Good Carma Podcast

Just a quick Peace Of Mind Pointers wrap up on the two episodes on brakes with Jordan Cantillano of Los Angeles Trade Tech. Be sure to check out the full episodes! Instagram YouTube Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

In this episode of Good Carma Podcast, I continue my conversation with automotive instructor Mr. Jordan Cantillano from LA Trade Tech as we go further into brake system basics. We talk about why brake fluid should usually not be “topped off,” how brake fluid level can actually tell you about brake pad wear, and what can happen when air gets into the braking system. We also get into brake boosters, vacuum leaks, master cylinders, and the surprising ways brake issues can sometimes mimic engine problems. Along the way, we discuss warning signs like spongy or unusually hard brake pedals, dashboard brake lights, and what normal brake feel should actually be like. We shift into practical habits that can help your brakes last longer — including driving style, excess vehicle weight, tire tread, engine braking, and even why certain tire shine sprays can create problems for both tires and brakes. You can support the podcast buy purchasing suggested items: Brake Fluid Tester $5.99 Brake Fluid Tester Digital $12.99 Brake Pad Lining Gauge $5.59 3 Piece Kit: Brake Pad, Tire Tread Gauges $9.99 Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

In this Part One episode, I’m at LATTC with professor Jordan Cantillano talking through some basic and not-so-basic information about brakes that's helpful for everyone to know. We talk about pads, rotors, what normal wear actually looks like, and how much your driving style affects how fast things wear out. We also get into the stuff you’ll actually notice day to day—squeaking wear indicators, that steering wheel shake when rotors are uneven, and how to do your own check on pads and rotors. We talk about the importance of keeping your brake fluid fresh and how moisture can quietly change how the brake pedal feels over time. And more to come next week! Check out LATTC's huge list of areas of study! There's a class for everyone. Some suggested items to buy. If you buy using these Amazon affiliate links, it helps support the podcast! Brake Pad Lining Gauge Brake & Tire Gauge kit Brake Fluid Tester Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Oil leaks, rough idle, P0171 lean codes, and oil contamination on the air filter can all point to one small, often overlooked component: the PCV valve. In this episode, I sit down with José Ramirez from LATTC to break down how this inexpensive part can cause surprisingly wide-ranging symptoms—and why it’s frequently missed in diagnosis. We also discuss how PCV systems vary by vehicle. On lots of cars, especially before 2011, the PCV valve is a simple, replaceable part that’s quick and inexpensive to service. On newer vehicles (often 2010 and up), the PCV system may be integrated into the valve cover assembly, making diagnosis and repair more complex. Whether you plan to work on your car yourself or just want to better understand what a shop is telling you, this episode will help you recognize common symptoms, understand basic testing methods, and make more informed maintenance decisions. Certain PCV issues can cause lean conditions and a P0171 code. Know your codes before you bring your car in. Using a basic scanner to get codes and read live data doesn't diagnose the issue, but it gets you in a good starting place. Try this Launch CR529 through my Amazon affiliate code, and you can help support the podcast! Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

In this episode I will discuss five components that, depending on your car, might be very easy to replace. I'm going to talk about engine air filters, cabin air filters, fuses, ignition coils and the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Don't Fear the Engine Cover article by Haynes If you buy this test light through my Amazon affiliate link, you can support the podcast: test light on Amazon a good video on checking fuses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dze5J0LWphA Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Cars have a lot of different fluids. It's great to know how often they need changing, and to be aware of issues related to low fluids. In this episode I talk to Kelly, a master technician at Station of the Stars in the Pico Robertson area of Los Angeles. Station of The Stars 9448 W. Pico Blvd 90035 | (310) 275-9628 I ask Kelly to walk us through some important basics about gasoline, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, A/C refrigerant and windshield wiper fluid. I'll save differential and transfer case fluid for another episode, but for those of you with all wheel drive, those are good to know about as well! This episode is sponsored by Vivi Sun Jewelry . Check out her website for gorgeous, handcrafted jewelry. And listen to the episode for the coupon code that will get you 10% your order! We talk about brake fluid testing in this episode. If you're interested in owning your own tester, consider buying my suggested item to support the podcast. Any purchase through the link, I will receive a small commission. Brake fluid tester on amazon Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Support the sponsor of this episode Vivi Sun Jewelry Vivi's gorgeous jewelry is available at a 10% discount to listeners by using code GOODCARMA at checkout! You will also receive a free small travel jewelry case with each order! Part 2 of my conversation with Ozzy dives into how to avoid common DIY repair mistakes, with a focus on doing your oil changes safely—and some practical tips for staying organized while you work. Here is a link to the Warranty / Torque Seal mentioned in the episode! Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Ozzy is back! In this episode, Ozzy and I get into tips that make DIY car work go a lot smoother—and a lot less stressful. We talk about lifting your car, changing tires, and oil changes. Not a how-to, but focusing on the small habits and safety awareness that build confidence over time. We hope this episode will help you build peace of mind before you even pick up a wrench. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Buying a used car can be a stressful gamble. This week I am rejoined by José Ramirez (from LATTC). We discuss some things you can inspect to gain a little more peace of mind when deciding whether to buy the car or pass on it. Some topics we discuss are looking at oil quality, listening for unusual sounds, using an OBDII scanner, evaluating leaks, and road testing rotor and strut condition. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Thanks for joining me for this episode where I share some suggestions for great tools to keep in your car. Both for emergencies and for staying on top of your car's general condition. In this episode I want to make sure everyone is aware of these great tools that may seem complicated to use but are really not so hard to learn to navigate! My Amazon Affiliate Links to suggested products! Ancel OBDii Scanner for reading codes and other car data Teslong Borescope for seeing into hard to reach crevices of the engine and underneath the car Klein Auto-Ranging Multimeter for measuring voltage, resistance and amps Kaiweets Manual-ranging Multimeter I receive a small commission for purchases made through the affiliate links. Using these links is a great way to get some fun tools and to support the podcast! Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

I'm joined by Ritchie Wimmer of Wimmer's Automotive . Ritchie is a shop owner and mentor to the next generation of technicians, teaching at Morro Bay High School. Community and integrity is important at Wimmer's Automotive, and they put it best on their website that they're "committed to the greater good of both vehicles and the people who drive them." This week I sat down with him at his shop in Central California's beautiful Morro Bay. We talk about a wide range of topics including the importance of our being good stewards of our cars, how to stand out as a candidate for a job when applying to shops, and ways to budget and keep track of maintenance and repairs. Listener offer: Mention you found Wimmer's Automotive after hearing this episode, and you can get a $60 gift certificate toward your first service at their shop. Wimmer’s Automotive 899 Piney Way Morro Bay, CA 93442 805-776-8114 Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Mr. José Ramirez from LATTC and I talk about the reasons we're adivsed to let your cars warm up for about 20-30 seconds before we start driving in the morning. Just like your body, the car needs to get fluids circulating, and breathing regulated. Your car needs to get oil pumping through all parts of the engine. Air and fuel need a minute til it's regulated and burning the most efficiently. Starting out the car and the day, it could be a great opportunity to take a few seconds and let things get harmonized. A morning haiku break brought to us by Gemini: Pause and let it breathe, Needle drops to steady low, Peace before the path. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

In this episode, Mariano and I continue our conversation about how trust develops with customers. Clear explanations, transparency about what’s being recommended, and helping drivers understand how different systems in their cars actually work make all the difference. We also talk through several common situations where misunderstandings can lead to unnecessary repairs or confusion—like misunderstood trouble codes, good preventative maintenance recommendations that may at first feel like an oversell, and how small maintenance items can affect larger systems over time. Topics in this episode include: Why misread trouble codes can lead people to assume a specific part needs to be replaced when the code is really pointing to a system that needs diagnosis When preventative "while we're here" maintenance recommendations are legitimate , especially when work is already being done in the same area and future labor costs can be reduced A common red flag in diagnostics : replacing a catalytic converter without identifying the underlying cause of the failure How habits at the pump —running very low or frequently topping off—can contribute to early fuel pump wear or EVAP system issues The role of simple maintenance items like air filters and how neglecting them can contribute to larger engine or catalytic converter problems How clear communication, photos, and explanations from shops can provide peace of mind to customers and help shops feel confident that their customers understand the work being done Local people, you can find Mariano's shop on of all streets, Motor Avenue just north of Palms Blvd. Stop by for your next service! If you come in for a full synthetic oil change, mention the podcast and you can additionally get a free tire rotation. fixcarnow.com https://maps.app.goo.gl/aadC7PKUmuvV4qyP6 310-558-9097 | 3405 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles 90034 Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

This week I meet with the wonderful Mariano from FixCarNow in West Los Angeles! We talk through many topics including what builds customer loyalty and trust, how to prioritize repairs, and some specific good maintenance tips. Local people, you can find Mariano's shop on of all streets, Motor Avenue just north of Palms Blvd. Stop by for your next service! If you come in for a full synthetic oil change, mention the podcast and you can additionally get a free tire rotation. fixcarnow.com https://maps.app.goo.gl/aadC7PKUmuvV4qyP6 310-558-9097 | 3405 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles 90034 Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Part 2 with Ozzy!! Don't miss this great conversation where Ozzy shares more tips and info about basic car care. We touch on tires, brakes, coolant and of course oil changes. He gives great insight into the importance of keeping good service records and how it may improve the resale value of your car. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

Getting to know some basic maintenance steps, we can keep our cars from becoming high-maintenance. This is part one of a two-part conversation with Ozzy, a friend, a former fellow student, and an automotive technician with many years now in the field. He shares simple preventative steps that keep small issues from turning into major (i.e. $$$) repairs. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

One of the best things to happen to the environment was the catalytic converter. It reduced the toxicity of car exhaust to a small fraction of what it used to be. Before it, cars released carbon monoxide, unburned fuel, and oxides of nitrogen directly into the air — in amounts that blanketed cities in smog and caused real health problems. The catalytic converter, when it's working right, converts these harmful gases into gases that won't burn our eyes, lungs or turn the sky green. Keeping your 'cat' healthy really matters. One simple way to do this is staying on top of oil changes. This is part three of my conversation with José Ramirez, where we talk about how lack of oil changes can damage this important component. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

This week I continue my conversation with the great master tech and professor Mr. José Ramirez from LATTC! We talk about a few more topics related to the most important thing you can do for your car: keeping up with regular oil changes. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

We don't just need our cars. Our cars need us. They depend on us to change oil on a regular basis. For people who live in cities, drive in stop and go traffic, repeatedly drive short trips, waiting for 10k miles is too long! Once a year is too long! Check out this week's episode with professor and master technician Jose Ramirez and find out the inside scoop on how critical on-time oil changes really are for your car. Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com

What do energy healers, chiropractors and automotive techs have in common? They all know the importance of alignment! Without it, you're fighting resistance. You and your car need to work harder to get through the day. Without proper alignment, too, parts can get damaged. From ankles to knees and from tires to tie rods. If you hit a curb or run over a pothole, that can affect the alignment of your car, and it's best to bring in your car for an alignment check. Aside from an incident, it's good practice to bring your car in for a check once a year. You can prevent unnecessary, uneven wear on your tires and save some suspension parts from needing replacement sooner than they normally would. You can go just for a check, you might not need any work done. It's like a quality control check. George from Lucy's Auto Center and I have a talk about the importance of keeping your car in alignment. Check out their great shop in the heart of LA. Mention you found them through the podcast and they'll offer you a Lucy's Good Carma discount. :) LUCY'S AUTO CENTER 5601 W Pico Blvd at Curson Los Angeles, CA 90019 (323) 433-6479 Stay in touch, share your thoughts, recommend your trusted mechanic as a guest, get good tips and find out when episodes drop by subscribing! Email us at goodcarmapodcast@gmail.com and visit the website goodcarmapodcast.com