Makita Drill and Driver Combo Review

Makita Drill and Impact Combo Review ~ Podcast Episode 21

Hey everyone! Today is Thursday, so it is tool review day. Today I have the most used tool in my box. The Makita impact driver, and drill combo CT200RW. I have owned 4 of the impacts, and 2 drills. So I am a big fan of this tool. The price point is from $179-$199.

One quick thing, I did a little “fixing” of the audio in this show. Let me know what you guys think. Shout out to Jason from Engineering Explained for recommending it.

Today we look at:Makita Drill and Driver Combo Review

  • Makita drill
    2 speed
    Adjustable Torque
    Keyless Chuck
    Brake
    Light
  • Makita Impact Driver
    1/4 quick lock
    Great Power
    Great Speed
    118ftlb torque
  • The Charger
    Its a battery charger that plays a little tune 😉

If you are having trouble viewing, watch it on YouTube Makita Drill and Impact Combo Review ~ Podcast Episode 20

Thanks for watching! What is the most used tool in your tool box? If there is a tool you would like me to review, please use the contact me form, or shoot me an email to Charles(At)Humblemechanic(dot)com.

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Failed VW intake Manifold

Podcast Episode 20 How VW 2.0t TSI Intake Manifolds Fail

Hi Everybody,(I hope you said, ‘Hi Dr. Nick’)

Today we are continuing the Tuesday episodes where we look at a failed VW or Audi part. This is like the podcast and Shop Shots piled into one. The response to last weeks show about failed VW 2.0t water pumps was awesome. I am thrilled that you guys like these shows. So be sure to remember that Tuesdays are failed part analysis days.

Sponsor of the day!Deutsche Auto Parts
You read that right. We have our very first sponsor. I can’t tell you how excited I am to bring on Deutsche Auto Parts on as a sponsor. They are a great company to work with. Check them out for your Audi and VW parts needs. They also do great how to videos for many common VW and Audi repairs. Remember that if I ever bring someone on as an official sponsor, that is a PERSONAL endorsement by me, as well as my advisory counsel.

How VW 2.0t TSI Intake Manifolds Fail
Today we are looking at the intake manifold for the CCTA 2.0T engine. This is a rather common repair that we do at the dealer. It fails in a few ways. There is also a warranty extension on SOME of the 2.0t engines for the intake manifold. Be sure to contact your local dealer to see if your VW qualifies.

We look closer at the 2.0t intake manifold

  • How it fails
  • Faults that may show intake manifold failure
  • Drive-ability issues with a failed intake manifold
  • How it fails
  • Intake manifold runner sticks
  • Intake manifold solenoid fails
  • Connecting rod for runner breaks
  • Sensor fails
  • Ways to test the intake manifold
  • Replacing intake manifold
  • Other repairs to consider with intake manifold removed
  • Injector seals
  • Carbon cleaning
  • DIY replacing 2.0t VW intake manifold
  • And more…

If you are having trouble viewing on the blog, check out the video on YouTube at Podcast Episode 20 How VW 2.0t TSI Intake Manifolds Fail.

Thanks for watching. I am excited to share this type of show with you guys. Don’t forget that you can subscribe here on the blog for updates. As always, your feedback and comments are very important. Please feel free to join the conversation, and post your thoughts below.

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Humble Mechanic Logo

Podcast Episode 19 Doing Free Work As A Technician

Happy Monday everyone. Today on the Automotive podcast, we are talking about doing free work as a technician, or mechanic ;). You join me on the road again and in studio today. I shot this video last week while traveling.

I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was spent hanging out at home with my wife and the dogs. I worked at the shop Friday and Saturday, and spent Sunday building some furniture I got at Ikea. Boy do those folks at Ikea know how to pack boxes.

Today we talk about Doing Free Work As A Technician:

  • A quick review of flat rate. Full show about Flat Rate
  • What do I mean by “free work”
  • How we get pulled into doing free work
  • How free work can be bad for a tech
  • How it is good for techs
  • Jobs you should NOT be doing for free
  • Time investments

If you have trouble viewing on the blog, visit “Podcast Episode 19 Doing Free Work As A Technician” on YouTube

That wraps up another episode of The Humble Mechanic Podcast. It is pretty much the best podcast about the automotive world you can find. For those of you waiting for the audio only version, hang tight. It is coming. I will be adding that to Itunes ASAP.

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Podcast Episode 16 Volkswagen Reliability a Problem, or Is It Perception

Happy Monday everyone. I hope that you all had a great weekend. Today on the Automotive Podcast we have a great yet touchy topic. Is VW reliability a problem, or is it perception. I had written a blog post years ago about this very topic. It is one of the most commented on posts on the blog. You can check it out at VW reliability problems.

I understand that there are a lot of folks that have very strong feelings about this exact topic. I also know that many folks have experienced the pain of having a huge repair bill on VWs. But you can take the VW out of the conversation, and input any other manufacturer. That is right, people have big repair bills with Toyota too. I also realize that there is truth to the issues that VWs have. I am a dealer tech, I see it all the time.

Today on the Automotive Podcast we discuss:

  • Why this topic came back up
  • VW ranks 5 from the bottom on J.D. Power
  • Why I “promote” VW as a brand? I DON’T!
  • My affinity for the brand
  • VW are not the right car for everyone
  • What fuels the problems car manufacturers have
  • Buy what you like, and expect problems
  • The story about my CR-V
  • A salesman wants you to by their brand
  • We can substitute VW for any other car brand

Well that wraps up Episode 16. I know that I may have hit close to home with many of you. Feel free to post your comments below. Remember this is not me standing on a soap box. It is a community.

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Auto Mechainc's Tool Box

How to Buy Tools as a Gift ~ Podcast Episode 15

After talking about Prepping a car for winter yesterday, I have the holiday season on the brain. Now, this is NOT a holiday show, but I thought it would be a great time to talk about buying tools as a gift. So today on the automotive podcast, we are talking about things to consider when buying tools as gifts. I am also working on a guide to buying tools this holiday season. That will be coming out next week. I assure you, there will be awesome deals.

I am someone that has spent a lot of time researching tools. In addition to that time doing research, I have spent a TON of money on tools. So today’s show it really built on how to buy tools for anyone from the auto enthusiast, to the DIY homeowner. Also remember that gift cards are always awesome, but are not really personal.

On today’s automotive podcast we talk about:Auto mechanic tools

  • Thinking about who we are buying tools for
    • Car person
    • The Pro
    • The Woodworker
    • Electronics person
    • DIY homeowner
  • How to find the perfect tool
  • Buy nice or buy twice
  • Tool count does not equal value
  • What tools to aviod
  • Flames do not equal quality
  • Slam dunk gift ideas (I don’t mean basketball)
  • Less glamorous, but awesome tool ideas
  • MT Knives sharpening video


If you are having trouble viewing here, check out Buying Tools As A Gift on Youtube

As always, your comments and questions are welcome. I love hearing from you guys. If you have a show topic you want you can post it below, or use the contact me form.

Be sure to check out and follow at:

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Episode 14 Prepping Your Car For Winter

Happy Monday Everyone!Cars stuck in Snow Storm

The season is upon us. Yes winter is almost here. Heck depending on where you live, it IS winter. As I type this, it is 44 degrees in NC. It is probably a million below in the northern states. 🙂 With all that, today we are talking about getting your car ready for winter.

This is something that is highly dependent on your location. Someone in the south will have different needs than someone in the northeast. Prepping your car for winter is also dependent on your car. If you drive a small car, you may not have room to fit things like a minivan. Also think about how getting a truck ready, may be different than a car.

Also keep in mind, many of the things we talk about are every day type things. This is more about fine tuning, rather than reinventing the wheel.

Prepping your car for winter show notes:

  •  Lights on your car
  • Tires, both pressure and condition
  • Coolant or antifreeze
  • Washer fluid, level and spray patterns
  • Wiper Blades
  • Vehicle battery
  • Keep your fuel level up
  • Test the heat
  • Spare tire and jack
  • Things to keep you warm
    • Hat
    • gloves
    • handwarmers
    • socks
    • blankets
  • Multiple ice scrapers
  • Water and snacks
  • Flashlight, check batteries
  • Evaluate your First Aid kit
  • Cash
  • 72 Hour kit

If you are having trouble viewing the video, watch it here on YouTube Episode 14, Prepping Your Car For Winter

I don’t think I mentioned it on the show, but keeping a weather radio and a way to keep your phone charged are VERY important.

Thanks for watching. What do you add to your car in the winter time?

As always, your questions, comments, and feedback are always welcome. You can post any comments below. You can also use the contact me form. Also feel free to email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com.

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Shell at the USA F1 Grand Prix

F1 Race in Austin and a VR6 Cabriolet Update ~ Podcast Episode 13

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s show is a multi-part show. It has been a while since I just had a chat with you guys. Since things are finally getting back to normal, I thought it would be fun to give you a recap of my F1 and Shell trip. It has also been a long time since we have talked about the Cabby.

Today’s Automotive Podcast we discuss:

  • My trip to Austin with Shell
  • The great folks in my media group
  • A weekend with Ferrari
  • Dubs for A Cause
  • VR6 Cabby electrical issues (big surprise)
  • How we are going to fix said electrical issues
  • and more

Links from the video:

As always, your comments and questions are not only welcome, but encouraged. I love hearing from you guys. If you have a topic you would like discussed on the show, you can post that in the comments below, use the contact me form, or fire me an email to Charles(AT)HumbleMechanic(DOT)com. Be sure to check out and follow at:

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