Canadian Winters Kill Cars Faster Than Engines Do
About this episode
Dive into a lively morning chat blending car care, community stories, and practical advice from the Car Connection workshop. The host shares personal anecdotes, highlights trusted local pre-owned car dealers, and emphasizes the importance of solid financial planning with expert guests Tony Miele and Larry Tietro. The episode balances humor and helpful tips, touching on winter car challenges, estate planning, and budgeting for vehicle maintenance. Listeners get a warm, down-to-earth perspective on keeping their rides reliable and their finances in check, all while enjoying a friendly, conversational vibe.
Canadian winters don't usually destroy engines - they destroy vehicles through corrosion. In this one - hour Saturday Q&A episode, we break down why rust is the real silent killer of family vehicles, how salt and moisture creep into frames and body structures, and why you must start with a solid foundation before investing in long - term fleet - style maintenance.
If your vehicle is structurally compromised, no maintenance plan will save it. Protecting against corrosion may be the single most important step in extending the life of your car.
We're also gearing up for Episode 100 and Season Two. Have a question? Email it Monday through Friday and I'll answer it on Saturday's one - hour show.
More episodes and...project Details & links are available at Car Connection Business Network.com (ccbusnet.com) you'll find everything on our homepage if you'd like to follow the build/repair work we do & connect with our program partners click on their logo to meet them.Thank You!
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Jeep Wrangler
"Whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a type of SUV that people like to use for driving on rough trails and in nature. It looks boxy and you can take off the doors and roof.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road SUV known for its distinctive boxy shape and removable doors and roof. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often used for trail driving and outdoor adventures.
Nissan Rogue
"Whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order..."
The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that many people use for everyday driving because it is comfortable and doesn't use too much gas.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV popular for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. It is commonly used as a daily driver for families and commuters.
brakes
"or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order, or a mystery leak that's got everyone scratching their heads."
Brakes help a car stop when you press the pedal. They need to be checked and fixed to keep you safe.
Brakes are the components of a vehicle that slow or stop it by applying friction to the wheels. Proper brake maintenance is critical for safety.
pre-owned automobiles
"That is an area in the auto service and repair industry that is tough. Yeah, pre-owned automobiles. They're either, you know,"
A pre-owned automobile is a car that someone else has owned before you. It's not brand new, but it can still be a good car if taken care of.
Pre-owned automobiles are vehicles that have been previously owned and used by someone else before being sold again. They are commonly referred to as used cars and can vary widely in condition, mileage, and price.
Volkswagen
"...I was invited through Audi, and I used to work for Volkswagen at one time. I love my Voxy still..."
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many different kinds of cars, from affordable ones to fancy ones.
Volkswagen is a major German car manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to luxury models. It owns several other brands including Audi.
Audi Q5
"...but they had an Audi at that time. It was the introduction of the Audi Q5, I believe it was. Yeah, Q5. It was a great night..."
The Audi Q5 is a small luxury SUV that is comfortable and fun to drive. It has features that help keep you safe and make driving easier.
The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV known for its blend of performance, technology, and comfort. It is one of Audi's popular models in the SUV segment, offering all-wheel drive and advanced safety features.
fleet maintenance
""...it's Saturday morning. And yesterday, Friday evening, early evening, 430, our fleet maintenance video went up where I'm breaking out our car connection maintenance schedule kit for you to...""
Fleet maintenance means taking care of many vehicles that a company owns so they work well and don't break down.
Fleet maintenance refers to the systematic upkeep and repair of a group of vehicles owned or leased by a business or organization to ensure they remain safe, reliable, and efficient.
maintenance schedule
""...breaking out our car connection maintenance schedule kit for you to show you how simple it is to go from getting a $5,000 repair bill on your car when it could have cost you 200. And I've been doing that for years...""
A maintenance schedule is a plan that tells you when to check and fix parts of your car so it stays in good shape and doesn't cost a lot to repair later.
A maintenance schedule is a recommended timeline for performing routine service and repairs on a vehicle to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs, helping to extend the vehicle's lifespan.
fleet service
"And if you're going to jump in on the fleet service that I teach and do actually do it, you're going to need a vehicle that's not a collector's piece or you drive a mile, go back,"
Fleet service means taking care of many cars owned by a company, so you need cars that are easy to use and fix, not special or rare ones.
Fleet service refers to the management and maintenance of a group of vehicles owned or leased by a business or organization, often requiring practical, reliable vehicles rather than collector cars.
collector's piece
"you're going to need a vehicle that's not a collector's piece or you drive a mile, go back, collect a piece, drive another mile, go back, collect another piece or you can get into the"
A collector's piece is a special car that people keep safe and only drive a little because it's rare or valuable.
A collector's piece is a vehicle that is preserved for its rarity, historical significance, or value, often driven sparingly to maintain condition.
shop floor number per hour
"If you think the shop floor number per hour, it goes to the tech, think again, it does not. It does not."
Shop floor number per hour is a way to see how much work a mechanic does in an hour. It helps the shop know who is working hard.
The shop floor number per hour is a metric used in automotive repair shops to measure the productivity of technicians. It often influences technician pay but may not always directly benefit the technician.
write offs
"and got to pay for them. There's no write offs. We don't get to write those tools off unless you have a business. Then you can write the tools off, but electricians and plumbers can write their tools off right from the get go."
Write offs mean you can subtract the money you spend on things like tools from your taxes, so you pay less. But for car mechanics, you usually can't do this unless you own your own shop.
Write offs refer to the ability to deduct certain expenses from taxable income, reducing the amount of tax owed. In this context, tradespeople can deduct the cost of their tools if they own a business, but automotive technicians typically cannot unless they own their shop.
automotive trade
"So that's what's going on right now in Canada is not too far behind. The classrooms are emptying out. Kids are not getting into the automotive trade. Some dealers are trying to entice kids into the trade by offering them a full blown filled up toolbox, but you got to sign on for five years."
The automotive trade means jobs where people fix and take care of cars. They learn special skills and use special tools to keep cars running well.
The automotive trade refers to the skilled profession of working on vehicles, including repair, maintenance, and diagnostics. It requires specialized training and tools, and is essential for keeping vehicles operational.
full blown filled up toolbox
"Some dealers are trying to entice kids into the trade by offering them a full blown filled up toolbox, but you got to sign on for five years."
A full blown filled up toolbox means a big box with all the tools a car mechanic needs to do their job. It's like getting everything you need to start fixing cars.
A full blown filled up toolbox refers to a comprehensive set of professional-grade tools provided to apprentices or technicians to perform automotive work. It is a significant investment and valuable for starting a career in automotive repair.
tool chest
"I got $150,000 worth of tools in my tool chest. And another tool chest. And another tool chest. It all doesn't fit. And the big stuff is on shelves."
A tool chest is like a big box with drawers where mechanics keep all their tools so they can find them easily when working on cars.
A tool chest is a storage unit used by mechanics to organize and store their tools. It often contains multiple drawers and compartments to keep tools accessible and secure.
ball joints
"doing breaks and tires and shocks and coil springs and ball joints and control arms and sway bar links and motor mounts and radiators and cylinder heads"
Ball joints help the wheels move up and down and turn left and right smoothly.
Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing for smooth movement and steering control.
radiators
"doing breaks and tires and shocks and coil springs and ball joints and control arms and sway bar links and motor mounts and radiators and cylinder heads"
Radiators help keep the engine from getting too hot by cooling it down.
Radiators are heat exchangers that cool the engine coolant to prevent the engine from overheating.
cylinder heads
"doing breaks and tires and shocks and coil springs and ball joints and control arms and sway bar links and motor mounts and radiators and cylinder heads"
Cylinder heads are parts on top of the engine that help control the air and fuel going in and the exhaust coming out.
Cylinder heads sit on top of the engine block and contain components like valves and spark plugs, playing a critical role in engine performance.
control arms
"doing breaks and tires and shocks and coil springs and ball joints and control arms and sway bar links and motor mounts and radiators and cylinder heads"
Control arms are parts that connect the car's body to the wheels and help keep the wheels in the right place.
Control arms are suspension components that connect the vehicle's frame to the wheels, helping to maintain proper wheel alignment and absorb road shocks.
service technician lifespan
"And that's why a lot of average lifespan of a service tech is about 38, 35, 38 years of age. That's it and they got to get out. They're done."
Working as a car mechanic can be hard on the body, so many don't work in the job for a very long time.
The average working lifespan of automotive service technicians tends to be relatively short, often due to the physical demands of the job.
corrosion
""So why Canadian winners make family cars age faster than the engines ever will is the corrosion.""
Corrosion is when metal parts of a car start to break down and get rusty because of water, salt, or chemicals. This can make the car weaker and cause problems if not taken care of.
Corrosion refers to the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, by chemical reactions with their environment, often resulting in rust on vehicles. It can significantly reduce the lifespan and safety of cars, especially in regions with harsh weather or road salt usage.
rust proofing
""And first and foremost, that is number one on the maintenance list is to get that vehicle rust proofed every year. I recommend every year, but if money is tight every 18 months.""
Rust proofing means putting a special protective layer on a car to stop it from getting rusty. This helps the car last longer and stay safe.
Rust proofing is a maintenance process that applies protective coatings to a vehicle's metal parts to prevent or slow down corrosion. It is especially important in climates where road salt or moisture accelerates rust formation.
road salt
""...it attacks the salts, the acids from road salt and it neutralizes those acids...""
Road salt is stuff put on icy roads to make them less slippery. But it can make cars rust faster because it attacks the metal parts.
Road salt is a chemical mixture, often containing sodium chloride, spread on roads in winter to melt ice and snow. While effective for safety, it can accelerate corrosion on vehicles by promoting rust on metal parts.
salt brine
"...we went from using sugar beech juice to salt brine. And the reason was the sense per liter..."
Salt brine is salty water sprayed on roads to stop ice from forming. It sticks better than dry salt and can be less harmful to cars.
Salt brine is a liquid mixture of salt and water used for de-icing roads. It is often preferred over solid salt because it adheres better to surfaces and is less damaging to vehicles.
vehicle rust protection
"So if your vehicle is not protected, I don't care what the salesman says, oh, you know, you'll void your warranty and this that and the other, those are the talking heads. That's the white noise. And you'll hear me talk about that in the fleet service video that comes out in about 45 minutes. It's going to drop on our YouTube channel. Please watch it. And please really think about what I'm telling you, because it works. It absolutely works. If you keep the vehicle solid and buy into the protect it from the rusties, you can keep that vehicle 25 30 years if you want and never have to get another one."
Rust protection means putting special stuff on your car to stop it from getting rusty. This helps your car last a long time, especially if you drive where roads get salty in winter.
Vehicle rust protection involves applying treatments or coatings to prevent corrosion caused by environmental factors like salt brine. Proper rust protection can significantly extend a vehicle's lifespan, especially in regions with harsh winters or salty roads.
Honda Crv
"And I couldn't do with my Honda CRV. And I really liked that thing. I took a lot of ribbing from my service tech buddies. We're like, Hey, motor mouth. That's a real cute SUV you got there, buddy."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that many people use for family trips and everyday driving. The 1998 version is an older model but still well-liked for being dependable and easy to use.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its reliability and practicality. The 1998 model is part of the first generation, which helped establish the CR-V as a popular choice for families and daily drivers.
Nissan 2008 Nissan
"...on. You got the foundation on it. It's like this 2008 Nissan Rogue. I haven't put it on. It's insured and ever..."
The Nissan 200 SX is a small, sporty car that people like because it's fun to drive and easy to change or fix up. It’s often used by people who enjoy making their cars faster or cooler. It might come up in the podcast because someone is talking about using it as a base to build or improve a car.
The Nissan 200 SX is a compact sports coupe known for its balanced handling and sporty design, popular among enthusiasts for modifications and drifting. Although the 200 SX nameplate has been used in different markets, it typically refers to a rear-wheel-drive platform that offers an engaging driving experience. It might be discussed in the podcast as a foundation car for tuning or as a comparison to other Nissan models like the Rogue.
vehicle storage and preservation
"I invested time, effort and energy to bring the thing back from, you know, almost distinction because it sat for 11 months and it never moved."
Vehicle storage means keeping a car safe and clean when you don't use it for a long time so it doesn't get damaged or rusty.
Proper vehicle storage and preservation involves keeping a car in conditions that prevent deterioration, such as avoiding moisture and rust, especially when the vehicle is not driven for extended periods.
Toyota FJ
"Then we're going to win. I'll get that thing up there. So our FJ is going to celebrate a birthday in July and will be over half way to 400,000 clicks."
The Toyota FJ is a type of SUV made by Toyota that is good for driving on rough roads and has a cool, old-school look. People like it because it lasts a long time and is strong.
The Toyota FJ refers to the Toyota FJ Cruiser, a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and retro styling inspired by the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser. It's popular among enthusiasts for its durability and ruggedness.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
"The basic fundamentals are going to keep your car alive forever. 20 years this July, just on the FJ. 20 years and still going. They're probably going to have to lift me in there as I get older,"
The FJ Cruiser is a type of SUV made by Toyota that is good for driving off-road and has a cool, old-school look. People like it because it lasts a long time and can handle rough terrain.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and retro styling. It has a strong following due to its durability and unique design.
house flippers
"these fellas were working on a house next door to us and they were house flippers. Great bunch of guys."
House flippers are people who buy old or broken houses, fix them up, and then sell them to make money.
House flippers are people who buy homes, renovate or repair them, and then sell them quickly for a profit. This concept is often associated with real estate investment.
never never plan
"You will win the automotive service and repair game and not get stuck in the never never plan. Paying principle and interest. Working hard."
The 'never never plan' means you keep paying money for your car or repairs but never finish paying it off, so you stay stuck paying forever.
The 'never never plan' is a term describing a cycle of continuous debt payments, often for car loans or repairs, where the borrower never fully pays off the debt and remains financially burdened.
preventative maintenance
"Instead of doing preventative maintenance, you wait till the wheels coming off or the service light comes on or the thing won't start before you put any money into it."
Preventative maintenance means taking care of your car regularly so it doesn't break down or need expensive repairs. It's like checking things early to keep your car running well.
Preventative maintenance refers to regular and scheduled servicing of a vehicle to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. It includes tasks like oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid replacements before problems arise.
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