Nomad Base Station - Go Wireless in the Garage

When I got my Apple Watch, my biggest worry was damage. These things are not cheap and I did not want to just dive into the engine bay with it on. I also didn’t want to just toss is on my workbench with tools, nuts, bolts and grease.
When I saw the Nomad Base Station, I knew this was it. Once I sent this up on my workbench it was only a matter of time before I was completely comfortable with the safety of my watch and phone. The unit is metal, leather and beautiful - too beautiful for my garage honestly. The Base Station would look amazing in the office of Steve Jobs or Darth Vader. Since installing though, it has easily charged my devices, allowed me to pick them up and check other YouTubers for How-To videos and finally look going while sitting still.

Click this link to get one of your own. Be careful though - you might want more than one….
https://nomadgoods.com/collections/power-apple-watch/products/base-station-apple-watch

Foxwell NT301 - Just in time for Father's Day!

As code readers go, there are so many options now. It has become standard issue for most backyard mechanics, and for good reason. Any time that check engine light comes on, you worry and wonder. Well Foxwell has come along with a new one, new to me, that fits the bill in many areas.

1.  It is super easy to use. Color screens, easy to follow instructions and simplicity. I have a much more complicated one from another company that takes more time to figure out, when you first open it. The NT301 is easy to use and simple.
2.  The price of the NT301 is the best part. Coming in at around $70 - you really can't beat that for all the functionality you get.
3.  Speaking of functionality, this Foxwell has live data, 02 sensor readings and also an emission check test; basically telling you if you'll pass your local smog test.

Overall, this thing is pretty legit when you consider all of those things mentioned above.  Add the rubberized edges for durability and you won't be disappointed. Now, for the fun part. For a limited time, I have a code to purchase this at 25% off!

Use the following link: https://amzn.to/2KTa4qu
Enter Coupon Code: NT301JOE
That code will give you 25% off your new reader.  This is a great price and a great Father's Day gift for any dad or weekend warrior mechanic.  For more information, watch my video below.  Enjoy!

Meguiar's Wash Plus+

Meguiar's sent over their brand new product, the Wash Plus.  This is a super simple, easy to use product that uses a sponge/wash mit and a hose - that's it!  The video below shows you how I have been using this stuff and overall I am super impressed.  I linked the product below and some of the supporting products I've used along with the Wash Plus+.  
One big advantage, other than the speed, is this stuff strips sealants/waxes pretty darn good.  So if you are looking for a product that will give you a fresh start for that detail job, pick this one.

Meguiar's G25024 Car Wash Plus, 24 oz. Buy on Amazon

Meguiar's X3002 Microfiber Wash Mitt Buy on Amazon

Original Soft-N-Dry T-Bar Silicone Water Blade Squeegee

One Pass Water Blade

Buy on Amazon

Trifecta Performance

Over the past couple months, I had the opportunity to try out two Trifecta Tunes.  The first was done for our 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.  Trifecta specializes in tunes that are sent directly to you via their website, then you do the rest on your own laptop.  A pretty slick process that was easy and painless.  With the Sonic, I run through the entire process from installation, to road testing, 0-60s, and finally some gas mileage testing.  The Sonic is a great little car that is lots of fun to drive, especially now after Trifecta got ahold of the on board computer. 

The second vehicle we were able to "Trifecta Tune", is a 2014 Buick Encore.  This is very similar to the Sonic, with the 1.4L Turbo, but heavier and more comfort based.  The plan was to tune the vehicle, which belongs to my Mom, and put it back in her driveway without her knowing the tune happened.  I will say, the Buick didn't respond to the tune as well, mostly due to Trifecta wanting to keep it like a Buick, which means comfortable.  The weight is also a big factor, this thing weighs over 400lbs more than the Sonic!  Overall though, it was more lively and noticeable after the tune.  Watch the video below to hear her reaction and also to see us giving you the short version on how these tunes work.

Zubie

I had no idea what use this Zubie thing would have. Little did I know how useful it would turn out to be. The device is free but the contract is $99 per year. Worth it now that I have seen its full potential. In this time of connected devices, it is a welcome tool to add to your car whether you’re a small business owner wanting to track miles, a parent of a new young driver or just want to add connectivity to your daily driver.

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It is just small OBD II dongle that plugs right to any 1996 or newer vehicle. I received the non wifi version but it connects to the Zubie “cloud” through the cellular network. They now offer an in car wifi option through verizon that is and extra $10 a month. You have two options to connect to the zubie, through the web portal or through the app. I preferred the app but found myself on the web a bit here and there once I started using it for tracking miles for my small business.

The first cool feature I find is the vehicle health tool. It gave me battery voltage and any warnings from CEL codes. I drive an older Toyota Tacoma that occasionally throws a CEL. I was able to grab the code, do a quick google search and have the problem fixed in an afternoon.

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A lot of the other features I found to be useful for business fleets or families with young drivers. You are able to track in real time where the vehicle is located. Notifications can be set for low fuel, hard braking and speeding. The notifications come to you as an email but also show up on the trip report map.  It also gives drive cost estimates which I found to be fairly accurate. I did find the trip tracking useful for logging miles driven for a small business but all the other alerts were not as useful for me.

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One other notable feature was the vehicle motion sensor. I had met a friend in Central Utah along I-15 and left my truck parked for the weekend while we continued on in his vehicle to California. I set the motion sensor to alert me if the truck moves after 15 minutes of turning it off. Now I’m not too sure what I would have done short of calling Beaver Utah police had I received that alert. But none the less I felt like I had more control.

I am surprised more car manufacturers don’t include such features built in to their new vehicles. The only thing close would be Onstar and some others that aren't as popular or mainstream. I’m sure it’s not too far off though with other vehicle manufacturers. But in the end, I’d pay the $99 again to use this when the kids start driving.

Zubie ZK30012M GPS tracker for Teen Drivers and Families Buy on Amazon