{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Car dealer advertising meant to deceive and how to see through it","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/car-dealer-advertising-meant-to-deceive-and-how-to-see-through-it","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021673/episodes/18734596-car-dealer-advertising-meant-to-deceive-and-how-to-see-through-it.mp3","description":"Send a textEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com"},"annotations":[{"startTime":63.6,"endTime":70.4,"type":"term","title":"fixed coverage","url":"/glossary/fixed-coverage","quote":"some strategies that new car dealers are using to boost something called fixed coverage. So what is that?","canonicalId":"term:fixed-coverage","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fixed coverage refers to a financial term used in car dealerships describing the portion of costs that remain constant regardless of sales volume, often linked to dealer profits and pricing strategies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fixed coverage is a way car dealers keep some money no matter how many cars they sell. It helps them make sure they don't lose money."}},{"startTime":78.1,"endTime":118.18,"type":"term","title":"fixed operations","url":"/glossary/fixed-operations","quote":"\"...And fixed operation is the parts department, the body shop, if they have one, and the service department. Fixed operations in the typical car dealership should cover 75 to 80 percent of the fixed overhead of the business. So the rent and utilities and all that stuff...\"","canonicalId":"term:fixed-operations","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fixed operations in a car dealership refer to the departments that provide ongoing services such as parts sales, body repairs, and vehicle maintenance. These departments generate steady revenue and cover a large portion of the dealership's fixed overhead costs like rent and utilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fixed operations are the parts of a car dealership that handle things like fixing cars, selling parts, and repairing body damage. They help the dealership make money regularly and pay for things like rent and electricity."}},{"startTime":180.0,"endTime":184.5,"type":"term","title":"service drive","url":"/glossary/service-drive","quote":"that dependency on the service operations, the fixed operations has led to some naughty behaviors in the service drive. And that's where I want to focus because, you know, you buy a car like","canonicalId":"term:service-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The service drive is the area at a dealership or service center where customers bring their vehicles for maintenance or repairs. It is often the first point of contact between the customer and the service department.","simplifiedExplanation":"The service drive is where you bring your car when it needs fixing or maintenance at a dealership. It's like the front door for car repairs."}},{"startTime":196.2,"endTime":200.7,"type":"term","title":"independent shop","url":"/glossary/independent-shop","quote":"A lot of people defect, right? And they go to an independent shop where they go to a fast lube operation, even when they shouldn't, but they do that because of a couple of reasons.","canonicalId":"term:independent-shop","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An independent shop is a privately owned automotive repair or maintenance facility not affiliated with any specific car brand or dealership. They often offer competitive pricing and personalized service.","simplifiedExplanation":"An independent shop is a car repair place that isn’t connected to a car brand or dealership. People go there to fix their cars, sometimes because it’s cheaper or more convenient."}},{"startTime":196.2,"endTime":200.7,"type":"term","title":"fast lube operation","url":"/glossary/fast-lube-operation","quote":"A lot of people defect, right? And they go to an independent shop where they go to a fast lube operation, even when they shouldn't, but they do that because of a couple of reasons.","canonicalId":"term:fast-lube-operation","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A fast lube operation is a service center specializing in quick oil changes and basic maintenance without appointments. They focus on speed and convenience rather than comprehensive repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fast lube operation is a place where you can get your oil changed quickly without waiting long. They do simple car care fast."}},{"startTime":238.44,"endTime":243.3,"type":"concept","title":"maintenance records","url":"/glossary/maintenance-records","quote":"And when you sell your car and you can provide the future buyer with a complete list of every time you had a wrench turned on that vehicle,","canonicalId":"concept:maintenance-records","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Maintenance records are detailed logs of all service and repairs performed on a vehicle, which can increase resale value and help with warranty claims.","simplifiedExplanation":"Keeping track of every time your car gets fixed or checked helps prove you took good care of it, which can help when selling or getting repairs."}},{"startTime":247.9,"endTime":253.7,"type":"term","title":"out of warranty","url":"/glossary/out-of-warranty","quote":"let's say you're 20,000 miles out of warranty and your engine fails at no fault of your own, you maintain the vehicle properly.","canonicalId":"term:out-of-warranty","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Out of warranty refers to the period after the manufacturer's warranty on a vehicle has expired, meaning repairs are no longer covered by the factory and must be paid for by the owner unless special arrangements are made.","simplifiedExplanation":"When a car is out of warranty, it means the free repair period from the company is over, so you usually have to pay for fixes yourself."}},{"startTime":325.2,"endTime":330.7,"type":"term","title":"service department","url":"/glossary/service-department","quote":"So in service departments, it could be in an independent shop or it could be in a new car dealership.","canonicalId":"term:service-department","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The service department is the part of a dealership or independent shop where vehicle maintenance and repairs are performed.","simplifiedExplanation":"The service department is where you take your car to get it fixed or checked by mechanics."}},{"startTime":334.8,"endTime":338.6,"type":"term","title":"flushes","url":"/glossary/flushes","quote":"Some of the things that people waste money on in the service department are first unnecessary flushes. Now, we've talked about this.","canonicalId":"term:flushes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Flushes refer to the process of cleaning out a vehicle's system, such as the cooling system or transmission, by replacing old fluid with new fluid to remove contaminants.","simplifiedExplanation":"A flush is when mechanics clean out parts of your car by replacing old dirty fluid with new clean fluid."}},{"startTime":338.6,"endTime":343.9,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"You go, you know, some of the worst dealers about this are Toyota and Honda dealers.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is a big car company from Japan that makes many popular cars."}},{"startTime":338.6,"endTime":343.9,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"You go, you know, some of the worst dealers about this are Toyota and Honda dealers.","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a Japanese automaker known for producing reliable cars, motorcycles, and power equipment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a car company from Japan that makes cars and motorcycles."}},{"startTime":348.9,"endTime":356.5,"type":"term","title":"cooling system flush","url":"/glossary/cooling-system-flush","quote":"But if you look in the owner's manual, the only flush that the manufacturer will typically recommend is the cooling system. Get all the old coolant out, flush it, power flush it, and then put in new coolant.","canonicalId":"term:cooling-system-flush","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A cooling system flush involves draining the old coolant from the radiator and engine cooling passages, cleaning out any deposits or contaminants, and refilling with fresh coolant. This helps maintain proper engine temperature and prevents corrosion.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cooling system flush means getting rid of the old liquid that keeps your engine cool, cleaning the system, and adding new liquid. This keeps your engine from getting too hot or rusty."}},{"startTime":398.2,"endTime":425.7,"type":"term","title":"oil change","url":"/glossary/oil-change","quote":"Okay, another thing that you should never buy in the service department is too frequently changing your oil. I know that sounds weird. Lenny is telling you to change your oil every 5,000 miles. And that might sound frequent to you. It is very important. That's my recommendation every 5,000 miles, regardless what the owner's manual says. And I'm not trying to sell oil changes for my competing dealers or any dealer, for that matter.","canonicalId":"term:oil-change","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An oil change is the process of draining old engine oil and replacing it with fresh oil to ensure proper lubrication and performance of the engine. Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and maintain vehicle reliability.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil change means taking out the old oil from your car's engine and putting in new oil. This keeps the engine running smoothly and stops it from getting damaged."}},{"startTime":459.5,"endTime":467.96,"type":"concept","title":"engine tolerances","url":"/glossary/engine-tolerances","quote":"Well, engines today in engineering has been able to do that. They've been able to manufacture engines that have much tighter tolerances.","canonicalId":"concept:engine-tolerances","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Engine tolerances refer to the precise allowable variations in the dimensions and clearances of engine components. Tighter tolerances mean parts fit together more precisely, improving efficiency, performance, and durability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Engine tolerances are how closely the parts inside an engine fit together. When they fit better, the engine works better and lasts longer."}},{"startTime":469.2,"endTime":471.5,"type":"term","title":"blow by","url":"/glossary/blow-by","quote":"There is less blow by. That's something that happens when combustion gases sneak past the piston rings and they get into the crankcase and it dirties up the oil.","canonicalId":"term:blow-by","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Blow by refers to combustion gases that escape past the piston rings into the crankcase during engine operation, which can contaminate the engine oil and reduce performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Blow by is when some of the gas from inside the engine's cylinders leaks past the piston and gets into the oil, making the oil dirty and less effective."}},{"startTime":471.5,"endTime":476.2,"type":"part","title":"piston rings","url":"/glossary/piston-rings","quote":"That's something that happens when combustion gases sneak past the piston rings and they get into the crankcase and it dirties up the oil.","canonicalId":"part:piston-rings","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Piston rings are circular metal rings that fit into grooves on a piston to seal the combustion chamber, control oil consumption, and transfer heat from the piston to the cylinder wall.","simplifiedExplanation":"Piston rings are metal rings around the piston that help keep the engine's gases and oil where they should be, so the engine runs smoothly."}},{"startTime":561.2,"endTime":583.0,"type":"term","title":"full synthetic oil","url":"/glossary/full-synthetic-oil","quote":"Also, they may try to sell you some type of a premium oil, like a full synthetic. When it's not needed, if the engineers that designed your car says that it needs to use a synthetic blend or a conventional oil, that's what you need to use. They're smarter than you are.","canonicalId":"term:full-synthetic-oil","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Full synthetic oil is a type of engine oil made from chemically modified petroleum components, offering better performance and protection compared to conventional oils, especially under extreme temperatures and conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Full synthetic oil is a special kind of engine oil that helps protect your car's engine better, especially when it's very hot or cold. It usually lasts longer and keeps the engine cleaner than regular oil."}},{"startTime":589.44,"endTime":591.48,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 911","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/2013_Porsche_911_Carrera_4S_%28991%29_%289626546987%29.jpg","quote":"When it's not necessary.  Now my Porsche 911, full synthetic.  Certain Japanese vehicles, Kore...","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional performance. It has been a benchmark in the sports car world for decades, often praised for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence. Discussions about the 911 often highlight its maintenance needs, including the use of full synthetic oil to ensure optimal engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 911 is a famous fast car that looks unique and drives very well. People talk about it because it needs special care, like using a certain type of oil to keep the engine running smoothly.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":669.1,"endTime":672.3,"type":"term","title":"brake pads","url":"/glossary/brake-pads","quote":"I'm hearing that a lot of people are being told that they need to replace their brake pads and have their rotors turned before they need it.","canonicalId":"term:brake-pads","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brake pads are components in the braking system that press against the brake rotors to create friction and slow down the vehicle. They wear down over time and need to be replaced periodically to maintain effective braking.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brake pads are parts that help your car stop by pressing on a spinning disc when you hit the brakes. They wear out and need to be changed so your car can stop safely."}},{"startTime":669.1,"endTime":672.3,"type":"term","title":"rotors","url":"/glossary/rotors","quote":"I'm hearing that a lot of people are being told that they need to replace their brake pads and have their rotors turned before they need it.","canonicalId":"term:rotors","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rotors, also called brake discs, are the round metal discs that brake pads clamp onto to slow or stop a vehicle. Rotors can sometimes be resurfaced or 'turned' to restore a smooth surface if they are warped or uneven.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rotors are metal discs that your car's brake pads press against to stop the car. Sometimes they get worn or uneven and can be smoothed out by a mechanic."}},{"startTime":736.7,"endTime":740.3,"type":"part","title":"brake caliper","url":"/glossary/brake-caliper","quote":"That's the shiny white part that you can see. You have a brake caliper that you can see and it kind of sits on top of the rotor and then a rotor is, is shiny.","canonicalId":"part:brake-caliper","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A brake caliper is the component that houses the brake pads and presses them against the rotors to create friction and slow the vehicle. It sits over the rotor and is essential for the braking process.","simplifiedExplanation":"The brake caliper is the part that squeezes the brake pads onto the round metal disc (rotor) to help stop your car."}},{"startTime":828.6,"endTime":832.3,"type":"part","title":"cabin air filter","url":"/glossary/cabin-air-filter","quote":"You know, if they're willing to put in a new cabin air filter, most cars have cabin air filters, and that's just designed to filter the outside air so that when you're inside the car, it won't contaminate your lungs.","canonicalId":"part:cabin-air-filter","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A cabin air filter is a component in most cars designed to filter the outside air entering the vehicle's interior, removing dust, pollen, and other contaminants to improve air quality inside the cabin.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cabin air filter cleans the air that comes into your car so you breathe cleaner air when you drive."}},{"startTime":1103.94,"endTime":1107.7,"type":"term","title":"check engine light","url":"/glossary/check-engine-light","quote":"So you come in with a check engine light and all they're doing is throwing oxygen sensors at you and PV, PCV valves and all kinds of other things that you don't know anything about map sensors.","canonicalId":"term:check-engine-light","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The check engine light is a warning indicator on a car's dashboard that signals a problem with the vehicle's engine or emissions system. It prompts the driver to have the car diagnosed and repaired to prevent further damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong with the engine or emissions. When it comes on, it's a good idea to get your car checked by a mechanic."}},{"startTime":1107.7,"endTime":1113.0,"type":"part","title":"oxygen sensors","url":"/glossary/oxygen-sensors","quote":"So you come in with a check engine light and all they're doing is throwing oxygen sensors at you and PV, PCV valves and all kinds of other things that you don't know anything about map sensors.","canonicalId":"part:oxygen-sensors","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases to help the engine control module adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions control.","simplifiedExplanation":"Oxygen sensors are parts in your car that check how much oxygen is in the exhaust. This helps the car run better and pollute less."}},{"startTime":1113.0,"endTime":1116.1,"type":"part","title":"MAP sensor","url":"/glossary/map-sensor","quote":"So you come in with a check engine light and all they're doing is throwing oxygen sensors at you and PV, PCV valves and all kinds of other things that you don't know anything about map sensors.","canonicalId":"part:map-sensor","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold to help the engine control unit calculate the correct air-fuel mixture for efficient combustion.","simplifiedExplanation":"A MAP sensor is a part in your car that measures how much air pressure is inside the engine to help it run better."}},{"startTime":1132.1,"endTime":1134.6,"type":"concept","title":"diagnostic charge","url":"/glossary/diagnostic-charge","quote":"And then they finally bring it to us. We tell them that there's a one hour diagnostic charge.","canonicalId":"concept:diagnostic-charge","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A diagnostic charge is a fee that a repair shop charges to diagnose the cause of a vehicle's problem, usually involving the use of specialized tools and expertise to identify issues before repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A diagnostic charge is the money you pay a mechanic to find out what's wrong with your car before they fix it."}},{"startTime":1194.1,"endTime":1197.94,"type":"term","title":"nitrogen in tires","url":"/glossary/nitrogen-in-tires","quote":"\"Like nitrogen, you don't need pure nitrogen in your tires.\"","canonicalId":"term:nitrogen-in-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nitrogen is sometimes used instead of regular air to fill tires because it maintains pressure longer and reduces moisture inside the tire. However, for most everyday drivers, pure nitrogen is not necessary.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some people fill their tires with nitrogen instead of normal air because it can keep the tires inflated better. But for most cars, just using regular air is fine and you don't need special nitrogen."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"My Car Guru...Lennie Lawson","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/car-dealer-advertising-meant-to-deceive-and-how-to-see-through-it/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}