Cold Weather Driving: What Actually Matters ( Mechanic's Winter Survival Checklist )
About this episode
Cold weather driving can be tough on vehicles, and this episode offers essential tips to keep your car running smoothly during frigid temperatures. Niall shares 12 crucial reminders, including the importance of warming up your vehicle, maintaining proper tire pressure, and ensuring your battery is in good condition. He emphasizes the need for quality fluids and filters, along with practical advice on keeping your fuel tank full to prevent moisture buildup. With a mix of humor and expertise, Niall aims to help listeners avoid costly winter mishaps and maintain vehicle reliability.
Cold weather driving is hard on vehicles - but most drivers focus on the wrong things. In this episode, I break down what actually matters in winter driving, from proper warm - up time and engine oil to batteries, tire pressure, cooling systems, washer fluid, and fuel levels.
We cover 12 real-world winter driving, fundamentals that protect your engine, improve safety, and prevent expensive cold weather damage. No myths. No guesswork. Just straight talk from the shop floor.
If you want your vehicle to survive winter without unnecessary repairs, this is the checklist you need.
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 just click their logo and connect Thank You! Grab some Merch, be part of the crew & Help those struggling with addictions get that New Life @ Total Freedom Campuses Canada and USA . Happy Healthy Motoring Friends, Nile Motormouth Jenkins. Peace, Patience, Kindness Always. NMJ Tnx for watching & listening.
Jeep Wrangler
"...rs, we live them. Whether it's a 25-year-old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life, or a Nissan Rogu..."
Nissan Rogue
"...gler getting a second chance at life, or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order, or perhaps a my..."
The Nissan Rogue is a type of car called a crossover SUV, which means it has a higher seating position and more space than a regular car. People like it because it's comfortable, good on gas, and safe, making it a popular choice for everyday driving.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. It is often discussed for its versatility, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike.
cold weather
"I want to give you some reminders, some things that can help you and your car survive the cold weather. There's some tidbits here that if you implement them..."
Cold weather refers to low temperatures that can cause problems for cars, like batteries not working well and tires losing air. It's important to take care of your car in winter to keep it running smoothly.
Cold weather can significantly affect vehicle performance, particularly in terms of battery efficiency and tire pressure. It's important to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions to avoid breakdowns and ensure safety on the road.
battery
"Because it's this time of year. Batteries fail instantly. Tires go flat. They're under inflated."
A car battery provides the electricity needed to start the engine and power electrical systems. In cold weather, batteries can stop working properly, so it's good to check them before winter.
Car batteries can fail in cold weather due to reduced chemical reactions that provide power. It's essential to check the battery's health and charge before winter to avoid getting stranded.
tires
"Tires go flat. They're under inflated."
Tires are the rubber parts of your car that touch the road. In cold weather, they can lose air, making it harder to drive safely. It's important to check their pressure regularly during winter.
Tires can lose air pressure in cold temperatures, which can lead to poor handling and increased wear. Regularly checking tire pressure and ensuring they are properly inflated is crucial for safe driving in winter conditions.
jalopy
"Somebody calls your car a jalopy or a piece of, you know what, POS. It's okay."
A 'jalopy' is an old car that doesn't work very well. People often use this word to talk about cars that are falling apart but still have some charm.
'Jalopy' is a slang term used to describe an old, dilapidated, or unreliable car. It's often used affectionately or humorously to refer to a vehicle that may not be in the best condition but still holds value to its owner.
rust proofing
"...you've looked after the structural integrity, that means rust proofing every year to keep it solid, keep the rusties away."
Rust proofing is when you put a special coating on your car to stop it from getting rusty. It's important to do this, especially if you live in a place where it rains a lot or where they use salt on the roads in winter.
Rust proofing is a process that involves applying a protective coating to a vehicle to prevent rust from forming. This is especially important in areas where vehicles are exposed to moisture or salt, which can accelerate rusting.
Nissan 2008 Nissan
"...the MTO getting a vehicle registered, getting our 2008 Nissan Rogue actually is officially in my name, insured,"
The Nissan 200 SX is a small, sporty car that was made a while ago and is loved by some people for how fun it is to drive. It's a good choice for those who like cars that are quick and can be customized.
The Nissan 200 SX is a compact sports coupe that was popular in the 1990s, known for its lightweight design and responsive handling. It's often discussed among car enthusiasts for its tuning potential and as a classic example of Nissan's performance-oriented vehicles.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
"So anyways, I was taking the FJ, and it was stone cold. I had the Nissan Rogue running this afternoon..."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a type of SUV that looks like older models from Toyota. It's built for driving off-road and has a unique, boxy shape.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled SUV known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive design, reminiscent of the classic Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser.
engine oil
"Number two, engine oil. It's got to be cleaned and serviced."
Engine oil helps keep the engine running smoothly by reducing friction between parts. It's important to change it regularly to keep the engine healthy.
Engine oil is crucial for lubricating the engine's moving parts, reducing friction, and preventing wear. Regular cleaning and servicing of engine oil help maintain engine performance and longevity.
Wix filters
"I like the... I've always liked and always used Wix filters."
Wix filters makes parts that clean the oil, air, and fuel in your car. They're trusted by many people who work on cars because they do a good job.
Wix filters is a brand known for manufacturing high-quality automotive filters, including oil, air, and fuel filters. They are popular among car enthusiasts and mechanics for their reliability and performance.
cabin air filter
"What does that mean? The cabin air filter. If your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter you need all the blow you can get..."
The cabin air filter is like a filter for the air inside your car. It keeps dust and pollen from coming in through the vents, making the air you breathe cleaner.
A cabin air filter is a component in vehicles that cleans the air entering the cabin from the outside. It helps filter out dust, pollen, and other pollutants, ensuring that the air you breathe inside the car is cleaner and healthier.
maintenance neglect
"...and it's all about maintenance neglect. That's what put the vehicle in the wrecking yard..."
Maintenance neglect is when a car owner doesn't take care of their vehicle by skipping important services like oil changes or tire checks. This can cause big problems and might even lead to the car being scrapped.
Maintenance neglect refers to the failure to perform regular upkeep on a vehicle, which can lead to significant mechanical issues and ultimately result in the vehicle being deemed unroadworthy. This can include neglecting oil changes, tire rotations, and other essential services.
engine air filter
"...So engine air filter top drawer. Again..."
The engine air filter keeps your car's engine clean by blocking dirt and dust. Changing it regularly helps your car run better and can save you money on gas.
An engine air filter is a crucial component that prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's combustion chamber. Regularly replacing it can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.
cabin filters
"so cabin filters engine filters "
Cabin filters clean the air that comes into the car from outside. They help keep the air inside fresh and free from dust and pollen.
Cabin filters are components in vehicles that filter the air entering the cabin, removing dust, pollen, and other pollutants. They help maintain air quality inside the car, ensuring a healthier environment for passengers.
engine filters
"cabin filters engine filters oil filters "
Engine filters keep dirt and debris out of the engine. They help the engine run smoothly and last longer by filtering out harmful particles.
Engine filters, such as air and oil filters, are crucial for maintaining engine performance. They prevent contaminants from entering the engine, which can cause damage and reduce efficiency.
oil filters
"engine filters oil filters use wicks "
Oil filters clean the oil that lubricates the engine. They help keep the oil free from dirt and debris, which is important for the engine's performance.
Oil filters remove contaminants from engine oil, ensuring that the oil remains clean and effective in lubricating engine components. Regular replacement is essential for engine health.
transmission service
"Number four transmission service if that oil is filthy dirty "
Transmission service means checking and changing the fluid that helps the car's gears work. It's important to keep the transmission running well and avoid problems.
Transmission service involves checking and replacing the transmission fluid, which is vital for the smooth operation of the transmission. Regular service helps prevent transmission issues and prolongs its lifespan.
bumper-to-bumper warranty
"...unless you have an amazing bumper-to-bumper warranty which I don't even think exists anymore..."
A bumper-to-bumper warranty means that if something goes wrong with your car, most repairs will be covered for a certain time or distance. It's like insurance for your car's parts.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost all vehicle components, from the front bumper to the rear bumper, for a specified period or mileage. It's designed to protect the owner from repair costs during the warranty period.
transmission pan
"...if I'm not going to inspect the transmission pan for particles see if I've got something..."
The transmission pan is like a container for the fluid that helps your car's transmission work. Checking it for dirt or metal pieces can help you find out if there are problems inside the transmission.
The transmission pan is a component of an automatic transmission that holds the transmission fluid. Inspecting it for particles can indicate wear or damage within the transmission system.
transmission oil service
"...if you haven't done a transmission oil service in 50k listen up your day is coming..."
Transmission oil service is when you change the fluid in your car's transmission. If you don't do this regularly, it can cause problems and might even break your car.
A transmission oil service involves changing the fluid in the transmission to ensure proper operation and longevity. Neglecting this service can lead to transmission failure and costly repairs.
cooling system
"...number 5 cooling system last time service never for the cooling system which is..."
The cooling system helps keep the engine from getting too hot. It uses parts like a radiator and a pump to keep everything at the right temperature.
The cooling system is crucial for maintaining the engine's temperature, preventing overheating, and ensuring optimal performance. It typically includes components like the radiator, water pump, and thermostat.
PSI
"for every one PSI pressure loss in one tire that's a 2% fuel economy reduction right there"
PSI means pounds per square inch, which is how we measure air pressure in tires. Keeping the right PSI helps your car run better and saves fuel.
PSI stands for pounds per square inch, a unit of measurement for pressure. In the context of tires, maintaining the correct PSI is crucial for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
fuel economy
"that's a 2% fuel economy reduction right there"
Fuel economy is how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. If fuel economy decreases, it means the car is using more fuel to travel the same distance.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km). A reduction in fuel economy means the vehicle consumes more fuel for the same distance.
tire pressure
"...is it worth checking your tire pressures and making sure they're right where they should be..."
Tire pressure is how much air is in your tires. If it's too low, it can make your car less safe and use more fuel.
Tire pressure is the amount of air inside a tire, measured in PSI. Correct tire pressure is essential for safety, handling, and fuel efficiency.
TPMS
"...not all vehicles have TPMS tire pressure monitoring system and most people don't pay attention to it anyway"
TPMS is a system that checks if your car's tires have enough air. If a tire is low on air, it will warn you so you can fill it up before it causes problems.
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is a safety feature in many vehicles that monitors the air pressure in the tires. If the pressure drops below a certain level, the system alerts the driver, helping to prevent tire blowouts and improve fuel efficiency.
headliner
"new headliner in it"
The headliner is the fabric or material that you see on the inside roof of a car. It helps make the car look nice and can keep it quieter inside.
The headliner is the material that covers the interior roof of a vehicle. It can enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide insulation and soundproofing.
salvage title
"a new to me anyway I got some salvage stuff anyhow that's a story for another time so"
A salvage title means the car was in a serious accident or had major damage and was written off by the insurance company. It can be harder to sell or insure a car with this title.
A salvage title is given to a vehicle that has been damaged and deemed a total loss by an insurance company. This can affect the vehicle's resale value and insurability.
volts
"should be 12.6 to 13.4 volts the battery was sinking in the cold weather so it's it's on low"
Volts measure how much electrical power is available. A good car battery should have between 12.6 and 13.4 volts; lower than that means it might be weak or dead.
Volts are a measure of electrical potential. In automotive terms, a healthy battery typically has a voltage between 12.6 to 13.4 volts, while a reading below 12 volts indicates a discharged battery.
boost and go
"don't boost and go folks that'll kill the battery it heats up the plates"
'Boost and go' means starting a car with a jump and then driving it right away. This can hurt the battery and make it stop working sooner.
The phrase 'boost and go' refers to the practice of jump-starting a vehicle and immediately driving it without allowing the battery to recharge properly. This can lead to battery damage and reduced lifespan.
trickle charger
"nice and slow, like a 10 amp trickle charger overnight then the next day"
A trickle charger is a device that charges a battery slowly, which is good for keeping it charged without damaging it. It's often used when a car or other vehicle is not being used for a while.
A trickle charger is a device used to charge batteries at a very low rate, typically around 1 to 2 amps. This slow charging method helps to maintain the battery's charge without overcharging it, making it ideal for long-term storage or maintenance of batteries.
voltage
"...to see where my voltage is and if the voltage is coming up under load..."
Voltage is like the pressure of electricity in a battery. It tells you how much power the battery has to run things in the car.
Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference between two points. In automotive terms, it indicates the electrical energy available in a battery to power the vehicle's systems.
wipers
"...make sure they're free and if they're not like when I went to pick up the rogue the wipers were non-existent..."
Wipers are the parts on your car that wipe the windshield clean when it rains or snows. They help you see better by removing water and dirt.
Wipers are essential components on a vehicle that help clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield, ensuring visibility for the driver. They typically consist of a rubber blade attached to a metal arm that moves back and forth across the glass.
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