How to be saved by the light...(the ones on your instrument panel)
About this episode
Lenny Lawson shares a personal story about a tractor breakdown while bush hogging, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to warning lights on vehicles. He discusses the consequences of ignoring these alerts, like engine damage, and offers practical advice on identifying dashboard indicators. The episode also touches on tire pressure lights, the significance of using quality filters, and the nuances of vehicle sales tax in Tennessee. Lenny humorously debates the pros and cons of window tinting for his Porsche, blending automotive knowledge with relatable anecdotes.
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tire pressure light
"Yeah, that was the tire pressure light and the check engine light. You don't have to worry about them."
The tire pressure light is a warning that tells you if one or more of your tires doesn't have enough air. It's important to check your tires when this light comes on.
The tire pressure light indicates that one or more of the vehicle's tires may be under-inflated or over-inflated. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
check engine light
"Yeah, that was the tire pressure light and the check engine light. You don't have to worry about them."
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. It means there might be something wrong with the engine or another important part of the car.
The check engine light is an indicator on the dashboard that alerts the driver to potential issues with the vehicle's engine or emissions system. It can signal a range of problems, from minor issues to serious engine malfunctions.
premature tire wear
"...if you ignore it long enough, it'll cause premature tire wear. So why is it coming on?"
Premature tire wear means your tires are wearing out too quickly. This can happen if they're not inflated properly or if the car isn't aligned right. Keeping the right air pressure helps your tires last longer.
Premature tire wear refers to tires wearing out faster than expected due to factors such as improper inflation, misalignment, or driving habits. Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential to prolong tire life and ensure safe driving.
TPMS sensors
"Okay, so yeah, those nagging TPS sensors. It got down to 42 this morning in Greenville, Tennessee."
TPMS sensors are devices in your car that check if your tires have enough air. If a tire is low on air, these sensors will warn you with a light on the dashboard.
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. These sensors monitor the air pressure in your tires and alert you when the pressure is too low, which can help prevent tire blowouts and improve fuel efficiency.
coolant overflow tank
"Now your car has one of these. They're made out of cheap plastic and occasionally they will crack. They will break. They will develop holes."
The coolant overflow tank is a plastic container in your car that stores extra coolant. If it gets damaged, it can cause your engine to overheat because it won't have enough coolant to keep it cool.
The coolant overflow tank is a reservoir that holds excess coolant that expands from the engine as it heats up. If the tank cracks or develops holes, it can lead to coolant leaks and overheating issues.
average selling price
"...the average selling price is just under $50,000, you can still buy a car for $25,000 to $30,000..."
The average selling price is how much people usually pay for a car. It helps us understand how expensive cars have become over time.
The average selling price refers to the typical cost at which cars are sold in a given market, which can indicate trends in consumer spending and vehicle pricing. In this context, it highlights the increasing costs of vehicles.
Hyundai Elantra
"...maybe a Hyundai, a Lantra or something like that."
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is usually less expensive and is known for being reliable and good on gas. Many people buy it because it’s affordable.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car known for its affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It's a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
oil filter
"...put a $2 oil filter on there and a $3 air filter? Just you're not thinking about what the ramifications of that could be."
An oil filter helps keep the oil in your car clean by removing dirt and debris. This is important for keeping your engine running smoothly.
An oil filter is a component that removes contaminants from engine oil, ensuring that the oil remains clean and effective in lubricating the engine. Using a high-quality oil filter can improve engine longevity.
air filter
"...put a $2 oil filter on there and a $3 air filter? Just you're not thinking about what the ramifications of that could be."
An air filter keeps dirt and dust from getting into your car's engine. This helps your engine work better and last longer.
An air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's intake system, helping to maintain optimal engine performance and efficiency. A good air filter can enhance fuel economy and engine life.
top quality oil
"...Put the best filters on there that you can. Use the top quality oil, use the best gasoline..."
Top quality oil is the best kind of oil you can use for your car. It helps your engine run smoothly and last longer.
Top quality oil refers to high-grade motor oil that meets or exceeds industry standards for performance and protection. Using high-quality oil can significantly affect engine performance and longevity.
best gasoline
"...Put the best filters on there that you can. Use the top quality oil, use the best gasoline..."
Best gasoline means using high-quality fuel that helps your car run better and more efficiently. It can also help prevent engine problems.
Best gasoline refers to fuel that meets high standards for purity and performance, often including higher octane ratings that can improve engine efficiency and reduce knocking.
sales tax
"Let's talk about sales tax on cars, you know that can add a lot to the price of a vehicle. The sales tax in the state of Tennessee on automobiles is 7%."
Sales tax is extra money you pay when you buy a car, which goes to the government. It makes the car more expensive than just the price you see.
Sales tax is a percentage of the sale price of a vehicle that buyers must pay to the government. This tax can significantly increase the overall cost of purchasing a car.
Nevada
"The highest in the country is in Nevada, or Nevada. What do you say?"
Nevada is a state in the U.S. known for having a high sales tax when you buy a car, which means you pay more money on top of the car's price.
Nevada has one of the highest sales tax rates for automobiles in the United States at 8.25%. This can impact the total cost of purchasing a vehicle in that state.
bill of sale
"He wanted to take his title and the bill of sale and take it to the registration office..."
A bill of sale is a paper that shows you bought something, like a car. It has important details about the sale and who was involved.
A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of an item, such as a vehicle, from one party to another. It typically includes details like the buyer and seller's information, the vehicle's description, and the sale price.
registration office
"...take it to the registration office and register it himself and pay his sales tax down there."
The registration office is where you go to officially register your car so you can drive it legally. They give you important papers that show you own the car.
The registration office is a government agency responsible for recording vehicle ownership and issuing titles and registration documents. When you buy a car, you need to register it to legally drive it on public roads.
car dealers
"...because car dealers are a major collector of sales tax, probably the only business in a town, our size or mid-sized town, that pays more sales tax..."
Car dealers are places where you can buy cars. They help with all the paperwork and make sure everything is done correctly when you buy a car.
Car dealers are businesses that sell vehicles to consumers. They often handle the paperwork for sales, including sales tax collection and vehicle registration, making them key players in the automotive sales process.
tinted windows
"...you need to get the windows tinted on your Porsche. Why? I want to be able to see out of my window because it makes it look better."
Tinted windows are when a special film is put on car windows to make them darker. This helps keep the inside of the car cooler and gives more privacy.
Tinted windows refer to windows that have a film applied to them to reduce light transmission. This can enhance privacy, reduce glare, and protect the interior from UV damage.
Porsche 911
"...I'm getting the windows tinted. Now, that's on the Porsche 911. I will not ever get the windows tinted on a vehicle that I drive a lot every day,..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people recognize. It's known for being fast and stylish, and it's been around for a long time, making it very popular among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world.
Ford F150
"...like my F-150. But window tinting is, I think it's a youthful thing. Let's see."
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and able to carry heavy loads.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that is part of Ford's F-Series, known for its durability and versatility. It is one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States.
Ford Expeditions
"...When I drive my daughter's Expeditions with that illegal tint that they have in it,..."
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has a lot of space for cargo. It's popular for families and can be used for towing trailers or boats.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It's often used for family transport and can be equipped with various features for comfort and safety.
illegal tint
"...with that illegal tint that they have in it,..."
Illegal tint means the dark film on the windows is darker than what the law allows. This can make it hard to see inside the car and can get you in trouble with the police.
Illegal tint refers to window tinting that exceeds the legal limits set by local laws, which can affect visibility and safety. Each state has specific regulations regarding how dark window tints can be.
cataracts
"...especially with my developing cataracts."
Cataracts are when your eyes get cloudy, making it hard to see clearly. This can happen as people get older and can affect how well someone can drive.
Cataracts are a medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to decreased vision. This can make driving and seeing clearly more difficult, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
window tinting
"I've got an appointment at North Main Audio. Yeah, they do window tinting as well."
Window tinting is when a special film is put on car windows to make them darker. This helps keep the car cooler and protects the inside from sunlight.
Window tinting involves applying a thin film to the windows of a vehicle to reduce glare, enhance privacy, and improve aesthetic appeal. It can also help protect the interior from UV damage and keep the vehicle cooler.
tint film
"So tint film can hold shattered glass."
Tint film is a special kind of plastic that is put on car windows to make them darker. It helps keep the car cooler and looks nice too.
Tint film is a specialized material applied to vehicle windows to provide shading and UV protection. It can also enhance the vehicle's aesthetic by complementing its color and style.
oil pressure light
"...but know where the oil light is, the oil pressure light, or the oil pressure gauge, the coolant light. You need to know what that looks like."
The oil pressure light is a warning signal on your dashboard that shows if your engine's oil pressure is too low. If it lights up, you should check your oil levels or get your car checked to avoid engine problems.
The oil pressure light indicates whether the oil pressure in the engine is within the normal range. If this light comes on, it can signal low oil pressure, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
coolant light
"...the coolant light. You need to know what that looks like. It's not the same as your check engine light."
The coolant light is a warning on your dashboard that tells you if your engine's coolant is low or if the engine is getting too hot. If it comes on, you should check your coolant levels or have your car looked at.
The coolant light alerts the driver when the engine coolant level is low or when the engine is overheating. It's crucial to address this warning to prevent engine damage due to overheating.
oil light
"So know what the oil light is, what it looks like. Know what the coolant light looks like."
The oil light is a symbol on your car's dashboard that tells you if there's a problem with the engine oil. If it lights up, you should check the oil level or get your car checked to avoid engine damage.
The oil light is a warning indicator on the dashboard that alerts the driver to low oil pressure or oil level in the engine. Ignoring this warning can lead to severe engine damage due to inadequate lubrication.
transmission warning light
"You may have a warning light for your transmission."
The transmission warning light is a symbol on your dashboard that warns you if there's a problem with your car's transmission. If it lights up, it's important to get it checked to avoid bigger issues later.
The transmission warning light alerts the driver to issues with the vehicle's transmission system, which could indicate low fluid levels or other mechanical problems. Addressing this promptly can prevent costly repairs.
Advanced Auto Parts
"So a lot of people, they'll just go to advanced auto parts or old rallies or someplace. And they'll have, would you scan this for me and see what my light is on?"
Advanced Auto Parts is a store where you can buy car parts and get help with car problems. They can check your car's computer for issues if a warning light is on.
Advanced Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells automotive parts and accessories. They often provide services like scanning for diagnostic trouble codes related to the check engine light.
OEM
"...you don't want to put aftermarket parts on it. You want to make sure you get the OEM,"
OEM means the parts are made by the same company that made your car. These parts fit perfectly and work just like the ones that came with the car when it was new.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to parts made by the vehicle's manufacturer, ensuring compatibility and quality that matches the original components.
emission warranty
"...Most emission warranties go for five years or 60 or 75,000 miles."
An emission warranty helps pay for repairs that keep the car from polluting too much. It usually lasts for a set number of years or miles, so you don't have to worry about it for a while.
An emission warranty is a specific type of warranty that covers repairs related to a vehicle's emissions system, often mandated by law. These warranties typically last for a certain number of years or miles, ensuring that the vehicle meets environmental standards.
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