🚗 Victoria Day Long Weekend Travel Tips | Summer Kickoff 2026 🇨🇦
About this episode
Fun Friday kicks off the summer with Victoria Day long-weekend travel tips and a practical pre-trip checklist. The hosts talk tire pressure and towing safety—OPP looks at trailer hitch setup and chains, and they stress checking wheel bearings properly. Alongside the travel talk, they share used-car buying guidance (including maintenance schedules) and real shop updates: rebuilding a 2007 FJ Cruiser front end, sourcing parts for a rescued 2008 Rogue, and warning that “CVT” needs care.
It's the first Canadian Long Weekend of Summer Kickoff 2026 and the highways are about to get busy! Before you load up the family, the trailer, the dog, the camping gear and hit the road, take a few minutes to do a proper pre-trip circle check.
Today on Fun Friday ,Motormouth talks safe holiday travel, trailer towing tips, tire pressures for loaded vehicles, avoiding roadside infractions, planning around construction delays and making sure your Victoria Day weekend starts off stress free.
Plus we want to hear from YOU:
🇨🇦 What are your long weekend plans?
🇨🇦 Favourite vacation spot for summer 2026
🇨🇦 Favourite campfire food?
Drive Safe, plan ahead and enjoy the kickoff to summer across Canada eh!
#VictoriaDayWeekend. #TravelSafe. #MotormouthDrive
Help Us Grow Our Channel by doing these little things for us🇧🇦❤️ Skippy
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More episodes and...project Details & Links are available at Car Connection Business Network.com ( ccbusnet.com ) you'll find everything on our home page if you'd like to follow the build & repair work we do, connect with our program partners click their logo to meet them, Thank You for supporting them too👍 Nile Motormouth Jenkins
Merch Available in our online store at (ccbusnet.com) all proceeds to Total Freedom Addiction Campuses Canada & USA. Let's help those with addictions get them there🚗 Thank You friends, Skippy & Motormouth.❤️
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We'll see you in the next one friends;
Happy Healthy Motoring, Peace Patience Kindness Always NMJ
Jeep Wrangler
"...rs, we live them. Whether it's a 25-year-old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life, or a Nissan Road..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a type of SUV made to handle rough roads and off-road trails. People often keep older Wranglers running by fixing and upgrading them instead of replacing them. That’s why it may be discussed as a “second chance” vehicle.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged, off-road-focused SUV known for its simple, durable design and strong aftermarket support. In a podcast context, it often comes up because owners keep older Wranglers running for years, whether for daily use or trail driving. That “second chance” theme fits the Wrangler’s reputation for being repairable and customizable.
tire pressures
"Tire pressures, fluids. Look at the belts, hoses. See if there's any leakage somewhere"
Tire pressure is the amount of air in your tires. When you’re carrying a lot of stuff or towing, you usually need to set pressures so the tires don’t get too hot and fail.
Tire pressure is how much air is in a tire, and it strongly affects how the tire supports the vehicle. For towing or heavy loads, the correct pressure helps the tire carry the extra weight without overheating.
fluids
"Tire pressures, fluids. Look at the belts, hoses. See if there's any leakage somewhere"
Fluids are the liquids your car uses to run safely—like oil and coolant. Checking them before you leave helps you spot leaks or low levels that could cause problems on the road.
“Fluids” refers to the consumable liquids that keep a vehicle operating correctly, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Checking them before a long trip helps catch low levels or leaks that could cause overheating or loss of braking performance.
belts, hoses
"Look at the belts, hoses. See if there's any leakage somewhere that can be taken care of before you hit the highway."
Belts and hoses are rubber parts that help the engine and cooling system work. If they’re cracked or leaking, they can cause trouble—so it’s smart to check them before a long trip.
Belts and hoses are rubber components that wear out and can fail, especially under heat and age. Inspecting them for cracks, bulges, or leaks before a highway drive reduces the chance of a breakdown.
spare
"And don't forget the spare. So air up all the tires."
Your spare tire is the backup tire if you get a flat. Before you leave, make sure it’s inflated and ready so you’re not stranded.
The spare tire is your backup wheel in case of a flat, and it must be inflated and in usable condition. Before a long trip, checking the spare reduces the chance you’re stuck with a deflated or damaged tire when you need it most.
gross vehicle weight
"whatever you're hauling, you're putting more gross vehicle weight on your automobile."
Gross vehicle weight is how heavy your vehicle is when it’s fully loaded. The heavier you are, the more you need to make sure tires and brakes can handle it safely.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and any trailer load. Higher GVW increases stress on tires and brakes, so tire pressures and load planning matter more.
maximum tire pressure
"So what do you do? You need to look at the sidewall of the tire today. Look to see what the maximum tire pressure is. Pump those tires up to the max."
Maximum tire pressure is the highest safe air pressure listed on the tire. For heavy loads, setting pressures correctly helps the tire stay cooler and less likely to fail.
Maximum tire pressure is the highest inflation level a tire is rated to handle, typically shown on the tire’s sidewall. Inflating to the tire’s maximum (when appropriate for the load) increases tire stiffness so the tire can better support heavier loads without excessive flexing.
wheel bearings
"Now, for those who are going to be hooking on to the boat trailer, the camper trailer, have you checked the wheel bearings?"
Wheel bearings help the wheel rotate smoothly. If they’re worn out or not working right, they can overheat—so it’s important to check them before towing.
Wheel bearings are the components that allow the wheel to spin smoothly while supporting the vehicle’s weight. When towing, bearings run hotter and harder; checking them helps prevent overheating and potential wheel failure.
chain locks
"and that you've got your chain locks on there because you can't just use s-hooks anymore. They have to have the lock on them."
Safety chains are extra connections that keep a trailer from separating if the hitch fails. Using the correct locked hardware helps ensure the chains stay secure.
Chain locks are safety chains used to secure a trailer to the tow vehicle in case the hitch connection fails. The speaker emphasizes using the proper locking hardware rather than improvised hooks, because the lock helps keep the chains properly attached.
s-hooks
"because you can't just use s-hooks anymore. They have to have the lock on them."
S-hooks are a type of trailer chain connector. The concern is that without a lock, they can open—so you should use the locked version required for safe towing.
S-hooks are quick-attach hook shapes sometimes used on trailer safety chains, but they can be less secure if they aren’t locked. The speaker’s point is that modern trailer safety practice requires locking hardware so the hook can’t open under load or vibration.
blowout
"is if you have a blowout and you're on the side of the road and the OPP stops to see you, they're"
A blowout is when a tire suddenly fails and loses air fast. It can make the trailer hard to control and usually means you have to stop right away.
A tire blowout is a sudden failure of the tire, usually from damage or overheating, causing rapid loss of air. On a trailer, a blowout can quickly destabilize the load and force an immediate roadside stop.
OPP
"is if you have a blowout and you're on the side of the road and the OPP stops to see you, they're"
OPP is Ontario’s provincial police. They may pull over and check what’s going on if you’re on the road with a problem.
OPP refers to the Ontario Provincial Police, the provincial law-enforcement agency in Ontario, Canada. In the segment, they’re described as stopping to check roadside situations involving trailers.
trailer hitch
"If you're hauling something, they're looking at your trailer hitch as you go by to see if your chains are put on correctly."
A trailer hitch is what connects your car to the trailer. The host is saying they check that connection closely because mistakes can cause problems.
A trailer hitch is the connection hardware between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The segment emphasizes that inspectors look at the hitch area to confirm the setup is correct before you continue towing.
safety chains
"they're looking at your trailer hitch as you go by to see if your chains are put on correctly. And if they're not, you're going to get a visit."
Safety chains are backup straps/chains that keep the trailer attached if something goes wrong with the hitch. They’re important for preventing a trailer from disconnecting.
Safety chains are secondary restraints that keep a trailer from fully separating from the hitch if the hitch connection fails. The segment warns that incorrect chain setup can lead to citations during roadside checks.
wheel bearing grease
"Don't just give them a shot of grease, lift it up and spin the wheel and make sure that the bearings are nice and smooth"
Grease is used to lubricate wheel bearings and reduce friction and heat. The segment specifically cautions against relying on grease alone—checking for smooth bearing operation matters because worn bearings can still fail even if they’re greased.
Dodge Grand Caravan
"and hook onto it with a car load of gear, you might even be in the grand caravan and it's loaded to the gills."
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan that can carry a lot of people and stuff. The host mentions it as an example of how packed a vehicle can be when towing a trailer.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan known for hauling families and cargo, which makes it a common towing base for smaller trailers. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a vehicle that can be heavily loaded (“loaded to the gills”) when towing.
axle
"That's generally when the trailer blows a tire or a bearing goes out, wrecks the axle right on the side of the highway."
The axle is the part that supports the wheels. If a tire or bearing fails badly, it can damage the axle and leave you stuck.
The axle is the structural component that supports the wheel(s) and transmits forces between the suspension and the wheels. The host warns that a trailer tire blowout or bearing failure can wreck the axle on the roadside.
2007 FJ Cruiser
"parts are here for the 07 FJ Cruiser so I'll be putting front brakes together tonight"
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a rugged SUV. This host is talking about fixing the front brakes on a 2007 model.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser (here, a 2007) is a retro-styled SUV known for its rugged, off-road-friendly design and simple, durable mechanical layout. In this segment, the host is working on the front brakes, which is a common maintenance/repair item on this kind of vehicle.
front brakes
"and I will probably do a short on that to show you everything is back together and the brakes I really believe this time on the front are going to be working 100% not 50%"
Front brakes are the brake parts on the front wheels. If they aren’t working right, the car may not slow down as well as it should.
“Front brakes” refers to the braking system components on the front axle, typically including brake pads and calipers. Because most braking force is generated at the front, front brake issues can noticeably affect stopping performance and how well the vehicle holds speed.
Napaport Colburn
"I did complain about it and I do want to say thank you to the team up at Napaport Colburn for taking care of us and shipping parts down and covering that on warranty"
Napaport Colburn is mentioned as the group that helped get the parts and handled the warranty coverage. It sounds like they made the repair process easier.
Napaport Colburn is referenced as the team that handled shipping parts and covered the work under warranty. In a brake-repair context, that implies they supported the parts supply and warranty process rather than being the vehicle manufacturer.
calipers
"the speed they got another set of calipers and also replace the pads so those are the people you want to work with right"
Calipers are the parts that squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotors. Replacing calipers can fix problems like weak or inconsistent braking.
Brake calipers are the clamp-like hydraulic components that squeeze the brake pads against the rotors to create stopping friction. When the host says they got “another set of calipers,” it implies a brake hardware replacement to restore proper clamping force and braking feel.
pads
"another set of calipers and also replace the pads so those are the people you want to work with right"
Brake pads are the replaceable parts that create the stopping grip when you press the brake. Worn pads can make braking feel weaker.
Brake pads are the friction material that the calipers press against the rotors. Replacing pads is a routine brake service, but it’s also essential when diagnosing why braking performance has dropped (for example, if pads are worn or not contacting properly).
Nissan 2008 Nissan
"...I needed two little pieces for the shifter on the 2008 Nissan Rogue that we rescued we rescued it and was going..."
The Nissan 200 SX is a sports car made for driving enjoyment. The podcast mentions it because someone needed small parts related to the shifter on an older car. Fixing the shifter helps the car change gears correctly.
The Nissan 200 SX is a sports-oriented Nissan model that’s known for being an enthusiast-focused car, often associated with manual-transmission setups and a strong parts ecosystem. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside a need for small shifter-related pieces, implying the car was being repaired to restore proper shifting. That kind of detail highlights how specific parts can be critical for keeping older performance cars functional.
CVT transmission
"but yes you got to look after that CVT transmission because they do have problems and that's 2008 was first gen but there's a"
A CVT transmission is an automatic transmission that doesn’t use traditional fixed gears. The host is warning that this type of transmission can develop problems if it isn’t taken care of.
A CVT (continuously variable transmission) uses a belt or chain and pulleys to smoothly change gear ratio instead of fixed gears. The host notes that CVTs can have problems, which is why maintenance and correct fluid service matter on cars like the 2008 Nissan Rogue mentioned here.
Nissan Rogue
"ton of them out there but if you have one a Nissan Rogue or a Nissan you need to find [2630.7s] out if it has a CVT continuous velocity transmission it's belt driven which is I can't even wrap my"
The Nissan Rogue is a common Nissan SUV. Here, the host brings it up because it may use a CVT, and that affects what maintenance you should do for the transmission.
The Nissan Rogue is a popular Nissan crossover SUV, and it’s commonly discussed in the context of its drivetrain choices. In this segment, the host uses the Rogue as an example of a vehicle that may use a CVT, which changes how you maintain the transmission.
CVT continuous velocity transmission
"out if it has a CVT continuous velocity transmission it's belt driven which is I can't even wrap my [2638.7s] head around that you need to change the transmission oil"
A CVT is a transmission that can smoothly change ratios instead of shifting gears in steps. In this segment, the host says it uses a belt, so it needs the right transmission fluid maintenance.
CVT (continuous variable transmission) is a type of automatic transmission that uses a continuously changing gear ratio instead of fixed steps. The host specifically notes it’s belt-driven, which is why they emphasize transmission fluid changes and careful maintenance intervals.
transmission oil
"head around that you need to change the transmission oil I would recommend you trade change it every [2644.5s] 35,000 kilometers be very nice to that transmission because there are about 16,000 dollars to replace"
Transmission oil (fluid) is the lubricant and hydraulic working fluid that keeps the transmission’s internal components operating correctly. For a belt-driven CVT, fresh fluid is especially important because it supports the system that manages the belt and ratio changes.
parts have been made obsolete
"oh those are they those parts have been made obsolete [2711.3s] three times I've called there and they said yeah there's they're on back order but they're coming [2716.0s] in so when I finally cornered them and said what's up I need to know because this is not really [2723.4s] a great idea to have a shifter that could pull off in my hand"
“Obsolete parts” means the part is no longer being made, so it can be hard to get. That can change how you fix the car—sometimes you have to use used parts or a different plan.
When parts are described as “obsolete,” it means the manufacturer (or supplier) no longer produces them and may not be able to source them reliably. This can force owners to wait on backorders, switch to used parts, or redesign the repair plan around what’s available.
back order
"three times I've called there and they said yeah there's they're on back order but they're coming [2716.0s] in so when I finally cornered them and said what's up I need to know"
A back order means the part isn’t in stock right now, but you’re waiting for it to arrive later. It can delay repairs.
A back order is when a part is temporarily unavailable and the order is queued to be filled later. The host uses it to explain why the repair couldn’t be completed on schedule.
you pull it wrecking yard
"so I will be heading into the you pull it reckon yard which I'm sure there will be some 2008 probably [2785.3s] to 2010 in there and I'll harvest a couple other trim components I wouldn't mind upgrading [2794.3s] that have been a little bit sun toasted because the vehicle sat for almost 13 months"
A “you pull it” junkyard is where you go to cars in a yard and take the parts you need yourself. It’s useful when new parts aren’t available.
A “you pull it” wrecking yard is a self-service salvage yard where you remove parts yourself from donor vehicles. It’s often used for discontinued or hard-to-find trim and interior components, like the shifter-related pieces discussed here.
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