#32: The Venerable Suburban Plus Coolant Lessons and a Weird Hatchback
About this episode
The discussion centers around the importance of vehicle cooling systems, with insights into their components and maintenance. The hosts share personal experiences, including winter preparations for their cars and ongoing restoration projects like a 66 Mustang. They delve into practical advice on checking for leaks, the significance of coolant quality, and the role of thermostats and water pumps. The episode emphasizes the often-overlooked cooling system and offers tips to prevent overheating, making it a valuable resource for car enthusiasts looking to enhance their automotive knowledge.
Hello, Life Plus Cars Community! Welcome back to another episode where we talk about what's new in our car world, learn about some car tech, explore the history and culture of an iconic car, and discover some unusual Craiglist vehicles.
Join hosts Brendan and Ian on this episode as they discuss:
-how your car's coolant system operates and why it matter so much
-how coolant is also responsible for heating your car's interior
-the history of the Chevrolet Surburban, their favorite generations, and which Suburbans Brendan currently owns (yes, plural!)
-their Craiglist car finds of the week, including a quirky hatchback and a 95-year-old Ford
Plus, is Brendan buying Ian's Alltrack? Is Ian buying a Jeep Wrangler?
Tune in to this week's episode for all this and much more!
What did you think, listener? Did you grow up in the back of a Suburban? Road trip stories? Tales of an overheating car? Send us your thoughts at [email protected]
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Chevrolet Silverado
"...I bought a used plow for my 22 Silverado..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for work and everyday driving. The 2022 version has different engines and tech features to help with tasks and make driving easier.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability. The 2022 model features various engine options and advanced technology for both work and leisure.
Ford Mustang
"...my buddy Tyler his 66 Mustang is in the garage and we've been working on that on and off..."
The 1966 Ford Mustang is a popular classic car that many people love for its stylish look and powerful engine. It's part of the first series of Mustangs that started in the 1960s.
The 1966 Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its sporty design and performance. It was part of the first generation of Mustangs, which became iconic in the automotive world.
Volkswagen Alltrack
"...the all track that you're gonna buy. Yeah, so you can get a wrangler. Yeah..."
The Volkswagen Alltrack is a type of car that can drive well on different kinds of roads, including rough ones. It has all-wheel drive, which means all four wheels can get power, making it better for winter or off-road driving.
The Volkswagen Alltrack is a variant of the Golf SportWagen that features all-wheel drive and enhanced off-road capabilities. It's designed for those who want a versatile vehicle that can handle various terrains and weather conditions.
Jeep Wrangler
"...ack that you're gonna buy. Yeah, so you can get a wrangler. Yeah Always scheming always scheming. Yeah, you..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough-looking vehicle that can drive on rough roads and trails. People love it because it's great for adventures and has a unique style that stands out.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility and iconic status in the automotive world.
winter tires
"...has the ski box on the top and winter tires and wheels continental..."
Winter tires are special tires made to help cars drive better in cold weather, especially on snow and ice. They stay soft when it's cold, which helps them grip the road better than regular tires.
Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, particularly on snow and ice. They are made from a different rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, enhancing grip.
studless tires
"Oh, good. Well, are they better road? I don't stud it or no. No, they're uh, studless. Oh good. Yeah"
Studless tires are winter tires that don't have metal spikes in them. They are made to grip the road well in snow and ice without making a lot of noise.
Studless tires are designed for winter conditions without metal studs. They use advanced rubber compounds and tread designs to provide traction on snow and ice, making them a quieter and more comfortable option compared to studded tires.
Volkswagen Gti
"Yeah, I'm a big fan No, I had when I bought the gti years ago It came with a set of studded winter h..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that's fun to drive and has a nice interior. It's a good choice for people who want a reliable car that feels sporty.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car known for its solid build quality, fun driving dynamics, and practicality. It has a strong reputation in the automotive community and is often praised for its balance of performance and efficiency.
Continental tires
"So, yeah, love the continental tires. So a big fan. I'm not sponsored just a nice surprise because I'd never had continentals before so nice definitely a fan and"
Continental tires are made by a company that specializes in making tires for cars. They are known for being reliable and good for driving.
Continental is a well-known tire manufacturer that produces a variety of tires for different vehicles, focusing on performance, safety, and durability.
hose clamp
"Have you tried tightening up the hose clamp at all? That's a good suggestion. Yeah, I'll follow up with that."
A hose clamp is a small tool that holds hoses in place. It can be tightened to stop leaks from happening.
A hose clamp is a device used to secure a hose onto a fitting, preventing leaks. It can be tightened or loosened to adjust the fit.
cooling system
"So maybe that's what we talk about. We talk about the cooling system in a car if you could... I mean, I appear to have a small leak."
The cooling system helps keep the engine from getting too hot. It uses a liquid called coolant to absorb heat and keep everything running smoothly.
The cooling system in a car is responsible for regulating the engine temperature, preventing overheating. It typically includes components like the radiator, water pump, and coolant.
coolant
"Just how vital that system is and also how it's overlooked. So yeah, well said. You're absolutely right. It is it's the it's the most neglected and one of the most important fluids in a car."
Coolant is a special liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot. It moves around the engine and helps cool it down so it runs smoothly.
Coolant is a fluid used in the cooling system of a vehicle to regulate engine temperature. It prevents overheating by absorbing heat from the engine and dissipating it through the radiator.
radiator
"So the breakdown is the coolant the primary parts of a cooling system are you've got a radiator. You have a water pump. You've got your engine block."
The radiator is a part of your car that helps cool down the liquid that keeps the engine from overheating. It lets air pass through to cool the liquid before it goes back to the engine.
The radiator is a key component of the cooling system that dissipates heat from the coolant. It allows air to flow through and cool the liquid before it circulates back to the engine.
water pump
"You have a water pump. You've got your engine block. Obviously and all the coolant passages within it and then you've got your heater core, which is in the cab."
The water pump is a part that moves the coolant around the engine. It helps keep everything cool so the engine doesn't overheat.
The water pump is a crucial component that circulates coolant throughout the engine and the cooling system. It ensures that the coolant flows properly to maintain optimal engine temperature.
engine block
"You've got your engine block. Obviously and all the coolant passages within it and then you've got your heater core, which is in the cab."
The engine block is the big part of the engine that holds everything together. It's where the fuel burns to make the car go.
The engine block is the main structure of an engine, housing the cylinders and other components. It is where the combustion process occurs and is integral to the engine's operation.
heater core
"You've got your heater core, which is in the cab and all that works together. So so passages run all in around the combustion."
The heater core is a part inside your car that helps keep you warm. It uses hot liquid from the engine to heat the air that comes into the car.
The heater core is a small radiator located inside the car that uses hot coolant to provide heat to the cabin. It is essential for the vehicle's heating system.
thermostat
"...that is also in it that keeps your car operating at an optimal temperature, right?"
A thermostat is a part that helps control the temperature of your car's engine. It opens and closes to allow coolant to flow, keeping the engine from getting too hot or too cold.
The thermostat is a temperature-sensitive valve that regulates the flow of coolant to maintain the engine at its optimal operating temperature. It opens and closes based on the engine's temperature.
optimal temperature
"Yeah as your vehicle reaches its optimal temperature, which I mean they vary depending on the car..."
Optimal temperature is the best temperature for your car's engine to run. If the engine gets too hot or too cold, it can cause problems, so it's important to keep it within a certain range.
Optimal temperature refers to the ideal operating temperature range for an engine, typically between 180 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for engine efficiency and longevity.
hoses
"...your hoses you'll see they might actually get like spongy or they might get like really really hard..."
Hoses are tubes that carry coolant in the car. They can get old and either become too soft or too hard, which can cause problems like leaks.
Hoses in a vehicle's cooling system transport coolant between the engine and the radiator. Over time, these hoses can degrade, becoming either too soft or too hard, which may lead to leaks or failures in the cooling system.
serpentine belt
"It's usually driven by your serpentine belt on most cars..."
The serpentine belt is a long belt that powers several parts of your engine. If it breaks, you might lose power steering or your car might overheat.
The serpentine belt is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an engine, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. It is called 'serpentine' because of its winding path around various pulleys.
antifreeze
"Because antifreeze has the glycol in it. So it's got a little bit of sweetness smell to it. So..."
Antifreeze is a special liquid that helps keep your car's engine cool and prevents it from freezing in cold weather. It has a sweet smell because of the chemicals it contains.
Antifreeze is a liquid used in a vehicle's cooling system to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the coolant. It helps prevent engine overheating and protects against corrosion. Antifreeze typically contains ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which gives it a sweet smell.
overheating
"You do not want your car to overheat that can ruin your engine if you are say you're driving down the interstate and you see your temperature..."
Overheating is when your car's engine gets too hot, which can cause serious damage. It's important to pay attention to the temperature gauge and stop the car if it starts to rise too high.
Overheating occurs when an engine's temperature exceeds its normal operating range, often due to a failure in the cooling system. This can lead to severe engine damage, including warped cylinder heads or blown gaskets.
boil over
"But if you I mean it's possible to get it hotter than that and if it will it will boil over..."
Boil over happens when the coolant gets so hot that it spills out of the radiator. This can be dangerous because it means the engine is overheating.
Boil over occurs when the coolant in the engine gets too hot and starts to overflow from the radiator or expansion tank. This can lead to a loss of coolant and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Pontiac GTO
"Oh, yeah. I well, I mean I did the same thing on my 66 gto is I took out the two core..."
The Pontiac GTO is a famous muscle car from the 1960s, known for its speed and power. The 1966 version is especially loved for its classic style and strong engine.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. The 1966 model is known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
monitoring gauges
"It's important especially on the classics to you know, make sure that your gauges work and then just to keep an eye on them, you know, if they start acting funky or whatever."
Keeping an eye on the gauges in your car helps you know if everything is working right. If they start showing strange readings, it could mean something is wrong.
Monitoring gauges in a car is essential for ensuring that the vehicle is operating correctly. This includes keeping an eye on temperature, oil pressure, and other critical indicators to prevent potential issues before they become serious problems.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"...her listener would know I am a big fan of the old Tahoe Suburbans Yukon's Yukon excels. They are some of..."
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large car that can fit many people and their belongings. It's known for being comfortable and powerful, making it a good choice for families or road trips.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers a balance of passenger comfort and cargo capacity. It is often praised for its strong performance and is a popular choice for families and those needing a reliable vehicle for both city and highway driving.
Chevrolet Blazer
"...such a fan of the square body Chevy. Just pick a Blazer suburban. I just love square body Chevy's they A..."
The Chevrolet Blazer is a sporty-looking SUV that can handle both city driving and outdoor adventures. It's a good option for people who want a mix of style and practicality.
The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV that has evolved over the years from a rugged off-roader to a more modern, family-friendly vehicle. Its blend of style and functionality makes it a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts.
GMC Sierra
"...when I got my driver's license and my dad had a 2004 GMC Sierra..."
The GMC Sierra is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work or towing. The 2004 model is known for being strong and reliable.
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability. The 2004 model is part of the second generation of the Sierra, which was praised for its solid construction and range of engine options.
Chevrolet Suburban
"... water pump your water pump And now I have an o4 suburban three-quarter ton Has a thermostat that is also ..."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big car that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families or anyone who needs a lot of space, and it's been around for a really long time.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that has been in production since 1935, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. It's known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, making it a popular choice for families and those needing extra cargo space.
Honda Civic
"...rning radius of the suburban down to like a Honda Civic Turning radius"
The Honda Civic is a small car that's known for being very reliable and good on gas. It's a popular choice for people who want an affordable and easy-to-drive vehicle.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It's one of the best-selling cars in the world and is often discussed for its value and performance in urban environments.
Ford Expedition
"...I mean that's that's the the Ford og suburban or Expedition or Whatever you want to call it. Yeah, exactly. ..."
The Ford Expedition is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and gear. It's great for families and trips, and it has a lot of power for towing things like trailers.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It's designed for families and those who need a vehicle that can handle both everyday driving and outdoor adventures.
Mazda 6
"We have a 2007 Mazda 6 hatchback hatchback five speed And you may be wo..."
The Mazda 6 MPS is a sporty version of a regular Mazda 6, designed to be faster and more fun to drive. It's a great choice for people who want a car that feels exciting on the road.
The Mazda 6 MPS is a performance-oriented version of the Mazda 6, featuring a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. It's known for its engaging driving experience and is often discussed among enthusiasts for its sporty characteristics.
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