Episodes

Ready for a driving adventure that combines family fun with hair-raising curves? Buckle up as we journey through Texas Hill Country to discover the legendary "Twisted Sisters" – a 100-mile loop featuring a breathtaking 15-mile stretch packed with 65 challenging curves. This driving paradise begins in Medina and winds through Leakey, offering spectacular vistas and thrilling hairpin turns that have made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike. The surrounding Hill Country...

Imagine transforming what used to take hours or even days of travel research into mere seconds. That's exactly what Scott Lengel and his team at AdventureGenie are doing with their revolutionary AI-powered trip planning tool designed specifically for RV travelers and road trip enthusiasts. Scott joins the In Wheel Time podcast to unveil how AdventureGenie creates personalized travel experiences that feel tailor-made. "Take a six-week trip from South Carolina to the national parks of Utah," S...

Ford's Vice Chair John Lawler recently dropped a bombshell that's sent ripples through the automotive world: combustion engines will no longer be brand differentiators and automakers will increasingly source them from suppliers to stay competitive against low-cost rivals, particularly from China. For generations, car manufacturers have built their identities around their signature powertrains – Ford's EcoBoost, Chrysler's HEMI, Chevy's small-block V8s – engines that enthusiasts could identify b...

What makes a Porsche feel unlike any other car on the road? That's the question we explore with automotive author Randy Leffingwell as he joins us to discuss his definitive work, "Porsche 911: Every Model Since 1964." In this fascinating conversation, Randy shares how his lifelong passion for these iconic German sports cars began with his uncle's Porsche Speedster and eventually led to unprecedented access to Porsche's archives, testing facilities, and engineering teams. Randy takes us behind t...

Dive into the surprising economics of grassroots motorsports as we uncover a factory stock race offering an astonishing $30,000 to win, attracting 137 entries from across the region. Our special guest Rodney Rodriguez, track announcer extraordinaire, breaks down how these seemingly "affordable" race cars have evolved into sophisticated machines costing upwards of $30,000 despite rules designed to keep competition accessible. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we explore the tension ...

Ever wonder why some people don't move for ambulances? Or what makes Port Aransas the perfect beach getaway? Or perhaps why the Dodge Durango still commands respect after 14 years with the same design? We tackle all these questions and more in this fascinating exploration of automotive culture and travel destinations. We kick things off with a detailed breakdown of ambulance manufacturing and classification. These life-saving vehicles are constructed in two distinct phases by different manufact...

Ever wondered what car you should buy for your teen driver? The latest US News and World Report rankings have just been released, and they're packed with surprises that might change how you approach this important decision. During our conversation with Zach Doell from US News, we uncovered the fascinating dominance of Hyundai in the 2025 Best Cars for Teens rankings. With six models making the list across both new and used categories, the Korean automaker has clearly mastered the delicate balan...

The humble manual transmission is quietly disappearing from American roads, and most drivers haven't even noticed. Nissan recently halted production of manual transmission Versa for the US market, effectively ending America's last five-speed manual econobox. With fewer than 5% of buyers choosing the stick shift option and automatic transmissions now delivering superior fuel economy (35 mpg vs 30 mpg), the writing is on the wall for the beloved manual gearbox. We explore the technological evolut...

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...