{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The Car Show with Dane Donovan - 4/4/2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-car-show-with-dane-donovan-4-4-2026","audioUrl":"https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/ec45f402-1bd0-4b33-b8fa-b36401192671/e0ae7e4c-b648-4769-bde1-b42300d316e4/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=4e0ab41b-2373-4728-b97c-b36401192677","description":"Dane Donovan shares valuable insights on car maintenance and ownership. He discusses the importance of regular oil changes, citing a personal experience where switching to synthetic oil affected his fuel economy. Dane also addresses a caller's question about whether to use synthetic or conventional oil in their Subaru engine, recommending sticking to what the manufacturer designed the car to use. Additionally, he offers advice on choosing a new car, highlighting the benefits of Honda and Toyota models.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":159.7,"endTime":166.639,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai","url":"/glossary/hyundai","quote":"...You need to do your homework. You need to call your entwer if you're buying a Hyundai or a Kia. Now listen,","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai is a major automaker known for offering value-focused vehicles and, in many models, strong warranty coverage. When the host says to “call” for homework if buying a Hyundai, they’re pointing listeners toward researching the specific model and deal details.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai is a car brand. The point here is: if you’re thinking about buying one, don’t skip research—check the exact model and the best way to buy it."}},{"startTime":169.6,"endTime":223.2,"type":"concept","title":"high theft","url":"/glossary/high-theft","quote":"there's there high theft. And he was telling me that, oh, you know, my daughter has a Kia...","canonicalId":"concept:high-theft","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“High theft” refers to a vehicle brand/model being stolen more frequently than average. That directly affects insurance pricing and coverage availability because insurers price risk based on theft statistics.","simplifiedExplanation":"High theft means more people are stealing those cars than usual. Insurance companies notice that and often charge more to cover them."}},{"startTime":197.9,"endTime":250.6,"type":"concept","title":"calling your insurance company before buying","url":"/glossary/calling-your-insurance-company-before-buying","quote":"If you're purchasing a new vehicle, new or used vehicle, I would recommend calling your insurance company and say, hey, what is what is it gonna be in order to cover the the insurance on this vehicle...","canonicalId":"concept:calling-your-insurance-company-before-buying","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker recommends contacting your insurer before purchasing a vehicle to get an accurate quote for that exact car. This helps avoid surprises after the sale, especially when theft risk changes premiums."}},{"startTime":247.0,"endTime":250.6,"type":"concept","title":"due diligence","url":"/glossary/due-diligence","quote":"In fact, make sure you do your due diligence. Call your insurance company and make sure that or find out what it's going to cost to insurance.","canonicalId":"concept:due-diligence","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Due diligence means doing the necessary research before buying—here, specifically checking insurance cost and coverage. It’s a practical step to understand total ownership cost beyond the purchase price."}},{"startTime":258.2,"endTime":293.9,"type":"concept","title":"insurance costs vary by location","url":"/glossary/insurance-costs-vary-by-location","quote":"insurance here relatively is inexpensive compared to like Florida... she's like it was quadruple in Florida the cost full coverage...","canonicalId":"concept:insurance-costs-vary-by-location","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Insurance pricing can differ dramatically by state or region due to local theft rates, driving conditions, and claim frequency. The speaker contrasts their area with Florida to illustrate how premiums can change after relocation.","simplifiedExplanation":"Insurance can cost more in some places than others. The host is saying Florida was much more expensive than where they moved to, likely due to local risk factors."}},{"startTime":367.4,"endTime":378.1,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"...because again I had a BMW towed into me this week. [375.7s] And because of lack of oil.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host uses a BMW repair story to illustrate what happens when an engine runs low on oil. He says a BMW X3 was towed in due to lack of oil, which then caused timing-chain damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re using a BMW example to show why oil matters. If you let the oil get too low, it can damage the engine and lead to a very expensive repair."}},{"startTime":375.7,"endTime":389.9,"type":"term","title":"lack of oil","url":"/glossary/lack-of-oil","quote":"And because of lack of oil. This vehicle that's the BMW is an BMW X three and it because of lack of oil, it again ruins the timing chains...","canonicalId":"term:lack-of-oil","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lack of oil” refers to oil starvation—when the engine doesn’t have enough lubrication. The host ties it directly to timing-chain damage on the BMW X3 example.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lack of oil means the engine isn’t getting enough lubrication. That can cause parts to wear quickly or fail, leading to major repairs."}},{"startTime":431.2,"endTime":466.1,"type":"term","title":"oil is being checked regularly","url":"/glossary/oil-is-being-checked-regularly","quote":"...there needs to be a sense of awareness that you need to make sure that the oil is being checked regularly because it cost you, the consumer so much.","canonicalId":"term:oil-is-being-checked-regularly","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host’s main advice is proactive oil monitoring to prevent oil starvation. He emphasizes that regular checks help avoid catastrophic engine damage and reduce the chance of expensive repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The takeaway is simple: check your oil often. Catching low oil early can prevent big, expensive engine problems."}},{"startTime":511.5,"endTime":513.0,"type":"term","title":"oil change","url":"/glossary/oil-change","quote":"[511.5s] You should change your oil.\n[513.0s] Now again, let me step back, and you know, of course some people might say, they go, well, of course, Dan, you're gonna say change your oil regular","canonicalId":"term:oil-change","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An oil change is the scheduled replacement of engine oil (and typically the oil filter) to keep the engine lubricated and clean. Many cars use an oil-life reminder based on mileage and driving conditions, but the key point here is that skipping changes can lead to expensive repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil change is when you replace the dirty engine oil with fresh oil. It helps protect the engine and keeps it running smoothly, and it’s usually cheaper than waiting until something breaks."}},{"startTime":554.8,"endTime":563.7,"type":"term","title":"twenty percent","url":"/glossary/twenty-percent","quote":"[554.8s] we look up at that little sticker and he's an old change, like, oh yeah, well, my car says it's I'm only I got twenty percent. Uh. You know the\n[563.7s] person I you know, the dealership about it from says I need to change it at ten. And I'm telling\n[569.2s] you it's the simplest, most important thing that you can do for your vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:twenty-percent","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Twenty percent” appears to refer to an oil-life percentage shown on the vehicle’s maintenance display. The speaker criticizes waiting until the percentage is low, implying that the reminder can be misinterpreted or ignored too long.","simplifiedExplanation":"That “twenty percent” is likely the car’s oil-life warning. The host is saying people see a number like that and think they can wait, but waiting too long can cause problems."}},{"startTime":630.4,"endTime":635.0,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"[628.4s] I'm not doing that. Now.\n[630.4s] He understood that, and he knew what I did, but he's like, oh, you know Ford has changed ten thousand.\n[635.0s] You're good. No, I'm not going to do that.","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ford is mentioned in the context of oil-change interval guidance (“Ford has changed ten thousand”). The speaker uses it to argue that even manufacturer guidance can be misunderstood, and that the car’s own maintenance indicator should be the reference point.","simplifiedExplanation":"They bring up Ford as an example of advice about how often to service. The point is that you shouldn’t rely only on what you heard—use your car’s own maintenance reminder."}},{"startTime":696.1,"endTime":701.3,"type":"term","title":"oil level","url":"/glossary/oil-level","quote":"...come in with less than a half quarter of oil with no low oil light.","canonicalId":"term:oil-level","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Oil level is the amount of oil in the engine at a given time, typically checked with a dipstick or electronic sensor. The speaker highlights that cars can arrive with very low oil even without a warning light, making regular checks important."}},{"startTime":895.6,"endTime":905.0,"type":"term","title":"10W-30 oil","url":"/glossary/10w-30-oil","quote":"...either using straight ten W thirty oil in it, or putting a cord of slick fifty with the ten W thirty oil, or using synthetic oil.","canonicalId":"term:10w-30-oil","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"10W-30 is an oil viscosity grade. The “10W” indicates cold-weather flow characteristics, while “30” is the viscosity at normal operating temperature.","simplifiedExplanation":"10W-30 is the “thickness” of the engine oil. It’s designed to flow well when it’s cold, and still protect the engine when it’s warmed up."}},{"startTime":970.32,"endTime":973.04,"type":"car","title":"Honda Civic","url":"/cars/honda/civic","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/2022_Honda_Civic_LX_Sedan%2C_front_right%2C_11-02-2022.jpg","quote":"... hear me out on this. I have a two thousand Honda Civic. And the reason why I don't so I've always advoca...","canonicalId":"car:honda:civic","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Civic is a compact car known for practical everyday driving and strong fuel economy across many model years. It often comes up in conversations because it’s a common, long-running choice that’s easy to live with and relatively straightforward to maintain. In the podcast context, it’s being discussed as a personal ownership experience from a specific Civic year.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Civic is a small car meant for everyday commuting and errands. People talk about it a lot because it’s usually efficient and not too complicated to own. The podcast mention is about someone’s experience with a particular Civic year.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1014.8,"endTime":1026.0,"type":"term","title":"miles per gallon (MPG)","url":"/glossary/miles-per-gallon","quote":"Miles per gallon went way down.","canonicalId":"term:miles-per-gallon","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"MPG (miles per gallon) is a measure of fuel efficiency. When MPG changes after an oil switch, it can indicate differences in friction, engine efficiency, or how the engine is operating under load.","simplifiedExplanation":"MPG tells you how many miles you can drive per gallon of gas. They’re saying their MPG dropped after switching oil."}},{"startTime":1095.8,"endTime":1101.9,"type":"term","title":"engine breakdown","url":"/glossary/engine-breakdown","quote":"I mean not have my Subaru engine breakdown on me. I have a gyroplane that I put it in. I can't pull over to the side of the road if I have an engine breakdown.","canonicalId":"term:engine-breakdown","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An engine breakdown is when the engine can’t operate properly—often due to mechanical failure, overheating, or lack of lubrication. The speaker contrasts this with their ability to safely pull over, highlighting real-world risk management.","simplifiedExplanation":"An engine breakdown is when the engine stops working or can’t run correctly. It usually means you may need help or a tow, depending on what failed."}},{"startTime":1315.1,"endTime":1325.2,"type":"term","title":"ten W thirty","url":"/glossary/ten-w-thirty","quote":"What would be the best ten W thirty that you would suggest? I mean there's so many Yeah.","canonicalId":"term:ten-w-thirty","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“10W-30” is an engine oil viscosity grade, where “10W” describes cold-weather flow and “30” describes viscosity at operating temperature. Viscosity selection matters because it affects lubrication, oil pressure, and fuel economy, and it should match the manufacturer’s recommendations.","simplifiedExplanation":"10W-30 is the oil’s “thickness” rating. It tells you how the oil behaves in cold starts and when the engine is hot, so choosing the right one helps the engine stay properly lubricated."}},{"startTime":1348.5,"endTime":1366.0,"type":"concept","title":"brand/quality of oil matters","url":"/glossary/brand-quality-of-oil-matters","quote":"[1348.5s] Hung up on the brands per se, because you know a lot of people people say this to me all the time. [1359.5s] you know, it's like, well, oil's oil. It's like, no, no, [1361.8s] it's not.","canonicalId":"concept:brand-quality-of-oil-matters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host pushes back on the idea that “oil’s oil,” arguing that oil brands and formulations differ. Quality oil can provide better additive performance and consistency, which can affect long-term engine cleanliness and wear."}},{"startTime":1411.8,"endTime":1416.0,"type":"term","title":"spark plugs","url":"/glossary/spark-plugs","quote":"[1411.8s] It's spark plugs and oil and very little, very little, seldom with a problem. I thank you for your time, Dean,","canonicalId":"term:spark-plugs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Spark plugs are part of the ignition system that ignite the air-fuel mixture. Regular maintenance of spark plugs supports reliable starting, smooth running, and efficient combustion."}},{"startTime":1472.7,"endTime":1501.5,"type":"company","title":"Donovan's Auto entire Center","url":"/glossary/donovan-s-auto-entire-center","quote":"Hi Dale Donovan from Donovan's Auto entire Center, the honest choice for car repair in Cincinnati since nineteen fifty eight. Find the one nearest you at donovantire dot com.","canonicalId":"company:donovan-s-auto-entire-center","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is the name of the shop the hosts are promoting, presented as a long-running local repair business. The episode frames it as a multi-generation operation with established customer relationships.","simplifiedExplanation":"That’s the name of the auto shop they’re talking about. They’re saying it’s been around a long time and has repeat customers."}},{"startTime":1627.0,"endTime":1638.0,"type":"term","title":"sunroof drains","url":"/glossary/sunroof-drains","quote":"...most likely it's the sunroof trains either they're detached or they're clogged, especially if you park underneath the tree where there's leaves to breed or whatnot.","canonicalId":"term:sunroof-drains","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Sunroof drains route water away from the cabin. If they become clogged (for example, with leaves) or disconnected, water can overflow into the vehicle instead of exiting outside.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sunroofs have small drain paths that carry water away. If those drains clog up, water can back up and leak into the car."}},{"startTime":1758.0,"endTime":1767.08,"type":"term","title":"gaskets","url":"/glossary/gaskets","quote":"...All of a sudden, everything started leaking on it, all the gaskets and everything, and they said, oh, no, it couldn't happen. But at the","canonicalId":"term:gaskets","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Gaskets are sealing components that prevent oil, coolant, or other fluids from escaping where engine parts meet. If gaskets fail or harden, leaks can develop and may require replacement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gaskets are the seal between engine parts. If they wear out, fluids can leak out and you’ll need repairs."}},{"startTime":1818.7,"endTime":1826.4,"type":"term","title":"conventional oil","url":"/glossary/conventional-oil","quote":"You know, it's twenty five years old, and I still put conventional oil in it. I don't and I don't have any problems with it.","canonicalId":"term:conventional-oil","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Conventional oil” is the standard, petroleum-based motor oil most older service schedules were built around. Compared with synthetic blends or full synthetic, it can have different additive packages and temperature performance, but many engines run fine on it when viscosity matches the owner’s manual.","simplifiedExplanation":"Conventional oil is the regular type of engine oil. If it’s the right weight/viscosity for your car, it usually works well—especially if the car was designed to use it."}},{"startTime":1991.4,"endTime":1994.2,"type":"term","title":"twelve hundred dollars","url":"/glossary/twelve-hundred-dollars","quote":"...it's a it's about a twelve hundred dollars cost, right. Not not hateful, not like hey don't buy their car because of it, but that's we We we see a lot of those.","canonicalId":"term:twelve-hundred-dollars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker cites an approximate repair cost for the leaking housing/cooler area. While the exact amount depends on labor and parts pricing, it highlights that this is a non-trivial repair rather than a minor service item.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying this repair can cost around $1,200. The takeaway is that it’s expensive enough to matter when you’re thinking about reliability and ownership costs."}},{"startTime":2056.5,"endTime":2061.0,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Sienna","url":"/cars/toyota/sienna","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/TOYOTA_SIENNA_%28XL40%29_China.jpg","quote":"What about Have you looked at the Toyot Sienna. No, I wasn't familiar with it.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:sienna","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Sienna is a direct competitor to the Honda Odyssey in the minivan segment. The speaker admits they weren’t familiar with it, which frames it as an alternative worth considering when shopping for a family van.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Sienna is another popular minivan option. It came up as something to look at if you’re shopping for a van like the Odyssey.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2082.6,"endTime":2094.2,"type":"concept","title":"high-mileage reliability","url":"/glossary/high-mileage-reliability","quote":"he almost has two hundred thousand miles on that thing... Never had any problems with the Sienna.","canonicalId":"concept:high-mileage-reliability","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"High-mileage reliability refers to how well a vehicle holds up after large mileage accumulation (often 100k+ miles) with minimal repairs. The speaker uses the Sienna’s near-200,000-mile experience as evidence that some brands tend to “make parts last longer” and reduce long-term headaches.","simplifiedExplanation":"High-mileage reliability means the car still runs well after a lot of miles. The speaker is saying their family’s van has gone a huge distance with few problems, which makes it a safer bet."}},{"startTime":2294.5,"endTime":2305.0,"type":"term","title":"power","url":"/glossary/power","quote":"Sure, so real quick, So I want to when you run into the store and come back out, turn the key, do you have power? Radio lights? Dash light up? Is that all happen?","canonicalId":"term:power","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In a no-start scenario, “power” usually means whether the car’s electrical system has sufficient voltage to run the dash, radio, and other modules. If power is present but the engine won’t crank, the fault may be in the starter circuit or ignition/fuel delivery rather than the battery/charging.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Power” here means whether the car’s electronics turn on when you try to start it. If the lights and radio work, the battery likely has enough voltage, and the issue may be something else."}},{"startTime":2326.5,"endTime":2333.0,"type":"term","title":"starter","url":"/glossary/starter","quote":"So typically, so what you're most likely dealing with is that starter. A lot of times, if the car does not crank, nine out of ten times, it's the start itself.","canonicalId":"term:starter","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The starter is the electric motor that cranks the engine when you turn the key or press the start button. If the starter fails, the engine may not crank at all, or it may crank but fail to start due to related ignition/fuel conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The starter is the part that gets the engine spinning when you try to start the car. If it’s bad, the engine may not crank or may not start reliably."}},{"startTime":2414.1,"endTime":2422.5,"type":"concept","title":"diagnostic drive to get it to act up","url":"/glossary/diagnostic-drive-to-get-it-to-act-up","quote":"We got to get it to act up, right. Your technician has got to get it to act up, so they're gonna have to drive it, get it hot, and you know there it could be a relay issue, could be.","canonicalId":"concept:diagnostic-drive-to-get-it-to-act-up","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Some faults are intermittent or heat-related, so technicians may need to drive the car, get it hot, and reproduce the symptom before they can confirm the failing component. This is especially common with starter/solenoid issues that show up after shutdown (hot soak).","simplifiedExplanation":"Some problems only happen when the car is hot or after you shut it off. A mechanic may need to drive it and recreate the issue before they can diagnose it correctly."}},{"startTime":2540.2,"endTime":2544.4,"type":"term","title":"applying the brakes","url":"/glossary/applying-the-brakes","quote":"Is it vibrating when you're applying the brakes when you have your foot on the gas.","canonicalId":"term:applying-the-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Brake application is a common diagnostic test for vibration complaints. If vibration changes or appears only when braking, it often points toward brake rotor issues (like warping) or front-end alignment/suspension effects under braking load.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mechanics often check whether the vibration changes when you press the brakes. If it does, it can mean the problem is related to the brakes or how the front suspension behaves under braking."}},{"startTime":2659.4,"endTime":2664.8,"type":"company","title":"road force balancer","url":"/glossary/road-force-balancer","quote":"[2655.0s] those tires checked and maybe rebalanced. And if you can\n[2659.4s] find a mechanic that has what's called a road force balancer, use that.","canonicalId":"company:road-force-balancer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A road force balancer is an advanced tire/wheel balancing machine that measures how much force the tire exerts as it rolls. It can help identify tire “high spots” or uneven stiffness and then match/mount the tire to the wheel to reduce vibration and improve ride quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"A road force balancer is a special machine that checks how smooth the tire is when it rolls. It can help the shop find the cause of vibration and set the tire up to ride more smoothly."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"55KRC (WKRC-AM)","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-car-show-with-dane-donovan-4-4-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}