Understanding Your Ride Saves You Money | The Little Service That's HUGE
About this episode
Understanding the fundamentals of your vehicle can lead to significant savings on repairs and maintenance. Niall MotorMelt Jenkins emphasizes the importance of knowing how your car works, from monitoring the temperature gauge to recognizing the value of proper oil changes. He shares insights on avoiding costly mistakes and highlights the benefits of regular maintenance. With a mix of humor and practical advice, this episode aims to empower listeners to take control of their automotive knowledge and save money in the long run.
Question: how much do you understand about your present vehicle maintenance? Drop a comment to us!
Understanding your ride isn't optional - it's how you save real money and avoid real breakdowns. In this episode, we go back tot basics and talk about the " little service that's actually huge" - oil changes done properly. Back in the shop days, we didn't call it an oil change...we called it full-service maintenance, because it was our chance to give the entire vehicle a complete once-over. That mindset is something every vehicle owner needs to embrace. From spotting small problems early to protecting the systems that keep your car safe, reliable, and on the road - the fundamentals matter. Ignore them, and you'll pay later. Respect them, and your vehicle will take care of you. Tough times don't last - tough people do. And informed vehicle owners last even longer. Join the Motormouth Crew:
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Jeep Wrangler
"...vehicle got written off. 2018 Jeep Wrangler, it was, she was beautiful. Oh, very nice, very, very nice..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that many people love for adventures. The 2018 version has some new features that make it more comfortable and easier to drive.
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and capabilities. The 2018 model features improved technology and comfort while maintaining its iconic off-road performance.
City Auto Sales and Leasing
"...you want to purchase from somebody that you can trust, you can seriously trust Earl and Louise Grant at City Auto Sales and Leasing. They do in-house financing as well..."
City Auto Sales and Leasing is a car dealership where you can buy used cars. They help people with different credit situations get financing to buy a car.
City Auto Sales and Leasing is a dealership that specializes in selling pre-owned vehicles. They offer in-house financing options, making it easier for customers with varying credit histories to purchase a vehicle.
beater
"...They sell no junk. I'll tell you that right now. There's no beaters there, because Earl and Louise are car guys for over 25 years..."
A 'beater' is a cheap car that isn't in great shape. People often drive them without worrying too much about how they look or run.
A 'beater' refers to a car that is in poor condition, often used as a daily driver without concern for its appearance or performance. These vehicles are typically inexpensive and may require significant repairs.
temperature gauge
"...your dashboard ain't just for tunes and speed. That temperature gauge is a heat warning system. If it's creeping past the halfway and climbing, it's time to pull it over..."
The temperature gauge tells you how hot the engine is running. If it gets too high, it means the engine might be overheating, which can cause big problems.
The temperature gauge is an instrument on the dashboard that indicates the engine's coolant temperature. If the gauge shows a high temperature, it can signal that the engine is overheating, which can lead to serious damage if not addressed.
coolant
"...let it cool and check the coolant. And don't try to muscle through it because when engines overheat fast..."
Coolant is a special liquid that helps keep the engine from getting too hot. It moves around the engine to absorb heat and then cools down in the radiator.
Coolant is a fluid used in the engine cooling system to regulate temperature and prevent overheating. It circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and dissipating it to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
automatic transmission
"if you have an automatic transmission, if you're overheating the engine, you're overheating the transmission, you're cooking it too. All at the same time."
An automatic transmission is a part of the car that helps it change gears on its own, so you don't have to do it manually. If it gets too hot, it can break and be expensive to fix.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears. Overheating can damage the transmission, leading to costly repairs.
operating temperature
"If that temperature gauge is running too low, that means the engine is not staying at operating temperature, which is 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Period. Across the board. All makes some models."
Operating temperature is the temperature your engine should be running at for it to work well. For many cars, this is about 195 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's too low, the engine might not run efficiently.
Operating temperature refers to the ideal temperature range at which an engine functions efficiently, typically around 195 degrees Fahrenheit for most vehicles. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
fuel injectors
"the computer is opening the injectors longer to spray more fuel to try and get that the burn hotter, just like a fireplace."
Fuel injectors are parts of the engine that spray fuel into it. The car's computer controls how much fuel is sprayed to help the engine run smoothly.
Fuel injectors are components in an engine that spray fuel into the combustion chamber. They are controlled by the engine's computer to ensure the right amount of fuel is delivered for efficient combustion.
engine temperature
"...fire gets hotter to try and get that engine up to 195 degrees and keep it there. So what happens? If the engine's running cooler, you're wasting a ton of fuel..."
Engine temperature is how hot the engine gets when it's running. It's important to keep it at the right level so the engine works well and doesn't get damaged.
Engine temperature refers to the heat level within the engine during operation. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for efficiency and preventing damage. Most engines operate best around 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
cooling system
"...take care of your cooling system and keep an eye on that 10th gauge, whether it's running a little too hot or it's running too cool, there's problems that need to be taken care of..."
The cooling system helps keep the engine from getting too hot. It uses parts like the radiator and coolant to manage the engine's temperature so it runs smoothly.
The cooling system in a vehicle is responsible for regulating the engine temperature, preventing it from overheating. It typically includes components like the radiator, water pump, and coolant, which work together to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
oil change
"Taking care of your oil change and not going to the drive through one. Folks, don't do it to yourself. I'll tell you right now."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage.
An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure where the old engine oil is drained and replaced with new oil, along with replacing the oil filter. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health and performance.
Jenkins Automotive
"...the vehicles that used to come into my shop, Jenkins Automotive, it repairs on the Hamilton Mountain..."
Jenkins Automotive is a car repair shop where people can take their cars for maintenance and repairs. They help fix problems and keep cars running well.
Jenkins Automotive is a repair shop mentioned in the context of vehicle maintenance. Shops like this typically provide services such as oil changes, diagnostics, and repairs to keep vehicles in good working condition.
monthly payments
"...keep buying more and more and make a monthly payments, paying absorbent amounts of interest, being in partnership with the bank every time you turn the key?"
Monthly payments are the money you pay every month when you borrow money to buy a car. It's like paying for something little by little instead of all at once.
Monthly payments refer to the regular payments made to finance a vehicle over time, often including interest. This is common in auto loans where the buyer pays back the borrowed amount in installments.
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