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Let’s Talk Wheels hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum give listeners the automotive news, reviews, interviews, and maintenance tips they are looking for! Learn the ins and outs of the auto, powersports, and classic car industry, where (and when) to spend your money, and when to save it. Listening to Let’s Talk Wheels can help your vehicle last longer and increase your fun along the way!
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We installed a set of Michelin Defender LTX tires on a 2011 AWD Ford Escape XLT with 99k miles three years ago, and the owner reports nothing but smiles along the way. She rotates the tires every 5K miles and has had the alignment checked once. The vehicle currently has 142K miles, and tire wear is even and approximately 40%. The owner reports good traction in the wet and the dry.
Here in Texas, the Highway Department, in their infinite wisdom, has decided that grooved pavement is the answer to traction issues on the freeways and the usual “floating” issues that this causes are significantly improved with these tires, which is a huge plus. The stable and quiet ride was also noted by the owner. The tires are as quiet as when new, which is a big plus in an SUV. It is easy to see why the Defenders are such a popular choice for Truck and SUV owners.
I had a problem a few months ago with my 2008 F150 Farm Truck’s Instrument cluster. The “Brake” light stayed on when it wasn’t supposed to. Research told me this was/is a common problem for 2004-2007 year models and suggested I replace the cluster. WHATTTT? Not only was that going to cost more than I wanted to pay, but I also didn’t want to deal with the hassle and cost to reprogram the new cluster and explain the mileage issue.
Checking with friends in the industry led me to call the folks at Circuitboardmedics.com. Not only did they have a solution for me, but it was priced right and a relatively easy fix.
I pulled out the old cluster, FedEx’ed it to them, and within four days, I had mine back in my hand in BETTER shape than it was when I sent it. It seems these folks have identified the design shortcomings and installed upgraded parts to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
I have since then sent them a washing machine circuit board and had the same stellar experience. I highly recommend using the great folks at Circuit Board Medics.
https://circuitboardmedics.com/
Dashcams have become a necessary piece of equipment for many road warriors in their fight against scammers who cause car accidents and then either run away or swear it was YOU who caused the accident. Over the road truckers have used dashcams for years and now they have become a common tool for motorists who want to prove innocence.
One of the best ones out there is the S1-4K from Vueroid. It is well-made (in a crowd of poorly-made competitors) and has the resolution you need to prove your case in court if needed. One of the coolest features is the license plate and facial recognition software included with the unit. There is nothing more frustrating than finding out on screen who hit your car, only to be unable to read the plate number because of poor resolution. This dashcam does everything very well, including watching the back of your vehicle when it is parked. Check out the quality products from Vueroid, you will be happy you did!
It seems that everyone (including me) is always whining about automotive and powersports batteries costing too much and not lasting long enough. Both are true, for sure.
There are many reasons for this: forced recycling of battery materials, such as lead, can introduce impurities that shorten battery life. Basic materials cost more as everything does nowadays. The advancement of electronics puts a bigger strain on 12v systems, etc etc.
A few years ago, I found Odyssey Batteries, and I haven’t looked anywhere else. I currently have an Odyssey Battery in my BMW R1200RT Motorcycle that is four months away from being 10 YEARS OLD. I keep thinking it is going to fail, but it keeps passing load tests.
Odyssey Batteries are built using virgin (non-recycled) lead, and I think that is the key. They aren’t the cheapest, but they are easily the best batteries I have found. I put one in my RAM 1500 last year.
Odyssey brand batteries are sold by EnerSys Energy Products in Warrensburg MO. -Mike Herzing
Ceramic detailer sprays seem to be everywhere, but I finally found one that works like I want it to. I want something that helps clean the scum off my boat or motorcycle and leaves a shine I can be proud of. SLIX does just that…. And smells good too!
It also lasts a long time between applications. Check out the products from SLIX
https://www.slixmarine.com/
Kevin from Denver asks: I have been looking for a 70’s Chevelle, but the prices are just too high for what I can get. You guys had talked a few weeks ago about some of the cool cars of that era. Any suggestions?
Mike & Jeremy: Thanks for the email, Kevin, and YES! We have some ideas for your quest. You will be thrilled to find that the Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Buick versions of the Chevelle are priced much more reasonably and offer pretty much the same driving experience. You might want to check out the Cutlass, GTO, or Skylark. Great cars!
Diane and Dave from Oklahoma City ask: Where can we find classic memorabilia for our man cave?
Mike & Jermy: I’d spend some time at your local Swap Meet. My favorite, and the biggest Swap Meet in the country, is the Pate Swap Meet, which is held the third week in April at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. You will have a great time, and it’s free!
Ronnie from Denver asks: I want to start collecting classics, but because of space restraints, I will have to start with collecting classic motorcycles. Isn’t that how you started?
Mike: Yes, for me, and I still have a 51-year-old Yamaha 650. Bikes are fun, cheaper to buy and don’t take up as much space. If I were you, I’d buy a few, sell them, and start working my way up in value. My first classic was a 1983 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans that I loved to ride. Hit up a Swap Meet, find a starter bike, and you will be on your way!
Bob from St Louis writes: I have inherited a 60’s Mini Cooper with a bad engine. The body and interior are in great condition so I hate to see it be scrapped. I was thinking of converting it to an EV. Any Thoughts?
Jeremy: In your case, it sounds like a viable option. There are kits available that will make your job easier, but the prices may make it cost-prohibitive. Do your research and let us know!
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