Dane Donovan discusses winter car maintenance, emphasizing the importance of vehicle inspections and tire readiness as the cold weather approaches. He shares personal anecdotes from the Thanksgiving holiday and addresses listener questions about car issues, including starter problems and tire wear. The episode features practical advice on preparing vehicles for winter conditions and highlights the significance of using quality parts for repairs. Dane also promotes community events like Toys for Tots, encouraging listeners to participate and give back during the holiday season.
# Car Talk with Dane Donovan: Winter Prep & Holiday Car Tips
Are your wheels ready for winter? In this episode, Dane Donovan shares essential advice for preparing your vehicle for the cold months ahead. From the importance of timely inspections to why those wiper blades you've been ignoring might leave you stranded in a snowstorm, Dane offers practical wisdom from his 25 years in the auto repair business.
The automotive landscape has changed dramatically since Donovan's Auto & Tire Center opened 66 years ago. Remember when everyone rushed to put on snow tires the day after Thanksgiving? Today's vehicles have different needs, but winter preparation remains crucial. Dane explains why the sudden temperature drops we experience can wreak havoc on cars and why waiting until the first snowfall for new tires might leave you stuck in a long queue.
## Timestamps: - 3:45 - Winter car preparation essentials and how maintenance needs have evolved - 11:30 - Trailer tire problems and why they don't last - 18:20 - Solving gas tank pressure issues in a 2008 Chevy Silverado - 27:15 - Electronics troubleshooting in an '06 Escalade - 33:40 - Fuse problems and upgrading amperage safely - 36:15 - Bizarre starter issue in a '98 4Runner that starts without a key
## Key Takeaways: - Don't wait for the first snowfall to check your tires and other winter-critical systems - Modern cars need different maintenance than older vehicles, but winter checks remain essential - When doing DIY repairs, invest in quality OEM parts to avoid repeated failures - Trailer tires typically don't last long - consider light truck tires as an alternative - Rodents can cause extensive electrical damage to vehicles, especially those that sit unused
Is your college student home for the holidays? Schedule their car maintenance now before the rush. Remember that Donovan's offers shuttle services and sometimes even loaner vehicles to make the process as convenient as possible.
Ready to get your vehicle winter-ready? Visit donovantire.com to find the location nearest you and schedule your winter inspection today!
"...I need to have it winterize. I need to have it checked over for winter, right? Now, yes, cars of advance..."
Winterizing means getting your car ready for winter. It helps make sure your car runs well in the cold and doesn't have any problems.
Winterizing a car involves preparing it for cold weather conditions to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. This can include checking fluids, battery health, and tire condition.
"...check my coolant, check my belts, my hoses, my battery and stuff like that. Now your belts, your hoses, your coolant are going to be fine..."
Coolant is a liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot. It's important to check and replace it regularly, especially in winter.
Coolant is a fluid used in vehicles to regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating. It's essential for maintaining optimal engine performance, especially in extreme weather conditions.
"...you still need to check the battery. You need to make sure that, you know, your wipers are replaced. It's the hardest thing for me to try to sell is wiper blades..."
Wiper blades are the rubber parts on your car that wipe water off the windshield. It's important to change them so you can see clearly when it rains or snows.
Wiper blades are essential components of a vehicle's windshield wiper system, designed to clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield for better visibility. Regular replacement is necessary for safety.
"The other thing is the tires. You heard me, we talk about it all the time, making sure your tires are ready for winter..."
Tires are the rubber parts that make contact with the road. It's important to check them regularly to make sure they are safe, especially in winter when conditions can be slippery.
Tires are critical components of a vehicle that provide traction, handling, and stability. Ensuring they are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth is vital for safe driving, especially in winter conditions where snow and ice are present.
"...you change oil every 3,000 miles, you get the car of major..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in a car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage.
An oil change is the process of replacing the old engine oil in a vehicle with new oil. This is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity, as fresh oil lubricates engine components and helps remove contaminants.
"...you can't find trailer tires that have a decent date code. You know, they've been sitting on the shelf for three or four, five years. Right..."
The date code tells you when a tire was made. It's important to check this because older tires can wear out and be dangerous to use.
The date code on a tire indicates when it was manufactured, usually represented by a four-digit number that shows the week and year of production. This information is crucial for ensuring that tires are not too old, as older tires can degrade and become unsafe.
"...they either dry rot or they break belts or they separate. And I got a, I bought her last trailer..."
Dry rot happens when tires get old and dry out, causing them to crack. This can make them unsafe to use.
Dry rot is a condition where tires become brittle and crack due to exposure to sunlight and environmental factors. This can lead to tire failure and is a common issue with older tires that are not regularly used or maintained.
"...the only manufacturer that I know that's, that builds a good trailer tire, and you may have even used them is Carlisle. That is, that's the only main..."
Carlisle makes tires specifically for trailers, and they are known for being better quality than many other trailer tire brands. If you're looking for trailer tires, Carlisle is a brand you can trust.
Carlisle is a well-known manufacturer of trailer tires, recognized for producing durable and reliable products. They are often recommended for their quality compared to other brands in the market.
"I have a 2000-H Chevy Silverado and when I put gas in it, it immediately starts popping off like it's full."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a large truck that people use for work and towing. The 2000 version is known for being tough and reliable.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. The 2000 model is part of the GMT800 generation, which is recognized for its strong performance and comfortable ride.
"you've got what's called an evaporative emission system. So basically your gas tank..."
The evaporative emission system is a part of the car that keeps gas fumes from leaking out into the air. It helps reduce pollution from the vehicle.
The evaporative emission system is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. It includes components like the charcoal canister and vent valve to capture and store these vapors.
"most likely have a bad, either the charcoal canister or what's called the canister vent valve..."
The charcoal canister is a part of the car that helps keep gas fumes from escaping into the air. It captures these fumes so they don't pollute the environment.
The charcoal canister is a component of the evaporative emission control system that captures fuel vapors from the gas tank. It helps prevent these vapors from escaping into the atmosphere, reducing pollution.
"So there's a system in your truck. It's called the evap system. So those fumes that are in the tank go into what's called the charcoal canister."
The evap system helps keep harmful fuel fumes from leaking into the air. It collects these fumes and sends them to the engine to be used instead of letting them escape.
The evap system, or evaporative emissions control system, is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. It captures and stores these vapors in a charcoal canister until they can be burned in the engine.
"And then you have what's called a canister vent valve. That valve, once those fumes are vented, it vents, sends those fumes to the front of the engine to what's called the purge valve."
The canister vent valve helps move the fuel fumes from the canister to the engine. It opens up when it's time to use those fumes, helping the car run cleaner.
The canister vent valve is a component that controls the flow of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister to the engine. It opens to allow vapors to be purged into the engine for combustion when needed.
"And that purge valve then sends them into the engine to be burned."
The purge valve lets the fuel fumes from the canister go into the engine when the car is running. This helps the engine use those fumes instead of wasting them.
The purge valve is a part of the evap system that allows fuel vapors from the charcoal canister to enter the engine for combustion. It opens when the engine is running to utilize the stored vapors, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
"...the reason it's shutting off is because of the back pressure. And that's because something's not working like it's supposed to..."
Back pressure is the pressure that builds up in the exhaust system of a car. If it's too high, it can cause the engine to shut off because it can't push out the exhaust gases properly.
Back pressure refers to the resistance that exhaust gases encounter as they exit the engine. High back pressure can lead to performance issues, including engine shutdowns, as it affects the engine's ability to expel exhaust efficiently.
"...you have to smoke, you have to run smoke through the system to try to find out where possibly a leak is..."
A smoke test is a way to find leaks in a car by blowing smoke into the system. If there's a leak, the smoke will escape, showing where the problem is.
A smoke test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify leaks in a vehicle's systems. Smoke is introduced into the system, and any escaping smoke indicates a leak, helping technicians pinpoint issues.
"...I've got an 06 Escalade throttle position sensor. I don't remember the code number"
The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort. The 2006 version is known for its strong performance and upscale features.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and high-end features. The 2006 model is part of the first generation of the Escalade, which was redesigned for that year.
"...I've got an 06 Escalade throttle position sensor. I don't remember the code number"
The throttle position sensor is a part that helps the engine know how much air is coming in. It helps control how the engine runs and how much fuel it uses.
The throttle position sensor (TPS) is an electronic component that monitors the position of the throttle in an internal combustion engine. It sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU) to manage engine performance and fuel efficiency.
"I replaced the electronic gas pedal and it would go into limp mode."
The electronic gas pedal is what you push to make the car go faster. It sends signals to the car's computer to control the engine's power.
An electronic gas pedal, also known as an accelerator pedal position sensor, is a component that detects the position of the accelerator pedal and sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust engine power accordingly.
"I've even put a new pigtail on the connector at the sensor throttle body."
The throttle body helps control how much air goes into the engine when you press the gas pedal. It’s important for making the car go faster or slower.
The throttle body is a crucial component of the air intake system that controls the amount of air entering the engine. It works in conjunction with the electronic gas pedal to regulate engine power and performance.
"the second time was AC Delco from the dealer and it seemed to work."
AC Delco is a brand that makes car parts, especially for GM cars. They are known for making reliable and good-quality parts.
AC Delco is a brand known for manufacturing automotive parts, including batteries, filters, and engine components. It is often associated with General Motors vehicles and is recognized for its quality and reliability.
"...go into limp mode. You'd reset it, it'd be fine. Now it goes into limp mode right after you start it up..."
Limp mode is when your car limits its power to protect itself from damage. It helps you drive safely to a mechanic instead of breaking down completely.
Limp mode is a safety feature in vehicles that limits engine power and performance to prevent further damage when a fault is detected. It allows the driver to maintain some level of control while seeking repairs.
"...30 years ago, you didn't have all these electronics for a gas pedal. It was, it was drive by wire, right? So I'm sorry, not drive by wire. It was, it was a throttle cable, right? So when you hit the gas pedal..."
Drive by wire means that instead of using a physical cable to connect the gas pedal to the engine, the car uses electronics to control how much gas the engine gets. This can make the car more efficient and easier to control.
Drive by wire is a technology that replaces traditional mechanical linkages between the gas pedal and the throttle with electronic controls. This allows for more precise control of the engine and can enable features like adaptive cruise control and traction control.
"...it was a throttle cable, right? So when you hit the gas pedal, that cable opened up that throttle by that. That's how you gave a gas..."
A throttle cable is a wire that connects the gas pedal to the engine. When you press the gas pedal, this cable pulls on a part of the engine to let in more air and fuel, which makes the car go faster.
A throttle cable is a mechanical cable that connects the gas pedal to the throttle body in older vehicles. When the driver presses the gas pedal, the cable pulls on the throttle, allowing more air and fuel into the engine to increase power.
"...my neighbor was like, hey, my water pump's leaking. It's a Ford Explorer. The engine's got to come out to do it. I said,..."
The Ford Explorer is a type of SUV, which stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. It's known for being roomy and good for families or trips.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been popular for its spacious interior and versatility. It is often used for family transportation and outdoor activities.
"...my neighbor was like, hey, my water pump's leaking. It's a Ford Explorer. The engine's got to come out to do it. I said,..."
The water pump helps keep the engine cool by moving a special liquid called coolant around. If it leaks, it can cause the engine to overheat.
The water pump is a critical component of a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
"...buy a good quality part, an OEM manufactured part, okay? It's imperative. It's an important thing to do, especially if you're doing it yourself."
OEM parts are made by the same company that built your car, so they fit and work perfectly. It's important to use these parts when fixing your car to avoid problems later.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to parts made by the vehicle's original manufacturer. Using OEM parts ensures compatibility and reliability, especially when performing repairs yourself.
"...call my buddy Dave Brinkman at Frank's Heavy Truck Collision Repair. Located just off 575 at Route 63, it's convenient to both Cincinnati and Dayton."
Frank's Heavy Truck Collision Repair is a place where you can take big vehicles like trucks and RVs if they get damaged. They have a lot of experience fixing them.
Frank's Heavy Truck Collision Repair specializes in body repair for trucks, campers, RVs, and trailers. They have over 30 years of experience in the industry, including work with insurance and fleet vehicles.
"They read that it was misfiring on a cylinder because I put new plugs and wires in and found that problem, but it didn't show up any of the ABS or the brake system or engine problems, which is rather strange."
Misfiring means that the engine isn't working properly because some parts aren't firing like they should. This can make the car run rough or lose power.
Misfiring occurs when one or more cylinders in an engine fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture properly, leading to a loss of power, rough idling, and increased emissions. It can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel delivery issues.
"...I thought maybe a door was a jar or something. So I put it on charge overnight..."
The battery is a part of the car that gives it power to start the engine and run things like lights and radio. If the battery is weak or dead, the car won't start.
The battery provides electrical power to start the engine and run electrical components when the engine is off. A weak or dead battery can prevent the starter from functioning properly.
"...the research on the internet either leans toward the starter relay, the actual ignition, switch itself, or a starter cell annoyed. Well, you could, if you wanted to, you could pull the starter relay..."
The starter relay is a small part that helps start your car. When you turn the key, it sends power to the engine to get it running.
A starter relay is an electrical switch that activates the starter motor when the ignition key is turned. It helps to manage the high current required to start the engine without damaging the ignition switch.
"...the actual ignition, switch itself, or a starter cell annoyed. Well, you could, if you wanted to, you could pull the starter relay..."
The ignition switch is what you turn when you start your car. It connects the battery to the parts that help the engine start.
The ignition switch is the component that allows you to start the vehicle by turning the key or pressing a button. It connects the battery to the starter and other electrical systems when engaged.
"...you could pull the starter relay, disconnect the battery, you got the battery disconnected, pull the starter relay. It should be underneath the hood, find the fuse box..."
The fuse box is a small box in your car that holds fuses. Fuses protect the electrical parts of your car from getting too much power and breaking.
A fuse box is an electrical panel that houses fuses and relays for the vehicle's electrical system. It protects the wiring and components from overload by breaking the circuit if a fault occurs.
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark.
Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.
