{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Driving on Low Tire Pressure, Warming up a Vehicle in the Winter, Tire Rotation Tips","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/driving-on-low-tire-pressure-warming-up-a-vehicle-in-the-winter-tire-rotation-tips","audioUrl":"https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857338/7857338_2025-12-13-132938.128.mp3?rssID=3659","description":"Does it matter how much fuel is in your vehicle in the winter time? How long can you drive on tires with low pressure. How big of a difference do engine additives like Seafoam make? Is there still a difference between summer and winter gas? Jump starting a hybrid. What to know if you want to warm up your car in the winter. Battery tender basics. Tire rotation information. What happens when a battery freezes. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316."},"annotations":[{"startTime":136.8,"endTime":144.3,"type":"term","title":"tire pressure","url":"/glossary/tire-pressure","quote":"You know, I was talking to somebody just the other day about tire pressure, and I'm looking at a text that came in a bit ago. Good morning, Texas. How long can you drive once your tire pressure light comes on? The light is not flashing.","canonicalId":"term:tire-pressure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a vehicle's tires, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tire pressure is how much air is inside your car's tires. It's important to keep it at the right level for safe driving and better gas mileage."}},{"startTime":152.5,"endTime":164.5,"type":"term","title":"PSI","url":"/glossary/psi","quote":"That's why I really love the cars that have the actual PSI on your dash. You can check out, you know, and again, you've told me they're relatively accurate, right? They are, and that is a good point.","canonicalId":"term:psi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"PSI stands for pounds per square inch, a unit of measurement used to quantify pressure, including the pressure in vehicle tires. Knowing the PSI helps ensure that tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels for optimal performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"PSI means pounds per square inch, which is how we measure the air pressure in tires. It's important to know this number to keep your tires safe and working well."}},{"startTime":236.2,"endTime":246.9,"type":"car","title":"Chevy Equinox","url":"/cars/chevrolet/equinox","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/CHEVROLET_EQUINOX_THIRD_GENERATION_China.jpg","quote":"I have a 2015 Chevy Equinox and I understand that there was an engine recall on it.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:equinox","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. The 2015 model comes with various engine options and has been noted for its reliability and practicality.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevy Equinox is a type of SUV that is popular for its roomy interior and smooth driving experience. The 2015 version is one of the models that people often talk about.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":298.9,"endTime":305.4,"type":"term","title":"oil sludge","url":"/glossary/oil-sludge","quote":"...and that seafoam is going to kind of help with that oil sludge cleaning out, some of the build up that's happened over the course of thousands of miles.","canonicalId":"term:oil-sludge","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Oil sludge is a thick, sticky substance that forms when engine oil breaks down and combines with dirt, debris, and other contaminants. It can cause engine problems if not cleaned out, as it can block oil passages and reduce lubrication.","simplifiedExplanation":"Oil sludge is a gooey buildup that can happen in your engine when oil gets old and dirty. If it builds up too much, it can cause problems by blocking oil flow, which is bad for your engine."}},{"startTime":319.3,"endTime":323.7,"type":"term","title":"gasoline blends","url":"/glossary/gasoline-blends","quote":"Here's an interesting question. I know we talk about gasoline blends. Can you explain the difference between the summer blend of gas and the winter blend?","canonicalId":"term:gasoline-blends","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Gasoline blends refer to the different formulations of gasoline that are used in vehicles depending on the season. Summer blends are designed to reduce evaporation and emissions in warmer temperatures, while winter blends are formulated to improve cold starting and combustion efficiency in colder weather.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gasoline blends are types of fuel that are mixed differently for summer and winter. The summer blend helps reduce pollution in hot weather, while the winter blend makes it easier for cars to start in the cold."}},{"startTime":348.2,"endTime":351.9,"type":"term","title":"ethanol","url":"/glossary/ethanol","quote":"Ethanol is alcohol comes from the grain that they produce. It's a good product. Some vehicles can use a higher percentage of ethanol.","canonicalId":"term:ethanol","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is commonly used as a fuel additive. It is produced from the fermentation of sugars found in plants, such as corn or sugarcane, and can help reduce emissions when blended with gasoline.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ethanol is a kind of alcohol made from plants, and it's added to fuel to help cars run better and produce less pollution."}},{"startTime":351.9,"endTime":355.7,"type":"term","title":"E85","quote":"I know that there's ethanol in the fuel year round which absorbs the moisture... Some vehicles can use a higher percentage of ethanol. There's E85 vehicles and such.","canonicalId":"term:e85","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"E85 is a type of fuel that contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is designed for use in flex-fuel vehicles that can run on higher ethanol blends, which can lead to reduced emissions and increased performance in some cases.","simplifiedExplanation":"E85 is a special kind of fuel that has a lot of alcohol in it, which can be better for some cars. Cars that can use this fuel are called flex-fuel vehicles."}},{"startTime":385.9,"endTime":390.8,"type":"term","title":"hybrid","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"...my daughter the other day and she drives a hybrid as my son does and I never really thought about this before.","canonicalId":"term:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. This dual setup allows for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid car uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment than regular cars that only use gas."}},{"startTime":400.4,"endTime":406.9,"type":"term","title":"12V battery","url":"/glossary/12v-battery","quote":"...we're talking about the 12V battery that most of us have in our regular cars. There's a difference at least in this particular Toyota model...","canonicalId":"term:12v-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 12V battery is a standard component in most vehicles, providing power to start the engine and run electrical systems when the engine is off. In hybrids, its location and function can differ from traditional vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 12V battery is a type of battery used in cars to start the engine and power things like lights and radio when the engine is off. In hybrid cars, it might be placed in different spots compared to regular cars."}},{"startTime":444.8,"endTime":447.9,"type":"term","title":"high voltage battery","url":"/glossary/high-voltage-battery","quote":"you do not mess around with the high voltage battery. It has nothing to do with jump-starting a vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:high-voltage-battery","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A high voltage battery is used in hybrid and electric vehicles to store energy for propulsion. These batteries operate at much higher voltages than standard 12V batteries and require special handling due to their potential hazards.","simplifiedExplanation":"The high voltage battery is a large battery found in hybrid and electric cars that powers the motor. It's much more powerful than the regular car battery and can be dangerous if not handled properly."}},{"startTime":612.98,"endTime":617.34,"type":"car","title":"Toyota RAV4","url":"/cars/toyota/rav4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/2021_Toyota_RAV4_PHV.jpg","quote":"...which is specifically a Toyota RAV4.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:rav4","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been popular for its reliability and practicality. It's known for its spacious interior and versatility, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people like because it's reliable and has a lot of space inside. It's good for families and for carrying things around.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":652.1,"endTime":655.8,"type":"term","title":"modular computer","url":"/glossary/modular-computer","quote":"...attempted to jumpstart, and now a modular computer has been shorted out, and it's very expensive. So make sure you know exactly what you're doing before you head down that path.","canonicalId":"term:modular-computer","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A modular computer in a vehicle refers to a component of the car's electronic control unit (ECU) that manages various functions. If damaged, it can lead to expensive repairs, especially in modern vehicles that rely heavily on electronics.","simplifiedExplanation":"A modular computer is a part of a car that controls many electronic functions. If it gets damaged, it can be very costly to fix."}},{"startTime":713.9,"endTime":717.3,"type":"term","title":"alternator","url":"/glossary/alternator","quote":"...the alternator's not spinning fast enough, so therefore I can't create enough current to recharge that battery...","canonicalId":"term:alternator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle's electrical system that generates electricity to recharge the battery while the engine is running. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy, ensuring that the battery remains charged and powering the vehicle's electrical systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"The alternator is a part of the car that helps keep the battery charged while the engine is running. It makes sure that all the electrical parts of the car, like the lights and radio, have power."}},{"startTime":748.2,"endTime":751.0,"type":"term","title":"warm up a car","url":"/glossary/warm-up-a-car","quote":"...about how long should you warm up a car. And I was looking at a text, another text, information about that very thing an hour or two ago.","canonicalId":"term:warm-up-a-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Warming up a car refers to the practice of allowing the engine to run for a period of time before driving, which helps to ensure that the engine oil and other fluids reach their optimal operating temperature. This is especially important in cold weather, as it can affect engine performance and longevity.","simplifiedExplanation":"When you warm up a car, you're letting the engine run for a little while before you start driving. This helps the oil and other fluids get warm enough to work properly, especially when it's really cold outside."}},{"startTime":771.7,"endTime":777.0,"type":"term","title":"subzero weather","url":"/glossary/subzero-weather","quote":"...thinking about a car that's been sitting out in subzero weather for hours. 30 seconds doesn't seem to be long enough, but you're the mechanic.","canonicalId":"term:subzero-weather","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Subzero weather refers to temperatures that fall below zero degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. In such conditions, vehicles can experience issues like thickened oil, reduced battery performance, and increased wear on engine components if not properly warmed up before driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Subzero weather means it's really, really cold—below zero degrees. When it's this cold, cars can have trouble starting and running well unless they're warmed up first."}},{"startTime":781.5,"endTime":781.5,"type":"term","title":"thickened oil","url":"/glossary/thickened-oil","quote":"...Can the fluids and the thickened oil, can that all be warmed up that quickly?","canonicalId":"term:thickened-oil","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Thickened oil refers to engine oil that has become more viscous due to low temperatures, making it less effective at lubricating engine components. In cold weather, oil can thicken, which can lead to increased wear and tear if the engine is started and driven without warming it up first.","simplifiedExplanation":"Thickened oil is oil that gets thicker when it's really cold outside. This makes it harder for the oil to flow and do its job of keeping the engine parts moving smoothly."}},{"startTime":825.1,"endTime":829.9,"type":"term","title":"battery tender","url":"/glossary/battery-tender","quote":"...I keep a battery tender on my vehicle in this extremely cold weather in my garage, mainly because I don't drive every day. It's basically a comment.","canonicalId":"term:battery-tender","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A battery tender is a device that maintains the charge of a vehicle's battery by providing a low-level charge when the battery is not in use. It's particularly useful in cold weather to prevent battery drain and ensure the battery remains functional.","simplifiedExplanation":"A battery tender is a tool that helps keep your car's battery charged when you're not using the car often. It makes sure the battery doesn't run out of power, especially in cold weather."}},{"startTime":888.5,"endTime":890.5,"type":"term","title":"battery maintainer","url":"/glossary/battery-maintainer","quote":"So it is just a maintainer. If you have a vehicle stored to run the maintainer to keep the battery topped up, is it probably a good idea?","canonicalId":"term:battery-maintainer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A battery maintainer is a device designed to keep a battery charged without overcharging it. It is especially useful for vehicles that are not driven regularly, as it helps to prolong battery life by maintaining an optimal charge level.","simplifiedExplanation":"A battery maintainer is a tool that keeps your car battery charged when you're not using the car often. It makes sure the battery doesn't run out of power while it's sitting unused."}},{"startTime":898.3,"endTime":900.8,"type":"term","title":"float charger","url":"/glossary/float-charger","quote":"So if it's the newer one that has the float built into it, it'll shut itself off and it's probably just fine.","canonicalId":"term:float-charger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A float charger is a type of battery charger that automatically switches to a maintenance mode once the battery is fully charged. This prevents overcharging and helps maintain the battery's charge over time without damaging it.","simplifiedExplanation":"A float charger is a special charger that stops charging once the battery is full. It helps keep the battery charged without hurting it, which is great for cars that aren't used often."}},{"startTime":998.3,"endTime":1002.8,"type":"car","title":"Ford F-150","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"The vehicle is a 2000 F-150. Well, I'm suspecting there's something wrong with either the gauge, the sending unit or the wiring in between.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. The 2000 model year is part of the ninth generation of the F-150, which was produced from 1997 to 2003.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that can be used for work or personal use. The 2000 version is part of a series that has been known for being strong and reliable.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1010.1,"endTime":1013.4,"type":"term","title":"oil pressure","url":"/glossary/oil-pressure","quote":"If there is truly zero oil pressure, that's not good for the engine. So I would confirm that that's not the fact.","canonicalId":"term:oil-pressure","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Oil pressure is crucial for engine health, as it ensures proper lubrication of engine components. Low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Oil pressure is how much pressure the oil has in the engine. It's important because it helps keep the engine parts moving smoothly. If the pressure is too low, it can hurt the engine."}},{"startTime":1068.1,"endTime":1070.3,"type":"term","title":"winter gas","url":"/glossary/winter-gas","quote":"It's 10% ethanol year-round, but the gasoline component does change. In the wintertime, it has more volatiles in it like butane and propane to ease cold weather starting.","canonicalId":"term:winter-gas","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Winter gas is a formulation of gasoline that includes more volatile compounds to help with cold weather starting. It typically contains additives like butane and propane, which can improve performance in lower temperatures but may reduce overall energy content.","simplifiedExplanation":"Winter gas is a type of fuel designed to work better in cold weather. It has special ingredients that help cars start more easily when it's cold outside, but it doesn't provide as much energy as summer gas."}},{"startTime":1068.1,"endTime":1070.3,"type":"term","title":"summer gas","url":"/glossary/summer-gas","quote":"It's 10% ethanol year-round, but the gasoline component does change. In the wintertime, it has more volatiles in it like butane and propane to ease cold weather starting.","canonicalId":"term:summer-gas","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Summer gas refers to gasoline formulations that are optimized for warmer temperatures. These formulations typically contain fewer volatile compounds compared to winter gas, which helps improve fuel efficiency and performance during the warmer months.","simplifiedExplanation":"Summer gas is a type of fuel made for warmer weather. It has different ingredients than winter gas, which helps cars run better and use less fuel when it's hot outside."}},{"startTime":1077.0,"endTime":1077.0,"type":"term","title":"volatiles","url":"/glossary/volatiles","quote":"In the wintertime, it has more volatiles in it like butane and propane to ease cold weather starting.","canonicalId":"term:volatiles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volatiles are compounds that easily evaporate at room temperature. In the context of gasoline, they are important for ensuring the fuel vaporizes properly for combustion, especially in cold weather conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volatiles are parts of gasoline that turn into gas easily. They help the fuel work better, especially when it's cold outside, so the car can start more easily."}},{"startTime":1155.8,"endTime":1175.2,"type":"car","title":"Pontiac Grand Prix","url":"/cars/pontiac/grand-prix","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/1964_Pontiac_Grand_Prix%2C_front_left%2C_06-16-2024.jpg","quote":"Yeah, I have a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix and it's got that end dash air pressure like we were talking about before.","canonicalId":"car:pontiac:grand-prix","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Pontiac Grand Prix is a mid-size car that was produced by Pontiac from 1962 until 2008. The 2008 model is part of the last generation of this vehicle, known for its sporty design and performance features.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Pontiac Grand Prix is a car made by the Pontiac brand. The 2008 version is known for being a mid-size sedan that offers a balance of comfort and sportiness.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1186.0,"endTime":1192.6,"type":"term","title":"tire rotation","url":"/glossary/tire-rotation","quote":"Anyway, when the tires get rotated, does that mix up the correct reading as far as left or right, left, front, et cetera? That is a great question.","canonicalId":"term:tire-rotation","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tire rotation is the practice of moving tires from one position on a vehicle to another to promote even tire wear. This is important for maintaining optimal traction and extending the lifespan of the tires.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tire rotation means changing the position of your car's tires. It helps them wear evenly, which is good for safety and makes the tires last longer."}},{"startTime":1246.54,"endTime":1251.52,"type":"car","title":"GMC Envoy","url":"/cars/gmc/envoy","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/%2706_GMC_Envoy_XL_Denali.jpg","quote":"Texture says this, my check engine light is on a GMC 2007 Envoy.","canonicalId":"car:gmc:envoy","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV that was produced by General Motors from 2002 to 2009. It is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GMC Envoy is a type of SUV made by GMC, which is a division of General Motors. It was made from 2002 to 2009 and is known for being roomy and comfortable.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1281.5,"endTime":1292.6,"type":"part","title":"block heater","url":"/glossary/block-heater","quote":"A listener wants to know, basically, do they still make block heaters? Is that something that we can still add to our vehicles or do they ever come standard?","canonicalId":"part:block-heater","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A block heater is an electric heater that warms the engine and fluids in a vehicle, making it easier to start in cold weather. They are particularly useful in regions with harsh winters, as they help prevent engine damage and improve fuel efficiency during cold starts.","simplifiedExplanation":"A block heater is a device that helps warm up your car's engine when it's really cold outside. It makes it easier to start the car and helps it run better in winter."}},{"startTime":1397.2,"endTime":1407.6,"type":"term","title":"coolant","url":"/glossary/coolant","quote":"Texture wants to know, given newer cars, what do you recommend to changing the coolant in cars, these newer cars?","canonicalId":"term:coolant","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coolant is a fluid used in a vehicle's cooling system to regulate engine temperature. It absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator, preventing overheating.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coolant is a liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot. It moves around the engine and carries away heat, which is important for keeping everything running smoothly."}},{"startTime":1411.5,"endTime":1415.2,"type":"term","title":"antifreeze","url":"/glossary/antifreeze","quote":"Is there a 50-50 mixture, antifreeze and water? How often should one, first of all, that's the first question.","canonicalId":"term:antifreeze","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Antifreeze is a liquid added to the coolant in a vehicle's cooling system to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the coolant. This helps prevent the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling over in hot conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Antifreeze is a special liquid that helps keep your car's engine from freezing in winter and overheating in summer. It's mixed with water to help the engine stay at the right temperature."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Audacy","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/driving-on-low-tire-pressure-warming-up-a-vehicle-in-the-winter-tire-rotation-tips/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}