Changing Aging Tires, Antifreeze Answers, Jumpstarting Tips
About this episode
Tire aging, antifreeze types, and jumpstarting techniques take center stage in this informative episode. ASC Certified Technician Nick Stoffel tackles listener questions, including whether 12-year-old tires need replacing, the importance of using the correct antifreeze, and the effectiveness of portable jump starters. He also shares insights on diagnosing airbag sensor issues and the impact of winter on fuel economy. With practical advice and expert tips, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their car care knowledge.
dry rotting
"They do that. The rubber compound will slowly deteriorate, kind of dry out. Our biggest concern is that that dry rotting, the cracking between the tread and the inner parts of the tire there."
Dry rotting is when rubber tires start to break down and crack because they've been exposed to sunlight and air for a long time. This can make the tires unsafe to drive on.
Dry rotting refers to the deterioration of rubber materials, particularly in tires, due to exposure to environmental factors like UV light and ozone. This process can lead to cracking and loss of structural integrity, making the tires unsafe for use.
Nissan XTerra
"A text that says it's a 2011 Nissan XTERRA."
The Nissan Xterra is a type of SUV made by Nissan. It's designed for off-road driving and has a tough look.
The Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV that was produced by Nissan from 1999 to 2015. It is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design.
airbag sensor
"They determined it to be the driver's side airbag sensor located under the carpet near the seat."
An airbag sensor helps the car know when to inflate the airbag in an accident. If it doesn't work, the airbag might not deploy.
An airbag sensor is a component that detects a collision and triggers the deployment of the airbag. If the sensor is faulty, it can cause the airbag light to illuminate on the dashboard.
corroded bolt
"The dealer says the sensor is attached with a bolt, which has become corroded."
A corroded bolt is a metal piece that has rusted and become weak. This can make it hard to take out when fixing something.
A corroded bolt is a fastener that has deteriorated due to rust or chemical reactions, making it difficult to remove or replace. This can lead to complications during repairs.
Lexus 350E
"...this, excuse me, Texter says 2005 Lexus 350E,..."
The Lexus 350E is a luxury car made by Lexus in 2005. It's designed for comfort and has many high-end features that make driving enjoyable.
The Lexus 350E is a model from Lexus, known for its luxury features and reliability. It typically offers a comfortable ride and a range of advanced technology options.
Ford F150
"I've got a 95.5 ton F-150."
The Ford F-150 is a large truck that can be used for many purposes, like carrying heavy loads or towing. The 1995 version is one of the older models in a long line of F-150 trucks.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. The 1995 model is part of the ninth generation of the F-Series, which is popular for both work and personal use.
e-brake
"I need a e-brake rebuilt from the crankhead all the way back. I think I need a cable. I need it rebuilt."
The e-brake, also known as the parking brake, is what you use to keep your car from rolling when it's parked. It works differently than the regular brakes you use while driving.
The e-brake, or electronic parking brake, is a mechanism that secures a vehicle in place when parked. It can be activated electronically rather than through a traditional lever.
cable
"I think I need a cable. I need it rebuilt."
The cable is a part that connects the parking brake to the brakes on the wheels. It helps pull on the brakes when you pull the lever to park the car.
In the context of an e-brake, the cable connects the parking brake lever to the brake mechanism, allowing the driver to engage and disengage the brake.
parking brake
"So he's talking about the parking brake."
The parking brake is what you pull to keep your car from rolling away when it's parked. It's an extra brake that helps secure the car in place.
The parking brake is a secondary braking system used to keep a vehicle stationary when parked. It is typically engaged manually and is crucial for safety on inclines.
emergency brake
"or the emergency brake as we call it. A vintage vehicle, 1995."
The emergency brake is a special brake that helps keep your car from rolling away when parked. You pull a lever or push a pedal to use it, and it works separately from the regular brakes.
The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is a secondary braking system used to keep a vehicle stationary when parked. It is typically engaged by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal and operates independently of the main braking system.
rust
"I think the fear is the moment of rust. Now I'm sure we can source those cables."
Rust is what happens when metal gets wet and starts to break down. It's a common problem in older cars, especially if they haven't been taken care of properly.
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or its alloys react with oxygen and moisture, leading to deterioration of metal parts. In vintage vehicles, rust can be a significant concern, especially in areas exposed to moisture.
brake shoes
"back to each wheel where there's a lever and the brake shoes that push out and engage"
Brake shoes are parts inside the brakes of a car that help stop the wheels from turning. When you press the brake pedal, they push out against a drum to slow the car down.
Brake shoes are components of drum brake systems that press against the inner surface of the brake drum to create friction and slow down the vehicle. They are typically made of friction material and are crucial for effective braking performance.
antifreeze
"Texas says does the color of antifreeze you use matter or is universal fine?"
Antifreeze is a liquid that helps keep your car's engine cool and prevents it from freezing in cold weather. The color of the antifreeze can be important because it can tell you what type it is and if it's safe to use in your car.
Antifreeze is a liquid used in vehicle cooling systems to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the coolant. Different colors of antifreeze can indicate different chemical compositions and properties, which may affect compatibility with certain vehicles.
Hyundai Elantra
"...Texture says I have a 2013 Elantra. When the roads are wet or snow and ice covered, the rear end seems to drift left and right."
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is good on gas and has a nice interior. The 2013 version is one of the models you can find, and it's known for being dependable.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2013 model features a comfortable interior and a range of tech options, making it a popular choice among compact car buyers.
alignment rack
"We'd likely put it on the alignment rack, take some measurements, see if something's out of skew. It feels like the rear end is drifting..."
An alignment rack is a tool that helps mechanics check if a car's wheels are pointing in the right direction. If they're not, it can cause problems with how the car drives and how quickly the tires wear out.
An alignment rack is a specialized platform used to measure and adjust the angles of a vehicle's wheels. Proper alignment ensures that the tires make optimal contact with the road, improving handling and tire wear.
Toyota 4Runner
"...Texture says I have a Toyota 4Runner. Is it possible to disconnect the sensor for the car distance when cruise control is on?"
The Toyota 4Runner is a type of SUV that is good for driving off-road and has a strong build. It's a favorite for people who like outdoor adventures.
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It offers a combination of utility and comfort, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
cruise control
"...the sensor froze up and would turn off the cruise control. The sensor would clear then I could turn the cruise control back on."
Cruise control helps you drive at a constant speed without needing to press the gas pedal. It's useful for long drives on highways.
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a vehicle. It allows the driver to maintain a steady speed without having to keep their foot on the accelerator pedal.
distance sensor
"...I think what they're referring to is a distance sensor which is on the front of the vehicle."
A distance sensor helps the car know how far away it is from other objects. This is important for safety features like automatic braking or maintaining a safe distance while driving.
A distance sensor is a device that measures the distance between the vehicle and obstacles in front of it. It's often used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for features like adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"Here is a 2015 Tahoe intermittent message. RE check suspension. Any idea what we're looking at there?"
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has a lot of space for cargo. The 2015 version has a strong engine and comes with modern features for safety and fun while driving.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. The 2015 model features a range of powerful engine options and advanced technology for safety and entertainment.
sensors
"A lot of times we get snow and ice built up on sensors and components that can sometimes"
Sensors are small devices in cars that help keep track of things like tire pressure and temperature. They send information to the car's computer to help it run better.
Sensors in vehicles are devices that monitor various systems and conditions, such as tire pressure, temperature, and suspension performance, providing data to the vehicle's computer for optimal operation.
winter grade oil
"But is there still such a thing as a winter grade oil? That is a good question."
Winter grade oil is a type of oil designed to work better in cold weather. It helps your car start more easily and protects the engine when it's cold outside.
Winter grade oil refers to motor oil that is formulated to perform well in cold temperatures. It typically has a lower viscosity rating, allowing it to flow more easily in cold conditions, which is important for engine start-up and protection.
5W20
"You know, most often vehicles use like 0W20 or 5W20"
5W20 is a type of engine oil that is good for both cold and warm weather. The '5W' means it's suitable for slightly warmer winter conditions compared to 0W20.
5W20 is another multi-viscosity engine oil similar to 0W20, but it has a slightly higher viscosity at low temperatures. This oil is also used in many modern vehicles to ensure proper lubrication and protection across a range of temperatures.
0W20
"You know, most often vehicles use like 0W20 or 5W20"
0W20 is a type of engine oil that works well in both cold and warm weather. The '0W' means it's good for winter, and '20' means it has a certain thickness when the engine is hot.
0W20 is a multi-viscosity engine oil that has a low viscosity rating at low temperatures (the '0W' indicates winter performance) and a viscosity rating of 20 at higher temperatures. This oil is commonly used in modern vehicles for improved fuel efficiency and engine protection.
start-stop technology
"...we're worried about the newer technology. Oftentimes people ask about the start stop. There's the lane correction. There's a self parking."
Start-stop technology helps save gas by turning off the engine when the car is stopped, like at a red light, and then quickly turning it back on when you want to go again.
Start-stop technology is a fuel-saving feature in vehicles that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is idling and restarts it when the driver releases the brake. This helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions in stop-and-go traffic.
self-parking
"...There's a self parking."
Self-parking means your car can park itself without you having to steer, using sensors to find a spot and guide itself in.
Self-parking technology allows a vehicle to automatically steer itself into a parking space with little to no input from the driver. It uses sensors and cameras to detect suitable parking spots and maneuver the vehicle accordingly.
Nissan Rogue
"on a 2013 Rogue was told they need a boot replacement"
The Nissan Rogue is a type of car called a crossover SUV. The 2013 version is known for being good on gas and having a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality and fuel efficiency. The 2013 model features a comfortable interior and a range of safety features, making it a popular choice for families.
Ram 3500
"...that came in a bit ago, iDrive, Texture says a 3500 ram long box"
The Ram 3500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work, like towing trailers or hauling equipment. It's built to be strong and reliable.
The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and durability. It's often used for both work and personal purposes, making it a versatile choice for truck enthusiasts.
tire pressure
"You get too much air in the tire it kind of blooms out. You're going to wear out the center of the tire faster than the rest."
Tire pressure is how much air is inside your car's tires. If the pressure is too high or too low, it can cause problems like uneven tire wear and poor handling of the car.
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a tire, which is crucial for proper vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps ensure even tire wear and optimal performance.
sidewalls
"You get too low of a pressure and those sidewalls are going to cave in."
Sidewalls are the sides of your tires. They help hold the tire's shape and protect it from damage when you hit bumps or potholes.
Sidewalls are the parts of a tire that connect the tread to the wheel. They provide structural integrity and help absorb impacts from the road.
Nissan Versa Note
"Well I have a 2016 Nissan Versa Note and I bought it because I wanted the good gas mileage with a small car"
The Nissan Versa Note is a small hatchback car that is great for city driving and is known for being fuel-efficient. It's a good option if you want a compact car that saves on gas.
The Nissan Versa Note is a subcompact hatchback known for its practicality and fuel efficiency. It offers a spacious interior and is designed for urban driving, making it a popular choice for those seeking a small car with good gas mileage.
gas mileage
"...because I wanted the good gas mileage with a small car and so I pay attention to that average..."
Gas mileage is how far a car can go using a certain amount of fuel. It's usually shown as miles per gallon (MPG), and higher numbers mean the car is more efficient and uses less gas.
Gas mileage refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). It's an important factor for many car buyers, especially those looking to save on fuel costs.
Mazda 5
"...in a 2013 Mazda 5 not loud yet have multiple bids to fix..."
The Mazda 5 is a small family car that has sliding doors and a lot of space inside. It's designed to be practical for families with kids.
The Mazda 5 is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) known for its versatility and family-friendly features. It offers a spacious interior and sliding rear doors for easy access, making it a popular choice for families.
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