Car Connection Workshop

Car Connection Workshop

Five things you need to know about vehicle maintenance and repairs that will save you time money and a few bloody knuckles.

Episodes

February 3, 2026 • 45 mins

Vehicle modifications can be great - or they can become expensive liabilities if you don't do your homework. In today's episode, we break down mods that help versus mods that hurt, based on over four decades in the automotive world.

From performance upgrades that void factory warranties, incorrect tire sizes that cause transmission and driveline issues, suspension lifts that create steering and drive angle - problems, to ECM softwa...

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"And Yeah-it's officially February 2nd, GroundHog Day here in the Car Connection workshop. Funny thing is, a lot of car problems feel like Groundhog Day too-same failures, same mistakes, over and over-unless you change the maintenance pattern."

In today's Monday Morning Drive, we break down the real differences between older Jeeps and newer Jeeps -not just the price tag, but the pattern failures, maintenance realities, and ownersh...

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In this episode, we dig into what Jeep owners do what mechanics hate - and why. After gathering feedback from technicians around the world; we break down common Jeep pattern failures, maintenance habits that cause expensive repairs, and what owners can do to get ahead of problems before they snowball.

We also talk Jeep culture - including " Duck Duck Jeep " movement, why rubber ducks end up on dashboards, and why Jeep ownership is a...

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The price of owning a vehicle isn't just the sticker anymore. In this episode, we break down the real cost of car ownership in 2026 - from insurance, fuel ,repairs, and maintenance to depreciation, financing, and hidden ownership traps most drivers ignore. Whether you're buying new , used or trying to keep your current vehicle alive longer, this is what it actually costs to drive today.

Coming up Saturday's podcast: What Jeep Owner...

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Most Vehicles don't fail because they're "bad cars" - they fail because maintenance is misunderstood, skipped, or done too late.

In today's episode , we break down how any solid vehicle can reach 300.000, 400,000, even 600, ooo miles using the same fleet-proven maintenance strategy that keeps work trucks and service vehicles on the road year after year.

You'll learn:

1) Why mileage doesn't kill vehicles - neglect does

2) How fleet ma...

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Are dealer maintenance schedules protecting your vehicle - or draining your wallet?

In today's episode, I break down dealer maintenance schedules from a working mechanic's point of view. We cover what the factory actually requires, what's legally needed to protect your warranty, and how independent shops can perform factory maintenance properly - without the inflated costs.

You'll learn:

1) The difference between factory -required ma...

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Many drivers believe low mileage means low wear - but in the real world, short trips destroys engines faster than high mileage driving.

" The cars that drive the least often cost the most" NMJ

In this episode, I explain why vehicles that sit, idle, and only make short trips often require more maintenance than fleet vehicles that rack up highway miles every day. From condensation and fuel dilution to oil contamination and exhaust mois...

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Most Drivers think they're saving money by skipping small maintenance items- but those "cheap" decisions are often the most expensive mistakes you can make.

In this episode, I explain why treating your personal vehicle like a fleet vehicle changes everything. Fluids, belts ,hoses, preventative inspections, courtesy checks, and scheduled maintenance aren't optional - they're what keep keep vehicles profitable and reliable.

You don't ...

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Cold weather driving is hard on vehicles - but most drivers focus on the wrong things. In this episode, I break down what actually matters in winter driving, from proper warm - up time and engine oil to batteries, tire pressure, cooling systems, washer fluid, and fuel levels.

We cover 12 real-world winter driving, fundamentals that protect your engine, improve safety, and prevent expensive cold weather damage. No myths. No guesswork...

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Turbo engines deliver incredible power from smaller engines- but they are not forgiving.

In this episode, we break down why turbocharged vehicles demand maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance - and what happens when owners treat them like disposable, five year throwaways.

You'll learn:

1) Why turbo engines require premium fuel and high-end oil

2) What "spooling down" a turbo actually means

3) How heat and tight tolerances short...

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Modern engines aren't built the way they used to be-and it's not an accident.

Today's vehicles deliver more power, higher RPM's better fuel economy, and lower emissions than ever before. But there's a trade-off most drivers never hear about: engine lifespan.

In this episode, we break down why:

1) Internal tolerances are tighter than ever

2) engine oil is thinner than it's ever been

3) High-revving engines are designed for performanc...

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Most driver's think they're saving fuel - but in reality, they're following myths that cost them more over time.

In this episode of Motormouth Morning Drive, we break down the top five fuel economy myths that mechanics see every day in the shop, including:

1) Why chasing MPG numbers can hurt engine longevity

2) The truth about premium fuel and fuel additives

3) Why "lighter oil equals better mileage" isn't always true

4) How driving hab...

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Ethanol was never designed to be a better fuel for your vehicle - and today's drivers are paying the price.

In this episode of Motormouth Morning Drive, we break down:

1) why ethanol was added to the fuel in the first place

2) Why it's corrosive, acidic, and hydroscopic

3) How ethanol damages plastic fuel tanks, fuel rails, injectors, and seals

4) Why ethanol is not a true alternative fuel

5) who actually benefits - and who pays for it

T...

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Most drivers are confused about premium gas - and oil companies aren't exactly rushing to clear things up.

In this episode of Motormouth, we break down when premium fuel is absolutely necessary, when it's a complete waste of money, and how you can test it yourself in your own vehicle.

we explain:

1) What "recommended" vs "required" really means

2) why engine design matters more than marketing

3) How modern ECU's adjust for octane (and w...

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Hs you check engine light ever come on before? Comments on our YouTube Channel or email me.

In Part 2 - the wrap - up of our dashboard warning light series, Motormouth breaks down why the service engine soon light comes on and the many possible causes modern vehicles monitor every time you turn the key. Today's vehicles are constantly watched by the engine control module (ECM) - the main brain tracking vital signs like fuel deliver...

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January 16, 2026 • 51 mins

In Part 1 of this series, Motormouth breaks down what your dashboard warning lights actually mean, why the check engine light causes so much fear, and why throwing parts at a problem rarely fixes it.

Is a $79 code reader really the answer? Or does proper diagnoses still matter in today's high-tech vehicles?

We dive into:

1) Why warning lights come in the first place

2) The difference between reading a code and diagnosing a problem

3)Why...

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This is Part Two of our transmission care series - and this episode explains one of the most overlooked transmission killers of all : heat

If your engine is running hot, your automatic transmission is already being damaged - whether you feel it yet or not. What many drivers don't realize is that your automatic transmission relies on your engine's cooling system to survive. When the cooling system isn't working properly and the eng...

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Most drivers are told their transmission is "sealed for life" and doesn't need servicing. "That advice has destroyed more transmissions than worn out-clutches ever have. You've been sold one of the most expensive myths in the auto industry. Today I'm going to explain why that lie turns a $300 service into a $7,000 repair"

In today's episode, I break down how transmissions actually work - automatic, manual, and CVT - and why fluid se...

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Why brake Maintenance Saves You Thousands,

This is Part 2 of our brake system repair costs series- and the wrap -up of our brake maintenance discussion.

In this episode, we brake down the real - world cost of front and rear brake repairs, using actual shop pricing - not internet guesses. Brakes aren't cheap, and ignoring maintenance only makes them more expensive over time.

We cover:

1) Real costs of front brake repairs

2) Real costs...

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Brakes Are one of the most common-and most misunderstood -repair bills drivers face. In this episode, we break real world brake system repair costs using actual shop estimates, not internet guesses.

We cover:

1) pads, rotors, calipers & hardware

2) Labour Costs and why they vary

3) What's included in a proper brake job ( and what isn't )

4) Why "cheap brake specials" can cost you more later

This kicks off a multi - part series where...

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