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Wrench Nation

Podcasts

Car Talk Radio Show on All things automotive

Location:

United States

Genres:

Podcasts

Description:

Car Talk Radio Show on All things automotive

Language:

English

Contact:

602-326-9146


Episodes

#310 Revolutionize Your Ride: Exploring the Possibilities of Electric Motor Swaps for Gas Engines

3/4/2024
Rob Ward , our special guest on this edition of WrenchNation, is the visionary behind Legacy EV, serving as the company's founder and CEO. Rob's automotive enthusiasm ignited at the age of 12 when he began working at his Grandfather's Auto Shop. Over the years, he has crafted numerous classic cars, showcasing them nationwide and earning numerous accolades. With two decades of expertise in electrical construction and engineering, Rob possesses a profound knowledge of electrical systems crucial for pushing the boundaries of EV technology. Drawing from his successful entrepreneurial history, Rob established Legacy EV, steering the company's growth to a national scale. The venture has captured the attention of prominent news outlets, pioneered one of the inaugural EV kit installation curriculums, and established a widespread network of authorized installers. Notably, Legacy EV has secured over 20 distribution deals with major manufacturers, solidifying its presence in the thriving EV industry.

Duration:00:55:22

#309 Why Has Car Repair Gotten SO Expensive ?

2/28/2024
The ridiculous costs associated with delivering a stellar automotive service experience are contributing to more expensive repairs along with... On this episode of WrenchNation, we'll be delving into the perplexing issue of why auto repair costs have seen a significant surge in recent years. Join us as we unravel the complexities behind this phenomenon, exploring factors such as advanced vehicle technologies, specialized tools, and the increasing complexity of modern automobiles, along with larger costs to auto technicians who are certified and qualified. From the impact of electronic systems to the evolving nature of automotive materials, we aim to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why maintaining and fixing our vehicles has become a more expensive endeavor. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that aims to empower you with knowledge about the forces at play in the automotive repair landscape, as Frank will additionally reveal some of his own real-world costs of operating an automotive service & repair company.

Duration:00:58:39

#308 Used Car Scams To Completely Avoid : What’s Really Underhood ?

2/26/2024
The deliberate act of selling a used car with undisclosed major mechanical problems underscores a profound breach of trust and ethical responsibility. Such actions not only jeopardize the safety of the unsuspecting buyer but also reflect a disconcerting lack of integrity on the part of the seller. By concealing crucial information about the car's mechanical issues, these individuals prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others. This unethical practice not only results in financial losses for the buyer but also potentially endangers lives when serious malfunctions arise. We reveal some of the more cynical & sneaky ways sellers will hide or try and mask from you those major mechanical faults that are lurking underhood. These shady sellers will use readily available fluids to try and make you believe that all is well under hood , when in reality, you are about to buy a complete lemon that could cost you BIG dollar repairs after your purchase.

Duration:00:56:02

#307 The Epitome of Collector Car Auctions | CEO and Chairman Craig Jackson of Barrett-Jackson

1/29/2024
Welcoming Craig Jackson as a special guest on the WrenchNation show promises an episode filled with unparalleled automotive insight and passion. As the Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, Craig is a true titan in the world of collector cars, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. His commitment to preserving automotive history and fostering a community of enthusiasts has not only shaped Barrett-Jackson but has also left an indelible mark on the wider car culture. Get ready for an episode filled with stories of iconic auctions, the art of automotive restoration, and a genuine love for all things with four wheels, as Craig Jackson takes center stage as our special guest on WrenchNation.

Duration:00:55:05

#306 Are Used Teslas Really Worth It ? Sp Guest Author & Shop Owner Shahe Koulloukian

1/14/2024
After some time off for the Holiday Season-we are back with a new episode! We delve into the recent news of Hertz's huge sell-off of used Teslas and the risk to the consumer regarding actual battery performance. Do we know about the battery management system's health and can the average local shop test beyond what is captured on the big screen during a pre-purchase inspection for a deeper dive into condition? On this edition of WrenchNation, we are honored to have first-time author Shahe Koulloukian, a renaissance man of many talents and skills. One of which is his longtime passion not just for cars- but the people who drive them. An automotive TV spokesman, sought-after guest on television shows, speaker, educator, and founder of Mazvo Car Care Center in Phoenix, Koulloukian released his first book, “Car Confidential: Insider Secrets About Automobile Ownership, Car Maintenance and Road Safety” in November 2023.

Duration:00:59:18

#305 Driving Dreams: Navigating Automotive Futures through Scholarships

12/10/2023
We are putting the pedal to the metal and exploring the exciting intersection of education, innovation, and passion in the automotive world. Buckle up for an inspiring journey as Regean Bender of Tech Force Foundation pitstops on this very special edition of WrenchNation to discuss the incredible movement that is steering the future of the automotive industry through scholarship, networking, and some serious collaboration to inspire the future of skilled trades AND YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO NOMINATE an upcoming young automotive talent along with a current experienced automotive technician with the TECHS ROCK AWARDS Nominate Today !! Awarding Future Techs & Honoring Working Techs: The Tech Force Techs Rock Awards Tech Force Foundation | Mecum Auctions TechsRock Awards event to be held March 7th

Duration:00:55:12

#304 Roaring Elegance: Exploring the Legacy of Sports & Collector Car Service Center

11/20/2023
Sport & Car Collector Center | Joe Ritz With an impeccable eye for detail regarding all things mechanical under the hood & a keen insight for investment grade vehicle projects, Joe Ritz stops by WrenchNation to discuss the history & award-winning service attention to detail that he & the team at SCCC provide day in and day out. The fascinating story behind decades of automotive service & the very special vehicles that grace their service bays, along with the announcement of their 11th annual showcase car event, the Jaguar E vent -the largest Jaguar exclusive car show in Scottsdale, AZ.

Duration:00:59:35

#303 Brake It Down: The Science of Slowing Down

10/23/2023
Vehicle brake systems are intricate and integral to road safety. Understanding these lesser-known aspects of brake systems can help drivers make informed choices and maintain their brakes for optimal performance and safety on the road. On this special edition of WrenchNation, we're going to hit the brakes on common misconceptions and explore some vital tips about your vehicle's braking system that you may not be aware of with the "Godfather " of brakes, long-time automotive industry veteran,& co-founder of Dynamic Friction Company (DFC), Dino Crescentini & VP of Sales , industry talent Dan Biezonsky. Catch both Dino & Dan along with the DFC team next to the beer garden at their booth at 2023 AAPEX for more details and all things BRAKES BOOTH A2709 Recalls Mentioned : 238,000 Ford Explorers Recalled for Defect That Could Cause Rollaway Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 AMG SL55 and AMG SL63 vehicles.

Duration:00:59:35

#302 The Benefits of Donating Your Vehicle

10/2/2023
Donating your car for a tax write-off while contributing to charitable causes that benefit children is a win-win situation with far-reaching benefits. Firstly, it allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children who may be in need of educational support, medical care, or other essential services. Your donation can provide them with opportunities they might not have otherwise had, helping them break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. On the financial front, donating your car can lead to significant tax benefits. By itemizing your deductions, you can claim the fair market value of your donated vehicle as a charitable contribution on your tax return. This deduction can potentially lower your tax liability, putting more money back in your pocket. Furthermore, it simplifies the process of parting with an old or unused vehicle, eliminating the need to spend time and money on selling it. CEO Colin Weatherwax joins us for an in depth conversation about how the donation program works as well as the fascinating history of the Texas auction house that gets it done ! Write Off The Car, Not The Kid! ®

Duration:00:54:13

#301 From Pit Stops to Podiums: The Inspiring Journey of Women in Motorsports

10/1/2023
Women in motorsports are not just breaking barriers; they are accelerating towards a future where gender knows no limits. With each race, each lap, and each victory, they are proving that the track is a place for everyone, and the incredible advancements being made for the future of women in motorsports are reshaping the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated industry. These trailblazing women are not just driving cars; they are driving change, inspiring the next generation of female racers, and leaving a lasting legacy that will fuel progress for years to come. On this latest edition of the WrenchNation show, we have the talented Exec Director of Women in Motorsports Cindy Sisson, and Automotive Hall of Famer, Indy 500 Rookie of the Year & Sports Illustrated Top 100 Women Athletes of the Century Lyn St. James stop by the show to discuss the incredible movement of women making strides on and off the track motivating & inspiring future female athletes as well as the upcoming Women with Drive Summit III held at Pheonix Raceway November 7th-8th. A big shoutout to Techforce Foundation as one of the charitable powerhouses raising millions for youth scholarships working side by side with Women in Motorsports. Have a youngster interested in the automotive trade ? Visit Tech Force Foundation Show notes : Do you own a Hyundai or Kia? Find out if your vehicle is among the nearly 3.4 million cars currently subject to a recall due to potential fire risks - Co Host Susie Sockets Award Winning Restaurant : Singing Pandas Co Host Gregg Ovist - Check in with Gregg regarding locating your next classic car online or at auction. Classic car services, transports, parts locator, and fun memorabilia ! DJ Acee Musical Adventure

Duration:00:58:22

#300 Streamlining Automotive Retail Tech : Founder Nick Askew Space Auto

8/9/2023
Is your dealership staff mentally fatigued from workflow that is extremely complicated & convoluted? "Ugh, I can't believe this! Every single day, it's the same old story – a maze of confusing, disjointed systems that I have to navigate just to help a customer. It's like the company took a handful of software from different centuries and decided to mash them all together"...... Come and join us as Nick Askew makes a pitstop on the show, where he will delve into innovative methods for utilizing AI and technology within your dealership. Discover how these approaches can be seamlessly integrated to enhance productivity, boost sales, and create a significantly more contented team. Space Auto, founded by Nick Askew, is committed to a product roadmap that will capitalize on centralized data and the latest AI tech. Using proprietary software, Space Auto's future includes developing products that will automate tasks, such as checking for inventory or vehicle details, shopping across banks for real-time loans, and speeding up consumer-dealer communications and interactions. The goal of this AI is to provide dealers with operational efficiency, lower costs, and a better customer experience.

Duration:00:59:11

#299 From Skepticism to Confidence: How Transparency is Reshaping Consumer Behavior

8/6/2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, transparency has emerged as the new cornerstone of trust. As customers become more discerning and informed, they demand greater openness from automotive service operations. Service departments are realizing that the more they empower customers with knowledge, the better equipped they are to make confident, well-informed decisions. Therefore, companies are increasingly embracing transparent communication through comprehensive digital vehicle inspections that truly focus on the simplicity of focus in a common sense approach for the consumer without entangling in industry language, phrases or hifalutin technical talk. Uwe Kleinschmidt AutoTechIQ is my special guest as we go deep on the topic while discussing his latest venture to move the needle in the industry. Show Notes Magnus Walker Episode as mentioned : #231 Magnus Walker – Free Spirit of Expression & Style For more details about : AutoTechIQ News Story: Ocean shippers playing catch up to electric vehicle fire risk

Duration:00:58:47

#298 The Science of Silence

7/9/2023
The Science of Silence : Exploring the Principles of Acoustic Engineering with Dynamat | CEO & President Mike Good Gone are the days of incessant rattling, vibrating panels, and disruptive echoes. With its cutting-edge technology and decades of expertise, Dynamat has perfected the art of noise control. CEO & President Mike Good joins us to discuss the art of reducing noise in your vehicle, home entertainment space & much more! Delve into the science behind acoustic engineering and sound insulation. From understanding the materials and techniques employed by Dynamat, we unravel the secrets of creating quiet and acoustically optimized spaces. Show Notes : Mark Mcann of the Dueling Coaches Podcast makes a special in-studio appearance. An awesome platform, so please check out their podcast !

Duration:00:53:25

#297 Ineffective Auto Shop Websites Unfit for Today’s Consumer Demands

6/27/2023
One of the key problems with seriously bad websites is poor user experience. If a website is difficult to navigate, cluttered with irrelevant information, or lacks clear organization, consumers will struggle to find the information they need. This can lead to frustration, wasted time, and ultimately discourage them from considering the automotive service provider altogether. It happens more than you think, while you struggle to attract the right type of clientele and remain efficient. With an all-in-one solution that incorporates artificial intelligence, an all-in-one platform is finally here for your automotive service operations. CRM, an incredibly intuitive online scheduler that synchronizes with your operating software & a whole lot more ! Shopgenie.io Ceo & Co-Founder Kieran O'Brien joins us for a special industry edition of WrenchNation where we discuss the ridiculously insane solutions that this new platform offers for automotive service operations. Additionally, industry icon Gregg Buckley of Buckleys Auto Care pitstops on the show to chime in on his experience of frustration from the convoluted structures of many different vendors utilized to keep up with productivity & efficiency, while finally arriving at an all-in-one shopgenie.io platform!

Duration:01:00:20

#296 Cool Comfort: AC Systems and AC Kit Options for Classic Rides

5/31/2023
As we delve into the world of hot rods, get ready to learn about the unique challenges and innovative solutions for adding AC to these automotive icons. From preserving the original look to incorporating modern technology, Rick Love, President of Vintage Air , will guide us through the delicate balance of customization and authenticity. Bonus: In-studio show contributor Todd Ramsey of Ramsey Consulting will also discuss SEMA HS build student vehicle auction to raise funds for the program coming in June!

Duration:00:54:00

#295 Is a USED EV Worth it ? Going Green on a Budget: Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle

5/15/2023
Rev up your eco-friendly lifestyle without breaking the bank! Join us as we explore the world of sustainable transportation and discover the hidden gems of the used EV market. We reveal a few insider tips on how to buy a used electric vehicle on a budget. Going green has never been easier or more affordable.

Duration:00:59:11

#294 The Power of Diversity in the Workplace: How it Leads to Innovation and Competitive Advantage

5/7/2023
I know that some of you may be skeptical about the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You may be thinking, "Why should we care about diversity? Doesn't hiring the best person for the job matter more?" Well, let me tell you, diversity and inclusion aren't just feel-good buzzwords. They're critical components of a successful business strategy. Having a diverse workforce brings together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This creates a more innovative and creative work environment, where different ideas and approaches can be shared and explored. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more effective problem-solvers, and they're better at generating new ideas and insights. Join us for a deep conversation about the significance of diversity in your workplace, as well as the obstacles that can be surmounted in creating a team environment that values everyone, including ourselves. Special guests CEO Tim Eisenmann,and VP of Business Development Jill Trotta of Torqata

Duration:00:59:46

#293 Cool Talk: Mastering the Use of Refrigerant 1234YF

5/1/2023
Now, I know what you're thinking – "Refrigerant? That sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry!" But trust me, folks, this stuff is anything but boring. In fact, the R 1234YF refrigerant has become a hot topic in the automotive industry, with experts and enthusiasts alike debating the best ways to handle it. R-1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant used in vehicle air conditioning systems as a replacement for R-134a. It is a more environmentally friendly option due to its lower global warming potential (GWP) and is therefore becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. Special guests Christina Spalding, America's Marketing Manager and Constantine Giannaris Americas Marketing Development Consultant, both representing the Chemours Company ( Opteon refrigerant ), join us to discuss the environmental impact, safety & efficiency of R-1234yf. With over 62 million vehicles on the road today that utilize 1234yf, there is a good chance that your service team will need to be proficient and capable of servicing these vehicles as they arrive in your service bays -grab a beverage and join us as we investigate tips you can utilize for 1234yf!

Duration:00:59:28

#291 AC or Bust: Surviving the Summer Heat in Your Car

4/24/2023
If you're anything like me, you dread getting into a hot car on a scorching summer day. The thought of having to endure the sweltering heat as you drive to your destination is enough to make you want to stay inside all day. But fear not -we have a great show regarding ac tips that will help keep you cool while cruising down the road.

Duration:00:58:55

#290 Latest EV News with Automoblog Chief Editor Carl Anthony & BONUS Industry Thought Leader Lucas Underwood Stops By the Show

4/7/2023
The Latest in EV News Greetings, fellow earthlings! We are bringing you the latest EV news for the year 2023! First up, we have the big players in the automotive industry going head to head in the EV race. Tesla, Ford, and GM are all vying for the top spot, each trying to outdo the other with their electric offerings. It's like a high-speed game of musical chairs, and the winner takes home the crown of the best EV manufacturer, as Tesla fans will beg to differ ! In other news, there have been some exciting developments in battery technology. Researchers have been working tirelessly to create batteries that are cheaper, smaller, and more efficient than ever before. Did you know that Nike has jumped on the EV bandwagon too? That's right, they've developed an electric car that runs on sweat. Okay, we might be kidding about that last part, but the idea is to use kinetic energy generated from exercising to power your ride. So, lace up your running shoes, and let's hit the road! Last but not least, the world is getting greener every day. Governments around the world are incentivizing EV adoption by offering tax breaks, rebates, and other perks to those who make the switch. So, not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you'll also be saving some green in the process. Carl Anthony , Editor in Chief of Automoblog , Founder of Auto Vision News, and a serious all-things City of Detroit fan is our special guest as we navigate the latest goings on in the EV space! But first ......Lucas Underwood of the Changing the Industry Podcast & Shop Owner of L & N Performance out of North Carolina sets us up with an incredible announcement of why you really need to take some time out of the garage and attend the upcoming ASTA Networking event bringing both service technicians and service advisors together to discuss the solutions required on both ends for a more productive and positive future of the automotive industry! Grab a beverage for a jam-packed show & remember your comments and input on the topic are always welcomed!

Duration:00:59:13