2026 In Wheel Time Episodes

In Wheel Time Podcast for 2026
Mega Meet Car Talk!
47
March 16, 2026

Mega Meet Car Talk!

A live car meet is supposed to be simple: show up, walk the rows, talk cars. But once we set up at the Team Gillman Mega Meet in Houston, the conversation quickly turns into the stuff drivers actually wrestle with, from new Texas DMV vehicle registration photo ID requirements to the way those rules change the buying process for everyday people. We also dig into a serious headline: CarMax agreeing to restitution and penalties tied to repossessions involving service members, plus what that says ab...
When Trucks, History, And Market Shifts Collide
46
March 13, 2026

When Trucks, History, And Market Shifts Collide

Looking for an honest truck review with real numbers and a big-picture take on where the market’s heading? We put the 2025 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 4x4 through its paces and share what matters: towing capacity, payload, highway manners, and the surprising value packed into a lower-trim workhorse. The 5.0L V8 and 10-speed deliver confident power and direct steering, while the standard 12-inch screen, LED lighting, and practical 60/40 rear seat storage make daily life easier. We dig into fuel econ...
Bring Your Yugo, Your Dragster, Or Your Dad’s GTO, Just Don’t Bring Traction Control
45
March 12, 2026

Bring Your Yugo, Your Dragster, Or Your Dad’s GTO, Just Don’t Bring Traction Control

Ready to trade street chaos for time slips and trophies? We sit down with the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge (TMCCC) to unpack how bracket racing turns every kind of car—and every kind of driver—into a contender. From bone-stock commuters and diesel workhorses to full-on dragsters, the series builds a fair fight around consistency, reaction times, and smart dialing. If you can pass tech, you can stage, and the family-friendly vibe means you’ll head home by mid-afternoon with a few runs, a grin,...
What Makes A Great Truck And A Great Drive, From Highways To Parking Lots
44
March 11, 2026

What Makes A Great Truck And A Great Drive, From Highways To Parking Lots

Want a truck that works hard without the luxury price tag? We take the 2025 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 4x4 on real roads to see how its 5.0-liter V8, 10-speed automatic, and direct steering stack up against the high-trim hype. With 12,700 lbs of towing, 1,685 lbs of payload, and a standard 12-inch center screen, this “lower” trim still brings serious muscle and everyday comfort. We break down the maze of trims, cabs, beds, and engines, then map the pricing landscape against Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra...
We Break Down Recalls, Auctions, And Industry Shakeups So You Know What Matters
43
March 10, 2026

We Break Down Recalls, Auctions, And Industry Shakeups So You Know What Matters

Big recalls, bigger opinions, and a few jaw-dropping auction results—this one moves fast. We kick off with a clear rundown of safety alerts you should actually act on: Ford’s 1.74 million-vehicle rearview camera faults, Kia seat back concerns, and Subaru fuel system warnings. You’ll hear exactly why these glitches matter on real roads, and the one step every owner should take right now to protect their family and their wallet. Then we turn the studio into a live-price arena and test our guesses ...
No, You Don’t Need Power Steering On An MGB
42
March 9, 2026

No, You Don’t Need Power Steering On An MGB

What keeps a classic car honest isn’t a fresh coat of paint—it’s the quiet, careful work that makes it start, steer, and stop like it should. We sit down with Tim Winton, founder of Cambrian Classics in West Wales, to unpack the craft of mechanical stewardship: how a small, dedicated team brings MGs, Triumphs, Austin‑Healeys, Alfas, and air‑cooled VWs back from the shed to the street. Tim shares the overlooked checks that transform the driving experience—like why an MGB’s steering rack must be o...
Ford Expedition King Ranch and the Mustang Frunk!
41
March 6, 2026

Ford Expedition King Ranch and the Mustang Frunk!

Big SUVs aren’t supposed to feel nimble—yet our week with the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch told a different story. We break down what Ford changed for the new generation, from the tasteful exterior touches to a cabin that jumps a class with Mesa Del Rio leather, a sprawling 24-inch driver display, and a crisp 13.2-inch touchscreen. Add second-row captain’s chairs, a power-folding third row, B&O Unleashed audio, and BlueCruise with Co‑Pilot360 2.0, and you’ve got a road-trip rig that treats th...
Mega Meet Madness At Team Gilman AutoPlex!
40
March 5, 2026

Mega Meet Madness At Team Gilman AutoPlex!

Want a car meet that feels like a festival and functions like a precision machine? We sit down with Gus Flores of The CarMeet Network to unpack how a free mega show can welcome thousands, run smoothly, and still feel personal. Gus shares the core idea—vibe, connect, grow—and how smart logistics, clear parking sections, and real community-building help people find purpose as much as power. From hot rods to Hondas, WRX clubs to classic Corvette owners, the plan is simple: everyone belongs, and the...
The King Ranch, Reliable Cars, Concours Destinations, and the Corolla Cross....
39
March 4, 2026

The King Ranch, Reliable Cars, Concours Destinations, and the Corolla Cross....

Big SUVs don’t have to drive like buses. We put the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch through a real week of miles and came away surprised by the steering precision, quiet ride, and how easily the cabin tech fades into the background so you can actually enjoy the drive. From the panoramic roof and bronze 22-inch wheels to a 24-inch driver display and 13.2-inch touchscreen, this full-size three-row blends comfort with capability, towing up to 9,600 pounds while returning honest, real-world fuel eco...
Park It Outside And Pray: Subaru’s Fiery Oops?
38
March 3, 2026

Park It Outside And Pray: Subaru’s Fiery Oops?

A fuel tank you shouldn’t fill. Trailer brakes that might not listen when you need them most. We start with straight talk on the week’s biggest recalls—Subaru’s hybrid fire risk and Ford’s 4.3 million-vehicle safety sweep—so you know exactly what to check, how to park, and when to expect a real fix. We cut through the noise around “over-the-air updates,” explain why module communication matters for lights and braking, and outline smart steps to protect your family and your tow. From there, we ta...
Rodeo Hats, Road Trips, And Hybrids?  Yee Haw!
37
March 2, 2026

Rodeo Hats, Road Trips, And Hybrids? Yee Haw!

Rodeo hats on, sleeves rolled up, and the garage door wide open—this one blends street-level car culture with the blunt truth about where the auto industry stands. We lay out why major automakers posted eye-popping EV write-downs and what that means for real buyers who just want reliability, value, and a car that fits their life. The takeaway is simple but powerful: the future isn’t either-or. Hybrids, EVs, and tried-and-true ICE models will share the road, and smart shoppers can use that variet...
Buttons Beat Screens
36
Feb. 27, 2026

Buttons Beat Screens

Touch a screen or tap a button? We take you straight into the dashboard debate reshaping car design as Euro NCAP updates its safety protocols to favor physical controls for core functions like turn signals, wipers, hazards, the horn, and SOS. We unpack why tactile interfaces reduce glance time, how human factors drive safer choices at highway speeds, and where minimalist interiors hit their limits when real drivers need fast, error-proof inputs. From Europe’s new rating criteria to China’s propo...
Cars, Tacos, And A Secret Drive-In Movie?
35
Feb. 26, 2026

Cars, Tacos, And A Secret Drive-In Movie?

Craving a road trip that feels like a rolling car show with heart? We map out the Hot Rod Tour of Texas with organizers Bobby and Sabra Sparkman and dig into why this hill country run sells out fast, brings a symphony to the town square, and caps the weekend with a secret drive-in feature on the biggest screen at Stars and Stripes. From the free Thursday night kickoff in downtown Victoria to carefully scouted stops that can handle 350 cars, you’ll hear how the team balances logistics, safety, an...
Regenerative Tires, Road Trips, And Car Reviews
34
Feb. 25, 2026

Regenerative Tires, Road Trips, And Car Reviews

What if your tires could quietly renew their own grip as you drive? We kick off with a clear look at regenerative tire technology, unpacking how smart materials might maintain tread depth, extend tire life, and improve braking and safety in wet and dry conditions. From early patents to bold prototypes, we highlight Goodyear’s recharge concept and Michelin’s expanding tread blocks, then get honest about the hurdles that stand between lab success and daily commuting: durability, heat cycles, debri...
From Shop Class To Show Time
33
Feb. 24, 2026

From Shop Class To Show Time

Ever wonder who keeps carburetors, vacuum lines, and timing lights from fading into history? We dive into the real engine behind reliable repairs: master technicians who mentor the next generation. From GM’s retention strategies and structured apprenticeships to the practical steps a curious student can take, we map a clear path into a modern shop while preserving the old-school feel that tablets can’t teach. The headlines got hotter than a runaway pack as we unpack current recalls, including EV...
Inside The Tech Powering Modern Collision Repair
32
Feb. 23, 2026

Inside The Tech Powering Modern Collision Repair

Ever wondered how a body shop brings a modern, sensor-packed car back to life after a crash? We sit down with Andy Noyes from asTech, driven by Reparify, to unpack the behind-the-scenes tech that turns chaos into confidence: remote OEM diagnostics, precise calibrations, and factory-level programming delivered through a simple plug-in device. From pre-repair scans that reveal hidden restraint faults to post-repair verifications that ensure every module is talking, you’ll hear how shops cut delays...
When Policy Swerves And Drivers Don’t: What The Market Has Told Detroit
Feb. 20, 2026

When Policy Swerves And Drivers Don’t: What The Market Has Told Detroit

The EV boom was supposed to be a straight shot. Instead, Detroit is eating billions in write-downs, canceling high-profile electric models, and quietly steering profits back toward gas and hybrid vehicles. We pull the curtain on the strategy shifts behind the headlines, from GM’s van retreat and Ford’s Lightning pivot to Stellantis’ sobering projections, and talk through what buyers have been saying all along: price, range, charging speed, and convenience still rule the decision. We connect the ...
Lessons From A Life In Car Sales
30
Feb. 19, 2026

Lessons From A Life In Car Sales

What if four words could save you thousands at the dealership? We sit down with veteran insider Randy Presgrove to unpack 47 years of wins, wrecks, and the unfiltered truths of car buying and selling. From boardroom bravado to showroom reality, Randy pulls back the curtain on how hits are made, how flops happen, and how regular buyers can tip the deal back in their favor. We trace the anatomy of failure through icons like the Edsel and head‑scratchers like Mazda’s youth‑aimed MX‑3, showing how t...
Make Driving Fun: The Wild Side of Automotive Branding: Lexus RX 450h Plus
29
Feb. 18, 2026

Make Driving Fun: The Wild Side of Automotive Branding: Lexus RX 450h Plus

Want a drive that actually feels like driving? We chart Texas routes that reward focus and finesse—FM 170 along Big Bend Ranch State Park with vast desert sight lines, the short-but-epic Palo Duro descent into red rock, Devil’s Backbone across Hill Country ridges, the razor-tight Park Road 37 by Medina Lake, and the legendary Twisted Sisters with its switchbacks, blind crests, and breathtaking ranchland vistas. You’ll get practical advice on when to go, what to watch, and how to prep so the only...
EV Mandates, Rollbacks, And Reality
28
Feb. 17, 2026

EV Mandates, Rollbacks, And Reality

Headlines shouted about a clean break from greenhouse gas rules, but we cut through the noise to ask what this policy swing actually means for people who buy, build, and maintain cars. We walk through the EPA endangerment repeal’s potential impact on standards, pricing, and long-term planning, then shift into the only lens that really matters: how drivers live. Short commutes, home charging, and quiet torque are wins for many; long highway runs, towing, and cold snaps still test the limits. Alon...
Driving America: The Best And Worst States Explained
27
Feb. 16, 2026

Driving America: The Best And Worst States Explained

Think your state has the worst drivers? We put that assumption to the test with WalletHub’s 2026 rankings, breaking down where it’s cheapest, safest, and most convenient to own and drive a car—and why it rarely matches what your daily commute feels like. With WalletHub’s Chip Lupo, we unpack a clear four-part framework: cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and access to vehicles and repair. We go beyond headlines to the practical questions drivers actually face:...
Beads, Bikes, And Bad Ideas: A Trooper’s Guide To Staying Out Of Trouble
26
Feb. 13, 2026

Beads, Bikes, And Bad Ideas: A Trooper’s Guide To Staying Out Of Trouble

Safety isn’t a slogan when streets get crowded and celebrations kick off. We sit down with a Texas Department of Public Safety sergeant for an unfiltered look at Mardi Gras patrols in Galveston—how a small island city scales up with state troopers and partner agencies to keep families safe, traffic moving, and DWIs down without killing the vibe. It’s a masterclass in proactive policing and the power of visible, coordinated presence. From parades to neighborhoods, we tackle a growing hazard: mini...
Inside The Dakar: Stock Defenders, Strategy, And Grit
25
Feb. 12, 2026

Inside The Dakar: Stock Defenders, Strategy, And Grit

Sand roosts. Moving cities. Split-second calls. We sit down with Mercedes Lilienthal for an unfiltered look at the Dakar Rally—what it is, how it really works, and why accuracy can matter as much as speed. From Saudi bivouacs that can rebuild cars overnight to the reimagined stock class spearheaded by Defender, Mercedes shows how a modern OEM program comes together under tight regulations, compressed timelines, and the relentless pressure of 13 stages. We pull back the curtain on the logistics: ...
Muscle Wagons, CX50 and Texas Throws Beads?
24
Feb. 11, 2026

Muscle Wagons, CX50 and Texas Throws Beads?

Think Mardi Gras begins and ends on Bourbon Street? We hit the road to map the best celebrations across Texas—Galveston’s towering floats and nighttime crowds, Beaumont’s growing footprint with room for families, Texas City’s daytime routes, Seguin’s golf cart charm, and San Antonio’s Fiesta Texas makeover that turns the whole park purple, green, and gold. We also spotlight the small-town sparkle of Jefferson and Alvin, then head waterside for Kema, where lit-up boats parade past the boardwalk a...