Why Cars Dropped Gas Caps And What Replaced Them

Capless Fuel Systems And Emissions

Jeff Dziekan 1:04

Yeah, they're different nowadays. So why? Well, for decades, pulling up to a gas station and then unlocking the fuel door, twisting off a cap, setting it aside, and filling up. That ritual was so standard that it became second nature. But here's a few things that we didn't know, and here's why. So one of the things, one of the biggest motivators behind the capitalist fuel systems is tighter emission control. Traditional gas caps wear out, crack, or even get loose, allowing vapors to escape. These vapors not only waste fuel but also contribute to smog and air pollution. Capitalist systems seal automatically every time, meeting strict environmental standards and reducing the likelihood of a check engine light to be in the evaporator emission leak. In fact, those are bad gas caps, and one of the most common causes of emissions are failures for vehicles today. The next one would be easier for drivers. The convenience is a big role in the move away from the gas caps. With no gas cap twist, drivers can insert the pump nozzle directly into the filler neck and start fueling. This means no fiddling, no worry with the cap clicking tight enough, no risk of leaving the cap behind in the gas station, which we've all done once or twice. Who dislike dealing with that kind of stiff, dirty, frozen caps in harsh weather. Also, the modern caplist systems are often tied to the car's locking system. So you can't even open the fuel door without unlocking the vehicle. This deters casual theft or tampering. Another benefit is the capitalist filters are designed with nozzle-specific openings. The gas vehicle's filler neck won't accept larger diesel nozzles, and the diesel truck filler neck are too big for the gas nozzle. These designs help prevent costly misfueling mistakes that can ruin an engine. The next one, Mike, we talk about uh believe it or not, the humble gas tank is responsible for countless trips of the mechanics. A loose or cracked seal can cause vapor fuel leaks and trigger the check engine light. Replacing the cap usually fixes it, but owners often spend unnecessary money in diagnosing the effect before realizing it was just a gas cap. Capitalist designs eliminate the weak point entirely. There's no rubber gasket to wear out, and the system seals back more consistently than any human can twist. And there's another reason. If you're ever unscrewed a grimy old gas cap, got dirt and fuel and rusty flakes on your hands, you would appreciate the cleanliness of a capitalist design. Because the flap seals uh tightly, but it keeps out the dust, debris, road grime that also reduces the chance of contaminants getting into the fuel system itself. No drivers have to worry about setting a dirty cap on the trunk or dropping it on the ground and obviously driving off with it. And then you got Ford, who was one of the first major automakers to roll out a capless uh capless fuel filter widely by introducing its easy fuel system in the mid-2000s. GM quickly followed, adding capless designs to the models like the Chevrolet Malibu and the Cadillac CTS. Chrysler also adapted them in the Dodge and Jeep lineups. Today capless filters are common across the wide range of brands, though not universal. Many economy cars and imports still use traditional caps, partly to cut the cost and partly because some drivers still expect them. And then you've got the capless fuel filler that uses a spring-loaded metal flap and multiple seals within the filler neck. When the fuel nozzle is inserted, it pushes the flap open. Once the fueling is complete, the nozzle is removed and the cap snaps shut by creating an airtight seal. Most systems include a secondary door deeper inside the neck to prevent fuel siphoning or tampering. This setup is surprisingly robust and designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle without any maintenance. Just a couple more things. Reactions to the cap systems have been mixed. Many drivers love the convenience, noting that it's faster and cleaner. Fleet owners appreciate it that there's a few remission-related check engine lights caused by loose caps. However, some drivers dislike the lack of a physical cap, saying it feels less secure. A few complaints in certain older worn pump nozzles don't always see properly. Occasionally lead to the premature shutoffs during fueling. Oh premature shutoff. There you go.

Don Armstrong 5:24

We worry about premature something.

Jeff Dziekan 5:26

Oh, there's a psychological element to the disappearance of gas caps for generations. The twisting motion was a reassurance that the tank was sealed. Without it, some drivers feel uneasy, even though the engineering behind the caplist systems went more secure. So if you don't if you have a newer vehicle that's got the cap uh caplist, underneath your spare tire, in your spare tire area, there is an extension so that if you have to put gas from a tank or a small container into the vehicle, there's a nozzle that you stick down in there and then you can put it in there. So it's like an adapter. I have one. I check my car out, I've got it. It's still in a little package.

Don Armstrong 6:03

You're such a mover in shape.

Jeff Dziekan 6:04

I've got a Buick and there's nothing like it.

Don Armstrong 6:07

Well, um, thank you very much for that. Time now for Jeff's motor minute.

Jeff Dziekan 6:18

Alrighty. Uh you got this mark? You want me to do it? Yeah, go ahead. Just go ahead.

NASCAR Wealth Turns Into Real Estate

Jeff Dziekan 6:25

Okay, so from rookie contracts to racing wealth. These are the uh homes of some of the NASCAR drivers that we all know and and not necessarily your current. So, what happens when speed fame and big wins turn into real estate, real world? Well, for NASCAR's biggest star, success doesn't just stay on the track, it shows up in the homes they build. From a quiet lakeside retreat to jaw-dropping mansions. So here we go. The first one on the block is uh Kevin Harvick's $3.5 million European castle. It's a 12,000 square foot Oak Ridge mansion. It looks more like a your European fortress rather than a race car driver's pad. 2014 uh NASCAR champion. He listed the five-bedroom home featuring a garden for $3.5 million. It's a fitting residence for a man with $121 national series wins, ranking him third all-time in NASCAR history. I like it, but I don't like the big hill there. I would probably trip and roll down it. The next one we have is Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s $3.7 million Pirate Paradise. Uh Earnhardt, his love for history in the Key West, built his pirate home. 3,300 square foot nautical escape features rope-wrapped columns, shipwheels, and even a secret hatch. Don't know where it goes. 26 time cup winner listed a five-bedroom home for again for $3.7 million, showcasing a renovation hobby he once shared on the do on on the DIY network. So he was actually doing remodels to it and uh put it on TV. The next person we have this is a retired driver's Kurt Bush's uh trophy room uh palace, located in Mooresville, uh which is North Carolina. Uh Kurt Bush's former 9,500 square foot estate was built to house a legacy. The inaugural the inaugural Chase for the Cup champion designed the office specifically for 34 trophies, uh boasting five and a half bathrooms, uh garage large enough for a custom 1964 Volkswagen Beetle. Home recently hit the market for nearly four million bucks. So there you go. If you got an extra four million, you can buy it. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., equestrian estate. This home is a massive 9,986 square foot property previously owned by NASCAR legend Ernie Irvin and Joe Niemacek. I don't think they owned it together separately. Valued at $16 billion. The estate features an 18-stall horse barn, three-acre pond, and a putting green. The Daytona 500 residence often uh offers a spa and a cabana for the ultimate post-race relaxation. Jeff Gordon, who knows him? This is the Manhattan condo guy.

Don Armstrong 9:00

And your tiny little Speedo.

Jeff Dziekan 9:02

There you go. Four-time champion uh Jeff Gordon trademarked for the track for Central Park views with his $30 million residence. Now bear in mind that's an apartment or condo, I should say. Featuring Brazilian cherry floors and an Italian ceramic kitchen.

Don Armstrong 9:17

Brazilian. I knew we would get that word in there sooner or later.

Jeff Dziekan 9:21

Thirty four hundred and fifty thirty-four hundred and fifty-four square feet uh home tripled in value since Gordon's 2007 purchase. NASCAR Hall of Famer sold the lecture unit just two months before finishing it. He provided uh speed translates to real estate, is what he's talking about. So he real estate. Real estate. Not real estate. An estate for the real. Tony Stewart's $30 million Indiana Lounge or Lodge. This is pretty cool, uh, known as Smoke, that's his moniker. Uh owns this most expensive residence, a $30 million rustic large spanning nineteen over 19,000 square feet, 415 acres. The home features an 8,700 gallon freshwater aquarium and an indoor trout stream. Oh boy, get out of bed and drop a line.

Don Armstrong 10:08

Uh drop something. Drop I was gonna say trowel, but I guess that'd be kind of trowel.

Jeff Dziekan 10:13

You can go trolling the night before. Built in the Northern Rockies low uh Lodge Pole Pine. Extreme luxury. The last one we have, this guy is known as the kid, Mark Martin. Uh this is the million-dollar Chef Haven, known as the Kid. I will too, but if you're 700 square foot sanctuary on Lake Norman, the 40-time NASCAR champ winner. I enjoy Professional Chef's Kitchen, a private pavement, a pavement dock for Lake Access. 2.55 million. It remains a testament to his storied Roush racing career. And of course, he made a lot of money with uh when Viagra was his sponsor. He got that spot because he was Are you serious? He was winning races by inches. Oh my god. And uh and I got it.

Don Armstrong 10:58

There was a joke in there. I'm just now getting it.

Jeff Dziekan 11:01

Sorry. Anyways, but there you go. So if you got a lot of money in your race car driver, and I know there's a lot of folks out there that are trying to be a uh uh that level, keep trying. I mean, you gotta start somewhere, and and there's a lot of folks out there that know what they're doing.

SPEAKER_03 11:18

Hey, we want to get to Jeff's car culture.

America’s Longest Tunnels And How

SPEAKER_03 11:26

Okay. The five longest tunnels in the United States of America.

SPEAKER_01 11:30

Yeah.

Jeff Dziekan 11:32

When you're outside the longest tunnel in the US, you can't help but wonder how did they build it? You know, what did it cost? How many people is it really uh an engineering marble? Well, yes, to all of that. Uh some of the stuff you have to use because engineers figure all that stuff out. So Lincoln Tunnel is another tunnel under the first connects to New Jersey. Forget about it. It's a massive one for five miles in life. It's the third largest traffic tunnel in the area. Uh is created off of the route 1495. Uh, this is one of New York's most iconic traffic destinations. So what makes the second tunnel unique is the three separate tunnels that are involved. One was built in 1937, one was built in 1945, and the last one was built in 1957. The thick and tunnel averages over 100,000 vehicles daily, and it's one of the most important tunnels in the US. So the next one we have is the 10 Windows tunnel, and it's now tunnel located in the same Boston. City of Boston. It's one of the longest tunnels in the United States, established in 1995. So you know all that stuff, you gotta take the tunnel. Uh established in 1995, this is uh extension of I-90, which is the longest interstate highway in the country. The tunnel is often by the castle of Massachusetts, it consists of six lanes. The tunnel has a speed limit of 40 miles an hour, and it's the total tunnel, and you can pay anywhere from prices to two dollars depending on where you live. Yeah, I guess these different accesses to different neighborhoods have to pay certain things to get on the boat and get on the tunnel. So that's what it's that's what it's all about. The next one mic is uh situation that has a different is called the Holland tunnel. This is the second longest tunnel in New York City and it connects New York to New Jersey. Again, if we miss it, forget about it. Uh the tunnel is a four-made tunnel that carries traffic from both I-78 to I-39, and it's about 1.62 miles away. Clearly, it's the longest tunnel in the US, and the Holland tunnel was first opened in 1927, making it the oldest road tunnel in the history of the country. And this was pretty unique. Uh this one are you probably highest. In the couple of walkings, it's the Eisenhower tunnel. It's 60 miles east of Denver on Interstate 70, and that's where the tunnel's at. And the highest tunnel in the world with an average of 11,112 feet. So it's up there, it's up high in the mountains. It was the terrain, and the average uh angle snowfall from that terrain from November to April is 26 feet. So you've got a lot of small times, a lot of mountains. Two tunnels measured just a hair under 10,500 feet each direction, and it was finished in 1973. It spans two watersheds and the continental divide. The federal government purchased it uh a long time ago when they paid 90% of the cost, and the city or the state uh picked up to 10%. And it's about 30,000 to 50,000 vehicles, so it's a lot. It's pretty high up there, so because you know things that do with altitudes or tunnels, uh, we can do it. Baltimore Harbor, Michael, this one is uh part of the Baltimore, part of the Baltimore harbor is being built in place for just the longest tunnels in the US. Baltimore's new streets were the only direct roads between the city, uh city, the south side of that of Baltimore and Philadelphia. So this was built in 1940, and uh it was because of the terrible roads and everything else. It's just pretty crazy right there. Construction of the tunnel began in 1955, and by the time uh it was it was pretty well built in all the business. Uh it's 2122 sections, as long as a football field.

SPEAKER_03 15:16

So if you can do taking those tunnels, uh good luck. That's all I gotta say. We've got one here called the washburn tunnel, which underneath the used in chip chat, but that's just like that, but uh you know I'm I'm comfortable with that.

unknown 15:39

Okay.

Self-Regenerating Tires Promise Safer Tread

Jeff Dziekan 15:53

Yeah. Uh well science uh has designed these things to uh regenerate your tire tread. Regenerative tires signifies a major leap forward in automotive industry. This groundbreaking technology is underpinned by the concept of self-replenishing tread. That can only be significant implications for driving safety, cost effectiveness, and the environment. You say, what's behind the science, Michael? Well, regenerative tires are essentially self-renewing with the capacity to continually regenerate their tread. This is made possible by smart materials that have the ability to change their properties in response to external stimuli, sort of like you, Don. The fact that research extends just beyond tires with the potential applications of wide range in this industry. Several patents have been granted in relation to the tire generation technologies, reflecting the significant strides being made in this area. These patents cover a variety of technology and materials. Who are the pioneers? Well, several companies are leading the way developing the regenerative tires. For instance, Goodyears has a recharge concept. It represents a bold vision for the future of tire technology. There's a report out in Popular Mechanics that these tires are designed to replenish their treads using a special compound that is released over time. So Michelin has been making strides in this field also of regenerative tires. Uh there's a news article in Rubber News. Michelin researchers have won a patent. Wait a minute. Rubber news?

Don Armstrong 17:22

There's a publication called Rubber News.

Jeff Dziekan 17:25

Rubber News, yeah, yeah. Uh not the synthetic ones, but the ones that you get at the Shamrock station. No, no, no. Those are extra large. Uh Michelin researchers have won a patent awarded in this innovative technology and uses special tread blocks that expand the tire wear down by the maintaining the optional tread depth. So that's pretty important because what you're going to do is as it gets lower, it's going to regenerate more. The potential impact of this is main benefits of regenerating tire potential to enhance road safety by maintaining optional tire tread depth. Uh these tires could improve grip and performance in a variety of driving conditions. Environmental applications or implications, I should say, in addition to their potential benefits, drivers' regenerative tires could also save significant environmental benefits. Actually, it'd be part of the significant environmental benefits.

Don Armstrong 18:15

So, in other in other words, what you're saying is that we could go from a 16-inch tire to a 22.

Jeff Dziekan 18:21

No. Good thinking, but no. Okay. There are challenges though. Uh while the concept of regenerative tires is certainly exciting. There are several technological challenges that need to overcome uh before they can actually become a reality. So uh they're out there, they're doing all kinds of technology and and engineering, and it's all good stuff. I don't see it in my lifetime, but go for it.

Don Armstrong 18:45

Well, I think that they're trying to do away with wheels as we have known them. And the wheel is actually the tire.

Jeff Dziekan 18:51

Yeah, and you know, if we had flying cars, we wouldn't have tire problems. So there you go.

SPEAKER_01 18:56

Very true.

Don Armstrong 19:03

All right, time now for Jeff's car culture.

Picking A Car Battery For Weather

Don Armstrong 19:06

Today is it culture or six, whatever. Top six car bri battery rankings.

Jeff Dziekan 19:11

Okay, I gotta find it. I was uh out of sync here. You were? I was on the wrong page. Here we go.

Don Armstrong 19:18

All right, we've been on the wrong page since we got here then.

Jeff Dziekan 19:20

It's kind of kind of a given. So car battery shopping has been one of the least exciting parts of owning a car. We all know that. And I'm doing this story because there's parts of the country that are really cold, parts that are really warm. So this goes out to our cold friends up there in the Northeast. Uh a few things to remember before you head inside to locate a battery group for your vehicle is to know the battery group, the CTA, which is the coal cranking amps. So the number one we have on here, now these are listed. The TTA? I think so. Um to do with CARP or something. Uh could be a good thing. Yeah, CTA. TCA, whatever. And then there's uh AAA and then there's AA. Uh number six on my list is the Odyssey batteries. Uh have a number of features that have pushed them high in the rankings. Their commitment to over-engineering is given the batteries a reputation of reliability. The claim of a longer service life and cycle life and the shelf life are the comparisons for any competitor in the battery field. It's called Odyssey. Odyssey. Odyssey Extreme batteries can start a vehicle in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. Okay. All the way up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. So there you go, there's the Odyssey. The next one, and it's kind of surprised me, is a Duracell. It's all about the big name and it gets the battery world, and drivers may be pleased to learn that a well-known brand of manufacturers also does car batteries. Uh, in terms of custom reviews, Durecell batteries can, in some respects, be the best out there. They're pretty highly rated, and the majority of the outlets like Sam's Club and AutoZone have these batteries. Durecell has a few options available, like the basic level, there's a company standard series, all that good stuff. No frills option for the for the company, claims to meet basic needs of the vehicle. The next one we have, Michael, is a Superstart. The Superstart, which is mainly sold through O'Reilly Auto Parts, offers a good range of batteries spanning from its economy to its premium units. Their economy batteries come with a one-year warranty. Well, premium, those are premium units. Premium units. And while the premium unit receives two years worth of backing, both the platinum and the extreme batteries get three years of coverage bundle. So there you go. That's for that one. Die Hard. Now it's not the movie, it's the battery. This is the battery. It's going to be the Sears brand. It it did. Uh this is the battery your dad told you about and put in your first car. That's the one he bought. Die Hard remains a great uh aftermarket option for it was for Sears until they sold the brand to Advanced Auto Parts back in 2019. They relaunched in 2020 pairing the Die Hard battery with the Die Hard Film Hero, just mentioned that, John McLean. Popular advertising campaign, reintroduced the battery brand and the availability. The next one, Michael, is an Optima battery. They use several unique design choices that move them to the number one spot in some cases, but not here. The six-pack design, the spiral wound cells are used both in the lead and the AGM versions of the batteries. The lead versions? Yeah, uh the they're the old school, the old style. Now they're very expensive in some respects. The most affordable option for a 1996 Ford Ranger is a $250 battery.

unknown 22:29

Sure.

Jeff Dziekan 22:29

But they're reliable, trusted, and have a good warranty backing for the product. Next one, Mike, is a Dakota. One of the main sources people tend to shell out more than a car battery is the ability to crank an engine when things get chilly. In this respect, Dakota has good good ratings on that part. The company claims that the batteries offer 200% of the power traditional car batteries offer. Five times the charging speed, uh lasts eight times longer, and are half the weight of what you would normally have as a battery. So check them out. There's all kinds out there. Just be careful, uh, get what you need, check the coal cranking amps, and you should have a good solid battery.

Don Armstrong 23:08

Then there are those uh batteries that you go. I've never heard of this, but okay, the salesman said buy this, it's good. Yeah.

unknown 23:16

Yep.

Don Armstrong 23:17

Have you ever done that?

Jeff Dziekan 23:18

Uh no. No. Because I'm I I do my due diligence and research. Did you did you mention Interstate? Interstate was probably seventh or eighth on the list. Interstate is in the grouping of twelve, but these are the top six. I got you.

Don Armstrong 23:31

Okay. I just thought I'd throw that out. Yeah, sure. Mars, you bought a battery in a while?

SPEAKER_01 23:36

Uh no.

Don Armstrong 23:37

Good for you. All right. Time now for Jeff's

White Letter Tires From Factory To DIY

Don Armstrong 23:50

car culture. White letter tires, brother.

Jeff Dziekan 23:52

Yeah, well, you know, the trend of white letter tires gained significant momentum in the 60s and 70s, especially here in the U.S. of A. Muscle cars and street racing were becoming increasingly popular. White letter tires became synonymous with performance and style and coolness that we all had associated with high performance vehicles as well. White lettering on tires comes in two primary types, raised and painted. Each type has a distinct characteristics in manufacturing process. Raised white lettering is created during the manufacturing process itself. The letters are raised above the tire surface and are part of an integral portion of that sidewall. White lettering is typically made from white rubber. Rubber is actually kind of a cream color to begin with. It's a compound that is molded into the tire. Raised letters are known for their durability since it's part of the tire itself. Painted white lettering improves or involves applying white paint to the tire after it has been manufactured. The paint is applied to a desired area of the sidewall. We used to do that with your chalk, your crayon, uh fingernail polish. We used to do all kinds of stuff like that. Yes. We did. It requires more maintenance though. Both types have their advantages and are chosen based on specific needs and preferences of the vehicle and their owner. Raised white lettering, uh being more durable, is often preferred as a regular use, and painted white letters allows you more customization, is popular among the car enthusiasts who frequently change the aesthetics of their vehicle. The manufacturing process of white letter tires includes ORWL, which is outlined raised white letters, is intricate and requires precise techniques to ensure durability and the clarity of the lettering. No font uh distortion there. The process varies depending on what letter is being raised. Uh raised white lettering is typically created using a specialized molding process. The white rubber compound is inserted into the mold along with black rubber and is used for the rest of the tire. So that they're just injecting a little bit of portions at a time. During the vulcanization process, and but Spock does knows that. Uh whereas the tire is heated and cured, curing the rubber, the white and black compounds fuse together. Painted white lettering is fully formed and cured in the area, the white lettering, and is applied thoroughly and cleaned and prepared. Specialized durable paint is then carefully applied to the designated areas. This process might be done by hand or with the help of automated machinery for consistency and precision. Both methods require careful quality control and ensure the lettering is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also to withstand the rigors of road use without fading or peeling. And regular cleaning is essential to get the dirt and all the build-up and keep it from yellowing. Using cleaners specifically designed for it is advisable because you can really tarnish it and mess it up. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and solvents, deteriorating the rubber. We used to use brake fluid to get our tires black.

Don Armstrong 26:38

Oh my god.

Jeff Dziekan 26:39

Oh, yeah, that was back in the day. Uh for those seeking non-permanent solutions, temporary decals can be applied to the sidewall. There are actually companies out there, professional companies, that will design lettering and apply them to your tire. Uh while comparing all of these raised white letters, outline white letters, consider this. They are a little bit higher priced, even if when you buy it, you know, from the from the uh tire store, and then the raised white letters can be a little bit more money as well. The resurgence of vintage and retro styles and automotive design has been renewed interest in the white letter tiring. The ability to customize and personalize tires, white lettering, appears to be pretty advantageous for the consumer, and it's kind of unique and it makes a unique style statement for them. White lettering on tires is often associated with specific brands, influencing customer loyalty and preference. The trends indicate that while practical considerations are important, the aesthetics and brand-related aspects of the tire design significantly influence the customer's choice. And there you've got all kinds of things. You could create your own design, you can uh get on their website, and they'll send you the stickers themselves, and you can you can put Don Armstrong on the side of your tire. No, I don't want Don Armstrong. You can do that. We're good. All right. Thank you, Jeff.

Find The Podcast And More Car Talk

Don Armstrong 27:59

Your destination for Texas's best beef fajitas and frozen margaritas. Since 1983, Loopy Tortilla has served authentic and time-tested recipes made with the freshest ingredients. Atmosphere is part of the award-winning experience at Loopy Tortilla, all developed in the little house near Highway 6 and I-10 in West Houston. Visit any of the Loopy Tortillas and you'll see the same attention to detail in each and every location. Start your loopy experience with queso flammiato and guacamole, along with a classic frozen margarita. Dine up famous loopy beef and chicken fajitas, or pepper shrimp crochet, or a fish or vegetarian entree, and finish with a scrumptious flan for dessert. Find loopy tortilla in Houston, College Station, Beaumont, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas Fort Worth. There's a Texas location near you. The recipes are authentic and time-tested. The ingredients always fresh. Loopy Tortilla, the speedy goose. Apple or Android InWheel Time podcasts can be found everywhere, on the stream and through downloads. Whether you're on the road or at home in Joneson for a different kind of car talk show, give InWheel Time a try. Honest new car reviews, fun, informative interviews with real car people, weekly automotive news, features like Jeff's car culture and Mike's driving destinations, all on In Wheel Time. Check us out on Sirius XM Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or while you're shopping on Amazon through Amazon Music. Mm-hmm. InWheelTime.com has a list, and we know you love lists.