WCCO's Car Care

The car wash line is worth it!

Laura chats with Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive about how to save money on car maintenance. Plus mileage recommendations, “funny noise” diagnosis, and rust prevention. If you have a car question or need your vehicle looked at visit Nick and his team at lloydsautomotive.net or give them a call 651-228-1316!

Jul 18, 2026 28 min 77 annotations

Keeping your A/C in check, hybrid engines, and more!

We have another hot, humid week ahead which means your car’s cooling ability is key and we dive into what to look for when it comes to leaks and other fluids beneath that car! We also get into wheel bearing issues, hybrid engines, transmission flushes, unknown noises underneath and more! If you have a car care question for Nick and his team be sure to visit lloydsautomotive.net or call them at 651-228-1316.

Jul 11, 2026 26 min 59 annotations

Weather extremes and troubleshooting emission problems!

Extremes whether hot or cold, it is important to upkeep our battery - we talked about this when it comes specifically to the summer heat, Nick explains what that ‘check engine light’ really means! Also more electric related questions with your vehicle, misfires, hybrid vehicle options and much more! If you have a vehicle problem or question about your car be sure to reach out to Nick and his team at Lloyds - you can find more information at lloydsautomotive.net or give them a call at 651-228-1316.

Jul 04, 2026 27 min 72 annotations

Keeping your car maintenanced and check it often!

Susie Jones in for Laura with Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive and today we tackled oil, car maintenance and different aspects of keeping your car in check when it comes to mileage and all around car care. From manifold issues, to knowing your oil - as the summer months heat up - keeping your car in check is key! If you have a car question or need your vehicle looked at visit Nick and his team at lloydsautomotive.net or give them a call 651-228-1316!

Jun 27, 2026 28 min 50 annotations

Keeping your car charged and safe in the summer!

A lot to get into with Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Answering all of your questions from brake repairs, specifically caliper troubleshooting. Keeping that car battery juiced and charged - that and much more with Nick and you can contact him and his team at Lloyds Automotive in Saint Paul or visit their website lloydsautomotive.net or give Nick and his team a call 651-228-1316

Jun 20, 2026 29 min 67 annotations

Car scans and codes, cooling your car, tires in the rain and more!

Pleased to have Nick Stoffel LIVE in the studio with us this morning for the show answering all of your car questions! We begin with sensors, codes - things you typically need a scan for. Also how to fix those cars with A/C not pumping, tires in the summer time including hydroplaning in the rain and much more with Nick! Be sure to stop by and see Nick and his team at Lloyds or visit their site at lloydsautomotive.net or call them at 651-228-1316!

Jun 13, 2026 27 min 56 annotations

Summer To-Do Lists for your car, oil and keep and more!

Sure we live in Minnesota and we often are warned about the winter to-do list for our cars. But also there is a lengthy and even similar to-do list for our cars in the summer months - we begin the show talking to Nick about this, oil changes in a quick lube location versus taking it into a dealership or auto shop, seat adjustments in your car and much more of your questions! Contact Nick and his team by visiting lloydsautomotive.net or by calling 651-228-1316 for any car care questions or fixtures you might have or need!

Jun 06, 2026 26 min 60 annotations

Denny Long's Last Car Care Show

The final Car Care show with Denny. How the auto mechanic business has changed since Nick started his career. The transmission changing process. What could cause a vehicle to vibrate? How critters can cause major damage to a vehicle. Why wax your vehicle. Issues when hauling a trailer. What are sway bars and what happens if they begin to fail? Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

May 30, 2026 30 min 67 annotations

Flat Tires, Risky Trips, and Keeping Your Car Summer Ready!

We are LIVE from the By The Yard showroom in Jordan, MN and we chat with Nick Stoffel of Lloyd’s Automotive about flat tires, producer Ryan Perpich has a risky trip he is taking to Iowa, we also dive into hybrid batteries, oil cooler lines, air condenser issues and more! For more information on Lloyd’s Automotive - reach out to Nick and his team at lloydsautomotive.net or you can call 651-228-1316.

May 23, 2026 27 min 42 annotations

The Toughest Jobs for Vehicles, Working on Electric Cars, Why Tires May Ware Down

Some of the most difficult work that needs to be done at vehicles. Price point for new battery. Are electric cars more challenging for mechanics? When shocks should be looked at. Key fob problems. The resale value of electric vehicles. Why tires may quickly ware down. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

May 16, 2026 27 min 73 annotations

Adjusting the Valves, Why Tires May Lose Air, Unexpected Labor Rates

What else gets looked at when getting your vehicle in for an oil change? What does it mean when a vehicle needs a valve adjustment? When should spark plugs be replaced? Getting a new key for an old car. Losing air in tires. What to know before installing a used engine in a vehicle. Why labor rates could be higher than expected. What to do with old fuel. Freon fixes. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

May 09, 2026 26 min 62 annotations

Air Vent Issues, The Cost of Spark Plugs, Some Strange Repairs

Solving problems with the air vent. Why a whirring sound may be coming from your car. Why replacing spark plugs can be an expensive purchase. Some of the strangest repairs Nick has seen in his career. What does a phaser do in a vehicle? Is there a slower time of the year for mechanics? Why good tires are worth the investment. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

May 02, 2026 25 min 70 annotations

Changing and Filling Fluids, Oil Change Frequency, Airflow Issues

How to tell if your transmission is in trouble. Keeping your fluids full. What to do with wheel bearings. What could make a knocking noise? When to get an oil change for a vehicle that does not get driven much. How vehicle technician school is changing. Replacing a mass airflow sensor. How to safely clean a radiator. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Apr 25, 2026 25 min 60 annotations

Turbocharge vs. Supercharge, When to Rotate Tires, Parking Brake Problems

What to know about turbocharge and supercharge. How often should tires be rotated? When to flush brake fluid. Issues that can be found in a convertible. The typical life of a battery. Remember to check your parking brake. How to safely clean an engine. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Apr 18, 2026 26 min 77 annotations

CVT Transmission Trouble, Take Care of Your Coolant, Suspicious Vehicle Sounds

What to know about CVT Transmissions. How often should shocks be changed? Identifying electrical issues. How has coolant changed over the years? Airbag alerts. How mechanics handle electric cars. AM radio interference. Finding the cause of strange sounds in your vehicle. Why oil viscosity continues to change. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Apr 11, 2026 26 min 27 annotations

Brake Basics, Why the Check Engine Light is On, Straightening the Steering Wheel

How to solve squeaky brakes and looking for the right parts to fix them. Other reasons why oil changes are important. Why a battery light turns on. How to best prioritize problems in your vehicle. How often should tires be balanced? Common reasons why the check engine light is on. Can cars be fixed with chemical additives? When to get your tires realigned. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Apr 04, 2026 27 min 32 annotations

Cabin Filter Facts, Rear Camera Repair, Maintenance After Mouse Damage

What is the purpose of the cabin filter and how often should it be replaced? Are washable filters a good idea? The process of repairing the rearview camera. Reasons why a car can't start. Getting smells out of your vehicle. How to prevent critters doing damage to your vehicle. What it feels like when the transmission starts to have trouble. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Mar 28, 2026 26 min 33 annotations

Tire Tread Trouble, Pothole Problems, Squeaky Brake Solutions

How to best handle repairs at home. How the elements impact tire tread. Preparing for potholes. What happens if your car hits a bad pothole? What could cause brakes to squeak? Can customers bring their own parts to a shop? Is rust proofing still necessary? How has the car mechanic business changed over the years? Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Mar 21, 2026 26 min 32 annotations

Rise in Catalytic Converter Theft, Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil, Mixing Gasoline

Reports of catalytic converter thefts are on the rise once again in the Twin Cities. What happens if it gets stolen? How often should different fluids be changed? Frequency of oil changes. Conventional oil vs. synthetic. What could cause a vehicle to shutter? Is it okay to mix gasoline in your vehicle? Flushing the differential. A high pitched noise when turning the wheel. Different ways to drain oil. Is there a difference in washer fluid? Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Mar 14, 2026 26 min 31 annotations

It is Time to Be Aware of Pot Holes, How to Choose the Right Spark Plug, Why Nick Became a Mechanic

Why you should not be intimidated by issues and repairs with your vehicle. What different noises mean for different problems in your vehicle. What to know before picking and replacing spark plugs. Opinions on businesses that only do oil changes. The ongoing debate over when to get an oil change. How Nick became an automotive technician. Parking brake repair basics. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Mar 07, 2026 26 min 34 annotations

Advice When Shopping for a Used Car, Most Common Vehicle Issues, Signs of Low Fluids

What to consider when shopping around for a used car? When to schedule a general inspection on your vehicle. Investigating brake issues. Is is possible to negotiate repair prices? Addressing trouble with a tailgate. Do electric vehicles use antifreeze? What can cause an engine light to turn on? Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Feb 28, 2026 26 min 34 annotations

Increasing Demand for Batteries, Causes Behind Overheating, Variations in Oil Viscosity

What to know about a dust shield and why it could make a noise if it gets dirty. Where to get carburetors repaired. Backup camera problems. 10 speed transmission trouble. Do batteries need to be replaced more often than they used to? Transmission fluid issues. Investigating the cause behind an overheating vehicle. The impact oil viscosity has on a vehicle. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Feb 21, 2026 25 min 31 annotations

Talking filters, oil,batteries and yes those tricky potholes!

Sure, this might be a false spring with these warm temperatures but there is always room to keep up on your vehicle! This morning Nick Stoffel with Lloyd’s Automotive discusses how to best avoid those tricky potholes (and puddles) also troubleshooting an alternator problem, even batteries! Then we dive into more listener questions regarding filters, sludge, checking for proper fluid functions and more! If you do have a car care question you can visit Nick and his team at Lloyds -visit lloydsautomotive.net or give them a call 651-228-1316.

Feb 14, 2026 27 min 34 annotations

Safely Warming up your Vehicle, Increasing Complexity of Vehicles, Keep Fluids Fresh

Fixing fuses for your electrical systems. When to safely start your vehicle in your garage. Difficulty opening doors. When to change your air filter. Are vehicles getting more complicated? When to change transmission fluid. Where does the name Lloyds come from? Solutions to heating issues. Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Feb 07, 2026 27 min 29 annotations

Answers on Alignment, Gas Gauge Giving Problems, Remote Start Repairs

How often should a vehicle get an alignment? Decoding the lights on a dashboard. Measuring battery voltage. Why a gas gauge could be giving you problems. When to get a second opinion for a costly repair. Touch screen trouble. Why a heated seat could have issues. After market part advantages. Fixing a remote start. What could lead to leaks? Ask our car care expert Nick Stoffel of Lloyds Automotive. Visit lloydsautomotive.net 651-228-1316.

Jan 31, 2026 28 min 37 annotations