Driving on Low Tire Pressure, Warming up a Vehicle in the Winter, Tire Rotation Tips
WCCO's Car Care
WCCO's Car Care Dec 13, 2025
Driving on Low Tire Pressure, Warming up a Vehicle in the Winter, Tire Rotation Tips

Driving on Low Tire Pressure, Warming up a Vehicle in the Winter, Tire Rotation Tips

Annotations will appear as you listen

0:00
27:49
Driving on Low Tire Pressure, Warming up a Vehicle in the Winter, Tire Rotation Tips
Term

tire pressure

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.

Term

PSI

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.

Chevy Equinox
Car

Chevy Equinox

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.

Term

oil sludge

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.

Term

gasoline blends

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.

Term

ethanol

Ethanol is a kind of alcohol made from plants, and it's added to fuel to help cars run better and produce less pollution.

Term

E85

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.

Term

hybrid

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.

Term

12V battery

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.

Term

high voltage battery

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.

Toyota RAV4
Car

Toyota RAV4

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.

Term

modular computer

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.

Term

alternator

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.

Term

warm up a car

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.

Term

subzero weather

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.

Term

thickened oil

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.

Term

battery tender

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.

Term

battery maintainer

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.

Term

float charger

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.

Ford F-150
Car

Ford F-150

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.

Term

oil pressure

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.

Term

winter gas

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.

Term

summer gas

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.

Term

volatiles

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.

Pontiac Grand Prix
Car

Pontiac Grand Prix

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.

Term

tire rotation

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.

GMC Envoy
Car

GMC Envoy

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.

Part

block heater

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.

Term

coolant

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.

Term

antifreeze

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.

0:00
27:49