Exploring the concept of treating personal vehicles like fleet vehicles can significantly extend their lifespan and save money. Niall Motormouth Jenkins shares insights from his extensive experience in automotive maintenance, emphasizing the importance of regular upkeep and a shift in mindset regarding vehicle ownership. He discusses how fleet companies manage their vehicles to minimize downtime and costs, encouraging listeners to adopt similar practices for their own cars. The episode is filled with humor and practical advice, making it both entertaining and informative.
Most personal vehicle owners think short-term, while fleet operators think long - term- that's why fleet vehicles often last longer and cost less to maintain. In this episode we break down fleet thinking for personal vehicles, including scheduled maintenance, preventative repairs, documentation, and mind set shifts that can save thousands in repairs and extend vehicle life. If you want your daily driver to last like a fleet truck, this episode is for you.
"Fleet operators don't wait for things to break - they prevent failures before they happen. Today, were stealing the fleet mindset and applying it to your personal vehicle"
More episodes and ...project details & links are available at Car Connection Business Network.com ( ccbusnet.com )you'll fine everything on our homepage if you'd like to follow the build/repair work we do & connect with our program partners click their logo to connect with them Thank You!
Grab some Car Connection Motormouth Gear to join our crew in helping those struggling with addictions get to a Total Freedom Addiction Campus, where a New Life Awaits them there, Thank You so Much! Nile Motormouth Jenkins. Tnx Friends for watching & Listening, Subscribe /Follow to help us grow our platforms! Happy Healthy Motoring, NMJ Peace Patience Kindness Always.
"...we live them. Whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler"
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that many people love for adventures like camping and trail driving. It's known for being able to handle rough terrain and has a classic look that many fans appreciate.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It's popular among outdoor enthusiasts and has a strong following due to its versatility and classic styling.
"getting a second chance at life, or Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order, or a mystery l..."
The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that is known for being roomy and good on gas. It's popular because it has a lot of features that make driving easier and safer. People talk about it because it has been updated recently to make it even better.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. It has undergone several redesigns, with the latest models offering improved technology and performance, making it a strong contender in its segment. Discussions around the Rogue often focus on its reliability and the recent updates that enhance its driving experience.
"I'll tell you right now, fleet companies aren't listening to that fella that says you gotta get rid of them every couple years."
Fleet companies are businesses that own and manage many vehicles, like cars or trucks, to use for their operations. They keep these vehicles for a long time to save money before selling them.
Fleet companies manage a group of vehicles for businesses, often using them for transportation or delivery services. They typically maintain these vehicles for longer periods to maximize their investment before selling them off.
"...but it is running well. If we go in for one more service and one more round, and then they go off to the auction."
An auction is a place where items, like cars, are sold to the person who offers the most money. Companies often sell their old vehicles this way to get some money back.
In the automotive context, an auction is a public sale where vehicles are sold to the highest bidder. Fleet companies often sell their older vehicles at auctions to recover some of their investment.
"...So I had to make a shunt to take care of my neutral safety switch problem on the 97 Jeep TJ..."
A shunt is a way to connect parts of a car's electrical system so that if one part is broken, the others can still work. It's like a temporary fix until you can replace the broken part.
In automotive terms, a shunt is a device used to bypass a faulty component or circuit, allowing the system to function temporarily until a proper repair can be made. It's often used in electrical systems to maintain functionality.
"...neutral safety switch problem on the 97 Jeep TJ. So I've made a shunt for now..."
The Jeep TJ is a version of the Jeep Wrangler made between 1997 and 2006. It's built for off-roading and is known for being tough and reliable.
The Jeep TJ is a model of the Jeep Wrangler that was produced from 1997 to 2006. It is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, making it a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts.
"...neutral safety switch problem on the 97 Jeep TJ. So I've made a shunt for now..."
The neutral safety switch is a part that makes sure your car can only start when it's in neutral or park. This helps prevent accidents by stopping the car from moving unexpectedly when you start it.
A neutral safety switch is a safety device that prevents a vehicle from starting unless the transmission is in neutral or park. It's an important component for ensuring that the vehicle does not accidentally start in gear.
Retained value is how much money you can get back when you sell a car after owning it for a while. Some cars keep their value better than others.
Retained value refers to how much of a vehicle's original purchase price it maintains over time. Vehicles that retain their value well are often in demand and can be sold for a good price even years later.
"Well, that's what the lady that I bought it from paid a 48 and change right from a Toyota dealer, one owner."
A 'one owner' car means that only one person has owned it before you. This can be a good sign that the car was taken care of well.
A 'one owner' car refers to a vehicle that has had only a single owner throughout its life. This can often indicate better maintenance and care compared to vehicles with multiple owners.
"...gured out that they shouldn't have dropped their FJ cruiser line back in 2014, but they've still been availa..."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough-looking SUV that was made for off-roading and adventure. It has a cool, vintage style and is very capable on rough terrain. People miss it because it was discontinued, and many think it should come back.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its retro styling and rugged capabilities. Produced from 2006 to 2014, it was designed to appeal to adventure enthusiasts, but its discontinuation has left a loyal fanbase longing for its return. The FJ Cruiser is often discussed for its unique design and off-road prowess, making it a sought-after vehicle in the used market.
"And like myself, my FJ cruiser will be part of the 400,000 kilometer club this year."
The '400,000 kilometer club' is a way to describe cars that have driven very long distances, specifically over 400,000 kilometers. Being part of this club shows that the car is very reliable.
The '400,000 kilometer club' refers to vehicles that have reached or surpassed 400,000 kilometers in mileage, indicating high durability and reliability. It's often a point of pride among car owners.
"If you adapt my Fleet Service Maintenance program into your daily driver, you will see how much money comes back into your wallet..."
It's a way to keep cars in good shape by following a regular schedule for repairs and check-ups. This helps save money in the long run by preventing bigger problems.
A Fleet Service Maintenance program is a structured approach to maintaining a fleet of vehicles, ensuring they are serviced regularly to minimize downtime and repair costs. This program can be adapted for individual vehicles, helping owners manage maintenance efficiently.
"...into your daily driver, you will see how much money comes back into your wallet..."
It's the car you use every day to get to work or go shopping. It's usually reliable and practical for daily use.
A daily driver refers to a vehicle that is used for everyday transportation, typically for commuting to work or running errands. These vehicles are often chosen for their reliability and practicality.
"They're massive. Like you can drive a Hyundai Accent right into it and close it up and it's gone."
The Hyundai Accent is a small car that is easy on the wallet and gets good gas mileage. It's a great choice for people who want something affordable and reliable for everyday driving. Many like it because it has a lot of space inside for a small car.
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact car that is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride and a surprising amount of interior space for its size, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. Discussions about the Accent often highlight its value as a reliable daily driver.
"I lent it out. It was just a little Buick Century I put together."
The Buick Century is a type of car made by the Buick brand. It is known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside, which many families like.
The Buick Century is a mid-size car that was produced by Buick from 1936 to 2005. It is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families.
"...and now it's drivable and it wasn't. It's drivable."
If a car is drivable, it means you can drive it without any major problems. It has all the important parts working, like the engine and brakes.
A vehicle being 'drivable' means it is in a condition where it can be safely operated on the road. This usually implies that essential systems like the engine, brakes, and transmission are functioning properly.
When someone says they are 'working out bugs,' it means they are fixing small problems with the car to make sure everything works well. This is often needed after repairs.
'Working out bugs' refers to the process of fixing minor issues or problems in a vehicle after repairs or modifications have been made. This is common in older cars that may have various quirks or malfunctions.
"So the fleet maintenance is the secret, folks. To keeping your vehicle long-term."
Fleet maintenance means taking care of a group of vehicles, like cars or trucks, to keep them running well for a long time. It helps prevent problems and saves money on repairs.
Fleet maintenance refers to the systematic management of a company's vehicles to ensure they are safe, reliable, and efficient. Proper fleet maintenance can extend the lifespan of vehicles and reduce long-term costs.
"They blew the motor up, it's over. So everything I fixed, serviced, cleaned, maintained, replaced has been done with some used parts."
A blown motor means the engine has broken down completely and can't work anymore. This usually happens because of overheating or not having enough oil.
A blown motor refers to a severe engine failure, often resulting from overheating, lack of oil, or excessive wear. This typically means the engine is no longer functional and may need to be replaced or rebuilt.
"...everything I fixed, serviced, cleaned, maintained, replaced has been done with some used parts, actually quite a few harvested parts that were in great shape, serviced."
Harvested parts are pieces taken from other cars to fix or replace parts in a different car. This is a common way to save money when repairing vehicles.
Harvested parts are components taken from other vehicles, often used ones, to replace or repair parts in another vehicle. This practice can save money and is common in car restoration or repair projects.
"...the cost to bring that vehicle back to 100% reliability. Turn the key and go."
When someone talks about a vehicle being 100% reliable, they mean it works perfectly and won't break down. It usually requires regular check-ups and fixing any problems that come up.
Achieving 100% reliability in a vehicle means that it operates without any mechanical issues and can be trusted to perform consistently without breakdowns. This often involves thorough inspections and maintenance to ensure all parts are functioning correctly.
Gear ratio is how the gears in a car work together to make it go faster or have more power. It's important for things like driving in mud or up hills.
Gear ratio refers to the ratio of the number of teeth on two gears that are meshed together, affecting the vehicle's torque and speed. A lower gear ratio provides more torque, which is beneficial for off-road driving.
"It's a four banger. It won't be too bad on fuel."
A 'four banger' is a type of engine that has four cylinders. These engines are usually smaller and use less fuel.
'Four banger' is a slang term for a four-cylinder engine, which typically provides good fuel efficiency and is commonly found in smaller cars and trucks.
"...And I saw the sticker price on a Jeep and my friend Jen has a new one..."
The sticker price is the price shown on a car's window when you go to buy it. It's the amount the manufacturer thinks the car should sell for.
The sticker price refers to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) displayed on a vehicle's window. It represents the price at which the manufacturer recommends selling the vehicle to consumers.
"...someone's poor choice of not stopping at a stop sign and T-boner. And that cost her money to get into another Jeep."
A T-bone accident happens when one car hits another car from the side, making a 'T' shape. It's a dangerous type of crash because the side of the car has less protection than the front or back.
A T-bone collision occurs when one vehicle strikes another at a perpendicular angle, forming a 'T' shape. This type of accident often results in significant damage and injury, particularly to the occupants of the vehicle that is struck.
"...and I looked at the stickers in the window and I went, you gotta be kidding me, right? That's $58,000. That's without interest, payments."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's like a starting point for how much a new car should cost, but the actual price can be different.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. It is the price that the manufacturer recommends that the dealer sell the vehicle for. This price can vary based on dealer markups, incentives, and local market conditions.
PDI means Pre-Delivery Inspection. It's a check done on a car before you buy it to make sure everything works well and there are no problems.
PDI stands for Pre-Delivery Inspection, which is a thorough check performed on a vehicle before it is delivered to the customer. This process ensures that the car meets quality standards and is free from defects.
"So that's where we're heading is to try and help you to change your thinking from regular thinking about your automobile to fleet thinking"
Fleet thinking is about looking at cars as part of a group, like a company's cars, and thinking about how to take care of them all together to save money and time.
Fleet thinking refers to the mindset of managing multiple vehicles as a group, often focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance strategies. This approach is common in businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles.
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Good morning folks, you're tuned into Car Connection
where the coffee's strong, the stories are real,
and the wrenches never stop turning.
I'm your host, Niall Motormouth Jenkins,
coming to you from the Car Connection Workshop,
where the smell of fresh oil, a little elbow grease,
is all part of a balanced breakfast.
Around here we don't just talk cars, we live them.
Whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler
getting a second chance at life,
or Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order,
or a mystery leak that's got everyone scratching their heads.
This is where we roll up our sleeves and get it done,
with a little wit, a little wisdom, and a whole lot of fun.
The Car Connection isn't just about nuts, bolts,
and diagnostics, it's about connection.
Connection to our vehicles, to the people who drive them,
and to the community that keeps Niagara rolling.
Because when you fix a car, you're not just turning a wrench,
you're restoring someone's confidence, freedom,
and maybe even their sanity.
We're here every week, Monday through Saturday,
with the Motormouth Morning Drive,
helping you keep your ride safe, reliable,
and ready for whatever road lies ahead.
So whether you're a weekend wrencher, a daily commuter,
or someone who just wants to understand
what that strange rattle really means.
So welcome aboard, stick around for some shop talk,
expert advice, few good laughs, and maybe a story or two.
Because I do have flashbacks, that's true.
Am I on my own on that one?
Well thank you for welcoming me into your vehicle,
or wherever it is that you're sitting and enjoying
this morning's podcast, the Motormouth Morning Drive.
And you may be heading through the drive-through,
grabbing your favorite morning beverage,
check your, recheck your order, check it, and recheck it.
What is it?
Measure once, cut three times, something like that.
So check it once, report back three times,
lock that down in your cup holder,
and keep an eye on the other guy, one eye on the road,
one eye on your co-pilot if you have one,
pass them over the 16 pack of crayola crayons,
and the folded up leaf bag,
so that they can take some notes for you.
Just tell them it's a high tech new laptop.
Yeah, it's touch and go, it requires crayons
to work properly.
All right, let's have a swiggy together this morning.
Are you ready?
If you're just joining us for the first time,
we are located on the south shore of Fort Erie,
and we'll have the daily weather report
for you coming up next.
And thank you to Total Freedom Addiction Campuses,
Canada and USA for providing a safe place for those
that are going through addictions and ready to deal with it,
because there's a new life waiting for them there.
At the Total Freedom Campuses, Canada and USA.
All right, we count it down on three, two, one,
and we have a swiggy together.
So whatever your morning beverage is,
we don't need to know, that's your special deal.
We go for the high octane here
in the car connection workshop.
We do not believe in turkey bacon and decaffeinated coffee.
We can't, we've been all over it, we can't figure it out.
So three, two, one,
it's even hot this morning.
How did that happen?
I forgot it.
Can you believe that?
Have you ever poured yourself a morning beverage
and kind of cruised on doing your,
whatever your diddies are to get out the door?
And you go, where's my cup of joe?
And then you got to go find it.
Yeah, that was me today.
I set it down.
It was right where I poured it.
I'm looking all over and going,
maybe I put it on the work bench
because I was out in the shop this morning.
Nope.
Okay.
I went to check on the plants, my shamrocks,
because I'm trying to make them blossom
for the upcoming, you guessed it, on the 17th next month.
Mm-hmm, yeah.
I'm working towards that with my shamrocks.
So hopefully, but my coffee cup was not there.
I found it right where I poured it and left it.
So anyhow, let's move along this morning.
Our morning weather brought to us by Total Freedom,
Addiction Campuses Canada and USA.
What do we got going on this morning?
Well, I had a little peek-a-boo.
I gotta admit, I stuck my head out
along with the workshop Willie,
our very own groundhog.
He's still hanging around.
I think he likes donuts.
I think that's the problem here.
20 degrees right now, and I only talk in Fahrenheit,
just so you know.
No Celsiuses here, Fahrenheit.
20 degrees Fahrenheit right now and cloudy.
I don't know how they know that, but anyways,
wind is making it feel colder, about 13 degrees.
Snowy conditions expected around 6 a.m.
Snowing has been snowing since 4.30, hello.
Today's temperature range was from 17 degrees to 26 degrees.
Well, that's today.
Yeah, today is just happening.
It's gonna feel like 10 to 22 degrees.
10 degrees, 22 degrees.
The high temperature today is lower than yesterday.
E-gads, man.
Our high will be 26.
Yesterday, our high was 33.
And the day before, we had almost 45 Fahrenheit.
Yeah, a couple days ago.
A lot of snow dropped, but it's returning.
Yeah, it sure is.
Overnight low is gonna be 17.
So be careful out there.
We still have winter in most cases.
I don't know where you're listening in from,
but if it's warm where you are,
please send us an invitation to stay
for the next 30 to 60 days.
That would be nice, wouldn't it?
This morning's topic, are you ready for it?
This is a prerequisite,
because I have been working on a video
we're gonna put up on our YouTube channel
with regards to the importance of treating your vehicle
as a fleet vehicle will put a lot of money back
in your pocket.
And I'm breaking it down for you.
I've got everything.
I don't normally, after 31 years of radio,
you don't, there's no do-overs.
We know when the microphone comes on,
you're on for 59 minutes and 30 seconds.
And so you don't get to go, can I shoot that again?
Can we cut that out?
Can we edit that?
No, it's live.
Live radio, live calling,
but on the digital's here,
on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Amazon, Apple,
and all podcast platforms.
So wherever you grab your podcast,
type in Car Connect workshop,
you'll find us there.
We'll be there for you.
I don't normally write a program.
I have outlines and I just follow the outlines.
And I've been in the trade for 44 years plus
and still going to it.
And in fact, I think I shocked my friend yesterday
when I told him how old I was.
He goes, I said, I just turned, blah, blah, blah.
He goes, what?
What did you just say?
I just went out the door.
I dropped off some cake, I cooked him a carrot cake,
took it over to the farm.
Does they help us out over there
if we need some sandblasting or,
hey, Charlie, you got some metal?
I need a piece of metal.
If you got something like this,
yeah, I just might have something you can carve out.
So they help us over there and help us with firewood.
So every hand washes one another.
So to get back on track before I rabbit hole too far,
I've put together an entire program
breaking down fleet service maintenance.
Because if you wanna keep your car long-term,
and stop listening to the white noise
and the talking heads that say you gotta get rid
of these things every three to five years,
you're out of your freaking mind.
Buddy, whoever that is, no, no you don't.
My last vehicle I had 15 years sold it
and it's changed hands again and it's still going.
Hello, so who are we listening to?
I'll tell you right now, fleet companies
aren't listening to that fella that says
you gotta get rid of them every couple years.
No, no, they're gonna run it until it starts costing
too much in repairs and that's when they start saying,
you know, it is getting older, but it is running well.
If we go in for one more service and one more round,
and then they go off to the auction.
That's what happens, because I work for a company
that used to look for those vehicles turned in
by certain companies because they knew
that the fleet maintenance on them was amazing.
They were well-kept, well looked after.
So I've written a program on vehicle fleet maintenance
to break it down for you in layman's terms
in simple to understand language, keep it super simple, kiss.
And that's the first time I've probably written out
a program like that ever in 31 plus years on radio
and we're only a few months in on our podcast.
So I put it all together so that I don't forget
what I really wanna say to help you to understand
treating your vehicle like it's a fleet vehicle
and changing your mindset and curving your head
around that idea that it's no longer something
that has to be thrown out like an old pen
or a bic lighter when it's empty.
Found one yesterday, I was shrink wrapping
and I like the bic lighters.
I have for, I don't know what's my thing.
It has to be a bic lighter in my electrical box
for shrink wrapping, shrink tubing
on electrical connections.
So I had to make a shunt to take care
of my neutral safety switch problem on the 97 Jeep TJ.
So I've made a shunt for now
and I probably will order a neutral safety switch
at some point and change it up.
But it's a wicked little beast to put in,
but any hose, bic lighters are my thing.
That's the only one, the only brand I like to use
because I've used them for 40 something years.
Anyhow, so I have written a program on fleet maintenance.
I've broken it down into segments
and we're going to shoot a video on that
so that you can really, you can see me
as I'm talking to you and breaking this down for you
and helping you understand changing your mindset
on your automobile and looking at it as number one, a tool.
Number two, I need to get as much life out of this vehicles
I possibly can to avoid paying interest
and monthly payments on the never, never plan
and put a whole lot of money back in your wallet.
And if that's of interest to you,
keeping your vehicle as long as you want
and it'll run reliable and healthy
and you can keep the repair bills under control
so you don't get the vehicle goes in
once every gazillion, bazillion years
and then the bills like 4,800 bucks
and you're having a wig out because why?
You gotta spend money on all those miles
you never paid anything to drive.
That's the bad mindset.
That one will keep you in the hole
because there's no free driving.
In all the years that I did fleet maintenance,
there's no free driving but you gotta make sure
that that fleet vehicle does not go down
and lose the company money for downtime.
Because today downtime is well over a thousand bucks a day.
It's probably closer to 2,000.
Back then it was about 900 a day vehicles down.
That's the loss.
So how many days would you like to be down at 900?
So now fast forward to today.
It's probably close for like 2,500 downtime per day.
Let's see if I can do some research on that and find out.
I bet you I can.
Couple of phone calls on fleet maintenance dudes
I know will tell me what is it actually today
for one vehicle in the fleet down for the day or two days?
What does it cost per day?
So if you take the mindset of drive, drive, drive, drive,
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