2025 In Wheel Time Episodes

The electric vehicle revolution may be hitting a roadblock. Auto expert Jack Nerad joins us to unpack why we might have already reached "peak EV" in the American market. With gas prices low in most states and consumer interest waning, Nerad explains why the billions invested by certain automakers in all-electric futures may have been premature. Diving into the recent Senate vote to block California's 2035 gas vehicle ban, we examine how this regulatory shift could reshape automotive manufacturi...

What makes a classic car collectible? Is it rarity, performance, or simply being in the right place at the right market moment? Our Birthday Weekend Special dives deep into these questions through a fascinating exploration of automotive unicorns – those vehicles that almost made history but vanished before their time. The episode kicks off with our traditional roundup of automotive recalls, highlighting how even today's advanced vehicles continue to face fundamental engineering challenges. From...

Beyond the highways and byways lies a world of hidden automotive treasures most people never discover. Our journey begins in Houston, uncovering six remarkable destinations that fly under most visitors' radars. We explore the Sam Houston Boat Tour, offering free 90-minute cruises that reveal the bustling Port of Houston from a completely different perspective. Then we venture into Buffalo Bayou Park, a surprising 160-acre natural oasis nestled right in downtown Houston, complete with walking tr...

Roger Penske's integrity-first approach rocks the racing world as Team Penske faces unprecedented sanctions just days before the Indianapolis 500. We break down exactly what happened—modified attenuators on Josef Newgarden and Will Power's cars sent both championship contenders to the back of the grid, while three top Penske executives were fired. The technical violation might seem minor to casual fans (smoothing an edge on a safety component), but as we explain, it represents a significant brea...

What happens when you love a car so much you keep it for half a century? Steve Larsen knows. As our special guest this week, he shares the incredible journey chronicled in his book "My Heart Has Been In It From the Start," featuring what he calls his "Yellow Trilogy" - three iconic yellow vehicles that paralleled major chapters in his life. Steve's story begins with a 1969 Lotus Elan he purchased at 21 and kept for 50 years. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Steve reveals how life'...

Your summer road trip deserves more than just a quick rinse at the gas station car wash. In this engaging episode, we're joined by detailing expert Cireen Piz from Gulf Coast Auto Shield who reveals professional-grade car cleaning secrets that anyone can use at home. Ever wondered why your dashboard keeps cracking despite using Armor All? Cireen explains why this popular product is actually damaging your interior and what pros use instead. You'll learn why one bucket isn't enough when washing y...

What happens when you combine vehicle recalls, classic car auctions, and a fresh review of the 2025 Ford Ranger? You get a journey through today's automotive landscape that every car enthusiast needs to hear. The automotive recall landscape continues to evolve - Ford leads the pack with 273,789 SUVs. This includes 2022-2024 Expeditions and Navigators—recalled for potential brake failure issues. Meanwhile, Hyundai faces a particularly worrying situation with its 2025 Palisade SUVs, where electri...

The automotive landscape continues to evolve, but midsize pickups maintain their special appeal—offering substantial capability without the urban parking nightmares of their full-size counterparts. Ford's completely redesigned 2024 Ranger emerges as a compelling option in this space, bringing sophisticated design and impressive performance credentials to the segment. Jeff's Car Culture takes a look at some of the Muscle Car Misses that no one really misses. Then we get a look at the Mustang GT...

The landscape of car buying has shifted dramatically in recent months, and our conversation with Carfax's Patrick Olson offers a roadmap through this evolving terrain. With potential tariffs looming and inventory dynamics changing, timing your purchase—whether new or used—has never been more strategic. For those eyeing new vehicles, Patrick reveals a compelling window of opportunity. Dealers currently hold substantial pre-tariff inventory they're eager to move, creating favorable conditions for...

The summer driving season is upon us, and with it comes unique challenges on Texas roads. Texas Department of Public Safety, Sergeant Steve Woodard joins us from the Bolivar Peninsula ferry to share critical insights about what motorists should watch for, especially as driver's license offices prepare for an influx of teen drivers seeking their first licenses. Calling in from his patrol vehicle, Sgt. Woodard delivers sobering statistics from a recent beach weekend enforcement operation that res...

Every once in a while, you discover a hidden gem that makes you wonder why you hadn't found it sooner. That's exactly how we felt when we first visited Granbury, Texas – and why we're thrilled to return for the Lone Star Street Rod Association's milestone 50th anniversary celebration. Tammy Dooley, Granbury's tourism expert, joins us to unveil what makes this charming town of just 11,000 residents the self-proclaimed "Celebration Capital of Texas." With tourism as their number one industry, Gra...

Car enthusiasts, gather round! Automotive wisdom flows freely as the In Wheel Time team dives into the ever-evolving world of automobiles, from classic treasures to modern engineering marvels. The episode opens with a worrying trend in automotive recalls, where Mercedes and Ford once again take center stage. Particularly concerning is GM's recall of numerous 2021-2024 models—including Cadillac Escalades, Chevrolet Silverados, and GMC Yukons—for complete engine failures. The hosts reminisce abou...

When Ford refreshes an icon like the Explorer, we pay attention. The 2025 Explorer Active arrives as the sixth generation of this staple American SUV, refined with subtle but meaningful updates that enhance the driving experience without sacrificing what loyal fans love about the model. Behind the wheel of this Chicago-assembled standard SUV, we immediately noticed the responsive 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque through a smooth 10-speed automatic...

Dave Sowers brings electrifying news from Ram as the brand accelerates into an exciting future under returning leadership. The conversation kicks off with a glimpse at Ram's strategic shift toward more affordable options with the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Starting at $44,495, this new trim delivers attitude and value in equal measure, featuring 20-inch wheels and monochromatic styling that makes a statement without breaking the bank. The real story unfolds when Sowers dives into the technical inno...

Summer brings longer days and more drivers on the road—and unfortunately, a spike in accidents caused by reckless behavior. What makes some states deadlier than others when it comes to dangerous driving? The answers might surprise you. Join us as we explore the shocking statistics behind reckless driving fatalities across America with insurance expert Divya Sangam from LendingTree's Value Penguin. Montana tops the nation with reckless driving death rates five times the national average, despite...

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving beyond traditional gasoline engines, and navigating the options can be overwhelming. Alex Kwanton from US News joins us to break down their 2025 Best Hybrids and Electric Vehicles awards, revealing which electrified options truly deliver value, performance, and efficiency without compromise. Remember when buying a hybrid meant settling for a tiny, underpowered econobox? Those days are gone. The Toyota Camry—now exclusively offered as a hybrid—lead...

Automotive artistry takes center stage as we visit Georgia's Savoy Auto Museum with curator Mary Agrusa. Unlike typical car museums focusing solely on mechanics, the Savoy presents vehicles as cultural artifacts for artistic appreciation, complete with historical storytelling. Mary reveals how Cartersville has become Georgia's "museum city" with four major institutions. The Savoy Museum itself features display techniques allowing 360-degree viewing with lighting that showcases each vehicle's...

Slip behind the wheel of luxury as we explore the redesigned 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, a midsize SUV that's redefining automotive elegance. From the moment you lay eyes on its symmetrical wheel openings and sophisticated body sculpting to the Black Label grille adorned with chrome star-like dots, this vehicle demands attention for all the right reasons. The true revelation happens inside the cabin, where Lincoln has implemented a revolutionary door-to-door digital display that spans the entire ...

Luxury car enthusiasts, mark your calendars! We're joined by RoShelle Salinas to reveal an exciting pop-up luxury ride and drive event happening May 9-10 at The Revere venue near Old Katy Road and 610. This last-minute addition to Houston's automotive calendar addresses a gap many noticed during January's Houston Auto Show - the absence of certain high-end brands that many were eager to experience. The collaborative event brings together luxury and electric vehicles that are currently on the...

Mercedes and Andy Lilienthal take us on a deep dive into their ambitious plans to traverse the Transamerica Trail - a 7,100-mile network of back roads, dirt paths, and trails stretching from North Carolina to Oregon. This adventure represents the ultimate American road trip for off-road enthusiasts who want to experience the country's hidden landscapes. With years of experience between them, the Lilienthals break down the preparation required for their month-long journey. Their 2025 Subaru Cros...

What happens when 300+ hot rods descend upon Houston's best-kept secret? We found out when the Hot Rod Tour of Texas rolled into Spindle Tap Brewery, transforming this hidden north Houston gem into a classic car paradise. Bobby Sparkman, the mastermind behind the tour, shared with us how the journey began with 302 vehicles cruising across Texas. Though a few participants encountered mechanical challenges along the way—including one enthusiast who decided that blowing a transmission was the perf...

Take a ride with us as we catch up with the Hot Rod Tour of Texas at Spindletap Brewery on Houston's north side. What started four years ago as a modest gathering has evolved into a 300-car caravan of classic automobiles winding through the scenic back roads of the Lone Star State. Tour organizer Jeremy reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts that make this automotive adventure possible – months of scouting routes, coordinating police escorts, and finding unique venues that can accommodate hundre...

The great automotive debate of our time isn't just about horsepower or fuel economy—it's about where your car comes from. We dive deep into the fascinating world of American versus foreign automobiles, challenging preconceptions and revealing surprising statistics that might change how you think about your next vehicle purchase. Did you know Tesla assembles more cars in America than any other manufacturer? Or that Nissan builds over half its vehicles on U.S. soil? These revelations only scratch...

Buckle up for a high-octane journey through the heart of Texas as we broadcast live from Spindletap Brewery during the annual Hot Rod Tour! The brewery's industrial-chic atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for this gathering of automotive enthusiasts, with vintage beauties continuously rolling into the parking lot throughout our show. We kick things off with a comprehensive roundup of the latest automotive recalls that you need to know about. From Audi's e-tron issues to Honda's lighting p...