In Wheel Time Podcast

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Recall Reality Check: Fires, Fixes, And Fumbles Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Fires, fixes, and fumbles: we open with hard facts on Ford’s engine block heater recall affecting more than 119,000 vehicles, what symptoms to watch for, and why the only safe move is to leave the plug alone until the dealer repair is done. We also spotlight Land Rover’s labeling error and explain how a “simple” sticker can pause sales and complicate safety compliance.
From there, we jump into a sold car roundup that shows how the market really moves. A clean 1999 Chevrolet Suburban crossing $25,000 proves that durability and utility still command a premium. A 1977 Corvette landing at $11,000 illustrates how malaise-era horsepower drags value despite a four-speed. A sharp resto-mod 1972 Chevy C10 earns $36,750 on stance and drivability, while a 1963 Volvo 1800S hits $26,250 on design purity and nostalgia. Then the curveball: a 2006 Subaru Impreza for $1,300, a masterclass in how condition beats badge every time.
We keep it local and lively with new Tailpipes and Tacos dates, cruise-ins you can hit next weekend, and details on our live broadcast from NRG Center. Along the way, we break down sales momentum across BMW, Lexus, Genesis, and GMC, and unpack how tariffs and model overlap nudged Dodge Hornet off the stage. If you care about car safety, smart buying, and the heartbeat of car culture, this one earns a saved spot in your queue.
Subscribe for more candid car talk, share this with a friend who loves a bargain hunt, and drop a review to tell us which sold price shocked you most.

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What Makes A Vehicle Of The Year, Really Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Awards shape buyer decisions more than most of us realize, so we sat down with veteran juror and radio host Jack Nerad to peel back how North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year actually get chosen. Fifty independent journalists, a year of testing, multiple voting rounds, and a marathon drive event near Detroit all lead to three names everyone talks about. We walk through the process, the politics (or lack thereof), and the real criteria that separate buzz from substance: class leadership, value, significance, innovation, and everyday usability.
The car finalists tell a story of contrast—Nissan Sentra updates, a reborn Honda Prelude, and a radically flexible Dodge Charger that spans two and four doors, a potent turbo six, and an all-electric variant. Hear why the jury rallied behind the Charger’s breadth and execution. On the truck side, the Ford Maverick Lobo edged out Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 by pushing the compact pickup idea further, balancing capability with size, price, and clever packaging for daily life. And in the most crowded arena of all, the Hyundai Palisade claimed Utility of the Year by delivering family comfort, available hybrid efficiency, and true bang for the buck in a segment where buyers vote with their wallets.
We also tackle EV realities. Charging gaps remain a friction point—even in California’s backyard and especially across Texas—so vehicles that offer both electric and gasoline paths are resonating. Jack explains how the jury weighs those infrastructure challenges against performance and innovation without drifting into tech cheerleading. To round things out, we shift gears with Jeff’s Car Culture—five of the longest drivable tunnels in the U.S.—and Mike’s Driving Destinations, highlighting five standout car museums from the Petersen to the Henry Ford.
If you enjoy smart car talk that mixes industry insight with real-world practicality, follow and subscribe. Share your own winners in the comments, and leave a review to help more enthusiasts find the show.

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Exploring Auto Museums, Testing A Luxury SUV, And Rounding Up Classics Sales Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

Looking for a winter car fix without a long road trip? We map out a string of Texas car museums that punch above their weight, from Austin’s rock-and-roll-infused collection to the Hillsboro time capsule and Woody’s Classic Cars and Baseball Museum. The highlight is the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum’s Chaparral Gallery, where engineering legends meet live demonstrations that keep these racers in motion, not mothballed. We wrap the route with Bill’s Backyard Classics in Amarillo—a grassroots trove of hot rods, muscle, and trucks that feels personal and welcoming.
Then we slide behind the wheel of the 2026 Lincoln Aviator Black Label. Think clean, American luxury with modern lighting, rich leather, and a ride that floats without losing composure. The twin-turbo V6 serves smooth, V8-like thrust, but we press on two fronts: efficiency that begs for a hybrid and driver-assist features that demand constant attention. We talk usability, eye-on-road alerts, and why partial automation should reduce cognitive load, not raise it. Pricing and rivals like the MDX, GX, and XC90 help frame where the Aviator shines and where it needs polish.
Ownership realities get real with a concise recall roundup across brands—airbags, cameras, battery cables, and more—followed by a tour of the market’s mood via Hemmings sold prices. From a budget-friendly C4 Corvette to a premium 1959 Cadillac 62, a sleeper Studebaker pickup, and a surprisingly strong Firebird, we unpack what drives value: condition, taste, and story. Local cruise-ins and Monster Jam bring the community energy, while two trends shape the future: dealers reconditioning older, higher-mileage cars to address affordability, and modern salvage networks that make parts sourcing smarter and faster. We close with Honda’s new minimalist logo for its electrified era—a small emblem with big signaling power.
If you love car culture that stretches from museum halls to test-track impressions and neighborhood meets, you’re in the right garage. Subscribe, share with a fellow enthusiast, and leave a review to tell us which segment you want more of next.

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EV Fuel Costs, Surprises Included Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Ever wondered why your first fast-charging session felt so pricey? We dig into the real numbers behind fueling an electric vehicle versus a gas car and show where the savings actually live. With Anderson Economic Group’s data in hand, we focus on fuel-only costs per 100 miles, stripping away purchase price and repairs to reveal a clean comparison that helps you decide based on your daily reality, not marketing claims.
We break down how pricing shifts with your charging mix. Rely on commercial DC fast chargers with flat session fees and layered rates, and your EV can get expensive fast. Charge mostly at home on residential electricity, and the story flips—especially for luxury models that would otherwise drink premium gas. You’ll hear concrete figures from Michigan: entry-level gas cars near $9.10 per 100 miles, comparable EVs around $13.40 with mostly home charging and roughly $16.16 with mostly commercial. In the luxury segment, premium-fuel ICE averages around $17, while a luxury EV charged at home lands near $14.43. We also cover what a Level 2 setup really costs, why installation matters, and who should think twice before skipping home charging.
Policy and market context matter too. EV sales jumped when tax credits neared expiration, while tariffs cooled overall vehicle sales even as EV share grew. That push-pull dynamic shapes lineups, charging business models, and the rate structures utilities design for off-peak charging. To round things out, we take a practical detour into big rig sleeper cabs—comparing comfort, tech, and costs across Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, and International—to highlight how real-world use cases drive smart equipment choices at every scale.
If you’re deciding between gas and electric, this guide will help you map your commute, your charging access, and your local rates to your actual costs. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who’s shopping, and leave a review with your biggest EV or gas cost surprise.

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Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator, More Auto Museums and Sleepers? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Big SUVs promise comfort and power, but where do they land on efficiency, tech, and day-to-day usability? We took the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator Black Label on extended drives to find out. From grille details and cabin storage to third-row realities and highway manners, we dig into what these family haulers do well and where they fall short.
The Expedition Tremor leans into body-on-frame muscle with a 3.5L high-output EcoBoost that churns out 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. It tows, it cruises, and it rides like a stretched limo, yet parking-lot pivots and fuel economy remind you how large it is. We break down pricing against the Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Toyota Sequoia, and talk honestly about the need for a hybrid solution that preserves torque without draining wallets.
Then we switch lanes to the Aviator, a unibody luxury SUV with a clean, tuxedo look and a plush Black Label interior. The twin-turbo 3.0L V6 delivers V8-like thrust while adaptive suspension keeps the cabin calm. We cover real-world mpg, third-row practicality, and why some steering-wheel controls and driver-monitoring prompts still distract more than they should. Consider this a straight-shooting guide to what matters when you’re choosing between truck-tough and luxury-smooth.
We also step into life on 18 wheels, comparing sleeper cabs from Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, and International—highlighting comfort, customization, and the fuel-sipping tech that keeps drivers happy and fleets profitable. To round it out, we map a few winter-ready Texas car museums that deliver serious automotive inspiration, from Chaparral race legends to Americana-filled collections.
Enjoy the ride? Follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a quick rating—what would you pick for your next long haul: torque-heavy SUV or hybrid luxury?

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Humanoids Took My Job, But At Least They Don’t Take Lunch Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Fire up your curiosity: what happens when AI, humanoid robots, and digital manufacturing collide on the factory floor? We dig into the bold prediction that a fully automated car assembly line could be operating by 2030 and unpack what it really takes to get there. From wiring harnesses and delicate dashboard installs to the complexity of door modules, we separate headlines from the hard engineering work that makes or breaks automation at scale.
We share practical examples of where automation already excels—welding cells, tire plants, high-repeat processes—and the spots that still challenge robots’ dexterity and sensing. You’ll hear why design for automation is emerging as a core discipline, how sequence changes can unlock access for robots, and what it means to standardize connectors, tolerances, and fixtures so machines can move fast without sacrificing quality. Humanoid robots get their moment too: we explore why early pilots will likely focus on ergonomically tough tasks and where a human-in-the-loop model delivers the best results.
The human story runs throughout. We talk reskilling, safety, and the rise of hybrid teams where technicians, integrators, and maintenance pros keep fleets of robots humming. You’ll get a clear view of how jobs shift rather than simply vanish, with new roles in diagnostics, quality analytics, logistics, and digital twins. Along the way, we hit the latest racing calendar highlights, revisit pivotal moments in auto history, and cover fresh news from Chevrolet’s Stars & Steel special editions to GM’s new Detroit headquarters.
If you care about where cars come from, how factories evolve, and what tomorrow’s automotive careers look like, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves car tech, and leave a review telling us where you think humans should stay in the loop.

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My 2001 Corvette Is A Classic, Right? Asking For A Friend Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

What really makes a car a classic—age, design, or the stories we attach to it? We dive into a lively debate on classic status, from the beloved Tri-Five Chevys to the late-50s and 70s icons that still turn heads. Along the way, we swap drag strip memories, laugh about dual antennas and sagging springs, and draw a clean line between resto-mods and factory-correct restorations. The big question sits in the middle of it all: who decides what’s worth preserving, and how do we keep that passion thriving as the community gets older?
We spotlight how clubs and events carry the torch—Dallas Area Classic Chevies, Tailpipes and Tacos, and the Hot Rod Tour of Texas all give enthusiasts a place to show up, share knowledge, and pass the keys to the next generation. There’s real talk about estates, aging collectors, and why families sometimes sell cherished cars without a plan. But there’s also optimism: local meets, social feeds, and statewide runs are pulling in fresh faces, fresh builds, and a stronger sense of community. If you’ve ever found your best friends under a hood or on a highway run, you’ll feel right at home.
We balance the nostalgia with a clear-eyed review of the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor. Built on a truck frame and powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft, it tows big, rides smooth, and packs a massive center screen that makes road trips and towing easier. We dig into the Tremor’s rugged look, third-row practicality, steering wheel control quirks, real-world fuel economy, and how it stacks up against the Suburban, Yukon XL, and Sequoia. The verdict: a capable, comfortable land yacht with serious torque and room for the whole crew—just budget for fuel and plan your parking.
If you care about heritage, horsepower, and the people who keep both alive, hit play and join the conversation. Subscribe, share with a fellow gearhead, and leave a review telling us what car earns “classic” status in your book.

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Classic Rides - The Price? Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Think you can read the market better than the bidders? We put that to the test with a live Hemmings sold-car roundup—calling final prices and then revealing the hammer on a lineup that spans a 1966 Dodge W100, a first-year 1970 Monte Carlo, a polarizing 1993 Cadillac Allanté, a white-on-white 1973 Pontiac Firebird, a slick 1959 VW Beetle resto-mod, and a modern-legend 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The fun isn’t just in the guesses; it’s in what each sale says about how collectors value originality, documentation, drivability, and cultural cool right now.
We share why workhorse trucks with clean bones still sell strong, how period-correct Mopars earn a premium, and where personal-luxury Chevys are heading as younger buyers join the hunt. The Allanté’s Italian styling meets American expectations in a cautionary tale of hype vs. ownership reality. Meanwhile, the FJ Cruiser shocks with a number that reflects overlanding culture, Toyota’s reliability halo, and the power of discontinued icons. If you track classic car values, you’ll get practical signals you can use before your next bid or garage purchase.
Then we pivot to quick-hit news and context. Racing calendars are thinning as the season winds down. On the industry side, we break down EV retrenchment, hybrid resurgence, and why buyers still prefer paper documents at the dealership despite the digitization push. Add a fast walk through auto history—from interchangeable parts to drive-by-wire—and the trendlines snap into focus: practicality and trust win, while timeless design keeps pulling hearts (and wallets) back to analog charm.
Join us live on Saturdays to play along, drop your guesses in the chat, and put your market instincts to the test. If you enjoy the show, follow, subscribe, and share it with a friend who can’t resist calling the next hammer price. Your take: which car was the best buy?

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Ambulances, Hearses, And Minivans, Oh My! Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Ever wondered what happens when you hand a team $2,200, drop them in Detroit, and tell them to chase riddles across America for a good cause? We sit down with organizer Richard Tomlin to unpack Wrench Rally 3, a back-roads, no-interstate adventure where budget beaters become charity champions. From the thrill of the hunt on Facebook Marketplace to the tight ten-minute evening check-in window, Richard explains how a gimmick rally blends navigation puzzles, teamwork, and roadside repairs into a road trip you’ll tell stories about for years.
The format is simple and brilliant: buy under the cap, pass a safety check, then follow clue sheets that lead to hyperlocal landmarks you can’t game with AI. Each team proves progress with photos, helps others under the Kansas Rule when breakdowns strike, and rolls into nightly meetups that sometimes turn into pop-up car shows. The route celebrates history and scenery—Appalachian stretches, Route 66 nods, the Ouachita Mountains—before winding into Possum Kingdom Lake and a finish at Bryan–College Station. Every vehicle is sold at the end on platforms like eBay Motors or Cars & Bids, with proceeds going to Parkinson’s research. Think diesel ambulances, white stretch limos, faithful minivans, and the kind of unexpected finds only Detroit can deliver.
We also take the Ford Bronco Strop Edition for a spin and talk heritage. The two-door Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost and 10-speed auto deliver stout torque and surprisingly composed ride quality, while the red, white, and blue livery honors Bill Stroppe’s desert legacy. We compare it to segment staples like the Jeep Wrangler and off-road-leaning alternatives, and share why this Bronco pulls thumbs-up everywhere it goes. Rounding things out, Jeff’s Motor Minute sparks nostalgia with favorite car films and motorsport heroes, reminding us why car culture is as much about stories as specs.
Ready to rally for a reason or just want the perfect excuse to wrench with friends? Hit play, subscribe for more car stories every week, and tell us: what $2,200 ride would you trust on a cross-country charity run?

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Mavericks, Broncos, Batteries and Museums....oh my! Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Looking for a small truck that actually does big truck things without the bulk? We put the 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo through real-world paces and found a compact that blends smart packaging, confident power, and everyday usefulness. From the clean new dash and bigger screen to the rugged cabin and under-seat storage, this one proves you don’t need an oversized footprint to tow, haul, and handle errands with ease. With 250 horsepower from the 2.0L EcoBoost, standard AWD on our tester, and legit payload and tow numbers, the Maverick hits that sweet spot between capability and comfort—plus it squeezes into parking spaces without stress.
We also step beyond the spec sheet to help you keep your car running in tough weather. Our battery rundown explains why cold-cranking amps matter, how to match group size and climate, and which brands consistently deliver in extreme conditions. Whether you’re shopping Odyssey for low-temperature starts or considering accessible options like Duracell and Super Start, we share practical guidance that saves time, money, and roadside headaches.
Then we take a culture detour across Texas with museum stops that celebrate engineering, design, and nostalgia—from Houston’s curated exhibits to San Antonio’s transportation heritage and DFW’s sprawling cars-and-toys collection. To close, we climb into the 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Edition, a two-door tribute to racing history with a red, white, and blue paint scheme that turns heads everywhere. Its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic feel perfectly in sync, and the long-travel suspension keeps the short wheelbase composed on and off the pavement. It’s not the cheapest Bronco, but the character, execution, and heritage make a compelling case against the usual suspects like Jeep Wrangler.
If you love honest reviews, useful ownership tips, and a little automotive soul, hit play, subscribe, and share with a friend who’s truck-curious. Have thoughts on Maverick vs Santa Cruz—or Wrangler vs Strope? Drop a comment and leave a rating to help others find the show.

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