Idle Talk Radio with Ashley and Tom

This edition of Idle Talk, from King’s Auto Repair (West Reading), covers what local drivers are seeing every day: new vehicles are hard to find, prices are up, and payments are climbing. Tom and Ashley discuss real world examples like ordering delays, the cost of “average” vehicles, and why some shoppers end up buying whatever is available.
The episode also tackles timely questions from callers:- Are manufacturers “rushing” cars to market and will quality suffer?- How long will gas vehicles realistically remain practical?- Why do EV fires make the news, and what’s different about putting them out?- And a big one for the summer: what is “88 octane” fuel (E15), is it safe, and how does it differ from E85 Flex Fuel?
 
New cars can be “sold out” or not orderable—months-long waits are normal right now. If you want a specific trim or option package, expect delays or compromises.- Average payments are high. The show cites industry data putting average payments around:- New: ~$715/month  - Used: ~$532/month    (Great reminder that “not fancy” doesn’t always mean “inexpensive” anymore.)- Buying “non-desirable” configurations can save money. Example: a manual transmission vehicle or an “oddball” car sitting on a lot (wrong brand dealership, uncommon package) may be discounted.- Concern about rushed production: the hosts haven’t seen unusual recall trends tied to “rushing,” but warn that vehicles sitting unused can develop issues like tire flat-spotting/dry rot, wiper deterioration, and seal drying.- Gas vehicles aren’t going away overnight. The conversation suggests hybrids are likely a practical bridge for many drivers due to cost, infrastructure, and real-world range/towing needs.- EV fire suppression is different. Battery thermal events may reignite and can require significant cooling; this is one reason these fires get attention.- Fuel clarity matters: 88 octane is not the same as E85.- “88 octane” is typically E15 (up to 15% ethanol), often OK for many 2001+ vehicles (verify).  - E85 is ~85% ethanol and is for Flex Fuel vehicles only. Check the owner’s manual/gas cap.
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
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Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.
This show was originally broadcast live 06-30-2022

This episode of Idle Talk from King’s Auto Repair (West Reading) mixes car-culture talk with real-world vehicle questions from local drivers. Tom and Ashley cover:
- A practical breakdown of diesel-rated engine oil and when it may (or may not) be safe in a gasoline engine especially for older vehicles.- Why older luxury vehicles can be deceptively expensive to own, and why you should never buy a car with the check engine light on.- A discussion on traffic safety messaging, including why “Click It or Ticket” may be one of the few campaigns that truly moved the needle.- Listener Q&A on premium fuel vs ethanol-free fuel for a 2012 Acura MDX.- A key safety call about a seatbelt replacement that triggered an airbag light, and what that could mean for the whole restraint system.- A quick community plug for the Pagoda Hill Climb and how to volunteer.
 
Key Takeaways- Check oil ratings before mixing diesel oil into a gas engine.    Look for the API “donut”/seal: gasoline ratings start with "S" (spark ignition), diesel ratings start with "C" (compression ignition). Some oils are rated for both others are not.
- Older engines may need older-style additive packages.    The show notes that many older engines benefitted from additives (often discussed as anti-wear chemistry like zinc/phosphorus packages). Vehicle owners with classics should use oil that matches the engine’s needs not just the newest spec on the shelf.
- Buying an older luxury car isn’t “cheap luxury.”    Depreciation may lower the purchase price, but parts, diagnostics, and repairs don’t depreciate the same way. Budget for ownership, not just the sale price.
- Never buy a car with the check engine light on “because it’s probably nothing.”    A warning light can hide expensive problems (and some items like catalytic converters are commonly excluded from many third party warranties).
- Read the fine print on vehicle service contracts.    Deductibles, coverage limits, exclusions, and “adjuster required” steps can change what a warranty is actually worth when a real repair is needed.
- Premium fuel recommendations are often about performance, not basic drivability.   For the Acura MDX caller: using the manufacturer-recommended octane helps the engine deliver its intended power/efficiency, but ethanol-free fuel typically matters more in small engines, seasonal equipment, or older fuel systems than in many 2012-era vehicles.
- An airbag light after a seatbelt repair should be treated as urgent.    Seatbelts can include pretensioners and sensors tied into the SRS (airbag) system. If the light is on, the system may be impaired and should be scanned with proper equipment and repaired promptly.
- The left lane is for passing.    A brief but relatable reminder: if you’re matching the right lane speed, you’re not passing, move over.
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
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King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest:King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.
This show was originally broadcast live 06-24-2022

In this episode of Idle Talk, Tom and Ashley from King’s Auto Repair cover real world issues local drivers are dealing with right now:  - Why buying a used car with the check engine light on is almost never a “quick sensor fix”  - How catalytic converter failures (and theft attempts) are hitting wallets and what you can do to reduce your risk  - A listener question about a stuck seatbelt, how the locking mechanism works, and when it’s time for replacement  - A practical discussion of oil leaks how shops trace them, when they’re urgent, and how one leak can trigger other drivability/emissions problems  - A call-in conversation about loud exhaust, inspection enforcement, headlight alignment, and illegal lighting mods
These topics are great reminders that small “annoyances” (lights, smells, leaks, noises) often point to bigger issues—and that a trusted shop inspection can save drivers from expensive surprises.
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Key Takeaways- Never buy a used car with the check engine light on. If it were truly “just an O₂ sensor,” it likely would’ve been repaired before sale. A check engine light can indicate expensive emissions failures (like catalytic converters) or deeper engine performance problems.
- Pre-purchase inspections catch what Carfax can miss. Carfax is helpful, but it depends on reporting. Repairs paid out-of-pocket or not processed through insurance may not show up. A shop inspection can spot clues like panel work, welding, rust bubbles, and underside damage.
- Catalytic converters are costly (and theft is real).   Converters contain precious metals, which drives both replacement costs and theft attempts. Even a “failed” converter can be valuable to thieves.
- Seatbelt retractors can lock up, sometimes it’s a mechanism issue, not a “broken belt.”   Seatbelts can get stuck in child seat ratchet mode or jam internally. If it won’t retract/unlock, don’t force it especially if pretensioners are involved.
- Oil leaks aren’t just messy, they can trigger check engine lights and damage components.   A PCV system fault can pull oil into the intake, contaminate emissions components, and create driveability issues. Oil can also drift and spread underhood, making the true source harder to find.
- Diagnosis often starts with cleaning.  For heavy oil leaks, the first step is frequently cleaning the area, running the engine, and re-checking sometimes using cardboard/drip tracing to narrow down leak origin.
- “They sell it online” doesn’t mean it’s legal.   The show touches on illegal lighting colors (blue hue), headlight alignment concerns, exhaust modifications, and wheels protruding beyond fenders issues that affect safety and legality.
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If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
King's Auto Repair on Instagram: Kings Auto Repair Instagram
King's Auto Repair on TikTok: Kings Auto Repair TikTok
King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest:King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.
This show was originally broadcast live 06-16-2022

This episode of Idle Talk from King’s Auto Repair (West Reading) covers a handful of real-world “odd” problems that showed up in the shop—exactly the kind of issues drivers struggle to describe until they become safety concerns.
Topics include:- A rare ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU) failure that mimics a bad master cylinder and creates a dangerously low brake pedal.- Why brake fluid service matters (and why many manufacturers now recommend it every 2 years).- Why rear brakes can wear faster on modern cars (hill-hold, stop/start, stability controls, torque vectoring).- A noisy/vibrating driveshaft carrier bearing and how it can create “mystery” vibrations.- How clogged sunroof drains can lead to expensive electrical damage.- A caller question about instrument cluster replacement and mileage programming on an older Silverado.
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
King's Auto Repair on Instagram: Kings Auto Repair Instagram
King's Auto Repair on TikTok: Kings Auto Repair TikTok
King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest:King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.
This show was originally broadcast live 06-09-2022

In this episode we talk about the effects of ethanol in gasoline and what the octane actually means.
Here are some of the bullet points from the show:
Ashley talks about like being "that dad" cleaning the windshield of her car along the street while waiting on the kid to get done with practice
The topic of discussion was octane levels and ethanol in fuel. 
Gasoline's resistance to burn is measured by its octane rating. Higher octane allows for more advanced engine timing and more power. Most vehicles require 87 octane regular gasoline. 
Octane rating is derived from the average of the Motor Octane Rating and Research Octane Rating. It indicates the pressure at which fuel will spontaneously ignite. 
Unintended spontaneous combustion causes uneven engine pressure, damage, and knocking. Newer direct-injected vehicles had issues with hot oil igniting injected fuel, damaging engines. 
Using higher octane gasoline than required provides no benefit. Using lower octane can reduce fuel economy and cause engine knocking. 
Ethanol was added to fuel to make the U.S. more energy independent, though its viability is debated. 
Fuel contains a maximum of 10% ethanol currently to accommodate older vehicles, though newer vehicles can handle up to 15% ethanol.  
"Flex fuel" vehicles can handle up to 85% ethanol. Their engines are specially designed to adjust for ethanol's lower energy density.
E85 fuel is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Though its octane rating is around 105, it provides less energy so more fuel is needed to travel the same distance.  
Using fuel with higher ethanol levels than a vehicle was designed for can damage components and trigger the check engine light. 
Ethanol is added to gasoline in percentages to accommodate older vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles can use higher ethanol blends.
We discussed weird automotive myths like: cars should be disposed of after 100,000 miles, Old cars were better, and old cars lasted longer
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
King's Auto Repair on Instagram: Kings Auto Repair Instagram
King's Auto Repair on TikTok: Kings Auto Repair TikTok
King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest:King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.
This show was originally broadcast live 10-18-2023

We had a great conversation about Pennsylvania Emissions testing on the radio show. It was so good I decided to cut it out of the show for its own podcast and write a blog post. Pennsylvania Emissions Waivers are difficult to navigate. Your car needs to fail emissions inspection 2 times and you need to have spent $150 towards fixing the emissions failure issue. Listen to the podcast to find out more and check out the blog post over on our website about Waivers.
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
King's Auto Repair on Instagram: Kings Auto Repair Instagram
King's Auto Repair on TikTok: Kings Auto Repair TikTok
King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest:King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.

On this episode we discuss spouses driving habits that the other can't stand. We argue about 2 and 4 lane highways. Tom gets to gloat about winning a disagreement. We also discuss Tom falling asleep, driving up on people and staying behind them. We also discuss Ashley's speeding and leaving the car in 2nd or 4th gear when she parks the car. This podcast seems more like a marital counseling secession than a car talk podcast. Let us know about what you think about this format by email us or leaving a comment. If you like us or hate us please leave us a review on you favorite podcasting app.
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
King's Auto Repair on Instagram: Kings Auto Repair Instagram
King's Auto Repair on TikTok: Kings Auto Repair TikTok
King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest:King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.

On today's show we discuss modern cars that are considered uncollectible. We talk about the crazy paint options on the new Corvette. Tom stumbles over a callers question about checking the level of a CVT transmission on a Honda Accord.
 
 
If you would like to learn more about your car check out our blog over on our website: King's Auto Repair Website
King's Auto Repair on Facebook: King's Auto Repair Facebook
King’s Auto Repair on YouTube:  Kings Auto Repair YouTube
King's Auto Repair on Instagram: Kings Auto Repair Instagram
King's Auto Repair on TikTok: Kings Auto Repair TikTok
King's Auto Repair on LinkedIn: King's Auto Repair LinkedIn
King's Auto Repair on Pinterest: King's Auto Repair Pinterest
Check your car for Safety Recalls: NHTSA.Gov
If you have a comment or car question please email us at Idletalkradio830@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening.
This show was originally broadcast live 05/11/2023