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CarTechTalk Podcast
CarTechTalk Podcast episodes
- 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 - Matching Battery Chargers to Vehicle Storage Needs
Vehicle storage demands automatic battery maintainers matched by voltage, chemistry, and output. Guide details hardware options for keeping vehicle batteries full.
In this episode- Maintainers require voltage matching, chemistry support, and automatic float modes.
- NOCO GENIUS2 handles mixed vehicle fleets with multi-voltage and lithium compatibility.
- Low current units like Stanley BM1S and Schumacher provide direct seasonal storage.
- High amp units like PZ.P and TowerTop add rapid recovery and engine start support.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Battery Charger for Keeping Batteries Topped Off: Match the Charger to the Battery
- Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
- Best Battery Charger For Lithium Batteries
- Best Battery Charger for D Batteries
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - How to Check Engine Coolant Temperature With an OBD2 Scanner
Alex and Emma explain how to read live engine coolant temperature using an OBD2 scan tool, from safe setup to interpreting cold and warm readings.
In this episode- A scanner must support live data parameters, not just diagnostic trouble codes, to display engine coolant temperature.
- A cold-soaked engine should show a coolant temperature close to ambient air temperature as an initial sanity check.
- Normal operating temperatures vary by vehicle design and thermostat strategy rather than a single universal number.
- Never remove a radiator or pressurized coolant cap while the engine is hot, even to verify a scanner reading.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Check Coolant Temperature With an OBD2 Scanner
- OBD2 scanner
- OBD2 scanner
- OBD2 scanners with live data
- advanced OBD2 scanner functions
- professional diagnostic scanners
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Winter Slush vs Car Seats: Best Seat Protectors for Snowy Boots
Alex and Emma explore how road salt, slush, and boot grit destroy vehicle interiors during winter. Learn how different seat protector materials shield upholstery and when universal covers should be avoided.
In this episode- Winter boots carry moisture, cutting salt crystals, and abrasive grit that degrade leather and woven fabrics.
- Molded TPE barriers offer superior liquid containment under child safety seats compared to woven fabrics.
- Full bench covers shield entire rows from edge to edge but restrict individual split-folding seat capability.
- Universal seat protectors must never block integrated side airbags or violate child restraint safety rules.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Car Seat Protector for Snowy Boots: Winter Slush and Salt Defense
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Spot Recently Cleared OBD2 Codes on Used Cars
Scan used cars for incomplete readiness monitors and reset history before purchase. Learn difference between cleared trouble codes, battery disconnects, and permanent diagnostic data.
In this episode- Check emissions readiness monitors before trusting clean diagnostic scans.
- Inspect distance and time data since last diagnostic reset.
- Evaluate permanent trouble codes remaining after standard code clearing.
- Compare scanner findings against seller statements and maintenance paperwork.
- Scan diagnostic connector before and after required drive cycle.
Links & resources- Read the full article: How to Spot Recently Cleared OBD2 Codes
- OBD2 scanners for advanced use
- U.S. EPA overview of vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance
- professional car diagnostic tools
- live data and fuel-trim diagnostics
- J1979 E/E Diagnostic Test Modes standard
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 min - 12V Solar Battery Maintainers: Multi Battery Array Truth
CarTechTalk breakdown of 12V solar chargers covers maintainer wattage, battery chemistry, and multi-bank limits. Learn why standard solar kits maintain single batteries instead of isolated multi-battery banks.
In this episode- Standard 12V solar kits maintain single battery, not isolated multiple batteries
- SOLPERK 20W kit offers balanced hardware with 8A controller and adjustable bracket
- True multi-bank charging requires dedicated controller with individually fused outputs
- Higher wattage like 50W provides headroom and selectable modes for AGM or lithium
- Small panels like 7.5W offset parasitic drain during seasonal vehicle storage
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Multi Battery Charger for 12 Volt Solar Array: Top Solar Maintainers
- Quality Solar 12 Volt Battery Charger
- Best 12 Volt Solar Battery Charger For Campers
- Best Battery Charger For 12 Volt Battery
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
6 min - Winter Slush Defense: Choosing the Right Floor Liners
Alex and Emma break down how vehicle-specific containment trays protect cabins from winter slush, road salt, and rust, comparing flexible TPE and rigid polyethylene designs.
In this episode- Raised containment edges trap slush and protect floorboards from salt and mildew
- Thermoplastic elastomer remains flexible below zero while polyethylene blends provide rigid sidewalls
- Precise vehicle trim fitment is critical, especially around hybrid battery pans
- Proper installation requires removing carpet mats to ensure pedal clearance
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Car Floor Liners for Slush and Snow: Containment Trays Compared
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Winter Proofing Your SUV Trunk: Ski, Board, and Slush Defense
Alex and Emma break down the best SUV cargo liners for snowboards, skis, and melting slush. Learn how fabric density, side bolsters, and cold-weather mounting protect factory carpets from winter hazards.
In this episode- Winter sports gear introduces slush, road salt, and sharp metal edges that destroy standard trunk mats and cause mold.
- ALLANSING models use heavy 900D Oxford weave with zippered walls or extra-long deck coverage for folded seats.
- REEVAA provides high-impact foam side protection, while options from iBuddy, PETICON, and Smatto offer tailored budget utility.
- Cold temperatures weaken mounting hardware, making TPU suction cups and headrest straps critical.
- Heavy melting loads like chainsaws or standing gallons require rigid plastic trays instead of flexible fabric covers.
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best SUV Cargo Liner for Winter Gear: Snowboard, Ski, and Slush Protection Guide
- Best Cargo Liner for Ski Equipment
- Best SUV Cargo Liner with Raised Edges
- Best SUV Cargo Liner Under $100
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
5 min - Best Battery Charger 6 12 24 Volt: Matching Amperage to Your Battery
For the most common buyer who needs one charger for 6V, 12V, and 24V batteries, the WAVLINK 280W Smart Battery Charger is the strongest starting point. The manufacturer lists 20A charging, four operating modes, support for lead-acid, lithium, and LiFePO4…
Links & resources- Read the full article: Best Battery Charger 6 12 24 Volt: Matching Amperage to Your Battery
- Car Battery Charger Buying Guide
- Best 6 And 12 Volt Car Battery Charger
- Battery Charger For 6 Volt And 12 Volt
- Today's verified car tech deals
- How we review car tech
- Visit CarTechTalk
7 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.