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!

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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