{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"\"Winter Suspension Survival: 2 Motormouth Tech Tips to Save Your Ride (and Your Wallet) ","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/winter-suspension-survival-2-motormouth-tech-tips-to-save-your-ride-and-your-wallet","audioUrl":"https://content.rss.com/episodes/340678/2334609/car-connection-workshop/2025_11_18_19_27_56_5ecbc9cd-fb6a-45f4-b821-3353a88fa0b2.mp3","description":"Winter is here, the roads are ugly, and your suspension is taking more abuse than your patience at a long red light. In today's episode of Car Connection, I'm dropping two more Motormouth Winter Tech Tips, with a full focus on the part of your vehicle that suffers the most when the snow, salt, and potholes show up: your suspension. If your car has been clunking, bouncing, shimmying, shaking, or sounding like it's auditioning for a percussion band-this episode is your lifeline. In Motormouth Style, we cover: Why winter destroys suspension parts faster than any other season. The #1 suspension warning sign you should never ignore, How to spot trouble early and avoid major repair bills, Simple checks anyone can do at home ( no tools, no stress) How to stay safe, steady, and control when the roads turn nasty. This episode is for everyone, but especially the folks who need us most : widows, single moms, single dads,  seniors, people doing life on their own, and anyone trying to make their car last without breaking the bank. we're fixing cars, easing stress, and keeping more money in your pocket- Motormouth style. CALL TO ACTION: Follow the Car Connection Podcast on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and every major platform. Catch us on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram for reels, tips, and full episodes. Grab the new Winter Motormouth Merch-knitted hats, zip-up hoodies, long sleeves, and the upcoming Car Connection mug! Visit us at StevensvilleOnTheWeb.ca click Businesses to find us and support local restaurants, shops, and services, Send  us your questions, problems, and winter chaos-we're here to help. Thanks for riding with us- let's keep you safe, warm, and out of the repair shop this winter season. Tnx your Pal, NMJ "},"annotations":[{"startTime":25.86,"endTime":30.26,"type":"car","title":"Jeep Wrangler","url":"/cars/jeep/wrangler","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/JEEP_WRANGLER_%28JL%29_China.jpg","quote":"...whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life or a Nissan road getting its brakes back in order...","canonicalId":"car:jeep:wrangler","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It's popular among outdoor enthusiasts and has a strong aftermarket support for modifications.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle that can go off-road and handle rough terrain. It's great for adventures and has a lot of parts available for customization.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":30.3,"endTime":36.6,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Rogue","url":"/cars/nissan/rogue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Nissan_Rogue_%28S35%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA.jpg","quote":"...or perhaps a mystery leak that's got every one of us scratching our heads. This is where we roll up our sleeves and get it done...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:rogue","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and good fuel efficiency. It's a popular choice for families and daily commuters.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that is comfortable to drive and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's a good choice for everyday use.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":279.8,"endTime":284.0,"type":"concept","title":"barn find","url":"/glossary/barn-find","quote":"...and then there would be an absolute yeah horrific barn burner. Yeah, a meltdown. Not good. How many could do without our vehicles...","canonicalId":"concept:barn-find","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'barn find' refers to a vehicle that has been discovered after being stored away for a long time, often in a barn or similar structure. These cars can be valuable to collectors, especially if they are rare or in good condition.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 'barn find' is when someone finds an old car that has been hidden away for a long time, usually in a barn. These cars can be special and worth a lot of money if they are in good shape."}},{"startTime":1102.0,"endTime":1112.6,"type":"part","title":"serpentine belt","url":"/glossary/serpentine-belt","quote":"...check your serpentine belt for cracks. The cold makes the rubber very, very brittle and the belts can snap. So from a statistic from Gates Canada...","canonicalId":"part:serpentine-belt","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A serpentine belt is a long, continuous belt that drives multiple peripheral devices in an engine, such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. It is crucial for the operation of these components, and if it fails, it can lead to significant engine damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The serpentine belt is a long rubber belt in your car that helps run important parts like the air conditioning and power steering. If it breaks, it can cause a lot of problems under the hood."}},{"startTime":1121.7,"endTime":1129.7,"type":"company","title":"Gates Canada","url":"/glossary/gates-canada","quote":"...from a statistic from Gates Canada, which is one of my favorite suppliers of belts and hoses for a long time...","canonicalId":"company:gates-canada","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Gates Canada is a well-known manufacturer of automotive belts, hoses, and other related components. They are recognized for their quality products and have been a trusted supplier in the automotive industry for many years.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gates Canada is a company that makes important parts for cars, like belts and hoses. They are known for making reliable products that many mechanics trust."}},{"startTime":1200.2,"endTime":1207.1,"type":"part","title":"serpentine drive belt","url":"/glossary/serpentine-drive-belt","quote":"...we want to make sure as we head into the colder weather, be certain that your service tech double checks your serpentine drive belt for cracks, because the cold will cause that belt to snap. So I always recommend two years, four years pushing it...","canonicalId":"part:serpentine-drive-belt","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The serpentine drive belt is a single, continuous belt that powers multiple peripheral devices in an engine, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It's crucial for the engine's operation, and if it fails, it can lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The serpentine drive belt is a long rubber belt in your car that helps run important parts like the alternator and air conditioning. If it breaks, your car can stop working and it can be very expensive to fix."}},{"startTime":1260.8,"endTime":1269.4,"type":"term","title":"coolant","url":"/glossary/coolant","quote":"...the coolant is running at 195 and the cooling fans do not come on till 212 Fahrenheit...","canonicalId":"term:coolant","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coolant is a fluid that helps regulate engine temperature by absorbing heat and preventing overheating. It typically consists of a mixture of antifreeze and water, which raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of the liquid.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coolant is a special liquid that keeps your engine from getting too hot. It helps absorb heat and prevents the engine from overheating, especially in extreme temperatures."}},{"startTime":1277.3,"endTime":1285.0,"type":"term","title":"antifreeze","url":"/glossary/antifreeze","quote":"...because it's mixed antifreeze, glycol, and filtered water, we know what the boiling point is...","canonicalId":"term:antifreeze","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Antifreeze is a chemical added to coolant to lower its freezing point and raise its boiling point, which helps protect the engine from temperature extremes. It also prevents corrosion within the cooling system.","simplifiedExplanation":"Antifreeze is a liquid that helps keep your engine from freezing in cold weather and from boiling over in hot weather. It protects the engine and keeps it running smoothly."}},{"startTime":1305.3,"endTime":1311.15,"type":"term","title":"automatic transmission","url":"/glossary/automatic-transmission","quote":"...if it's an automatic transmission, the transmission oil is being cooled by the cooling system...","canonicalId":"term:automatic-transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears. It relies on a hydraulic system to operate.","simplifiedExplanation":"An automatic transmission is a part of the car that helps change gears automatically, so you don't have to do it yourself. It makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic."}},{"startTime":1386.6,"endTime":1392.9,"type":"term","title":"moisture","url":"/glossary/moisture","quote":"...the moisture against the metal floor of your car. And I've seen it rot the car floors out...","canonicalId":"term:moisture","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Moisture refers to the presence of water in the air or on surfaces, which can lead to rust and corrosion in vehicles if not managed properly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Moisture is just water in the air or on surfaces. If there's too much water in your car, it can cause parts to rust and break down."}},{"startTime":1392.9,"endTime":1399.1,"type":"term","title":"floor pans","url":"/glossary/floor-pans","quote":"...the floor pans in less than six months. You got a Fred Flintstone car, I kid you not, because once the water gets the paint...","canonicalId":"term:floor-pans","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Floor pans are the metal sections of a vehicle's body that form the floor of the passenger compartment. They are crucial for structural integrity and can be prone to rust if moisture is trapped underneath.","simplifiedExplanation":"Floor pans are the flat metal parts that make up the floor inside your car. If they get wet and stay wet, they can start to rust and cause big problems."}},{"startTime":1428.0,"endTime":1434.5,"type":"term","title":"floor mats","url":"/glossary/floor-mats","quote":"...So here's what you need to do. Get yourself some really good floor mats. And you know what, what I do in the winter...","canonicalId":"term:floor-mats","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Floor mats are protective coverings placed on the floor of a vehicle to catch dirt, moisture, and debris, helping to keep the interior clean and prevent damage to the carpet.","simplifiedExplanation":"Floor mats are like big, flat pieces of rubber or fabric that you put on the floor of your car to catch dirt and water. They help keep your car clean and protect the carpet."}},{"startTime":1479.8,"endTime":1490.3,"type":"term","title":"suspension","url":"/glossary/suspension","quote":"So another winter tech tip. Let's jump into our topic for today, suspension. Not the one you got in school several times, but that's just between you and me. I move on. Yep. Next question, suspension. What does that mean?","canonicalId":"term:suspension","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in vehicle handling, ride comfort, and stability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension is the part of a car that helps keep the ride smooth and stable. It includes components like springs and shock absorbers that support the car's weight and absorb bumps in the road."}},{"startTime":1499.6,"endTime":1507.8,"type":"part","title":"McPherson struts","url":"/glossary/mcpherson-struts","quote":"Well, we have shocks, and we have McPherson struts. We have coil over shocks, and then we have just regular attached at both end shocks, depending on type of vehicle you're driving.","canonicalId":"part:mcpherson-struts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"McPherson struts are a type of suspension system commonly used in front-wheel-drive vehicles. They combine a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit, providing a compact and efficient design.","simplifiedExplanation":"McPherson struts are a type of car suspension that helps support the weight of the vehicle and absorb bumps. They are often used in the front of cars to save space and weight."}},{"startTime":1507.8,"endTime":1514.2,"type":"part","title":"coil over shocks","url":"/glossary/coil-over-shocks","quote":"We have coil over shocks, and then we have just regular attached at both end shocks, depending on type of vehicle you're driving. But it doesn't matter.","canonicalId":"part:coil-over-shocks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coil over shocks are a type of shock absorber that features a coil spring mounted over the shock body. This design allows for adjustable ride height and improved handling characteristics in performance vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coil over shocks are a special kind of shock absorber that has a spring wrapped around it. They help improve how a car handles and can be adjusted to change the car's height."}},{"startTime":1523.2,"endTime":1530.5,"type":"part","title":"shock absorber","url":"/glossary/shock-absorber","quote":"Shock absorber is the high tech terminology that what they do is they are you ready? Some high tech stuff here, ladies. Write this down because the fellows probably don't even know this.","canonicalId":"part:shock-absorber","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A shock absorber is a component of a vehicle's suspension system that dampens the impact of road irregularities, helping to maintain tire contact with the road and improve ride quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"A shock absorber is a part of a car that helps smooth out the ride by controlling how the car moves up and down when it hits bumps. It keeps the tires on the road for better handling."}},{"startTime":1587.1,"endTime":1595.5,"type":"part","title":"coil springs","url":"/glossary/coil-spring","quote":"In the rear, they could be coil springs like on my Honda, my Honda CRV, the rocket we call it.","canonicalId":"part:coil-spring","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coil springs are a type of spring used in vehicle suspension systems that compress and expand to absorb shocks from the road, contributing to ride comfort and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coil springs are metal springs that help your car's suspension system absorb bumps and keep the ride smooth. They expand and contract as the car moves over uneven surfaces."}},{"startTime":1587.13,"endTime":1595.49,"type":"car","title":"Honda Crv","url":"/cars/honda/cr-v","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/2018_Honda_CR-V_%28RW_MY18%29_%2BSport_2WD_wagon_%282018-10-22%29_01.jpg","quote":"like on my Honda, my Honda CRV, the rocket we call it.","canonicalId":"car:honda:cr-v","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality, spacious interior, and reliability, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that is great for families. It has a lot of space inside and is known for being reliable and easy to drive.","imageAttribution":"EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1601.91,"endTime":1612.91,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Fj","url":"/cars/toyota/fj-cruiser","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/TOYOTA_FJ_CRUISER_China_%282%29.jpg","quote":"Then if we take a look at my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, I have shocks with coil springs over them on the front and on the rear just plain old shock absorbers.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:fj-cruiser","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is an off-road SUV known for its rugged design and capability, featuring a distinctive retro style and a strong off-road performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough SUV designed for off-road adventures. It has a unique look and is built to handle rough terrain.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1668.61,"endTime":1676.69,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Beetle","url":"/cars/volkswagen/beetle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1957_Volkswagen_Beetle%2C_export_model%2C_in_front_of_Porta_Nigra_in_Trier_2023-05-01.jpg","quote":"...giant pothole big  enough to swallow a Volkswagen Beetle, or you go into a dip, or it's like, is there any...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:beetle","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was first produced in the 1930s and became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. Known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine design, the Beetle has a rich history and has sold millions of units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time. It might be discussed in the context of its unique design and cultural significance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very different from most other cars because of its round shape. It became really popular a long time ago and is known for being fun to drive and easy to recognize. People often talk about it because it's a classic car with a lot of history.","imageAttribution":"Palauenc05 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1778.0,"endTime":1780.0,"type":"part","title":"shocks and struts","url":"/glossary/shocks-and-struts","quote":"They told her she needed shocks and struts. And the car had like 100,000 k on it.","canonicalId":"part:shocks-and-struts","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Shocks and struts are critical components of a vehicle's suspension system. They help absorb impacts from the road and maintain vehicle stability and comfort during driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Shocks and struts are parts of a car's suspension that help make the ride smoother by absorbing bumps and keeping the car stable."}},{"startTime":1840.0,"endTime":1846.0,"type":"term","title":"downforce","url":"/glossary/downforce","quote":"...if there's no downforce, and we're heading into winter months, we've got some kind of slushy roads, icy roads...","canonicalId":"term:downforce","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down onto the road, enhancing traction and stability, especially at high speeds. It is crucial for performance vehicles to maintain grip during cornering and acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"Downforce is what helps keep a car's tires on the ground, especially when going fast. It helps the car grip the road better, so it doesn't slide around."}},{"startTime":1883.5,"endTime":1889.0,"type":"term","title":"winter tires","url":"/glossary/winter-tires","quote":"...it doesn't matter if they're the best on the planet built by NASA and designed by, you know, flight engineers, it won't matter.","canonicalId":"term:winter-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Winter tires are specially designed tires that provide better traction in cold weather conditions, including snow and ice. They have unique tread patterns and rubber compounds that remain flexible in low temperatures, enhancing grip.","simplifiedExplanation":"Winter tires are made for driving in cold weather, snow, and ice. They help cars grip the road better when it's slippery outside."}},{"startTime":1946.4,"endTime":1952.7,"type":"term","title":"tire pressure","url":"/glossary/tire-pressure","quote":"...we check and make sure all the tires are set to the same tire pressure. Now I go into my manual that came with it...","canonicalId":"term:tire-pressure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a vehicle's tires, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tire pressure is how much air is in your car's tires. It's important to keep it at the right level for safe driving and better gas mileage."}},{"startTime":2000.2,"endTime":2006.8,"type":"term","title":"road height","url":"/glossary/road-height","quote":"So the vehicle road height is not correct. And why would that be? All the tires I set them all to the same pressure.","canonicalId":"term:road-height","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Road height refers to the distance between the ground and a specific point on the vehicle, typically the chassis or suspension components. It's important for ensuring proper vehicle handling and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Road height is how high your car sits above the ground. It's important for how well the car handles and performs on the road."}},{"startTime":2085.9,"endTime":2095.2,"type":"term","title":"brakes","url":"/glossary/brakes","quote":"...we need all four brakes are breaking equally. All four shocks are working equally hard to keep the rubber on the road...","canonicalId":"term:brakes","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brakes are the components of a vehicle that slow down or stop its motion. They work by creating friction against the wheels, which can be done through various systems like disc brakes or drum brakes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brakes are what help your car slow down or stop when you press the pedal. They work by pushing against the wheels to create friction, which slows the car down."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Nile Jenkins","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/winter-suspension-survival-2-motormouth-tech-tips-to-save-your-ride-and-your-wallet/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}