The Importance of Keeping Tires and Cars Winter Ready!
About this episode
Winter is approaching, and it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is ready for the colder months. ASC-certified technician Nick Stoffel discusses the importance of winter tires versus all-season tires, emphasizing that while snow tires offer better traction, high-quality all-season tires can suffice for most drivers. The episode also covers common winter car issues, like battery maintenance and heating problems, urging listeners to address these before the first snow hits. Nick provides practical advice on car care, making it a valuable resource for preparing your vehicle for winter.
all season tire
"So a good all season or an all weather tire will service you just fine. You know, if you're in the market for some tires, you go to your tire dealer..."
All season tires can be used year-round and work well in different weather conditions. They are a good option if you don't want to change your tires for winter and summer.
All season tires are designed to provide a balance of performance in various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. They are a popular choice for drivers who want versatility without switching tires seasonally.
snow tires
"And before we get off the subject of snow tires,"
Snow tires are made for driving in winter weather, like snow and ice. They help your car grip the road better when it's cold and slippery.
Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in snowy and icy conditions. They feature a softer rubber compound and unique tread patterns to enhance grip on slippery surfaces.
Chevrolet Malibu
"Here is a 25 or rather 2025 Malibu. Purchase new this year already."
The Chevrolet Malibu is a car that many people use for everyday driving. The 2025 model is the latest version, which means it has new features and improvements compared to older models.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that has been popular for its balance of comfort and efficiency. The 2025 model continues this tradition with updated features and styling.
windshield wiper
"Driver's side windshield wiper is seems to be wearing faster than the passenger side."
Windshield wipers are the rubber blades that move across your car's windshield to wipe away rain or snow. They can wear out and may not work as well if they are old or damaged.
Windshield wipers are essential components of a vehicle that help maintain visibility by clearing rain, snow, and debris from the windshield. They typically wear out over time and may need to be replaced regularly.
check engine light
"If it's the orange or the yellow surface engine soon lamp, that means it's a fault. And if you're just taking a reset in it, that doesn't necessarily mean you're fixing the fault."
The check engine light is a warning light on your car's dashboard. If it lights up, it means there's a problem with the engine or emissions system that needs to be checked.
The check engine light, often represented by an orange or yellow lamp on the dashboard, indicates that the vehicle's computer has detected a fault in the engine or emissions system. It serves as a warning to the driver that a diagnostic trouble code has been stored, which can help identify the specific issue.
diagnostic trouble code
"When the light comes on, it will store a code."
A diagnostic trouble code is a special code that your car's computer saves when it finds a problem. Mechanics can read this code to figure out what's wrong with your car.
A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a code stored by the vehicle's onboard computer when it detects a malfunction in the engine or emissions system. These codes can be read using a diagnostic scanner to help identify the specific issue affecting the vehicle's performance.
scan tool
"We take our scan tool, retrieve the code, try to determine which system it's in, go to that system, find those sensors, components and parts, test them to figure out where the failure is."
A scan tool is like a computer that talks to your car's brain. It helps mechanics find out what's wrong by checking for error messages.
A scan tool is a diagnostic device used to communicate with a vehicle's onboard computer system. It retrieves trouble codes that indicate issues with various systems, helping technicians identify problems more efficiently.
gas cap
"That light can be something as simple as a gas cap that is not tight. That light can be some sort of catastrophic misfire."
The gas cap is the lid that keeps your car's fuel tank closed. If it's not on tight, it can cause a warning light to come on, even though it's a simple fix.
The gas cap is a cover for the fuel tank that prevents fuel from evaporating and keeps contaminants out. A loose or damaged gas cap can trigger a warning light on the dashboard, indicating a potential issue with the fuel system.
misfire
"That light can be some sort of catastrophic misfire."
A misfire happens when the engine doesn't work right, causing it to shake or lose power. It can be due to problems like bad spark plugs or fuel issues.
A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders in an engine fail to fire properly, leading to a loss of power and increased emissions. This can be caused by various issues, including faulty spark plugs, fuel delivery problems, or ignition system failures.
Ford Explorer
"...if this is a real cost. 2017 Ford Explorer, the low beam headlight does not work. High beam is fine, no damage to the light."
The Ford Explorer is a type of SUV that can carry many passengers and has a lot of space for cargo. The 2017 version has some modern features that help keep you safe while driving.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior and versatility. The 2017 model features updated technology and safety features, making it a popular choice for families.
low beam headlight
"...2017 Ford Explorer, the low beam headlight does not work. High beam is fine, no damage to the light."
Low beam headlights are the lights on the front of your car that help you see at night without shining too brightly into other drivers' eyes. They are important for safe driving.
The low beam headlight is a type of headlight used for regular driving conditions, providing adequate illumination without blinding oncoming drivers. It's essential for safe nighttime driving and in poor weather conditions.
headlight assembly
"Ford says you need to replace the whole headlight assembly and cost is $1,600. Does that seem right?"
The headlight assembly is the whole part that contains the light for your car. If it breaks, you usually have to replace the entire unit instead of just the light bulb.
The headlight assembly is the complete unit that includes the headlight bulb, lens, and housing. When a headlight assembly is damaged or fails, it often requires replacement rather than just changing the bulb.
non-serviceable
"There's a lot more parts of the vehicle that are assemblies now. They're non-serviceable."
Non-serviceable means that you can't fix or replace just a part of it; if it breaks, you have to get a whole new piece instead.
Non-serviceable parts are components that cannot be repaired or serviced individually and must be replaced as a whole unit. This is common in modern vehicles where many components are designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
terminal connection
"and jiggles a terminal connection there. And it will start and he replaced the battery about a month ago."
A terminal connection is where the wires connect to the battery. If these connections are loose or corroded, it can cause problems like draining the battery.
A terminal connection refers to the points where electrical wires connect to the battery. Poor connections can lead to electrical issues, such as battery drainage.
Toyota Camry
"Here it is. 2006 Toyota Camry parked on the street for the third time in a year."
The Toyota Camry is a well-known car that many people drive because it's dependable and comfortable. The 2006 version is one of the older models.
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability and comfort. The 2006 model is part of the sixth generation, which was produced from 2002 to 2006.
fuel line
"A rodent has chewed the fuel line resulting in a costly repair of hundreds of dollars."
The fuel line is a tube that carries gasoline from the tank to the engine. If it gets damaged, it can cause problems and be expensive to fix.
The fuel line is a critical component of a vehicle's fuel system, responsible for transporting fuel from the tank to the engine. Damage to the fuel line can lead to leaks and costly repairs.
rodent tape
"It was even wrapped in rodent tape this time as the rubber line is soy-based."
Rodent tape is a special tape that helps keep mice and rats from chewing on important parts of a car. It has stuff on it that makes it taste bad to them.
Rodent tape is a type of adhesive tape designed to deter rodents from chewing on wires and hoses in vehicles. It often contains ingredients that are unappealing to rodents, helping to protect vulnerable components.
oil drain plug
"...my last oil change a few weeks ago, it was leaking from the oil drain plug. First question, is it common that the gasket and the plug is checked each oil change?"
The oil drain plug is a small part that helps you change the oil in your car. It lets the old oil out so you can put in new oil, which keeps the engine running smoothly.
The oil drain plug is a crucial component of a vehicle's oil system, allowing for the removal of old oil during an oil change. It's important for maintaining proper engine lubrication and preventing leaks.
gasket
"If there's a replaceable gasket on that drain plug, it needs to be replaced. We have, I think, up to maybe a couple different drawers of different size and fitments based on the making manufacturing engine."
A gasket is a piece that helps keep fluids from leaking out of a car part. It's important to replace it if it's worn out to avoid leaks.
A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases. In this context, it refers to the gasket that seals the drain plug in an engine.
Toyota Land
"...My 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser screen goes blank when I try to use the navigation screen."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that's great for off-roading and has many luxury features. The 2024 version includes new technology and is built to be very durable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capability and luxury features. The 2024 model continues this tradition with advanced technology and a robust build.
thermostat
"...How long should a thermostat last? My daughter drives a 2008 Jeep Wrangler, had the thermostat replaced last winter,..."
The thermostat helps keep the engine at the right temperature. If it breaks, the engine can get too hot or too cold, which can cause problems.
A thermostat is a crucial component in a vehicle's cooling system that regulates the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If it fails, it can lead to overheating or inadequate heating in the cabin.
Jeep Wrangler
"...My daughter drives a 2008 Jeep Wrangler, had the thermostat replaced last winter,..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that's great for driving on rough roads or trails. It's known for its strong build and ability to go almost anywhere.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It's popular among enthusiasts for its versatility and ability to handle rough terrain.
wheel bearings
"about what sounds might wheel bearings make if they're going bad. Typically it's like a humming type sound and you'll notice that the frequency will change in two situations as you increase the speed..."
Wheel bearings help your car's wheels spin freely. If they are worn out, they can make a humming sound that gets louder as you drive faster or put more weight on the car.
Wheel bearings are crucial components that allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. When they begin to fail, they can produce a humming noise that changes with speed and load on the vehicle.
crankshaft
"It's really hard on the crankshaft and like the internal combustion parts of the engine. So it's almost as bad as being low on oil."
The crankshaft is a part of the engine that helps turn the energy from the fuel into movement. If there's too much or too little oil, it can hurt this part and cause problems with the engine.
The crankshaft is a crucial component of an internal combustion engine that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which ultimately powers the vehicle. If oil levels are incorrect, it can lead to increased wear and potential damage to the crankshaft.
internal combustion engine
"It's really hard on the crankshaft and like the internal combustion parts of the engine. So it's almost as bad as being low on oil."
An internal combustion engine is a common type of engine found in most cars. It works by burning fuel inside the engine to create power that makes the car move.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel within the engine itself, typically using gasoline or diesel. This process creates combustion, which pushes pistons and ultimately drives the vehicle.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
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.