What is CarMD and why do you need one
About this episode
Kristin Brokoff from CarMD joins John Paul to discuss the innovative CarMD Connect device, which plugs into your car's OBD2 port and pairs with an app for real-time vehicle monitoring. The device offers maintenance reminders, check engine light diagnostics, and even GPS tracking features for added peace of mind. With over 100 million technician-verified fixes in its database, CarMD Connect empowers drivers to understand their vehicle's health better. The episode also touches on winter car care tips and the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance.
In this episode we talk with Kristen Brocoff of CarMD. Check out their website (https://carmd.com/) In 2006 (when I first met Kristen) CarMD launched to empower consumers by providing not just tools but information to make better more informed decisions about vehicle health. We also find out about executive producer @jessewilkins smoked turkey recipe. Plus we get to spend some time with our listener family. We also used the AI feature of CarMD Connect to try to diagnose a brake issue. Give it a listen.
carMD
"...carMD was really the first company that ever started to educate your average driver about you can't ignore the second delight. You don't want to put the black tape over it..."
carMD is a company that helps people learn about their cars and how to fix problems. They make it easier for drivers to understand what's wrong with their vehicles.
carMD is a company that focuses on educating drivers about vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. They provide tools and resources to help car owners understand their vehicles better and address issues proactively.
OBD2 port
"...this is a little product carMD connect that you plug into the OBD2 port right under the dash."
The OBD2 port is a special plug in your car that mechanics use to check for problems. It helps them understand what's going on inside the car's computer.
The OBD2 port is a standardized interface found in most vehicles manufactured after 1996. It allows diagnostic tools to connect to the car's onboard computer to retrieve information about its performance and any issues.
vehicle registration reminders
"You can get vehicle registration reminders. It's getting cold. You're going to get tire pressure monitor reminders."
Vehicle registration reminders let you know when it's time to renew your car's registration. This is important to avoid getting in trouble for driving a car that isn't legally registered.
Vehicle registration reminders are notifications that alert car owners when their vehicle registration is due for renewal. This helps ensure that drivers remain compliant with local laws and avoid fines for driving an unregistered vehicle.
check engine light
"...when the check engine light or an ABS or an SRS type light comes on or something pending..."
The check engine light is a warning light on your dashboard that means something might be wrong with your car's engine. It's important to check it out to avoid bigger problems.
The check engine light is a warning indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals a potential issue with the engine or emissions system. It can indicate a range of problems, from minor issues to serious engine malfunctions.
tire pressure monitor
"...you're going to get tire pressure monitor reminders. And then when the check engine light or an ABS or an SRS type light comes on..."
A tire pressure monitor tells you if your tires are too inflated or not inflated enough. This is important for safe driving and can help your tires last longer.
A tire pressure monitor is a system that alerts drivers when tire pressure is too low or too high, which can affect vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. It helps maintain optimal tire performance and longevity.
ABS
"...when the check engine light or an ABS or an SRS type light comes on or something pending..."
ABS means Anti-lock Braking System, which helps your car's wheels from locking up when you brake hard. This keeps you in control and helps prevent accidents.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature in vehicles that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking. This helps maintain steering control during emergency stops and improves overall vehicle safety.
SRS
"...when the check engine light or an ABS or an SRS type light comes on or something pending..."
SRS means Supplemental Restraint System, which includes airbags that help protect you in a crash. If this light comes on, it means there might be a problem with the airbags.
SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System, which includes airbags and other safety features designed to protect passengers during a collision. The SRS light indicates a potential issue with these safety systems.
gas cap
"...thankfully, it was just a loose gas cap..."
The gas cap is the part that covers the hole where you put fuel in your car. If it's not on tight, it can cause problems and even turn on the check engine light.
The gas cap is a cover that seals the fuel filler neck of a vehicle. A loose or damaged gas cap can cause fuel vapors to escape and trigger the check engine light due to an emissions system leak.
MSRP
"...you're going to get it around $99 and then, you know, the $79 at Walmart. Yeah. And like you said, it is not, I guess, initially kind of a..."
MSRP is the price that the car company suggests you should pay for a car. It's like a starting point for how much a car costs before any extra fees or discounts.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that retailers charge for a product. It's often used in the automotive industry to indicate the suggested price for a vehicle before any discounts or dealer fees are applied.
fault code
"...it gives you the idea that, you know, it will tell you what the fault code is."
A fault code is a number that shows up when there's a problem with your car. It helps mechanics figure out what's wrong with the car so they can fix it.
A fault code is a specific code generated by a vehicle's onboard diagnostics system when it detects a problem. These codes help mechanics identify issues with the vehicle's systems, such as the engine or transmission, making it easier to diagnose and repair problems.
Nova Electronics
"...it's probably not for you. And if you want like the bi-directional and stuff, you know, we have a, I would call it an affiliate or a sister company called a Nova electronics..."
Nova Electronics is a company that makes tools to help people fix cars. They create devices that can help you find out what's wrong with your vehicle.
Nova Electronics is a company that specializes in automotive diagnostic tools and equipment, catering to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Their products are designed to help users diagnose and repair vehicle issues more effectively.
vehicle health index
"Also, one of the things that your company is really good at is something called a vehicle health index. Can you kind of explain that to us?"
The vehicle health index is a tool that shows car owners what problems might cause warning lights to come on in their cars and how much those repairs might cost. It's useful for knowing when to get your car checked.
The vehicle health index is a report that provides insights into the most common issues that trigger warning lights in vehicles, along with associated repair costs. It helps car owners understand the importance of addressing these issues promptly to avoid more expensive repairs later.
oxygen sensor
"For instance, you know, one of the top repairs is an oxygen sensor. But if you ignore the oxygen sensor, it could become an ignition."
An oxygen sensor checks how much oxygen is in the car's exhaust. If it stops working, it can cause warning lights to come on and lead to bigger problems if not fixed.
An oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases of a vehicle. It plays a crucial role in the engine's fuel management system and can trigger a check engine light if it fails, leading to more serious issues if not addressed.
spark plug
"Another is a spark plug is a very common reason that a check engine light would come on because it's failing."
A spark plug helps start the engine by creating a small spark that ignites the fuel. If it doesn't work, the engine can have problems and warning lights may come on.
A spark plug is a component in gasoline engines that ignites the air-fuel mixture, allowing the engine to run. If a spark plug fails, it can lead to engine misfires and may trigger a check engine light.
vehicle health report
"you can, you know, basically print out a PDF of what car MD connect found as far as the vehicle health report, the most likely fix the parts, etc."
A vehicle health report is a document that shows how well your car is running and if there are any problems. It helps you understand what needs to be fixed before going to a mechanic.
A vehicle health report is a summary generated by diagnostic tools that outlines the condition of various systems in a car, including any detected issues and recommended repairs. This report can help car owners communicate effectively with repair shops.
catalytic converter
"...if you know there's a 50% probability that you're going to need a catalytic converter and it's $2,500 or whatever, you know, maybe you make other decisions."
The catalytic converter is a part of your car that helps clean up the exhaust gases before they leave the vehicle. If it breaks, it can be expensive to fix, and it might make your check engine light come on.
A catalytic converter is an essential component of a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances. Replacement can be costly, and issues with it can trigger the check engine light.
OBD connector
"...it is literally the width of the OBD connector, and it's about an inch deep. It's a little tiny thing that's going to sit there."
The OBD connector is a plug in your car that mechanics use to check for problems. It helps them understand what's going on with your car's computer system.
The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) connector is a standardized interface in vehicles that allows diagnostic tools to communicate with the car's computer system. It is used for reading error codes and monitoring vehicle performance.
VIN
"...it'll scan your VIN every once in a while. You have to key it in manually, you know, it'll ask you your most recent registration, et cetera."
The VIN is a special number that identifies your car. It's like a unique ID for your vehicle that helps track its history and ownership.
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle, serving as its fingerprint. It contains information about the car's manufacturer, model, year, and place of production, and is used for registration and tracking purposes.
Ford Mustang
"I have my 66 Mustang that I want to put away for the wintertime. This is my first year with it."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around since the 1960s. The 1966 version is especially loved for its classic look and powerful engine.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. The 1966 model is known for its iconic design and performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
antifreeze
"...look in the radiators, the antifreeze looking good shape."
Antifreeze is a special liquid that helps keep your car's engine from freezing in winter and overheating in summer. It's important to have the right amount in your car.
Antifreeze is a liquid used in a vehicle's cooling system to lower the freezing point of the coolant and raise its boiling point. This helps prevent the engine from freezing in cold temperatures and overheating in hot conditions.
viscosity
"...oil doesn't lose its viscosity when it sits just sitting there. Today's cars, you know, years ago, they used to say, you know, change the oil when you put the car away..."
Viscosity is how thick or thin a liquid is. For oil, it affects how well it can flow and protect the engine parts.
Viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of a fluid, such as oil. It is an important property that affects how well oil lubricates engine components, especially under varying temperatures.
fuel injector cleaner
"...I do like to add a fuel injector cleaner a couple of weeks before I put the car away just to kind of clean up the fuel system. Something like Tecron."
Fuel injector cleaner is a special liquid you add to your gas tank to help clean the parts that deliver fuel to the engine. It helps keep the engine running smoothly.
Fuel injector cleaner is a chemical additive designed to clean the fuel injectors and the fuel system of carbon deposits and other contaminants. Regular use can help maintain engine performance and efficiency.
Tecron
"...I do like to add a fuel injector cleaner a couple of weeks before I put the car away just to kind of clean up the fuel system. Something like Tecron."
Tecron is a brand of fuel cleaner that you can add to your gas. It helps keep the engine clean and running well by removing dirt and buildup.
Tecron is a fuel additive developed by Chevron that helps clean fuel injectors and improve engine performance. It is known for its effectiveness in removing deposits that can accumulate in the fuel system.
fuel stabilizer
"...put the car away with a full tank of gas and add a gas stabilizer. Stable has been around for years..."
Fuel stabilizer is a product you add to your gas to keep it from going bad when your car isn't used for a while. It helps keep the fuel fresh so your engine runs well when you start it again.
Fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive that helps prevent fuel from degrading over time, especially in vehicles that are stored for long periods. It keeps the fuel fresh and prevents issues like gumming or varnishing in the fuel system.
battery tender
"Battery, yeah, if you can put a battery tender on it. My two favorite, battery tender by Deltran, great products and the C-Tech smart charger, really good one too."
A battery tender helps keep your car's battery charged when you're not driving it often. It makes sure the battery doesn't run out of power by giving it a little charge regularly.
A battery tender is a device that maintains the charge of a battery by providing a low-level charge to keep it topped off without overcharging. It's particularly useful for vehicles that are not used frequently.
Deltran
"My two favorite, battery tender by Deltran, great products and the C-Tech smart charger, really good one too."
Deltran makes devices that help keep car batteries charged. Their products are popular among car owners who want to take care of their batteries when the car isn't being used.
Deltran is a company known for manufacturing battery maintenance products, including battery tenders. Their products are designed to prolong the life of batteries by preventing them from discharging too much.
C-Tech
"My two favorite, battery tender by Deltran, great products and the C-Tech smart charger, really good one too."
C-Tech makes smart chargers that help keep car batteries charged properly. They adjust how they charge the battery to keep it healthy over time.
C-Tech is a brand that produces smart battery chargers and maintainers. Their products are designed to automatically adjust the charging process to optimize battery health and longevity.
Ford Escape
"I have a 2006 Ford Escape with a trade. And the transmission is shot."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that is good for families and everyday use. The 2006 version is part of the first series of this model.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that was first introduced in 2000. The 2006 model is part of the first generation and is known for its practicality and versatility as a family vehicle.
transmission
"And the transmission is shot. Is it worth spending $2,500 to have a used transmission installed?"
The transmission helps your car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. If it breaks, the car won't work properly.
The transmission is a crucial component of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It can be automatic or manual, and issues with it can lead to significant performance problems.
salvage value
"...or doesn't drive the way it should? Salvage value, maybe?"
Salvage value is how much money you can get from a car that is no longer working well or has been in an accident. It's the value left in the car even if it's not drivable anymore.
Salvage value refers to the estimated value of a vehicle that has been damaged or deemed a total loss. It is the amount that can be recovered from the vehicle after it has been written off by an insurance company or is no longer roadworthy.
Mercedes-Benz E450
"I've recently purchased, well, four years ago, an E450 Mercedes-Benz sedan Ford-O-Matic. Currently, the car's about to come off a warranty..."
The Mercedes-Benz E450 is a fancy car that is comfortable and has lots of cool features. It's part of the E-Class, which is known for being a nice sedan.
The Mercedes-Benz E450 is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology features. It is part of the E-Class lineup, known for its spacious interior and high-quality materials.
BMW
"...whether it's a BMW or a Mercedes or an Audi, they're fantastic cars until they hit triple digits..."
BMW is a car company from Germany that makes fancy cars. They are known for being fun to drive and very well-made.
BMW is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles that offer a blend of performance and comfort. They have a reputation for engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Kia Stinger
"...omebody wrote to me the other day they have a Kia Stinger, which is a really nice car. All-wheel drive, pr..."
The Kia Stinger is a stylish car that drives really well and has a lot of cool features. It's popular because it gives you a fun ride and looks great, all while being more affordable than many other sporty cars.
The Kia Stinger is a sporty sedan that combines performance with practicality, featuring a sleek design and a range of powerful engine options. It has gained popularity for its value, offering many features typically found in more expensive cars, making it a great choice for those seeking a fun driving experience without breaking the bank.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"So you want to get four tires, especially that's a performance sedan. That is, you know, think like an Audi S-Class kind of, kind of, you know, our S trim or whatever they call their performance car."
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy car that is known for being super comfortable and packed with the latest technology. People talk about it because it's considered one of the best luxury cars out there, perfect for those who want a smooth and stylish ride.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its cutting-edge technology, exceptional comfort, and powerful performance. It often sets the standard for other luxury cars in terms of features and refinement, making it a frequent topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts and buyers looking for the best in luxury vehicles.
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