Brake Basics, Why the Check Engine Light is On, Straightening the Steering Wheel
About this episode
Brake squeaks after a fresh pad job, when to change oil on a new SUV, and what a battery light or check-engine light really means dominated the call-ins. Nick Stoffel explains why new brakes can still squeal (possible defective parts or missing lubrication) and how modern brake materials can stretch service life. Oil-change timing leans toward ~5,000 miles or manufacturer guidance, with twice-yearly checks for low-mileage drivers. He also warns not to ignore battery/charging issues, discusses common check-engine causes like gas caps and misfires, and covers tire balancing, injector cleaning, overheating myths, steering-wheel misalignment, and brake-fluid exchanges.
Lloyd's Automotive
"[9.0s] doesn't mean these troubles don't don't happen. Denny Longback once again with [13.0s] ASC certified technician Nick Stoffel from Lloyd's Automotive on beautiful but [17.5s] damp. Grand Avenue in St. Paul I know Nick you you don't happen to be on"
This is the name of the auto shop where the technician works. It’s relevant because the episode is about diagnosing car problems and brake issues.
Lloyd’s Automotive is the shop where the guest technician, Nick Stoffel, works. For listeners, shop credibility and technician certification can matter because brake noise and drivability issues often come down to installation details.
resurface the brake rotors
"...you'd get 20-30 thousand miles out of them you'd resurface the brake rotors for one or two brake jobs well now..."
Resurfacing (turning) a rotor means machining its surface to restore a smooth, even braking face. Modern rotors are often thinner and lighter, so many shops replace rotors instead of resurfacing them once wear limits are reached.
ceramics
"...well now with the the ceramics and other components in those pads we'll see brakes go 70-80 thousand miles depending on driving style..."
Ceramic brake pads are a newer type of brake pad material. They often make less brake dust and can last longer than older styles.
Ceramic brake pads use ceramic-based friction material designed to reduce dust and noise while maintaining good stopping performance. They’re part of why many modern brake jobs can last longer than older pad compounds.
fuel economy requirements
"...with the the fuel economy requirements and all the emission standards they try to keep that rotating weight down so those brake rotors are much thinner and lighter than they used to be..."
Car efficiency goals can affect brake parts. Lighter brake rotors can help the car use less energy while driving.
Fuel economy requirements influence brake component design by encouraging lower rotating mass. Thinner, lighter rotors reduce the energy needed to spin the brakes, which can improve efficiency over time.
oil change
"purchased a brand new SUV and I'm wondering when I should have my first [236.2s] oil change brand new vehicle I was checked owners manual depending on the"
An oil change is when you replace the old engine oil with new oil. It helps keep the engine running smoothly and protects it from wear.
An oil change is the scheduled replacement of engine oil (and usually the oil filter) to keep the engine lubricated and clean. Fresh oil helps remove contaminants and reduces wear on internal engine parts.
oil filter
"keeps oil clean keeps [252.4s] the filter new so my my recommendation we had go 5000 miles going forward"
The oil filter is like a screen for your engine oil. It catches dirt so the new oil can keep protecting the engine.
The oil filter traps contaminants and debris as oil circulates through the engine. Replacing it during an oil change helps maintain oil cleanliness and protects engine wear surfaces.
break-in period
"do certain repairs we'd have to let it run for a [285.3s] certain period of time to break everything in set you know get everything [288.1s] seated and set and I think there might have been some truths at that"
A break-in period is the early time after you buy a new car. Some people think you should baby it and do an early oil change because parts are still “settling in.”
A break-in period refers to an early phase of a new vehicle’s life where components may seat and wear-in. Historically, some people believed you should drive gently and change oil early to remove initial wear particles.
10,000 miles
"as far as the oil changes though I mean is it if the [309.4s] manufacturer says oh you don't have to worry about it for 10,000 miles"
The “10,000 miles” reference is about manufacturer-stated oil change intervals that can be longer than older rules of thumb. It highlights that modern engines and modern oils/filters can often support extended service intervals when used as specified.
battery light
"there another reason the battery light came on if the battery is good in a 2012 ton of country. Typically if the battery light is coming on it's seen the voltage dropping lower than it should be"
That dashboard battery light is a warning that the car may not be charging properly. If it keeps going, the battery can run out and the car could shut off.
The battery warning light usually indicates the charging system isn’t working correctly. If the alternator isn’t charging, the car will eventually run down the battery reserve and may stall.
alternator
"the voltage dropping lower than it should be set up the alternator is the component once a vehicle is running that creates that power"
The alternator generates electrical power while the engine is running. It both powers the vehicle’s electrical systems and recharges the battery; if it fails or undercharges, the battery light comes on.
stall
"depending on the age of the battery at that point the vehicle is likely to stall and you'd be stranded"
A stall is when the engine suddenly turns off. If the battery isn’t being charged, the car may not have enough power to keep running.
A stall is when the engine stops running, often because the electrical system can’t maintain the conditions needed for ignition and fuel delivery. Charging-system issues can lead to stalling as battery voltage drops.
ASE certified tech
"Denny Wong back with Nick Stoffel ASE certified tech at Lloyd's Automotive in St. Paul answering any kind of a car care question you may have this morning"
ASE certified tech means the mechanic has been tested and certified in automotive repair. It’s a way to show they have real training and knowledge.
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is a credential for automotive technicians who pass industry exams. Mentioning an ASE-certified tech signals the diagnosis and repair work is being done by someone with formal training and testing.
spark plugs
"Nick we talk about or we get questions about spark plugs and again depending on the vehicle do people can people ever change their own spark plugs"
Spark plugs are small parts that help your engine start and run smoothly. They create the spark that lights the fuel-air mixture inside the engine. If they’re worn out, the car may run rough or not start as well.
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in an engine, so they directly affect starting, smooth running, and fuel economy. Over time they wear out or foul, which can trigger drivability issues and sometimes warning lights.
follow procedure
"if you are comfortable you have the tools which is very important you have the know-how you have the time to space by all means I think if you're willing to attempt that I think it's a fine thing to do just make sure you follow procedure"
The manual has a specific step-by-step process for a reason. Doing it the right way helps prevent mistakes that could damage parts or cause the car to run poorly.
Following the manufacturer’s procedure reduces the chance of damaging components and ensures correct installation steps (like proper seating and torque). It’s especially important on modern engines where access is tight and components are sensitive to disturbance.
exact same spark plug
"when you get those spark plugs out to see what brand replace them with the exact same spark plug I know a lot of times you go to a parts store they're gonna be a whole variety"
The safest move is to replace your spark plug with the same one that came out of your car. Different plugs can fit or perform slightly differently, and that can cause problems like rough running or misfires.
Replacing spark plugs with the exact same brand/part number helps ensure the correct heat range, reach, and thread design for that engine. Even “equivalent” plugs can behave differently, which can affect misfire risk and overall engine performance.
pothole
"...it kind of depends on if there was a situation you caught a bad pothole or if you're feeling something that seems different..."
Hitting a pothole can throw your wheels off balance. That can cause shaking and can also lead to tire or suspension problems.
A pothole can knock a wheel out of balance and sometimes damage tires or suspension components. Even if nothing is visibly broken, it can create vibration that balancing may help address.
rotate the tires
"...we rotate the tires probably more often but if you're seeing something or noticing something different I think it's fair..."
Rotating tires means moving them to different wheel positions. This helps all tires wear more evenly instead of one set wearing out early.
Tire rotation is moving tires from one position to another to even out wear across all four corners. It’s especially important because front and rear tires often wear differently due to steering, braking, and drivetrain forces.
check engine light
"...couple of questions about the check engine lights this one in general wants to know what are some common reasons a check engine light will be turned on..."
The check engine light comes on when the car’s computer finds a problem. A scan tool can read the code to show what system is affected.
The check engine light is triggered when the vehicle’s onboard computer detects a fault in engine/emissions-related systems. It’s tied to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that help pinpoint the cause.
gas cap
"...an emissions for example can be your gas cap being lept off..."
If the gas cap isn’t tight, fuel vapors can escape. The car notices and turns on the warning light.
A loose or improperly seated gas cap can cause evaporative emissions leaks. The vehicle monitors the system and will illuminate the emissions/check engine light if it detects the leak.
oil additives
"here's something as you know Nick we get from time to time the mechanic in a can their question he or she is via text do oil additives ever work and what what what is some of them claim I've never used an oil additive"
Oil additives are extra chemicals you pour into the engine oil. Some may help a little, but they usually can’t fix a real problem or replace regular oil changes.
Oil additives are aftermarket products mixed into engine oil with claims like reducing wear, cleaning sludge, or improving performance. Their effectiveness varies widely, and they generally can’t replace proper maintenance or fix serious mechanical problems.
oil leak
"where something's not right which is the reason why people ask these questions like oh I have this leak or I have this field system issue or have this oil sludge problem can I use this product to make that go away"
An oil leak means oil is getting out of the engine somewhere. If you don’t find and fix it, the engine can run low on oil and get damaged.
An oil leak means engine oil is escaping from a seal, gasket, or other component. Additives typically won’t fix the root cause, and ignoring leaks can lead to low oil pressure and engine damage.
oil sludge
"where something's not right which is the reason why people ask these questions like oh I have this leak or I have this field system issue or have this oil sludge problem can I use this product to make that go away"
Oil sludge is gunk that can build up inside an engine when oil isn’t changed often enough. It can make the engine less protected because oil can’t circulate as well.
Oil sludge is a thick, tar-like buildup formed when oil breaks down and contaminants accumulate, often from extended oil-change intervals or poor oil quality. It can restrict oil flow and contribute to engine wear.
stop leak
"I was thinking what do they use maybe they're still out there there used to be a product I think it was called stop leak yeah don't use that..."
Stop-leak is a product you add to the coolant to try to seal a leak. It can sometimes clog the small parts inside the radiator or heater, which can make the car run hot or stop making heat.
“Stop leak” products are additives poured into the cooling system to temporarily seal leaks. They can clog small passages in the radiator or heater core, reducing coolant flow and causing loss of heat or overheating.
restricted or plugged passages
"...those small passages in the radiator or the heater car... get restricted or plugged..."
If tiny passages inside the cooling system get blocked, coolant can’t flow correctly. That means the engine may not cool down well, and you may lose heat inside the car.
When small internal passages in the cooling system get restricted or clogged, coolant can’t move where it needs to. That reduces heat transfer and can cause overheating or loss of cabin heat.
heater core
"[1223.3s] talked about flushing the radiator and the heater core so we need to determine [1227.3s] if it's a matter of heat napping generated or is it the fact that the [1232.1s] heat can't be displaced meaning that if there's something within the heater box"
The heater core is the part that uses hot engine coolant to warm the air for the cabin. If it’s clogged or not getting hot coolant, your car won’t blow warm air or clear the windshield.
The heater core is a small radiator-like heat exchanger that warms cabin air using hot engine coolant. If coolant isn’t flowing through it, or if it’s clogged, the heater core can’t transfer heat—so you may get weak heat or no defrost.
blower
"[1260.3s] the heater core when now we have to figure out why is the blower not getting [1263.6s] that hot that air through the heater core to make heat to blow it onto us"
The blower is the fan that pushes air through the heating system. If it’s weak or not working right, you can have hot coolant but still get little or no warm air.
The blower (fan) moves air through the HVAC system and across the heater core to create warm airflow. Even with a hot heater core, a weak or failing blower can prevent enough warm air from reaching the vents and defrost outlets.
alignment
"...likely or something wrong with the alignment the cars as the cars going... likely or something wrong with the alignment..."
Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the tires so the car tracks straight and wears tires evenly. If alignment is off, the steering wheel can end up off-center and the tires can scrub, leading to premature or uneven wear.
starter
"...including the 12-volt stop rate properly including the starter right you know..."
The starter is what spins the engine when you turn the key or press the button. If the battery is weak, it may not spin the engine fast enough to start.
The starter is the motor that cranks the engine to get it turning fast enough for the engine to start. It draws a large current, so low battery voltage can directly prevent proper cranking.
power locks
"you might have issues with the power locks even get into the vehicle"
Power locks are the buttons that lock and unlock your doors using electricity. If the battery is weak, they may not work right.
Power locks are electrically actuated door locks controlled by the vehicle’s body control system. When battery voltage is low, these systems can behave inconsistently.
gasket
"if it's a rubber sealer gasket that's become brittle you can't do anything undo that"
A gasket is a sealing component used between engine/drivetrain parts to prevent fluid leaks. If a gasket becomes brittle or cracked from heat cycles, it can start leaking and typically needs replacement.
brake fluid
"yes I would say brake fluid is like with every fluid in the vehicle should be maintained and serviced"
Brake fluid helps turn your brake pedal input into stopping power. If it gets contaminated or old, braking can feel worse.
Brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transfers force from the brake pedal to the calipers/rotors. Its condition directly affects braking feel and performance.
calipers and seals
"it can cause premature wear in the calipers and seals so maintaining your brake system not just pads and"
The calipers squeeze the brake pads, and seals help keep brake fluid where it belongs. If the fluid is contaminated, these parts can wear out sooner.
Brake calipers clamp the pads onto the rotor, and seals help keep hydraulic pressure and fluid contained. Moisture-contaminated brake fluid can accelerate corrosion and seal degradation, leading to premature wear.
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