaining critical safety rules, ventilation features, and top winter options.
In this episode- Shower-cap style covers protect babies without compromising harness safety
- Padded bunting behind child creates dangerous slack during vehicle collisions
- Cabin temperature rises require quick ventilation to prevent infant overheating
- Dedicated carrier covers do not protect vehicle upholstery or fit convertible seats
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Waterproof Seat Covers for Winter: Cold Weather Carrier Protection
- Best Car Seat Covers for Pet Owners
- Best Car Seat Covers Under $100
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - 12-Volt and Phone Chargers Explained: Finding the Right Power Setup
Alex and Emma break down the confusion behind 12-volt battery chargers and phone power solutions, comparing dual-purpose solar kits, high-output car adapters, portable power banks, and workshop maintainers.
In this episode- Understanding the three distinct categories of 12-volt and mobile power devices
- How solar maintainers like the 20W Hybrid model handle both car batteries and phones off-grid
- Why portable DC power banks differ from actual car battery chargers
- Comparing cabin plug-in adapters with built-in voltmeters against permanent panel mounts
- When to choose dedicated AC bench chargers like NOCO or TowerTop for vehicle recovery
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Battery Charger for 12 Volt and Phone: 10 Power Solutions Compared
- Best Battery Charger For 12 Volt Battery
- Best Quality 12 Volt Battery Charger
- Battery Charger For 6 Volt And 12 Volt
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 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.