THE Car Show with Dane Donovan 1/3/2026
About this episode
Dane Donovan shares insights from his day-to-day experiences in the automotive world, including a personal story about a dead battery that highlights the importance of regular battery testing. He discusses the average lifespan of car batteries and the common issues that can arise unexpectedly. Exciting news is also revealed about the expansion of Donovan's auto repair business with a new location, enhancing service options for customers. The episode features engaging listener interactions, including discussions about vehicle maintenance and personal anecdotes from callers.
Dane talks about car batteries and their typical lifespan. He shares a personal experience with his wife's dead battery, which got him thinking about the importance of getting batteries tested. Dan explains that batteries in this region usually last around three to four years, and it's crucial to get them checked before they die. He also announces exciting news about the expansion of Donovan's Auto Repair, with a new location opening in the Montgomery Road area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
battery
"...my car won't start, battery is dead as a doornail. And of course, we just bought the car maybe like six months ago..."
A battery in a car is like a big rechargeable battery that helps start the engine and run things like lights and radio. If it's dead, the car won't start at all.
A battery is a crucial component in a vehicle that stores electrical energy to start the engine and power electrical systems. If a battery is dead, the car won't start, as there is no power to the starter motor or other electrical components.
used car
"...but I mean, I did everything, I had it, it was used, it wasn't brand new, but I had it inspected..."
A used car is one that someone else has owned before you. It's usually cheaper than a new car, but you need to check it carefully to make sure it's still in good shape.
A used car is a vehicle that has had previous owners and is not brand new. Buying a used car often requires careful inspection to ensure it is in good condition and has no hidden issues.
vehicle inspection
"...I had it inspected and whatnot, or I shouldn't say I had it inspected, I inspected the vehicle..."
A vehicle inspection is when someone checks a car to make sure everything is working well and it's safe to drive. It's like a health check for cars.
A vehicle inspection is a thorough check of a car's systems and components to ensure they are functioning properly and meet safety standards. This process can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
12 volts
"...the average battery's gotta be 12 volts."
Most car batteries need to have about 12 volts to work properly. If the voltage is too low, the car might not start.
12 volts is the standard voltage for most automotive batteries, providing the necessary power to start the engine and operate electrical systems in a vehicle. A fully charged battery typically measures around 12.6 volts.
Jeep
"...my wife's car wouldn't start, so I had to take him to school, and he goes, well my Jeep wouldn't start, either my battery was dead, so..."
Jeep is a brand that makes tough vehicles, often used for off-roading. The specific type of Jeep isn't mentioned here.
Jeep is a brand known for its rugged vehicles, particularly off-road capable models. However, the specific model of the Jeep mentioned is not identified in this context.
Ford Model 32
"...I had a battery in my 32 Ford and I didn't keep a tender on it or nothing, so it would sit from like October until April..."
The Ford Model 32 is a classic car from the early 1930s. It's loved by collectors and is known for its unique style and history.
The Ford Model 32 refers to the Ford Model A, which was produced in the early 1930s. It's known for its classic design and is a popular choice among vintage car enthusiasts.
date code
"...they looked at the date code on, they said, you realize this battery is almost 15 years old?"
A date code is a number that shows when a battery was made. It helps you know how old the battery is and if it might need to be replaced soon.
A date code on a battery indicates when it was manufactured. This helps consumers determine the age of the battery and its potential lifespan.
Motorcraft
"...the longest battery I've ever seen was a Motorcraft and it was in a Ford Ranger and it was 11 years old..."
Motorcraft is a brand that makes parts for cars, especially Ford cars. They are known for making reliable batteries and other car parts.
Motorcraft is a brand of automotive parts and accessories, primarily associated with Ford vehicles. They produce a range of products including batteries, filters, and brake components, known for their compatibility with Ford models.
Ford Ranger
"...it was in a Ford Ranger and it was 11 years old, but I've never heard a 14 years old..."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck made by Ford. It's known for being tough and useful for many different tasks.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been popular for its versatility and durability. It has been produced in various generations since its introduction in the 1980s, catering to both work and recreational needs.
Exide batteries
"...I normally run Exide batteries and everything. The only reason I bought that was..."
Exide is a brand that makes batteries for cars. They are known for making batteries that work well and last a long time.
Exide is a well-known manufacturer of automotive batteries, providing a variety of options for different vehicles. Their batteries are recognized for their performance and reliability in various driving conditions.
F-250
"...I just had put batteries plural in my wife's F-250 that was four years old..."
The Ford F-250 is a big truck made by Ford that can carry heavy loads. It's often used for work and towing things like trailers.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that is part of Ford's F-Series lineup. It is designed for tougher tasks and offers higher towing and payload capacities compared to lighter-duty models.
S-10
"...I just picked me up a brand new used S-10 four-wheel drive..."
The S-10 is a small pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It's useful for carrying things and is often used for work or personal projects.
The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck that was produced from the early 1980s until 2004. It is known for its versatility and has been popular for both personal and commercial use.
oxygen sensor
"...I had a code for the, for the, uh, bank one oxygen sensor..."
An oxygen sensor is a part of the car that checks how much oxygen is in the exhaust. It helps the engine run better and cleaner by making sure the right amount of fuel is used.
An oxygen sensor is a critical component in a vehicle's exhaust system that measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. This information helps the engine control unit (ECU) optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
four-wheel drive
"...I want to check, make sure the four-wheel drive is working and started up in the front drive shaft was spinning and then we hit the four-wheel drive..."
Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the vehicle can get power from the engine, which helps it drive better on rough or slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously, improving traction on slippery or rough terrain.
front differential
"...then it engaged the front differential and this has got that stupid push button four-wheel drive instead of a handle in the floor..."
The front differential helps the front wheels of the car turn at different speeds when going around corners, making it easier to drive.
The front differential is a component in a vehicle's drivetrain that allows the front wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is essential for smooth turning, especially in four-wheel drive systems.
Chevrolet S10 Blazers
"...ucks. Wow. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. 19, between S10s and S10 Blazers, between me and my wife and my daughter, we've h..."
The Chevrolet S-10 Blazer is a smaller SUV that can carry people and gear, making it great for families or adventures. It was made for over 20 years, so many people have memories of driving them, and they are often talked about for their mix of style and usefulness.
The Chevrolet S-10 Blazer is a compact SUV that was produced by Chevrolet from 1983 to 2005. It is known for its versatility, combining the ruggedness of a truck with the comfort of an SUV, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The S-10 Blazer is often discussed for its nostalgic value and its role in the evolution of the SUV market.
electric transfer case
"...on these, on the, the electric transfer case, is that front drive shaft supposed to spin all the time?"
An electric transfer case is a part of some trucks that helps them switch between using two wheels or four wheels for better traction. It can be controlled with a button instead of a lever.
An electric transfer case is a component in four-wheel drive vehicles that allows the driver to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes electronically. It enhances the vehicle's capability in various driving conditions.
vacuum hubs
"...it uses vacuum and locks in the front hubs. Right. So, I didn't know if this S10 was the same way."
Vacuum hubs are parts in some trucks that help connect the front wheels to the engine when you need four-wheel drive. They use vacuum power to do this, making it easier to switch modes.
Vacuum hubs are mechanisms used in four-wheel drive vehicles that engage the front wheels by using vacuum pressure. This allows the vehicle to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive more efficiently.
vacuum system
"how they operate because it's got that stupid vacuum system and the vacuum system is, it's, the vacuum system itself is below the battery on the passenger side and sometimes."
A vacuum system helps certain parts of the car work by using air pressure. It's important for things like brakes and climate control in the car.
A vacuum system in a vehicle is used to create negative pressure to operate various components, such as actuators and sensors. It often plays a crucial role in systems like brake boosters and HVAC controls.
vacuum lines
"But are there, are there vacuum lines going to that module at all? Yeah. It's just all, normal. That should how, that should be how it operates."
Vacuum lines are tubes that carry air pressure around the car to help different parts work. They are important for things like brakes and controlling emissions.
Vacuum lines are hoses that transport vacuum pressure from the engine to various components in the vehicle. They are essential for the operation of systems that rely on vacuum pressure, such as brake boosters and emissions controls.
transmission fluid
"there's some type of vacuum, you know, what do you want to call it? Vacuum bank or whatever that I, that sometimes will fill, fill up with transmission fluid and whatnot. It's below the"
Transmission fluid is a special liquid that helps the car's automatic transmission work properly. It keeps the parts cool and helps the car change gears smoothly.
Transmission fluid is a specialized lubricant used in automatic transmissions to ensure smooth operation and to cool the transmission components. It helps in shifting gears and maintaining the overall health of the transmission.
U joints
"...if that front drive shaft ain't supposed to be spinning, then that's put next to wear and tear on my front U joints. And probably using more gas as well."
U joints are parts that help connect different parts of a car's power system, allowing them to move together smoothly. They are important for making sure the car can drive properly, especially in four-wheel drive vehicles.
U joints, or universal joints, are critical components in a vehicle's drivetrain that allow for the transfer of power between the driveshaft and the axle while accommodating movement. They are essential for maintaining the functionality of the drivetrain, especially in vehicles with four-wheel drive.
Chevrolet Colorado
"...I had a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. And you said to go talk to GM garage about updates..."
The Chevrolet Colorado is a type of truck that is smaller than full-size pickups but still offers good cargo space and towing capacity. The 2015 version has different engine options and is popular for both work and personal use.
The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. The 2015 model features a range of engines and configurations, making it suitable for both work and everyday driving.
mass airflow sensor
"...it's related to the mass airflow sensor and what it does. Okay. What it does, the air coming across the mass air flow..."
The mass airflow sensor is a part that checks how much air is going into the engine. This helps the engine know how much fuel to use for the best performance.
A mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to help determine the correct air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion. It plays a crucial role in engine performance and efficiency.
air-fuel mixture
"...it tells us that the engine is consuming more air at the time. And that's in shooting more fuel into the motor. Okay. Okay."
The air-fuel mixture is how much air and fuel are mixed together before going into the engine. Getting this mix right is important for the engine to run well and not pollute too much.
The air-fuel mixture refers to the ratio of air to fuel in the combustion chamber of an engine. A proper mixture is essential for efficient engine performance and emissions control.
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