Modern cars may boast improved reliability, but they come with increased complexity that can make ownership more challenging. Niall MotorMouth Jenkins dives into the nuances of modern automotive technology, discussing how advancements can lead to higher maintenance stress and ownership costs. The episode features practical advice for understanding vehicle systems and navigating common ownership pitfalls, alongside humorous anecdotes and engaging listener interactions. With insights on how to better care for your car, this episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge and confidence.
Modern cars are more reliable than ever-but they're also harder and more expensive to own. In this episode, Motormouth breaks down reliability vs complexity vs ownership stress, and why the car you choose matters more than ever.
Domestic, Japanese, and European vehicles are not created equal when it comes to reliability, depreciation, and long - term ownership costs. We talk real -world depreciation, quality differences, and why buying the right product matters more than fancy features.
Let us know what you drive and how your ownership experience has been. Like, subscribe, and join the Motormouth crew for real - world car ownership truth.
More episodes and... project Details & links are available at Car Connection Business Network (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 on their logo to connect with them Thank You!
Grab some Car Connection Motormouth Merch from our online store, be part of the crew helping those struggling with addiction get to a Total Freedom Addiction Campus Canada & USA where a New Life Awaits them there! Tnx a bunch friends, Nile Motormouth Jenkins.
Happy Healthy Motoring, Tnx for listening & Watching, it keeps the ignition turned on and firing on all cylinders friends. NMJ Peace Patience Kindness Always. see you in the next one!
"No, break it down for you and unpack it. The science behind fleet service maintenance. And that's what I did for many years for large companies."
Fleet service maintenance is about taking care of a bunch of vehicles that a company uses. It helps keep them running well so they don't break down often, which saves money.
Fleet service maintenance refers to the systematic upkeep and repair of a group of vehicles owned or leased by a business. This ensures that the vehicles are reliable, safe, and efficient, minimizing downtime and repair costs.
"That's how you're going to save a lot of money on repairs is taking the responsibility and take charge and control of your vehicle maintenance. So we just shot that video."
Vehicle maintenance means taking care of your car to keep it running well. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the brakes so it doesn't break down.
Vehicle maintenance involves regular checks and repairs to ensure a vehicle operates safely and efficiently. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and more to prevent major issues down the line.
"Well, how many of you have experienced the check engine light? Probably a number of you. And when that check engine light comes on, you tend to have a little bit of a fit."
The check engine light is a light on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong with the engine. If it lights up, it's a good idea to get your car checked out by a mechanic.
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 like a loose gas cap to more serious engine malfunctions.
"...when that happens, that's more areas that have problems that need to be taken care of because when you drive less, your vehicle needs more service. If it's sitting around more..."
Deferred maintenance means putting off repairs or maintenance on your car. If a car sits for a long time without being driven, it can develop more problems that need fixing later.
Deferred maintenance refers to the practice of postponing maintenance tasks on a vehicle, which can lead to more significant issues down the line. When a vehicle sits unused for an extended period, like 13 months, it often requires more extensive servicing to address problems that have developed due to lack of use.
"...the same problems, wipers, air conditioning, and heating and air conditioning control units. Every single one, whether it was a Buick or whether it was Cadillac..."
Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars made by General Motors. They are known for their high-quality features and comfort.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM). Known for its premium vehicles, Cadillac has a long history of producing cars that emphasize comfort and technology.
"...or whether it was a Buick or whether it was Cadillac, a GM product, I had a number of Buicks..."
Buick is a brand of cars that are known for being comfortable and reliable. They are also made by General Motors.
Buick is another brand under General Motors, known for producing mid-range luxury vehicles. It has a reputation for comfort and reliability, but like Cadillac, it has faced electronic issues in some models.
"...because the other car manufacturers, you know, I got a 99 Honda out there. It's going to be a member of the, it's reaching the 400,000 kilometer club..."
Honda is a car brand from Japan that makes reliable and efficient cars. They are often praised for lasting a long time without many problems.
Honda is a Japanese automobile manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. The brand has a strong reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs.
"That's why I question that when it comes out that says reliability versus complexity versus ownership stress."
Reliability means how well a car works without breaking down. The speaker believes foreign cars are more reliable than domestic ones.
Reliability refers to the likelihood that a vehicle will perform well without frequent repairs. The speaker contrasts the reliability of foreign cars with domestic vehicles, suggesting that the latter often have more issues.
"I'd like to support them and I have in the past, we have a 67 Chevy pickup truck. Mr. Greenjeans. He runs very well. Everything's good to go."
A Chevy pickup truck from 1967 is an older model known for being tough and reliable. The speaker mentions they wouldn't buy a new domestic truck due to concerns about reliability.
The speaker refers to a 1967 Chevrolet pickup truck, which is a classic vehicle known for its durability and simplicity. However, the speaker expresses doubts about the reliability of modern domestic vehicles compared to foreign cars.
"...And I know a lot of GM workers that are driving Hondas and Toyotas. Why is that?"
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars like Chevrolet and Cadillac. People often talk about GM when discussing car quality and how reliable their vehicles are.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac. The company has a significant presence in the automotive market and is often discussed in the context of vehicle reliability and consumer preferences.
"...my R07 Toyo to FJ Cruiser, it's been a peach. I had a couple of problems with when it with it right out of the gate when I bought it..."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough SUV designed for off-road driving. It has a unique look and is great for adventures on rough terrain.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled SUV that was produced from 2006 to 2014, known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive design. It features a rugged build and is popular among off-road enthusiasts.
"I go through a few alternators periodically. But that's just the way that goes. That's a wear and tear item. I think I've had three on there in almost 400,000 K. So that's not too bad, right? Absolutely not. Absolutely not. And the reason is purpose of an alternator is to supply electricity to all the accessories that you're running in the vehicle."
An alternator helps keep your car's electrical systems running by generating electricity when the engine is on. It's not the same as a battery charger, which charges the battery itself.
An alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle that generates electricity to power the electrical systems and accessories while the engine is running. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy, which is essential for the vehicle's operation.
"...ehicle. That's what it's for. It's not a battery charger. Sorry, armchair warriors, it's not. That challen..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks really cool and can go fast. It's popular because it has a lot of power and can fit a family inside, making it a fun choice for people who want both speed and space.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscular design, making it a popular choice among performance enthusiasts. It has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and is often associated with American muscle car culture. The Charger is frequently discussed for its blend of performance and practicality, appealing to those who want a sporty car that can also serve as a family vehicle.
"In our 99 Honda, what is that? Honda Civic DX, sorry. It was good. And then overnight it wasn't good. And it was the batteries from 2018. It was expensive then. It was like almost $300 battery"
The Honda Civic DX is a version of the Honda Civic, which is a small car that many people drive because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. The DX is one of the simpler, more affordable versions of this car.
The Honda Civic DX is a trim level of the Honda Civic, a popular compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The DX trim typically offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a common choice among drivers.
"...every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all..."
Wear and tear items are parts of a car that get worn down from driving. They need to be checked and sometimes replaced to keep the car running well.
Wear and tear items are components of a vehicle that experience regular deterioration due to use. These parts typically require maintenance or replacement over time to ensure the vehicle operates safely and efficiently.
"...every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all..."
The exhaust system helps get rid of smoke and gases from the car. It needs to be checked to make sure it's not leaking and is working properly.
The exhaust system directs harmful gases away from the engine and reduces emissions. It can develop leaks or other issues that require maintenance.
"...every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all..."
Brakes are the parts of a car that help it stop. They need to be checked often to make sure they work safely.
Brakes are a crucial safety component in vehicles, allowing drivers to slow down or stop the car. They require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they function properly.
"...every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all..."
Suspension is what helps the car ride smoothly over bumps. It needs to be checked to make sure the car is comfortable and safe to drive.
The suspension system supports the vehicle's weight, absorbs shocks from the road, and helps maintain tire contact with the road surface. It requires regular maintenance to ensure a smooth ride.
"...every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all..."
Engine components are the parts inside the engine that help it run. They need to be checked and sometimes fixed to keep the car working well.
Engine components are the various parts that make up the engine, including the pistons, valves, and camshaft. They require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
"...every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all..."
Steering is how you control where the car goes. It has parts that can wear out and need fixing to keep the car safe to drive.
The steering system allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. It consists of various components that can wear out and require maintenance over time.
"once that grease congeals, it now doesn't move around and lubricate the component it wears out."
Lubrication means putting oil or grease on parts of the car to help them move smoothly and last longer. It prevents parts from rubbing against each other too much.
Lubrication involves applying a substance, usually oil or grease, to mechanical components to reduce friction and wear. Proper lubrication is essential for the longevity and performance of moving parts in a vehicle.
"Just about every vehicle is going to have it. Again, it's based in, in my opinion, it's based on the quality of the product that the manufacturer is putting out."
Mechanical failures are when parts of the car stop working properly. This can happen because they get old or aren't taken care of well enough.
Mechanical failures refer to breakdowns or malfunctions in a vehicle's mechanical systems, which can occur due to wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects. These failures can affect various components, leading to performance issues or safety hazards.
"You cannot compare the cost of running a domestic vehicle to the cost of a foreign vehicle or a European vehicle."
A European vehicle is a car made by companies in Europe. This includes brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which have their own styles and technologies.
A European vehicle refers to cars manufactured by companies based in Europe, such as Volkswagen, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz. These vehicles often have different engineering standards and design philosophies compared to domestic or foreign vehicles.
"You cannot compare the cost of running a domestic vehicle to the cost of a foreign vehicle or a European vehicle."
A foreign vehicle is a car made in another country. For example, in the U.S., it means cars made by companies like Toyota or Honda.
A foreign vehicle is a car that is manufactured outside of the country where it is sold. In the U.S., this typically refers to vehicles made by manufacturers based in other countries, such as Toyota, Honda, or BMW.
"You cannot compare the cost of running a domestic vehicle to the cost of a foreign vehicle or a European vehicle."
A domestic vehicle is a car made in your own country. For example, in the U.S., it means cars made by companies like Ford or Chevy.
A domestic vehicle refers to a car that is manufactured in the same country where it is sold. In the U.S., this typically means vehicles made by American manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.
"Even the vehicles put together differently. I love European cars. They are expensive. But you..."
European cars are cars made in Europe, like those from brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. They are usually seen as higher quality but can be more expensive to fix and maintain.
European cars refer to vehicles manufactured in Europe, often associated with higher quality materials, engineering, and performance compared to domestic cars. They can be more expensive to maintain due to their specialized parts and service requirements.
"the quality of domestic car compared to a European car is an apple to an orange period."
Domestic cars are cars made in your own country, like those from American brands such as Ford and Chevrolet. They are often seen as easier and cheaper to maintain than European cars.
Domestic cars are vehicles manufactured within a specific country, often referring to those made in the United States by brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. They typically have different design philosophies and service requirements compared to European cars.
"...if we put a transmission control module in your vehicle because it's it's gone defunct. We have to pay the dealer to put the knowledge back into that component..."
The transmission control module is like the brain for your car's transmission. It helps decide when to change gears to make your car run smoothly and efficiently.
A transmission control module (TCM) is an electronic component that manages the operation of a vehicle's transmission. It controls shifting points, adapts to driving conditions, and ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
"That's a program all in itself is the right to repair act continues in Canada. It's gotten better, but it costs the automotive shops a lot of money..."
The Right to Repair Act helps people fix their own cars and devices instead of being forced to go to the dealer. It makes it easier to get the parts and information needed.
The Right to Repair Act is legislation aimed at ensuring consumers can repair their own devices, including vehicles, without being restricted by manufacturers. It promotes access to repair information and parts.
"...ld I rather take the FJ Cruiser or the 08 Nissan Rogue? Yes, I would go for the comfort control over Mr..."
The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that is great for families because it has a lot of room inside and is easy to drive. It's known for being comfortable and saving gas, which makes it a good choice for everyday use.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and good fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for families and daily commuters. It features modern technology and safety features, which enhance its appeal in the competitive SUV market. Discussions about the Rogue often focus on its practicality and value for money.
"...Sealed transmissions, sealed oil, engine oil systems where there's no drain plug anymore."
Sealed transmissions are types of car transmissions that don't allow you to change the fluid easily because they don't have a drain plug.
Sealed transmissions are designed to be maintenance-free, meaning they do not have a drain plug for fluid changes, making DIY repairs and maintenance more challenging.
"Oh, lifetime fluids. The biggest cost shifting trick in the automotive history. Absolutely. That's going to be a great topic tomorrow."
Lifetime fluids are car fluids that you don't have to change often, according to some car makers. However, it's important to know that these fluids can still wear out and might need replacing to keep your car running well.
Lifetime fluids refer to automotive fluids that manufacturers claim do not need to be changed under normal driving conditions. This concept can lead to misconceptions about maintenance and longevity, as some fluids may degrade over time regardless of the manufacturer's claims.
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Good morning Niagara, your tuned car connection where the coffee is hot, the tools are ready
and the talk is always tuned up.
I'm your host Niall MotorMouth Jenkins coming to you straight from the car connection workshop
where we mix a little humor, a little know-how and a whole lot of horsepower.
Here it's not just about fixing cars, it's about keeping you rolling, saving you money
and giving you the confidence to understand what's under that hood.
From the classics to the commuters, the weird noises and to the what the heck moments,
we've got you covered.
So grab your coffee, if you're just scooting through the drive through, double check your order,
lock it down in your cup holder, keep an eye on the other guy and the other guy, your co-pilot,
if you have one this morning, give him the 16 pack of Crayolas, fold it up, leaf bag and tell him
it's a car connection laptop, take some notes.
So sit back, join the crew because this is car connection, your Monday through Saturday morning
pit stop for stories, smarts and a few good laughs and I'm MotorMouth Jenkins and we're
shifting into drive right here on the MotorMouth morning drive Monday through Saturday.
So Saturday's program, we're shifting that up to a 60 minute program on Saturday.
So you get an hour of car connection on Saturdays and Monday through Friday,
I try to keep it around 30, 38 minutes and I'm out the door.
So stay with us, stay with us this morning.
We get a lot to get through if you're joining us for the first time.
We love, love, love our first time listeners and just a reminder, everything we talk about
lives on our website at carconnectionbusinessnetwork.com.
That's our biggest drawer in our toolbox and what you'll find when you land there,
all the logos for all of our program partners and if you want to connect with them and give
them your business, we'd really appreciate that.
All you do, click on their logo and a profile page will open.
All the profile pages are all set up just like McDonald's, the bathrooms are on the right hand
side, all our profile pages, you click and open them, they're set up exactly the same way for
our program partners and our recommended business owners so that you don't get lost.
You know, how many of you have been on websites and it's like,
this thing is so frustrating, I want to reach in and rip it off the internet.
Just me, I'm getting better with therapy, absolutely.
So grab your cup of joe, whatever that is, your morning beverage, lock it in your cup holder,
remember there's no reversing in the drive-thru.
That's why they call it drive-thru, not reverse through.
I actually saw that happen and I was there to witness it and oh my gosh,
it was pandemonium in the drive-thru.
People left their cars and buddies about ready to get a beating within the inch of his life
with an empty coffee cup. So just remember that, check your order before you leave the
window and do not attempt to reverse into the drive-thru. So it's rules of engagement,
that's what it is. So we have rules of engagement as well on the homepage of our website, top right
hand corner, all our links are there for you for our YouTube channel, also for Instagram,
Facebook, Stevensville on the web.ca, that's a website that our videographer put together many
years ago, lives in Stevensville, my parents are in Stevensville for almost 40 some odd years
and I like to shop there as well. So the website was created to bring community and
family owned and operated businesses together and it's a really cool way to connect. So if you
just click on the businesses tab and you look for car connection, you will find us and our
profile page is there. You can email me through that website or you can email me directly at
nile at ccbusnetbusnet.com. There is a website form also on our website, which is the biggest tool.
You know, quite often what we have is many, too many choices. So I like sending you to
our website because that's where everything is. We have our online store there, you purchase some
merchandise through there, you become part of the car connection motor mouth crew and a portion of
proceeds go to help those struggling with addiction to get to a total freedom addiction campus for
Canadians and also for Americans alike. That's what they deal with there. They will find a new
life there. Trust me. So come along with the crew and help us to do that and you don't forget to
like, subscribe, ring the bell, follow us the whole nine yards on our YouTube channel where
I teach all the basic fundamentals of looking after your automobile, servicing it yourself,
learning some of the language as well so that when you take your vehicle to the automotive
repair shop, you are armed with knowledge because I teach five things all the time in all the videos.
We have fun. Skippy makes reels and bloopers and outtakes that you'll find on our Facebook and
Instagram platforms that you won't find anywhere else. Our YouTube videos, we have almost 100
videos up there. We put three videos up every single week, but I teach you five things. What it is,
where it is, how it works, how it breaks and what you could have learned just in knowing some basic
fundamentals to save yourself a pocket full of money. So instead of, you know, not understanding
how your automobile works and causing breakages that you don't need to really be spending money on.
So that's what our YouTube channel is all about. And secondly, when the channel becomes monetized,
we want to be able to fix vehicles for widows, orphans, single moms, and just those that are
going through a very difficult financial time, maybe loss of a job or both jobs or, you know,
there's more month than money. And we want to be able to pay for the parts and provide the labor at
no cost or in return, just let us shoot the videos so that we can teach you a lot more of those basic
automotive fundamentals. We're trying out some new gear today. I am the host, the writer, the producer,
the thing of me, take care of it. There's a problem here, guy, and adjustments and things like that.
So we're trying out, I'm trying out some new gear this morning. Send me an email,
Nile at ccbusnet.com. Just let me know what it sounds like out there. It sounds pretty decent here.
It's always interesting getting used to something new when it comes to broadcasting,
leaving radio after 31 years this past November. Everything in our in our studio has been set up
exactly the same way for a long time. So it's like turn it on, check, make sure everything works.
Sound levels are all preset for me. And now we're kind of starting back to ground zero.
When you change equipment, it changes the sound. And it takes a little bit before you get it
completely dialed in. So let me know what it sounds like out there. I don't want to set my volumes
too loud. So I blow you right out of your car, or wherever you're listening from. And we are on all
the major platforms, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and iHeart radio, wherever you're pulling your podcast
from, just type in the search bar, car connection workshop, and you will find us there. Well,
we're going to jump into a topic this morning that I haven't spent a whole lot of time on yet.
And that is why modern cars are harder to own, even if they're more reliable,
reliability versus complexity versus ownership stress. And that is so true. So, so true.
So stick around. We got the daily weather coming up in just a moment. But most importantly,
it's wiggy time. So get your favorite morning beverage, whatever that may be. It could be,
I don't know, a chai latte, a smoothie. Yeah, a flub dip, ripple, double decaf,
whatever it is, we count it down on three to one. This morning's swiggy is brought to us by
rainbow motors and garage up in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, sales and service that you can
trust. You can purchase a vehicle there and have its service there. They repair all years,
makes and models, including light commercial vehicles as well. Read and remiss, Shenuta,
the brothers up there running the place. They do have a small inventory of vehicles,
but if they don't have what you're looking for, let them know they have the resources to find that
specific vehicle you're looking for. They sell no junk up there and some of their vehicles also
qualify for extended aftermarket warranty programs. So thank you to read and remiss at
rainbow motors. You'll find them on our website. As I mentioned already, that's our biggest toolbox.
Their logos are there, click and open their profile. So that's what we're going to be talking
about this morning, but we're going to count this down and have a swiggy together. Three, two, one.
Yeah, I think I almost lost myself in that one. Can we, can we have one more, do you think? Just
one more. Please just pick one more doughnut. I will. Fabulous, absolutely fabulous. Car
Connection is also brought to you by City Auto Sales and Leasing. That's Earl and Louise Grant up
there in Toronto in the Greater Toronto area and they have earned the moniker Greater Toronto
area's premier pre-owned auto store. They have a large inventory under roof and also on the lot.
Sales and leasing, they do in-house financing, low mileage quality vehicles at fair prices,
and they all tell you they do not sell any junk there as well. 25 years in the business,
Earl and Louise Grant, they know the ins and outs of the business. If you're looking for a vehicle
specific, again, let them know what it is that you're looking for. If they don't have it,
they have the resources to find it for you. No mileage quality vehicles at fair prices. You
can buy with confidence and be treated with nothing less than honesty and integrity. Well,
let's take a look at the daily weather. It's a little creepy today. It is not one of my favorites
and I'm glad I'm not on the road. But if you're on the road today, please, please, please take it
easy out there because freezing rain warning. I have been caught out in some freezing rain in
the past and let me tell you, yeah, your heart feels like it's pumping peanut butter. When your
vehicle is sliding sideways and there's tractor trailer is sliding sideways, it's almost like
yeah, bowling balls out of control and pins, maybe a little closer to curling.
And you see everybody is sliding sideways and on the ramps of the 401 and you're going,
this is like slow mo, the slow mo gizmo and you're just hoping you don't get squashed.
Yeah, so take it easy out there. Freezing rain warning. These conditions started at 5 a.m. this
morning, Wednesday, February the 18th. Snow is forecasted and expected to start in our area in
the Niagara region in about four minutes. So we're going to have some very weird stuff going on today
and I'll tell you, here's a little secret for you, driving in freezing rain.
So dude is in front of you on the highway, okay. Look at his tires, his rear tires. If he's leaving
tire tread marks, that means it's wet. But if all of a sudden that car, the cars in front of you
are not leaving tire tracks on the black top, that means you're on ice. That's what that means. So
if you're driving out there today, that's a little secret that an older gentleman taught me many
years ago. He said you just keep an eye on your surroundings, back off on your speed as soon as
you cannot see tire tracks of the vehicles in front of you on the roadway. That means you're on ice,
solid ice. So that's when you don't hit the brake, you let off the gas and just let the car
naturally start to slow down. As soon as you hit that brake pedal, you are that next curling stone
heading into the circles. It won't be good. I'm just looking, as I'm talking, I'm looking at the
radar. We have a huge, huge something rather coming our way heading right toward us. So it's
going to be a little messy out there today. So take it a very, very easy 100% chance of precipitation
whether it's rain or snow in your area. I don't know a high for today is going to be 36 and the
low is going to be 31. And I've been outside already at four o'clock this morning. And it's
quite cool out here on the south shores of Lake Erie. We're shooting a video next week. We're
going to post that up on our YouTube channel and show you the south shore where we're located.
There's ice castles, ice caves, and the entire lake first time in a number of years now is completely
frozen over. And it is kind of creepy and also very interesting. So Skippy and I are going to shoot
that video next week. We put all the shots together so that we put something together really, really
nice for you to have a look at the reason why we need to make sure that we prepare our vehicles
for winter, especially along the south shore of Lake Erie. We can have winter blasts that go for
two or three days and often St. Catharines, Hamilton, and even Niagara on the lake get nothing.
It's blue sky and it's sunny. So we have to prepare here. That means having our generators ready,
having fuel in the home ready to go to keep the jennies going and extra food, food in the pantry.
And we got to be prepared for maybe having two or three days without any electricity,
electricity, and even a snowmobile. And you may, you know, last few years haven't even needed it.
But this year, yeah, you know, we've had, we've got a lot of snow down here and a lot has melted in
the last couple of days. But today could make things a whole lot different. So please be careful
out there. Drive with, with reference to the road conditions. All right. Yeah. So remember,
if you don't see tire tracks on the road in front of you, that means it's ice. Adjust your speed.
All right, let's, shall we jump into this? Do you think? Yeah, absolutely. And we still have
the 30 day fuel savings challenge going on. No one has signed up for it yet. So I'm going to give you
my email address directly to our website. It comes directly to my mailbox. Nile at ccbusnet.com.
That's Nile at ccbusnsamnet.com. And there is also a website form on our website where you can
send me an email through there as well. It's for my eyes only. If you want to sign up for the fuel
say 30 day fuel savings challenge, I'll tell you, bare minimum, you're going to save $100 a month.
That's $1,200 on one vehicle in your household for one year. Are you getting a $1,200 raise?
That's the question you only you can answer. You're going to get that tap on the shoulder
at work today. And the boss says, you know, you're a really good team player. We're going to give you
$100 more on your paycheck per week, just for being a good you. I'm laughing because I can't
remember that ever happening. I just can't. I can't remember that ever happening. Although
I did work for a gentleman and here's what he would say. If you have to come and ask me
for a raise, that's not the question you really need to ask. What you really need to ask is,
what do I need to do in order to earn more money? That's the question. And quite often,
I'd look at my paycheck and go, wow, it's more. You didn't have in that shop, you just needed to
perform. You didn't need to go ask for more money. They would give it to you and not even say anything.
Then you'd go and say, I think there was a mistake here. The bookkeeper gave me more money than I
should get. He said, no, that's what you deserve. You guys been working well. So
that's what I used to tell my guys in the shop as well. If you got a come and pull on my coveralls
and say, hey, when am I getting a raise? I reminded them the same thing. No, the question you
should be asking me is, what can I do to earn a raise without asking? There you go.
All right, let's jump into today's title. It's a heavy duty one. Honest to goodness. I may even
blow out some of the little gray men in my brain. Why modern cars are harder to own even if they're
more reliable. Reliability versus complexity versus ownership stress. Well, the first thing I'd like
to say that I don't agree with is, yeah, they're kind of reliable. But when things start going bad,
it's kind of snowballs a little bit. And that's where our fleet service maintenance comes in is
not waiting until not being a reactive maintenance person versus a responsive. And we're, we just
recorded that video for you so that you can see me break down and have a tantrum in the workshop.
No, break it down for you and unpack it. The science behind fleet service maintenance. And
that's what I did for many years for large companies. We had a lot of fleets that we had the tender
for. And in order to keep those fleets coming back and getting the tender the next year, that
meant we needed to service those things to the nines. That means we didn't get a vehicle in the
shop and a week later, it's broken down. That does not go over well. Or we missed something.
So that's how I've said this before I created a checklist that I had at my own toolbox in my own
lane so that I could follow along and not miss something. Exactly. So I tailored that to light
truck and passenger vehicles so that you can stay ahead of the curve. That's how you're going to save
a lot of money on repairs is taking the responsibility and take charge and control
of your vehicle maintenance. So we just shot that video. It'll be up on our YouTube channel,
not this Friday, a week from this Friday, it is scheduled to drop. And we drop videos three
times a week, two on Tuesday, one every Friday at 430 every single week. Let's start out with
electronic failures versus mechanical failures on today's automobiles.
Well, how many of you have experienced the check engine light? Probably a number of you.
And when that check engine light comes on, you tend to have a little bit of a fit.
What's this going to cost? Exactly. That most people, that is a normal reaction. What is this
going to cost? Well, what we can't do is ignore it. If you ignore it, then guess what? If something
else goes wrong or something else is going awry along with that, the service light can't come on
a second time. If it's already on, it's on. And so we need to make sure that we get the vehicle
into the shop right away, not wait three months, six months, 12 months. I've had people actually
put a picture of, you know, their ex-mother-in-law over the service engine light so that they
could look at that instead of the service light and drive around for a whole year with the service
light on. Well, it starts and it runs. That's not the point. That is not the point. The point is
the service light is there to remind you. And I watch a few of these YouTube channels that talk
about plane crashes and they break it out and talk about what caused the crash in the first place
and how many times, and there were a couple of really bad plane wrecks just before Christmas
that wiped out families that could have been avoided if the pilot had said to the passenger or
the owner of the plane that they're flying it for, say this plane isn't leaving the runway.
We're not going up. There's something going wrong and we need to get a technician out here to look
at it. But instead, they put it in the air and that's the pilot error right there. Other pilot
error is not knowing how to use the instruments. So VFR or IFR, instrument flight rating or
visual flight rating. So if you don't have both, then that means if you can't see visual flight
rating, then you cannot fly IFR, instrument flight rules. That's what it means, instrument flight rules.
So what are you doing up there? If the weather changes and you can't fly
visual flight rules, what do you do then? You're not qualified to fly IFR by instruments only.
So like having dark glasses on, you've got to fly by the instruments. So the biggest thing is
it's either from what I can draw a conclusion to, it's either not completely qualified to fly
in specific situations. Number two, there's something not quite right with the aircraft,
but you leave the ground anyway. Now imagine if that's you and that's that car that I just talked
about, the picture of the ex-mother-in-law is over the service light. If you are an aircraft
and you're the pilot and it's your job to make sure that that aircraft is 100% solid to leave
the ground, you know, imagine a captain coming on the plane, speakers and saying, well, we're missing
that. Well, one of the other wheels, the nut is not quite tight enough, but we'll take care of it
at the other end if we're able to land. Would that be all right? Well, that's the way we need
to view today's vehicles. If you want to stay out of trouble with them, they are, I have to say,
they are to a degree more reliable, but there's certain makes and models that are just problematic.
And the only way as a service tech, we can stay ahead of that storm is that we get the vehicle in
right away on a regular basis so we can stay ahead of the storm. And I like to use the 2008
vSAN Rogue that we had donated to car connection and we brought it back from what it was going to
be used for was going to, it was going to end up in the wrecking yard as a parts vehicle and we've,
we brought it back to life, but it took taking care of all the neglect stuff that had not been
taken care of and the vehicle sat for 13 months. It never moved, it never started, it never left
the driveway. So when that happens, that's more areas that have problems that need to be taken
care of because when you drive less, your vehicle needs more service. If it's sitting around more,
it needs more service than a vehicle that's working on the up and down the highway,
toodling back and forth to wherever it is you go during the day. Hopefully it's, you know, home to
work, home to work, home to work, home to work. Yeah. And you're not paying making car payments
and interest payments, hopefully not because the best vehicle in the driveway is the one that's paid
for. The problem with, and I'm going to pick on the domestics because it is a pattern failure.
They're using cheaper electronics, but the price tag on the windshield doesn't reflect the goods that
is being sold, period. That's why I don't buy domestic automobiles anymore. That's the reason
right there. Can't afford to fix all the electronic stupid stuff that should, that doesn't happen on
other vehicles like the foreign cars. You know, every Cadillac I had had exactly the same problems,
wipers, air conditioning, and heating and air conditioning control units. Every single one,
whether it was a Buick or whether it was Cadillac, a GM product, I had a number of Buicks, all the
same thing, wipers, air conditioning, heater controls, and heater. Every single time. Oh,
and don't forget power window problems. Same things today. Why is that? Because they put the
cheapest electronics in their vehicles. They need to get smarter because the other car manufacturers,
you know, I got a 99 Honda out there. It's going to be a member of the, it's reaching the 400,000
kilometer club. All the electronics work fine. It's 99. Yeah. So there's the difference. There's
the pattern failure. The domestics are using the cheapest electronics and the other vehicle
manufacturers are using really good electronics. I can't even tell you the last time I changed
a window regulator on a foreign car. A power window regulator. Nope. Switches. Nope.
Sensors. Nope. They're reliable. That's why I question that when it comes out that says
reliability versus complexity versus ownership stress. That's why I don't drive a domestic.
I'd like to support them and I have in the past, we have a 67 Chevy pickup truck.
Mr. Greenjeans. He runs very well. Everything's good to go. That's 1967. Would I buy one today? No.
That's my personal opinion and that's the reason why. Reliability? No. Something stupid things
are always broken? Yes. All the time. I watch my parents go through that with domestic vehicles.
Always something. There's always something going on. So you got to stay ahead of the curve. If
you're going to drive that stuff, you're going to pay. You're going to pay. There's no doubt about
it. We used to always say, you know, the guys in the shop used to always say generous motors. If
it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have anything to do today now. You know, is that a shot? I think
it's a shot that should say, you know, you need to smarten up out there and start putting something
together that has real meat and substance for the value. Value of goods, equality of goods,
don't match. They don't match. So that's where, you know, whatever your heart desires,
that you want to drive, that's your business. But as for me and my house, I can't afford to drive
that stuff for time, parts, throwing put, you know, got to get parts, cannon at it all the time.
And that's where I challenge the reliability. The reliability bit is based on the product,
unfortunately. And I know a lot of GM workers that are driving Hondas and Toyotas. Why is that?
Why is that, do you think? I know a lot of techs that work at domestic dealerships. That's the
product they sell and they service and they fix the same things over and over and over and over
again. Pattern failures, that's what they work on every single day on the only a few makes and
models. But for a general automotive service technician out there, you got to be able to work
on everything. All makes models and manufacturers of vehicles. You got to know them all. And that's
where we see as service techs, we see the reliability on certain makes and models is not there.
So I disagree with that one. That they're more reliable.
Depends on what you're driving. That's what I'm saying. My R07 Toyo to FJ Cruiser, it's been a
peach. I had a couple of problems with when it with it right out of the gate when I bought it.
And after the first 60 days, it settled in and we've been fine ever since.
I go through a few alternators periodically. But that's just the way that goes. That's a wear and
tear item. I think I've had three on there in almost 400,000 K. So that's not too bad, right?
Absolutely not. Absolutely not. And the reason is purpose of an alternator is to supply electricity
to all the accessories that you're running in the vehicle. That's what it's for. It's not a battery
charger. Sorry, armchair warriors, it's not. That challenge me anytime you want on that. Anytime.
An alternator takes about 60 days to charge a battery if you just boost and go. And we've
done a video on that so you can watch that on our YouTube channel. So I break that out for you
so that you understand batteries need to be charged up slowly and brought back to life. In
our 99 Honda, what is that? Honda Civic DX, sorry. It was good. And then overnight it wasn't good.
And it was the batteries from 2018. It was expensive then. It was like almost $300 battery
because it's the only battery that fits because of its dimensions. But anyways, I'll cut the story
short. In two weeks I've managed because I had the time to do it. I brought that battery back
to life. It's going to survive. How much longer? I'm not sure, but it's showing itself to be good now.
And it wasn't. It wasn't good, but now it is. So there you go. If you have the time to do that,
I was able to bring a battery back to life for a single mom with a minivan. And same thing,
I needed a couple of days, let it come back to room temperature before I even touch it.
And then we were able to save that battery as well. That was a $300 battery.
Where am I going with this? Well, we'll take the steering wheel here and turn sharp left. So
electronic failures versus mechanical failures, every vehicle is going to have wear and tear items,
brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, engine components. They still need tuning up. So all
the mechanicals, that's never changed. Whether we're working on a 99 or a 67, that's never changed.
It's always the same. Wear and tear items. Although I will say this,
the components on Mr. Greenjeans, 1967, you can grease that whole front end,
all the suspension and steering components. In today's world, you can't grease them anymore.
So whatever grease is in the component, once that grease congeals, it now doesn't move around
and lubricate the component it wears out. So mechanical failures. Just about every vehicle
is going to have it. Again, it's based in, in my opinion, it's based on the quality of the product
that the manufacturer is putting out. There's where the difference is. You cannot compare
the cost of running a domestic vehicle to the cost of a foreign vehicle or a European vehicle.
It's different. It's a different animal all together. Different quality of components.
Even the vehicles put together differently. I love European cars. They are expensive. But you
the quality of domestic car compared to a European car is an apple to an orange period.
It really is. But you've got to be prepared to take care of that European car. It is not
a domestic car. It is not. And mechanics have problems with that. They think they can work on
a European car like they work on a domestic vehicle. No, you can't. They're a whole different breed
of animal. And they use much higher quality product and fit and finish and trim and paint
the whole nine yards. They're not the same. So that's where I have, I have differences there.
It depends. Reliability depends on the product. I guess that's where I'm trying to get to and do it
in a nice way without bashing anybody. I don't want to bash. This channel is not about that 31
years on the radio. I've never had a rant and bashed somebody. There's good and bad in all things.
People include it. And pets. If they're a biter, I don't want it around the house.
That's it. If I'm afraid to let the dog or the animal outside because it's going to take off,
I don't need it. That's stress. That's too much stress. So that's where it comes down to
what you're purchasing. There's good and bad in all automobiles, but there's automobiles
that last longer because they're made better. That's where I'm going. And that's where I stand.
I've had and owned a lot of automobiles and I'll tell you, there's a reason why
if you come past the car connection workshop, there is not one domestic vehicle in the driveway.
Not one. I can't afford the time and constantly throwing the same parts at problems that should
have been resolved many years ago, but they still put out the same crap.
And now I'm picking on them a little bit. They need to go back to the basics and start giving people
quality product. And I look at the warranties, three years, 60,000 kilometers. Come on,
is that the best you can give me for the thing you've sold me for how many thousands of dollars
and the depreciation? The size and amount of depreciation on a domestic vehicle in three years
is disgusting. I saw my parents go through that. Back in the 80s, they bought an F250. They paid
1988. They paid almost $40,000 for that and we can laugh today because it's more money than that.
And they owned it for like seven years and they were offered less than $10,000 for it and it was
still in almost pristine condition. That's a lot of lost cash in my opinion. So let's move on. I
don't want to digress. I want to get through all this. We're running out of time this morning.
And again, let me know what sounds like today. Send me an email nyle at ccbusnet.com because I do
re-listen but I want to know what you're hearing out there and we can make adjustments on the fly
as we are working with some new equipment today for the first time. Number two, subscription
features and software locks. Well, here's the problem at our end having to fix this stuff
is we have to buy subscriptions to access information because the manufacturers are making
it difficult for us guys that are mom and pop shops versus the dealer. They make it very difficult for
us to access information without getting our wallets out and spending thousands of dollars on
access to information to fix your car. Subscriptions for things like what do they call it? I can't
remember. I'm having a brain fart this morning. Not enough coffee yet. For the for the stereo,
for connectivity, for XM radio, serious radio having to pay for that. You know what? That's to me,
that's a person's preference. If you buy a vehicle that's that's equipped with that,
then if you want to use that product, you're going to pay for it. But for us in the service
base, we have to pay for subscriptions to access the information and software in order to if we
have to change a computer on your domestic vehicle, guess what? It doesn't come with a brain.
It has to be programmed and we don't have access to that information. So that's that's the part that
I'm talking about there is it's difficult for us if we put a transmission control module in your
vehicle because it's it's gone defunct. We have to pay the dealer to put the knowledge back into
that component because it comes with nothing, no software loaded, nothing. It's just a box.
So they turn it on and load the software in. So having access to that information is a challenge
for the mom and pop shops just so you know, it's a huge challenge that we undergo on a daily, weekly,
monthly basis is gaining access to the information to be able to fix your car period. So all computer
control units that we have to install have no software in. So we've so we've done the work,
we've diagnosed it and we know what it is and we order the part now we got to pay the dealer to
program it. Yeah, that's us. That's a program all in itself is the right to repair act continues
in Canada. It's gotten better, but it costs the automotive shops a lot of money to have the
subscriptions to all the different makes and models to access knowledge and information to be
able to fix your product that you're driving. So things are although vehicles are more complex
than they used to be. You know what if I was asked would I like to to drive down to the Florida
Keys to visit my friend Ty down there sending me pictures yesterday. It's beautiful, beautiful
weather, beautiful scenery. And he's a snowbird. Would I take Mr. Green jeans or 1967 Chevy pickup
truck and go all the way down there? Well, if that's all I had, I definitely would. Or would I
rather take the FJ Cruiser or the 08 Nissan Rogue? Yes, I would go for the comfort control
over Mr. Green jeans. Yeah, I would definitely do that. So more reliable, reliability versus
complexity versus ownership stress. Again, it all comes back to
whose product you're driving and the pattern failures that have still not been repaired after
all these years and quality, quality, fit, finish, quality of suspension, steering, brakes, electronics,
all of it. To me, there's no excuse anymore of saying, well, you know, owning and operating a
Honda or a Hyundai or a Nissan or a Toyota costs more money, not anymore. That's not true. That is
absolutely not true. That is false evidence appearing real. Absolutely. Today's vehicles
getting very, very difficult for the DIYR, the do it yourself person becoming just about impossible.
Sealed transmissions, sealed oil, engine oil systems where there's no drain plug anymore.
Gaining access to stuff is a whole lot more difficult. The do it yourself has really got
to know what you're doing because you can do a whole lot more damage than good. And that's where I
leave it in simple terms. Know your limits. Do it yourself. Know your mechanical ability,
know your electronic ability, your electrical ability. If you do not feel confident, do not touch
it. If you don't have the tools and the equipment, do not touch it. You will end up costing yourself
a whole lot more money than you could ever even imagine just letting somebody take care of it
right from the very beginning instead of hacking at it yourself and causing a lot of problems and
costing you more money. And I say that politely because that's what happens. We see it a lot,
not as much as we used to because vehicles are getting complicated and you can cause a lot more
damage than good by having a goal added on your own. So thanks for tuning in this morning.
Make it a safe day out there. The weather is going to be sketchy. I don't want to hear about anybody
spinning out and going into the rhubarb patch and having a really, really bad day after that because
everything changes, right? Everything changes in a heartbeat. So drive safe, adjust your driving
habits to the road conditions. Keep an eye on the roadway. Keep an eye on those around you that
drive like idiots even when the weather and the road conditions are just not there to support that
type of driving. Be aware. Be aware of your surroundings today on the road more so than
ever because freezing rain, as I said, I've driven in it before and I'll tell you it is not one of
my favorites. When the words freezing rain or possible freezing rain come up, I sit up like
a marmoset and I go, I'm not whatever I got going that I need to go out on the road. It's not today.
Change it. Change of plans. Thank you to our certified financial planning professionals,
Tony Miele and Larry Tietro with 50 years experience as fiduciaries with IG Wealth Management. They
can help you with investment portfolio, debt retirement, estate planning and powers of attorney
setting up a mortgage for you as well as life insurance, critical illness, illness insurance
and all your questions can be answered by those who have the fruit on the tree. That's Tony Miele
and Larry Tietro. You have access to an hour and a coffee of their time to sit down and discuss
your situation, your circumstances. Although circumstances can have some
similarities but different and that's the way it works. I've worked with Tony Miele and Larry
Tietro for over 20 years. These guys are two of the best in Canada. Take advantage of their
generosity and giving you an hour and a coffee at discovery meeting. No sales. Leave your wallet
at home. You don't need to take your wallet with you and take your information and get your questions
answered by those who have the answers. They're certified financial planning professionals and
they'd be more than happy to give you an hour of their time. They don't need any more clients.
They're super, super busy but because you know me and you know car connection, they're offering you
an hour of their time to see how they can help you in your circumstances. So don't get caught under
your circumstances. Get out from under them and get the answers to your questions. Thank you to
Crystal Ridge Dream Center, our faith-based non-profit organization serving men and women and children,
meals, love and hope in the entire Niagara region. They have programs for children,
big humans, small humans, single moms and seniors, changing lives one at a time in the
Niagara region. Check them out online, become a monthly donor or even invest some of your time
and be a volunteer. Something that you could do. You're looking for something to do. That's a great
place to do it. If you donate $25 or more, there are tax receipts that will come out to you. Total
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taken care of. If you make that decision, it's an alternative addictions program bringing healing
and restoration to individuals and families enslaved by cycles of addiction and destructive
behaviors because you can't fight what you can't see. So till tomorrow, happy, healthy, motoring.
What are we talking about tomorrow? Let's see if I can find that here for a second.
Oh, lifetime fluids. The biggest cost shifting trick in the automotive history.
Absolutely. That's going to be a great topic tomorrow. So we'll see you
at 8am tomorrow morning for another motormouth morning drive. Be careful out there. Drive safe.
Keep it under 100 and put that coffee on. Peace, patience, kindness, always. We'll see you tomorrow
morning. Bye for now.
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