Rise in Catalytic Converter Theft, Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil, Mixing Gasoline
WCCO's Car Care
WCCO's Car Care Mar 14, 2026
Rise in Catalytic Converter Theft, Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil, Mixing Gasoline

Rise in Catalytic Converter Theft, Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil, Mixing Gasoline

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Rise in Catalytic Converter Theft, Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil, Mixing Gasoline
Lucid Air
Car

Lucid Air

The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car made by a company called Lucid Motors. It runs on electricity instead of gas and can drive a long way before needing to be charged. People talk about it because it has lots of modern features and is very fast.

Term

catalytic converter theft

Some bad people steal a part under your car called the catalytic converter because it has valuable metals inside. This part helps clean the car's exhaust. If it's stolen, fixing it can cost a lot of money.

Term

aftermarket

Aftermarket parts are parts made by other companies, not the car maker. They can cost less but might not work as well or last as long as the original parts.

Term

original equipment

Original equipment parts are the same parts that came with your car when it was new. They fit perfectly and work just like the car maker intended.

Term

brake fluid

Brake fluid is a special liquid in your car that helps your brakes work when you press the pedal. Over time, it can get dirty and hold water, which makes your brakes less safe, so it needs to be changed sometimes.

Term

hydroscopic

Hydroscopic means something can soak up water from the air. For brake fluid, this means it can get water inside, which is bad for your brakes.

Term

oil change

An oil change means putting new oil in your car's engine so it runs well and doesn't get damaged. Even if some cars can go longer between changes, it's good to check often.

Term

coolant

Coolant is the liquid in your car that helps keep the engine from getting too hot. Newer cars use better coolant that lasts longer before needing to be changed.

Acura Tl
Car

Acura Tl

The Acura TL is a fancy car made by Honda's luxury brand. The 2005 version is a comfortable sedan with a strong engine and nice features.

Part

flywheel

The flywheel is a big wheel inside your car's engine that helps it start and run smoothly. The starter gear pushes on it to get the engine going.

Part

starter gear

The starter gear helps your car's engine start by connecting to a big wheel inside the engine. If it slips, your car might have trouble starting sometimes.

Term

blinker fluid

Blinker fluid is a joke because it isn't a real thing. People say it to tease others who are new to cars.

Term

tire maintenance

Taking care of your tires means making sure they have the right air, enough tread, and moving them around so they wear evenly. This keeps you safe on the road.

Term

winter storm warning

A winter storm warning means bad snow and wind weather is coming, so it's safer to be careful or stay inside.

Company

Lloyds Automotive

Lloyds Automotive is a car repair shop where trained mechanics help fix and take care of cars.

Honda Pilot
Car

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a type of family SUV that is roomy and usually lasts a long time. This one has been driven a lot, with 200,000 miles.

Term

synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is a special kind of oil made in a lab that helps keep your engine running smoothly for a longer time. It protects your car better than regular oil, especially in very hot or cold weather.

Term

conventional oil

Conventional oil is the regular kind of oil made from natural sources that helps your car's engine run. It usually needs to be changed more often than synthetic oil.

Chevrolet Traverse
Car

Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a big SUV that can carry families and lots of stuff. The 2015 version has a strong engine and can drive on either two or all four wheels.

Term

transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is a special oil that helps your car's gears work smoothly. If it's old or low, your car might have trouble changing gears.

Term

scan tool

A scan tool is a gadget that mechanics use to check your car for problems by reading its computer codes.

Term

drive axle

The drive axle is the part that helps turn your car's wheels using power from the engine. If it's damaged, your car might shake or wobble when driving.

Term

oxygen fuel sensor

An oxygen fuel sensor checks how much air is in the car's exhaust and helps the engine use the right amount of gas.

Ford F150
Car

Ford F150

The Ford F-150 is a big pickup truck that many people use for work or daily driving. The 2014 version is a popular model from a few years ago.

Term

differential flush

A differential flush means changing the special oil inside the part of your car that helps the wheels turn properly.

Term

tire pressure sensors

Tire pressure sensors are little gadgets inside your tires that check if they have enough air. Sometimes these sensors can break and give wrong warnings.

Term

drain plug

The drain plug is a bolt at the bottom of the engine where old oil comes out when you change the oil. Letting oil drip out this way is the best method to get all the old oil out.

Term

idle relearn procedure

Sometimes after the car battery dies or parts are cleaned, the car needs to learn how to keep the engine running smoothly when stopped. This is called an idle relearn.

Part

throttle plate

The throttle plate is like a door that opens and closes to let air into the engine. It helps control how fast the engine runs when your car is stopped or moving.

Part

throttle body

The throttle body is a part of the engine that controls how much air gets in. It helps the car run smoothly, especially when you stop or start driving.

Term

washer fluid

Washer fluid is the liquid you spray on your windshield to clean it while driving. Some types work better for bugs or cold weather.

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