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#145 - Ronny Leaves, AI Seatbelt fines & Missing Waves

#145 - Ronny Leaves, AI Seatbelt fines & Missing Waves

The 4WD Podcast May 14, 2026 44 min
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About this episode

Ronnie’s stepping down as a permanent host, but the crew says they’ll still lean on him for more trips, videos, and track updates. The show’s sponsor shift brings Terrain Tamer into the “tip of the week,” with practical advice on carrying the right spare parts and using their site to match bearing and rebuild kits to your vehicle. The big news segment tackles WA’s AI seatbelt enforcement—cameras, strict rules, and lots of overturned fines—then wraps with listener updates, including the “Grenadier Wave” and rooftop-tent details.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Brand

Terrain Tamer

"I really like to Rain Tamer. I think... I think they're elite. Well, just because everything that they do is shit that we need on our cars, like spare parts, all that kind of stuff... Like I've got Terrain Tamer, fuel filters, oil filters, brake pads, actually."

Terrain Tamer makes aftermarket parts for off-road and 4x4 vehicles. The hosts are saying they like the brand because the replacement parts they sell—like filters and brake pads—are good quality.

Part

fuel filters

"Like I've got Terrain Tamer, fuel filters, oil filters, brake pads, actually."

A fuel filter cleans the fuel before it gets to the engine. If it gets clogged, the engine can run poorly, so it’s a normal maintenance item.

Part

oil filters

"Like I've got Terrain Tamer, fuel filters, oil filters, brake pads, actually."

An oil filter helps keep the engine oil clean by trapping gunk. It’s part of regular maintenance to help the engine last longer.

Part

brake pads

"Like I've got Terrain Tamer, fuel filters, oil filters, brake pads, actually."

Brake pads are the parts that squeeze against the brake rotors to slow the car down. They wear out over time and usually need replacement eventually.

Brand

Tough Dog

"I feel like it's genuinely four driving, like, as is Type R and as is Type R and Tough Dog."

Tough Dog is a company that makes aftermarket parts for off-road and 4x4 vehicles. Here, the hosts mention it as one of the brands they trust for the parts they need.

Term

wheel bearing kits

"But say bearing kits, you want to go and have a look at bearing kits you're in need of those comes up with all these different options, swivel housing kits, differential kits, gearbox, rebuild kits. Once you click on one of those, let's go to heavy duty wheel bearing kits, gives you a rundown."

Wheel bearing kits are sets of parts used to fix or replace the bearings that help your wheels spin smoothly. If a bearing wears out, it can cause noise and vibration, so the kit helps you do the job correctly.

Term

differential kits

"of those comes up with all these different options, swivel housing kits, differential kits, gearbox, rebuild kits. Once you click on one of those, let's go to heavy duty wheel bearing kits, gives you a rundown."

A differential kit is a set of parts for the differential—part of the drivetrain that helps the wheels turn at different speeds, especially when turning. Rebuilding it can restore smooth operation and reduce wear.

Term

gearbox rebuild kits

"of those comes up with all these different options, swivel housing kits, differential kits, gearbox, rebuild kits. Once you click on one of those, let's go to heavy duty wheel bearing kits, gives you a rundown."

A gearbox rebuild kit is a set of parts used to take a transmission apart and fix worn components. It’s meant to help you rebuild the gearbox instead of replacing it outright.

Term

swivel housing kits

"of those comes up with all these different options, swivel housing kits, differential kits, gearbox, rebuild kits. Once you click on one of those, let's go to heavy duty wheel bearing kits, gives you a rundown."

A swivel housing kit is for a part of some 4WD front axles that helps the wheel steer. It usually includes the worn bearings and seals so the steering can move smoothly again.

Term

seatbelt fines

"So the AIC belt finds this is a WA thing more so... have started to issue road safety finds in WA with the use of AI cameras for not wearing a seatbelt properly."

Seatbelt fines are tickets for not wearing your seatbelt properly. The goal is to encourage safer driving and reduce injuries in crashes.

Term

AI cameras

"WA, a little bit late to the party in all fairness, have started to issue road safety finds in WA with the use of AI cameras for not wearing a seatbelt properly."

These are cameras that use smart software to spot when people aren’t wearing their seatbelts. The system can then help authorities fine the driver.

Concept

camera-based traffic enforcement

"Yeah, those are the cameras that stretch up across all the lanes of traffic. Yeah, so I'm not all over it. So what they're getting people with is it's a it's a front on view basically through the front windscreen."

This is when cameras on the road watch for traffic rule breaking and then trigger fines. In this segment, they’re talking about cameras that can see whether seatbelts are being used properly.

Term

front windscreen

"So what they're getting people with is it's a it's a front on view basically through the front windscreen."

The front windscreen is the windshield you look through from the driver’s seat. The cameras can use the view through it to check what’s happening inside the car.

Term

mobile phone offences

"And they I think they detect mobile phone offences too. They detect everything."

Mobile phone offences are tickets for using your phone while driving. The episode suggests the cameras can spot those violations too.

Term

demerit points

"…they're paying a couple hundred dollars and demerit points as well. By the way, demerit points that stick around for a few years."

Demerit points are extra penalties added to your driving record when you get a ticket. They usually last for a while, and too many can lead to your license being restricted or suspended.

Concept

AI seatbelt enforcement

"…there's issues with the technology as well. So people potentially being wrongly. …the amount of mistakes that this AI system is making. …there's a way, right, where you can implement this system"

This is when cameras and computer software check if people are buckled up and automatically issue tickets. The worry is that the system can make mistakes and fine people who weren’t actually doing anything wrong.

Term

formal review process

"And they only will win after a formal review process, which. That just feels wrong to me."

A formal review process is the official way to challenge a ticket after you’ve been fined. You usually have to submit an appeal and wait for a decision.

Term

reflective window coverings

"The other thing that I didn't have on there that reminded me as I was reading the article on four by four Australia. Is the reflective window coverings."

These are like special sunshades for your windows. They reflect heat and help keep the inside cooler, especially when you’re stopped or traveling in strong sun.

Brand

Bush optics

"I have. Yes. Bush optics. Yeah. Go and check that out."

Bush optics is the name of a small business the hosts are talking about. They make window screens/sunshades for vehicles, and the hosts think they look really cool.

Term

Soul screens

"Sarah and Keelan are doing their own. Yeah, like. Soul screens. Basically. Yeah."

“Soul screens” sounds like a branded type of window shade/screen. The idea is to help with sun and glare so the inside is more comfortable.

Term

rooftop tent

"Plus, there's the rooftop tent that he's rolling now. Yes, very cool rooftop tent because it pops not. It's not just a clam shell."

A rooftop tent is a tent that sits on top of the car. When you stop, it opens up so you can sleep without using the ground.

Term

clam shell

"Yes, very cool rooftop tent because it pops not. It's not just a clam shell. but then the it hinges up as well."

Here, “clam shell” means the tent opens like a lid that swings up. The point is that this tent opens in a way that can give you more room than just lifting the top.

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