{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ignorance of the operation of key safety features on your vehicle could be a big problem when you need them","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ignorance-of-the-operation-of-key-safety-features-on-your-vehicle-could-be-a-big-problem-when-you-need-them","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021673/episodes/18613932-ignorance-of-the-operation-of-key-safety-features-on-your-vehicle-could-be-a-big-problem-when-you-need-them.mp3","description":"Send us a textEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com"},"annotations":[{"startTime":56.4,"endTime":66.4,"type":"term","title":"anti-lock brakes","url":"/glossary/anti-lock-brakes","quote":"I've tested my anti-lock brakes, have you? Have you put your foot on the brake really hard to see what anti-lock brakes feel like?","canonicalId":"term:anti-lock-brakes","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Anti-lock brakes are a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This system uses sensors to monitor wheel speed and modulates brake pressure to prevent skidding.","simplifiedExplanation":"Anti-lock brakes help you stop your car without losing control. They stop your wheels from locking up when you brake hard, so you can still steer your car safely."}},{"startTime":101.8,"endTime":119.8,"type":"term","title":"speed sensors","url":"/glossary/speed-sensors","quote":"it's got speed sensors on the wheels, and it will send more power to the right front, because the left one has lost traction.","canonicalId":"term:speed-sensors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Speed sensors are devices that monitor the rotational speed of the wheels. In the context of anti-lock brakes, they help determine which wheels are spinning and which are not, allowing the system to adjust braking force accordingly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Speed sensors check how fast each wheel is turning. They help the car know when a wheel is slipping so it can adjust the brakes to keep you safe."}},{"startTime":146.8,"endTime":152.7,"type":"term","title":"ABS brakes","url":"/glossary/abs-brakes","quote":"But I would venture to say that airbags and ABS brakes are probably the best inventions of all time. Back in the 60s, safety was not a real concern to automakers.","canonicalId":"term:abs-brakes","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This technology helps reduce stopping distances and improves vehicle control in emergency situations.","simplifiedExplanation":"ABS brakes help you stop your car without skidding. They make sure the wheels keep turning while you brake hard, so you can still steer the car and avoid obstacles."}},{"startTime":146.8,"endTime":152.7,"type":"term","title":"airbags","url":"/glossary/air-bags","quote":"But I would venture to say that airbags and ABS brakes are probably the best inventions of all time. Back in the 60s, safety was not a real concern to automakers.","canonicalId":"term:air-bags","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Airbags are safety devices in vehicles designed to inflate rapidly during a collision, providing a cushion to protect occupants from injury. They have become a standard feature in modern cars, significantly enhancing passenger safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"Airbags are like big balloons that pop out of the car during an accident to help keep you safe. They protect you from hitting hard parts of the car, like the steering wheel or dashboard."}},{"startTime":186.8,"endTime":188.9,"type":"term","title":"analog brakes","url":"/glossary/analog-brakes","quote":"So now we have airbags and analog brakes. Another thing that we got, or another benefit of analog brakes, since there were wheel speed sensors on every wheel...","canonicalId":"term:analog-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Analog brakes refer to traditional braking systems that use hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes, as opposed to electronic systems. They are often contrasted with modern anti-lock braking systems (ABS) that prevent wheel lockup during hard braking.","simplifiedExplanation":"Analog brakes are the regular brakes in cars that use fluid to help stop the car. They work by pushing on brake pads to slow down the wheels."}},{"startTime":188.9,"endTime":193.8,"type":"term","title":"traction control","url":"/glossary/traction-control","quote":"...yes, we also got traction control, but we got another thing in the bargain.","canonicalId":"term:traction-control","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Traction control is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels. It enhances vehicle stability and control, especially in slippery conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Traction control helps your car keep its grip on the road when it's slippery. It stops the wheels from spinning too much when you try to go fast."}},{"startTime":201.12,"endTime":204.6,"type":"term","title":"dynamic stability control","url":"/glossary/dynamic-stability-control","quote":"It's called dynamic stability control. Now, do you have to check the order box if you go order a vehicle for analog brakes, airbags, traction control, or dynamic stability control?","canonicalId":"term:dynamic-stability-control","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dynamic stability control is a safety feature in vehicles that helps maintain traction and control by adjusting engine power and applying brakes to individual wheels when it detects loss of control. This system is crucial for preventing skidding and improving vehicle stability during cornering or slippery conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dynamic stability control is a system in cars that helps keep them stable and prevent skidding. It works by using sensors to detect when a car is losing control and automatically applies brakes to help the driver regain control."}},{"startTime":232.7,"endTime":235.8,"type":"term","title":"yaw sensor","url":"/glossary/yaw-sensor","quote":"So what is dynamic stability control? Well, I'm going to try to not get real technical here because I can't. But there is a sensor built into your vehicle called a yaw sensor, Y-A-W.","canonicalId":"term:yaw-sensor","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A yaw sensor is a device in vehicles that measures the rotation around the vertical axis, helping to determine the vehicle's orientation and stability. This information is crucial for systems like dynamic stability control to make real-time adjustments to maintain control.","simplifiedExplanation":"A yaw sensor is a part of a car that helps it understand how it's turning or rotating. It helps keep the car stable, especially when going around corners or on slippery roads."}},{"startTime":305.22,"endTime":308.18,"type":"car","title":"Ford Explorer","url":"/cars/ford/explorer","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Ford_Explorer_EV_Auto_Zuerich_2023_1X7A1325.jpg","quote":"...ve to think about it.  And you can thank the Ford Explorer for that.  And really not in a good way, and I'll...","canonicalId":"car:ford:explorer","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since its introduction in 1990. It is significant for popularizing the SUV segment and has undergone numerous redesigns to enhance its features and performance. Discussions around the Explorer often focus on its impact on family transportation and its role in shaping consumer preferences for larger vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Explorer is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It’s designed to carry families and their belongings, and it became very popular in the 1990s because it was spacious and comfortable. People talk about it because it has influenced how many families choose to travel and what kind of cars they buy.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":319.1,"endTime":323.5,"type":"company","title":"Firestone","url":"/glossary/firestone","quote":"And most of the early models were equipped with Firestone tires. Well, sometime around 1994, up into the late nineties, I think 1998, there were rising","canonicalId":"company:firestone","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Firestone is a well-known tire manufacturer that has produced tires for various vehicles, including the Ford Explorer. The company faced significant scrutiny in the late 1990s due to tire failures linked to accidents involving the Explorer.","simplifiedExplanation":"Firestone is a company that makes tires for cars. They became famous for having problems with some of their tires that were used on Ford Explorers in the late 1990s."}},{"startTime":345.1,"endTime":349.2,"type":"term","title":"center of gravity","url":"/glossary/center-of-gravity","quote":"...high center of gravity on the Ford Explorer. So the tires were blowing out...","canonicalId":"term:center-of-gravity","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The center of gravity refers to the point where the weight of a vehicle is balanced. A high center of gravity can increase the risk of rollover accidents, especially in SUVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The center of gravity is where the weight of a car is balanced. If it's high, the car can tip over more easily, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops."}},{"startTime":356.6,"endTime":362.2,"type":"term","title":"rollover","url":"/glossary/rollover","quote":"...they had a lot of rollover incidents. So I mean, it led to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opening defect investigations...","canonicalId":"term:rollover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A rollover is a type of vehicle accident where the vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. This can be particularly dangerous and is more likely to occur in vehicles with a high center of gravity.","simplifiedExplanation":"A rollover is when a car flips over onto its side or roof. This can happen more easily with taller vehicles like SUVs."}},{"startTime":363.6,"endTime":371.9,"type":"term","title":"defect investigations","url":"/glossary/defect-investigations","quote":"...it led to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opening defect investigations. It was that that prompted Firestone to announce a recall...","canonicalId":"term:defect-investigations","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Defect investigations are conducted by safety agencies to determine if a vehicle or its components have safety issues that need to be addressed, often leading to recalls.","simplifiedExplanation":"Defect investigations are checks done by safety organizations to see if cars have problems that could make them unsafe. If they find issues, they might ask for a recall."}},{"startTime":371.9,"endTime":377.7,"type":"term","title":"recall","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"...that prompted Firestone to announce a recall of 6.5 million tires. Do you remember this?","canonicalId":"term:recall","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A recall is when a manufacturer asks owners to return a product due to safety issues. This often involves repairing or replacing defective parts to ensure safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall is when a company tells people to bring back their product because it might be unsafe. They usually fix the problem for free."}},{"startTime":421.7,"endTime":429.7,"type":"part","title":"independent rear suspension","url":"/glossary/independent-rear-suspension","quote":"In 2002, they went to a independent rear suspension instead of a solid axle rear suspension system. And they also had a wider track and they installed stability control.","canonicalId":"part:independent-rear-suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Independent rear suspension allows each rear wheel to move independently, improving ride quality and handling compared to a solid axle setup, which connects both wheels.","simplifiedExplanation":"Independent rear suspension means that each back wheel can move up and down separately, which helps the car handle better and makes the ride smoother."}},{"startTime":461.3,"endTime":465.8,"type":"term","title":"tread separation","url":"/glossary/tread-separation","quote":"Number one, tread separation at highway speeds in hot climates. Number two, low recommended tire pressure.","canonicalId":"term:tread-separation","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tread separation occurs when the outer layer of a tire, known as the tread, separates from the tire body. This can lead to tire failure, especially at high speeds, and is often caused by overheating or low tire pressure.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tread separation is when the part of the tire that touches the road comes off. This can be dangerous, especially when driving fast, and can happen if the tire gets too hot or doesn't have enough air."}},{"startTime":465.8,"endTime":469.7,"type":"term","title":"tire pressure","url":"/glossary/tire-pressure","quote":"Number two, low recommended tire pressure. 26 PSI was what they were recommending because it made the vehicle ride better and handle better.","canonicalId":"term:tire-pressure","priority":0.9,"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). Proper tire pressure is crucial for vehicle safety, handling, and fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tire pressure is how much air is inside your car's tires. It's important to have the right amount of air for safe driving and better fuel economy."}},{"startTime":479.84,"endTime":485.8,"type":"car","title":"Ford F150","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"But it wasn't enough. I mean, we sell vehicles, but like my truck, my F-150 tire pressure rating is 36 pounds.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. It's one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, often used for both work and personal purposes.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being strong and reliable.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":573.5,"endTime":579.0,"type":"term","title":"OEMs","url":"/glossary/oem","quote":"And OEMs, original equipment manufacturers like Ford and GM and so forth and tire suppliers, they share liability and they share a lot of information so that they don't have issues.","canonicalId":"term:oem","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"OEMs, or Original Equipment Manufacturers, are companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive industry, OEMs refer to the manufacturers of the vehicles themselves, such as Ford and General Motors.","simplifiedExplanation":"OEMs are the companies that make the original parts for cars. For example, Ford is an OEM because they make the cars and parts that go into them."}},{"startTime":643.9,"endTime":646.4,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Armada","url":"/cars/nissan/armada","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/%2705-%2707_Nissan_Armada_--_Rear.JPG","quote":"...I got one the other day on my wife's niece on Armada. I think I was telling you about the navigation screen...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:armada","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful performance. It is often used for family travel and towing due to its robust build and capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Armada is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and is good for towing heavy things. It's popular for families and road trips.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":646.4,"endTime":650.0,"type":"term","title":"infotainment screen","url":"/glossary/infotainment-screen","quote":"...the navigation screen. The infotainment screen was flickering every now and then...","canonicalId":"term:infotainment-screen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An infotainment screen is a digital display in a vehicle that provides entertainment, navigation, and vehicle information. It integrates various functions like music, GPS, and vehicle settings into one interface.","simplifiedExplanation":"An infotainment screen is the screen in your car that shows maps, music, and other information. It's like a mini computer for your car."}},{"startTime":713.3,"endTime":719.36,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Silverado","url":"/cars/chevrolet/silverado","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/%2713_Chevrolet_Silverado_HD_Crew_Cab_%28MIAS_%2713%29.jpg","quote":"...period of time, all Chevrolet  dealers are having Silverado pickups built within this time frame with within ...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:silverado","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and personal use. It has been a leading model in the truck segment since its launch in 1998 and is often discussed for its various configurations and capabilities. The Silverado is significant in the automotive industry for its strong sales and reputation among truck enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people often use for work or to carry heavy things. It’s known for being tough and reliable, and many people like it because it can be used for both everyday driving and heavy-duty tasks. It’s a popular choice among truck lovers.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":719.4,"endTime":723.5,"type":"term","title":"VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)","url":"/glossary/vin-vehicle-identification-number","quote":"...with within this VIN range, vehicle identification number range. And all of them are having a particular issue...","canonicalId":"term:vin-vehicle-identification-number","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle, used to identify it and track its history, including ownership, accidents, and repairs. It typically consists of 17 characters that include both letters and numbers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A VIN is a special number that every car has, like a fingerprint. It helps to identify the car and keep track of its history, like accidents or repairs."}},{"startTime":959.2,"endTime":963.0,"type":"term","title":"tariffs","url":"/glossary/tariffs","quote":"...Primarily because of the tariffs, the tariffs. Well, this vehicle is made in Mexico.","canonicalId":"term:tariffs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can increase the cost of vehicles brought into a country. This can affect pricing and profitability for manufacturers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tariffs are extra fees that the government charges when goods are brought into the country. This can make cars more expensive for buyers."}},{"startTime":978.82,"endTime":980.66,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Sentra","url":"/cars/nissan/sentra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/1990-1994_Nissan_Sentra_Coupe.png","quote":"...is already in our lineup.  It's called the Nissan Sentra.  Now, the Sentra is about, well, the base model ...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:sentra","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Sentra is a compact car that has been in production since 1982, known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It serves as a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation for daily commuting. The Sentra is often discussed for its value proposition and how it competes in the crowded compact car market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Sentra is a small car that is easy to drive and great for getting around town. It’s known for being affordable and saving on gas, making it a good option for people who need a reliable car without spending too much money. Many people like it because it’s practical and fits well in city traffic.","imageAttribution":"LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":994.7,"endTime":995.7,"type":"term","title":"contract","url":"/glossary/contract","quote":"...but that $2,500 translate, well, you know, like on a 60 to 72 month contract for the average payment buyer.","canonicalId":"term:contract","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In automotive terms, a contract usually refers to a financing agreement between the buyer and the lender for the purchase of a vehicle. It outlines the payment terms, interest rates, and duration of the loan.","simplifiedExplanation":"A contract in car buying is an agreement that details how you will pay for the car over time, including monthly payments and interest rates."}},{"startTime":1006.7,"endTime":1007.7,"type":"term","title":"interest rate","url":"/glossary/interest-rate","quote":"...depending on the term and the interest rate. And that knocks a lot of people out of the market.","canonicalId":"term:interest-rate","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. In car financing, it determines how much extra you will pay on top of the principal amount borrowed over the term of the loan.","simplifiedExplanation":"An interest rate is the extra money you pay when you borrow money to buy a car. It's usually a percentage of the amount you borrow."}},{"startTime":1020.0,"endTime":1021.0,"type":"term","title":"pre-pandemic","url":"/glossary/pre-pandemic","quote":"...if you look back pre-pandemic, that same car was priced, we were selling them for $14,000.","canonicalId":"term:pre-pandemic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The term 'pre-pandemic' refers to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected car prices and availability due to supply chain disruptions and changes in consumer behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pre-pandemic means before the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s used to compare how things were before the pandemic to how they are now."}},{"startTime":1074.4,"endTime":1079.2,"type":"term","title":"junker","url":"/glossary/junker","quote":"they're driving a junker now that's got 320,000 miles on it. This might be a good alternative.","canonicalId":"term:junker","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A junker is a car that is in poor condition, often old and not worth much money. These cars may still run but typically require significant repairs or maintenance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A junker is a really old or broken car that isn't worth much. People often use this term for cars that have a lot of problems."}},{"startTime":1081.0,"endTime":1085.6,"type":"term","title":"monthly payments","url":"/glossary/monthly-payments","quote":"Set it up on monthly payments or pay cash for it and stick it in the garage.","canonicalId":"term:monthly-payments","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Monthly payments are the regular payments made over time to pay off a loan or finance a purchase, such as a car. This allows buyers to spread the cost over several months or years.","simplifiedExplanation":"Monthly payments are the amount of money you pay each month when you buy something on credit, like a car. It helps you afford the car without paying all at once."}},{"startTime":1105.0,"endTime":1109.5,"type":"term","title":"auto loan","url":"/glossary/auto-loan","quote":"And, you know, the thing about it is nearly half of US auto loan borrowers right now are financing vehicles for longer than 72 months.","canonicalId":"term:auto-loan","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An auto loan is a type of financing specifically for purchasing a vehicle, where the car itself serves as collateral. Borrowers typically repay the loan over a set period, often with interest.","simplifiedExplanation":"An auto loan is money borrowed to buy a car. You pay back the loan over time, usually with extra fees called interest."}},{"startTime":1122.7,"endTime":1129.5,"type":"term","title":"maintenance schedule","url":"/glossary/maintenance-schedule","quote":"If you maintain them, if you keep the oil changed and you follow the maintenance schedule, then it's very possible that your car will outlast your loan.","canonicalId":"term:maintenance-schedule","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A maintenance schedule is a plan outlining when specific maintenance tasks should be performed on a vehicle to ensure its longevity and performance. Following this schedule can help prevent major issues and extend the life of the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"A maintenance schedule is a list of when to do things like oil changes and other services on your car. Following it helps keep your car running well for a long time."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"My Car Guru...Lennie Lawson","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ignorance-of-the-operation-of-key-safety-features-on-your-vehicle-could-be-a-big-problem-when-you-need-them/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}