April 1, 2026

How To Save On Fuel Without Debt

Gas prices are high, but the fastest way to make them worse is chasing “savings” with the wrong plastic. We sit down with Chip Lupo from WalletHub to sort out the confusing world of gas credit cards, gas rewards, and cash back credit cards, including why some gas cards run 30% to 40% APR and the one rule that makes rewards actually work: pay it off in full every month.

We get specific about how to choose a card without wrecking your credit score, from hard inquiries and timing your applications to avoiding annual fees that never pay you back. Chip also explains how intro 0% APR offers and sign-up bonuses can be helpful tools or expensive traps, and we talk through a real example of category-based cash back that can boost your fuel savings without changing your routine. Then we zoom in on the pump itself: credit card surcharges, when cash pricing can win, and why using a debit card at the pump is a fraud risk you do not need.

After the money talk, Jeff’s Car Culture heads into the garage with five tool brands mechanics choose over Snap On, including value picks, specialty options, and warranty-friendly brands that can keep your toolbox strong without draining your wallet. We also share what we are promoting next, including our Tail Pipes and Tacos Easter cruise-in and how to catch the live show.

If you like practical car talk you can use today, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s always chasing points, and leave us a review so more drivers can find the show.

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00:00 - Welcome And What’s Ahead

00:46 - Gas Cards Versus Rewards Cards

05:35 - Pump Payment Tips And Fraud

10:16 - Credit Score Hits And Fees

15:53 - Cash Back Without Overspending

19:18 - Tail Pipes And Tacos Invite

21:45 - Tool Brands Beyond Snap On

25:32 - Warranties Quality And Old Tools

28:50 - Where To Watch And Listen

WEBVTT

00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:02.959
Welcome to another In Wheel Time Podcast.

00:00:05.679 --> 00:00:08.080
Welcome to the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show.

00:00:08.240 --> 00:00:08.960
Just ahead.

00:00:09.119 --> 00:00:14.800
We talk gas credit cards with Chip Lupo at Wallet Hub.

00:00:14.960 --> 00:00:16.719
Boy, have I got some things to tell him.

00:00:16.960 --> 00:00:22.160
In Jeff's Car Culture 5 tool brands that mechanics buy over Snap On.

00:00:22.399 --> 00:00:22.719
Yeah.

00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:29.600
And Mars has seven hot rod events to plan for in his driving destinations feature.

00:00:29.839 --> 00:00:31.920
Howdy along with Mike out of this world, Mars.

00:00:32.240 --> 00:00:34.000
We always need more Jeff Zeken.

00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:36.560
Chief Engineer David Ainsley sleeping in today.

00:00:37.039 --> 00:00:38.000
Getting ready for next week.

00:00:38.640 --> 00:00:39.600
I'm Don Armstrong.

00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:41.200
Glad you could join us today.

00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:43.520
And uh do we have Chip with us?

00:00:45.039 --> 00:00:45.280
Yes, sir.

00:00:45.759 --> 00:00:45.920
Okay.

00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:47.600
Well, let's just get right to it, shall we?

00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:54.640
Chip Lupo, wallet hub, gas credit cards, and the best ones to combat high prices.

00:00:55.520 --> 00:00:59.039
Well, Chip, it's good to see you, and we thank you very much for joining us today.

00:00:59.119 --> 00:00:59.600
How you been?

00:01:00.479 --> 00:01:00.880
Good guys.

00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:02.159
Hope you guys are doing well.

00:01:02.719 --> 00:01:03.200
Well, we are.

00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:04.400
We are doing just fine.

00:01:04.640 --> 00:01:05.840
Thank you for asking.

00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:10.799
So it's been several years, probably five years ago.

00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:17.680
I thought, you know, I haven't had a gas company credit card in forever.

00:01:18.079 --> 00:01:20.719
And I always used to have a gas credit card.

00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:25.680
I don't even think that they took Visa and MasterCard back in the day.

00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:27.599
You had to have a gas credit card.

00:01:28.079 --> 00:01:31.040
I always had a Chevron card, always bought my gas at Chevron, all that.

00:01:32.480 --> 00:01:35.519
So for whatever reason, that credit card went away.

00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:38.079
And um I've been without one for a long time.

00:01:38.159 --> 00:01:40.640
I thought, you know, I'm going to check the gas credit card.

00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:42.560
Oh my God.

00:01:43.439 --> 00:01:47.920
I thought that, you know, 20% interest rate on the credit card was a lot.

00:01:48.239 --> 00:01:49.040
Oh no.

00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:55.920
The gas company credit cards were like 36, 40% interest rate on the gas credit card.

00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:57.680
I thought, why would I buy one of those?

00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:02.480
So I know that you've got some insight for me.

00:02:02.799 --> 00:02:03.439
Do you?

00:02:05.760 --> 00:02:07.280
Yeah, we just lost him.

00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:08.560
Well, that's great.

00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:11.840
Well, I'll let you I'll let you repeat that question to uh Mr.

00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:13.360
Lupo when he comes back.

00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:14.400
How's that, Morris?

00:02:14.800 --> 00:02:15.199
All right.

00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:17.520
Can you remember that question?

00:02:18.240 --> 00:02:18.560
Yeah.

00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:19.599
What the hell?

00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:23.840
Okay, well, I'm gonna let you do that for you.

00:02:24.080 --> 00:02:24.319
Okay.

00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:28.080
You just you just continue doing whatever it is that you're just trying to get back in here.

00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:32.159
So uh I don't understand our connections.

00:02:32.479 --> 00:02:32.800
There he is.

00:02:35.520 --> 00:02:36.560
There you go, Mike.

00:02:37.759 --> 00:02:38.719
I think it was on Mr.

00:02:38.879 --> 00:02:39.520
Lupo's end.

00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:40.240
I'm back, guys.

00:02:40.479 --> 00:02:40.960
There he is.

00:02:41.199 --> 00:02:41.919
Are you back?

00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:42.879
There he is.

00:02:43.599 --> 00:02:44.240
He was.

00:02:44.800 --> 00:02:46.319
Or at least I thought I was.

00:02:50.080 --> 00:02:53.120
Okay, well, I'm gonna let you take it over from the I can hear you guys.

00:02:53.360 --> 00:02:54.159
You can hear us?

00:02:54.400 --> 00:02:55.120
I can hear you guys.

00:02:55.360 --> 00:02:58.319
I can hear you, but we don't know what the what the video problem is.

00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:02.639
So the question is why do I get a gas credit card to begin with?

00:03:03.599 --> 00:03:18.319
Well, it's interesting because you your choices are the gas credit card from which you were referring to a second ago, or you can just uh or you can have a general rewards card that would give you rewards for gas and other purchases.

00:03:18.560 --> 00:03:32.639
You would want a gas credit card if you are new to credit, if you're looking to rebuild credit, and if you are someone who pays your bill in full every month.

00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:42.879
Because as you mentioned, as you mentioned, I mean I just gonna I'm just gonna say that I mean if you pay it in full every month, then this is not a problem.

00:03:43.199 --> 00:03:43.360
Right.

00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:45.439
But I'm almost like, why would you have that?

00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:57.680
Why wouldn't you just go get cash and you know, uh, here's my uh forty dollars for a tank of gas this week and just pay cash for it instead of having a credit card, other than you're trying to rebuild your credit.

00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:58.400
Right.

00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:06.000
Now, um in some cases the gas card will work if it's one that you frequent.

00:04:06.080 --> 00:04:17.040
If there is a particular brand that you always go to, whether it's Shell or BP or some local chain, then that's a good idea because you do get significant discounts.

00:04:17.759 --> 00:04:27.120
Usually the first time you use it, you they'll give you an offer where you can get up to 30 cents per down on your first bill up, and then usually it's like 10 cents.

00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:39.680
But again, you you have to pay that and regardless of what credit card you use, you have to pay it off in full because the because of the interest, and that would also cancel out any rewards that you earn.

00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:44.160
So it's would be kind of pointless to even use it if you're not going to pay it in full every month.

00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:47.199
Well, the incentive is to pay it off with a high interest rate like that.

00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:54.399
That would be well, but you know, so Chip, my my question would be I I understand what you're saying exactly, and that's what I try and do as well.

00:04:54.560 --> 00:05:06.480
But instead of having a credit card that may have a 30% interest rate on it, why not have one that's got less just in case I go over or I have an emergency or something and I can't pay it off?

00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:15.120
Uh and and the idea of using cash instead trying to do that, because a lot of places don't want you to use the credit card because of the credit card charges.

00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:21.600
I don't leave tips on the credit card if I can avoid it, but I but there's a problem, I gotta go to the bank to get cash.

00:05:21.759 --> 00:05:23.759
And then I gotta go do whatever I'm gonna do.

00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:26.000
Right, and you must barn bars.

00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:28.399
He's rich.

00:05:28.959 --> 00:05:30.240
One, I got one.

00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:39.920
You brought up a good point there about the um about the surcharges because some some gas stations will charge you a higher price for credit card purchases.

00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:47.360
So if you're using a a gas card, basically you're gonna recoup at least part of the of the processing fees.

00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:50.160
You're not gonna get the full reward, so always keep that in mind.

00:05:50.319 --> 00:05:52.959
And yeah, cash is always the preferable option.

00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:58.560
And either one of those, which is key here, is preferable than using a debit card.

00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:03.360
You want to avoid using debit cards at the pump because they're more susceptible to fraud.

00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:09.439
They don't have the protections that credit cards offer for fraudulent purchases.

00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:30.800
So all uh with either cash or credit card, avoid using debit cards at all costs at gas pumps because they're easily those card readers are easily easily manipulated to retrieve key information off of your credit card and off the debit card, and traditional credit regular credit cards offer you much more fraud protections.

00:06:31.199 --> 00:06:37.279
Well, I'm not a big fan of debit cards either, but I went to fill the truck up the other day and it was eighty-eight dollars.

00:06:37.920 --> 00:06:41.439
And I don't generally carry a hundred dollars cash with me all the time.

00:06:41.920 --> 00:06:54.800
But if you know, if you know, then it's pretty easy to go to your bank's ATM, uh, wherever that may be around you and get the cash and go pay cash for the gas.

00:06:55.360 --> 00:07:00.959
I mean, um every once in a while I will pay cash for gas.

00:07:01.279 --> 00:07:02.800
Like I got a$20 bill.

00:07:03.600 --> 00:07:08.879
And there's a gas station along the way, some no name, you know, fly by night thing.

00:07:09.279 --> 00:07:12.639
But I don't care that the gas burns in the car, it doesn't know the difference.

00:07:13.199 --> 00:07:22.639
And so I I'll buy that and I get the whole ten cents per gallon uh extra uh taken off of my bill.

00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:23.040
Right.

00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:27.600
And but the same principle on my end, I use the Kroger card because you get pennies off or cents off.

00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:28.800
Right, the fuel point.

00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:33.040
And that's and that's a good way to just get out of your money.

00:07:33.600 --> 00:07:35.519
Yeah, I got five cents off the the gallon.

00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:40.240
And you know, I I don't know where the misnomer comes in about gasoline.

00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:45.759
Oh, well, you know, that that no-name gas station at the end of the of the street.

00:07:45.839 --> 00:07:47.199
Oh, I would never buy gas there.

00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:47.600
Why not?

00:07:47.759 --> 00:07:52.079
Well, because it's not a shell or a conico and a gas station.

00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:53.040
Guess what?

00:07:54.480 --> 00:07:58.720
The gasoline that are that is at those stations?

00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:01.759
Those are the same, it's the same gasoline.

00:08:02.399 --> 00:08:03.120
I asked a guy.

00:08:03.839 --> 00:08:10.720
He was he just dumped a whole load of gasoline into the tanks over there at what the no-name gas station.

00:08:10.800 --> 00:08:12.959
I said, So what brand is that?

00:08:13.040 --> 00:08:13.839
Oh, I can't tell you.

00:08:14.160 --> 00:08:15.120
I said, Come on, man.

00:08:15.199 --> 00:08:16.319
What do you mean you can't tell me?

00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:17.839
Okay, it's Conoco.

00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:20.319
That's what he that's that's what he said.

00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:25.120
That's they're in the business to make and sell gasoline.

00:08:25.199 --> 00:08:27.839
It doesn't make any difference what station it is.

00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:31.759
If it's a conaco station, they're gonna charge you more because now you've got the brand name.

00:08:32.159 --> 00:08:33.120
You've got the brand name.

00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:38.159
It's like, why would why would you buy peanut butter from Walmart as opposed to another brand?

00:08:38.320 --> 00:08:44.720
In a lot of cases, some of these major, some of these major chains are the ones that are providing these store brands with those um products.

00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:47.440
Yeah, it's it's it's a product like Michelin tires.

00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:53.039
They make they make uh OEM tires and then they make tires for the general public in aftermarket.

00:08:53.200 --> 00:08:54.559
So it's just a name, just like you said.

00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:54.799
Yeah.

00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:59.840
And once in a while you used to, you could hear about somebody having bad gas.

00:08:59.919 --> 00:09:01.440
They got water in the tank.

00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:03.840
And and so people done that this morning.

00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:04.559
Yeah.

00:09:04.799 --> 00:09:09.840
But but nowadays with social media, if somebody gets a tank of bad gas, I mean it don't take long words out.

00:09:09.919 --> 00:09:12.639
Don't go buy any gas there until they get it changed out.

00:09:12.960 --> 00:09:15.759
So that's not really too much of an issue anymore.

00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:21.279
Yeah, you never you you rarely hear of some like the bad gas anymore.

00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:33.279
Just don't don't pump the gas that the the tanker is there filling up the huge underground tank because it stirs up all the crap in the tank and you're just pumping it right into your car.

00:09:33.600 --> 00:09:33.919
Exactly.

00:09:34.320 --> 00:09:38.879
Granted, it's got a filter in place, but you know, many times you don't want that.

00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:42.879
But why would you have uh debris in the tank in the ground?

00:09:43.200 --> 00:09:44.399
Well, I mean over the colour.

00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:45.759
Most of it's moisture, I think.

00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:49.360
It's inevitable because they open up the tank.

00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:52.080
I'm sorry, Chip, we've got this discussion going on.

00:09:53.919 --> 00:09:54.559
Don't mind us.

00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:57.440
Yeah, they're pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

00:09:57.600 --> 00:10:02.080
So they open up the lid and the wind's blowing, and okay, a leaf drops down in there.

00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:05.120
You there's only so much that you can do.

00:10:05.440 --> 00:10:06.960
So whatever the case may be.

00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:14.559
But uh Chip, back to back to you know, the credit card thing with uh buying gasoline in particular.

00:10:16.799 --> 00:10:27.679
You know, the last time I looked at gasoline credit cards, there is all of this fine print to get you know whatever credit card it is.

00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:43.440
And not only that, but I think it's a point to say is that if you apply for a credit card, it's gonna take a hit on your credit report for getting that credit card for a short period of time, but you are gonna take a hit.

00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:44.480
Oh, exactly.

00:10:44.559 --> 00:10:54.000
Now, if you're just gonna apply for one like maybe once a year every six months, that uh it'll will ding your credit report because the lender does have to pull a copy of your credit report.

00:10:54.080 --> 00:11:05.919
That's known as a hard pull or hard inquiry, and it'll it'll ding your credit report by a couple of points, but those will go away within a couple of months as long as you're maintaining you know a good credit history.

00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:06.159
Right.

00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:13.840
What you don't want to do is apply for a a gas rewards card and a gas credit card at the same time or within a day or two of each other.

00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:14.240
Right.

00:11:14.480 --> 00:11:18.559
Because that sends a red flag to the lenders that okay, this guy's gonna be loading up on credit.

00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:29.840
Let's get ready for a wave of irresponsible spending here, just raises a red flag, and those and those inquiries, those add up, and that could that could cause considerable damage to your credit score.

00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:37.360
So, what how how do you decide which credit card you are going to apply for?

00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:39.200
A gasoline credit card.

00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:41.200
How do you make that decision?

00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:46.639
Well, Fortnite Wallet Hub, we have tools available to help consumers make those types of decisions.

00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:51.679
We you have we have all kinds of filters that you can tailor to your needs.

00:11:51.919 --> 00:12:01.039
But when it comes to gas credit cards, if you're going for a gas rewards card, your best bet is to find one that does not charge you an annual fee.

00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:04.639
Most reward cards will charge you an annual fee, usually$95.

00:12:07.039 --> 00:12:08.080
Are you kidding me?

00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:11.279
I'm not paying an annual fee for anything.

00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:17.200
It's like the American Express card, and they charge you whatever it is today,$500 a year?

00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:17.840
No.

00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:19.759
Are you kidding?

00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:20.960
Well, that's the thing.

00:12:21.039 --> 00:12:38.879
You have if you're going to go that way, you have to ask yourself, um, am I going to spend and now in a lot of cases, if you're a frequent traveler or if you're a frequent whatever, if you're hotels or whatever, if you used it enough, in a lot of cases they'll pay for themselves, but you have to ask yourself that up front.

00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:42.639
Am I going to use this card enough this year and every year?

00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:44.320
Because those cards are renewable.

00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:46.480
Those annual fees tack on every single year.

00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:50.639
Are you going to use that card enough for it to pay for itself for that annual fee?

00:12:50.720 --> 00:12:55.679
Now, some folks, like yourself, myself included, why why even bother?

00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:56.320
Why bother?

00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:59.759
Why pay someone just for the privilege of using a credit card?

00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:04.559
Their credit card that they're going to charge you interest on if you don't pay it off every month.

00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:05.840
Well, that too.

00:13:05.919 --> 00:13:15.600
Now you can also, there are credit cards out there that'll give you an introductory 0% APR from anywhere from six months to 18, 21 months, depending on the card.

00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:27.039
Now you can use those to um for major purchases or just for holiday spending or whatever, and then pay that off over time at 0% interest.

00:13:27.360 --> 00:13:35.679
The trick is though, once that introductory rate expires, if there's a balance on there, then that's going to then the regular interest rate.

00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:41.279
Now for a regular credit card, that's going to be somewhere about 22 to 23% if you have good credit.

00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:45.200
A store card or a gas card, upwards of 30% interest.

00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:49.039
Chip.

00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.480
Yes, sir.

00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:56.159
I'm gonna I'm gonna tell you how old I am by by making this statement, okay?

00:13:57.360 --> 00:14:01.759
My dad taught me that if you want something, save for it.

00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:04.559
My God, what a novel idea.

00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:09.360
Oh, your dad, your dad and my dad must have been taking they've been sharing notes.

00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:10.480
Exactly.

00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:11.679
Because I don't know.

00:14:12.480 --> 00:14:15.759
Because money doesn't grow money doesn't grow on trees.

00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:16.480
Right.

00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.360
Well, there's that too.

00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:17.600
Yes.

00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:20.960
But you know, if you wanted something, you save for it.

00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:25.440
You know where I learned in in reality that method?

00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:29.759
I got 50 cents a week allowance.

00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:31.360
A week.

00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:32.559
50 cents.

00:14:33.679 --> 00:14:39.919
And I would take the 50 cents to the toy store and I'd put a toy in the layaway.

00:14:41.279 --> 00:14:46.320
I still have those trucks as rusty and as old as a lot of people.

00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:51.919
But I will tell you, it taught me that if you really want something that bad, pay for it.

00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:58.000
And I I knew somebody else that that bought a brand new 69 Malibu.

00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:03.039
She saved her money for the car and paid cash for it.

00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:04.320
She got 50 cents a week.

00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:04.480
Yeah.

00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:06.000
Hopefully she got a lot of time.

00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:06.960
Yeah.

00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:07.679
Yeah.

00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:11.679
Or the alternative is go to your local auto parts store and buy a siphon.

00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:13.279
A stiphon.

00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:17.200
With with a hand crank on it so you can get the gas.

00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:18.799
But pay cash for the siphon.

00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:20.639
Pay cash for the siphon.

00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:21.759
That's right.

00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:25.840
Don't don't leave a footprint back there to find to come find you, okay?

00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.120
All right.

00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:45.600
So I assume that Wallet Hub has the info that we need to be able to make an informed decision of what kind of credit card we really want to stick our neck out in and put it in our wallet to have in there to go, ah, I got one of those credit cards.

00:15:45.679 --> 00:15:47.840
I'm going to use it today to buy gas with.

00:15:48.799 --> 00:15:49.679
Oh, absolutely.

00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:53.120
All we have all the tools available to help you make those decisions.

00:15:53.279 --> 00:16:11.120
And another thing also about rewards cards, and again, always opt for one with no annual fee, is that you can earn an initial bonus, like a first-time, like a spending bone, like a sign-up bonus, if you spend X amount of dollars in the first six months.

00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:26.240
For example, one of one of the best crop rewards cards for gas that we that we found is called the City Custom Cash Card because it will give you 5% cash back in your top spending category, up to$500 for billing cycle.

00:16:26.399 --> 00:16:32.639
So you can use that for a solid month for gas and get five hundred dollars and get five percent cash back.

00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:39.519
Now, it also gives you a$200 initial bonus if you spend$1,500 in six months.

00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:50.240
Now, the trick is don't rush out and just make a$1,500 purchase just for the sake of earning the initial bonus because too many people make that mistake.

00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:58.799
They overspend in anticipation of the bonus, and then next thing you know, you're carrying a balance with the interest, and then your bonus is basically going to pay off the interest.

00:16:58.960 --> 00:17:06.079
So be realistic and how much you'll be able to how much you plan on spending during that six months before you consider a card with an initial bonus.

00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.759
Chip, are you married?

00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:08.720
I am.

00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:16.960
Does your life does your wife like being married to a guy that counts every penny that he spends?

00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:34.400
Yes, yes, she does because a good answer because you know I I can only imagine the conversation after we hung up talking to you about all of this savings and credit cards and everything else.

00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:38.160
She'll use a wrong credit card.

00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:44.559
I have credit cards set aside for specific parts, whether it's gas, groceries, general spending.

00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:49.759
I cringe if she uses the wrong credit card, quote, wrong credit card as a gas pump.

00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:51.039
That's nothing for groceries.

00:17:51.119 --> 00:17:52.319
We've already got three percent off that.

00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:54.319
Now we're only gonna get one percent off the gas.

00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:02.400
Next turn, yeah, going straight, we're driving straight to the courthouse.

00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:03.440
Oh boy.

00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.559
But you better put the gas in your tank first.

00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:11.440
Yeah, there's a disturbance in the force, and Chip starts going, oh, oh, something, something's going on.

00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:14.240
Like it's the money force.

00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:17.519
Oh my god, Chip, you are a blast to talk to.

00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:18.400
We love you, man.

00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:20.960
Thank you so much for sharing all this information.

00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:27.119
Now I've got to process it for the next week and a half and thinking, oh my God, what am I doing with my credit cards?

00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:38.319
I I I I feel so guilty about using a credit card on anything anymore if it's not specific for the taco that I bought this morning or the gallon of gas I bought for the lawnmower.

00:18:38.640 --> 00:18:39.279
Kathy does that too.

00:18:39.359 --> 00:18:44.400
Hey, we've got extra rewards this month on this particular card, so if you're going to this particular store, use it.

00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:45.839
And sometimes it works out.

00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:48.079
Or is it wallethub.com, Chip?

00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:50.880
WalletHub.com, gentlemen, for sure.

00:18:51.279 --> 00:18:52.960
Well, we love talking to you, man.

00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:55.519
Hey, hit us up anytime, okay?

00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:57.039
We'd love to talk again, guys.

00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:58.240
Look forward to the next one.

00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:59.039
Us too.

00:18:59.200 --> 00:18:59.599
Thank you so much.

00:18:59.680 --> 00:19:05.200
Hey, just ahead of Jeff's Car Culture, five tool brands that mechanics choose over Snap on.

00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:10.720
And Mars has seven national hot rod events to plan for in driving destinations.

00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:14.640
All coming up after this break on the In Wheel Time Car Talk Show.

00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:19.920
The Easter Bunny's coming.

00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:25.839
To the tailpipes and tacos cruise in at the Loopy Tortilla Tex Max in Katy, April 4th, 8 to 11 a.m.

00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.440
And you're invited to.

00:19:27.839 --> 00:19:29.119
Bring the kids and grandkids.

00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:31.440
It's a cruise in like you've never attended before.

00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:35.599
With a donation to Shirley's Kids, you'll get a free Loopy Tortilla breakfast taco.

00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:37.200
There'll be coffee and adult beverages.

00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:45.200
Well, we just heard you say what the hell.

00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:48.799
So uh Well, then that should that should give you a hint.

00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.359
Yeah.

00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:52.240
Well, uh, did you hit the table the wrong way and uh the right?

00:19:54.400 --> 00:20:02.079
The Easter Bunny's coming to the tailpipes and tacos cruise in at the Loopy Tortilla Tex Max in Katy, April 4th, 8 to 11 a.m.

00:20:02.400 --> 00:20:03.759
And you're invited to.

00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.440
Bring the kids and grandkids.

00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:07.759
It's a cruise in like you've never attended before.

00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:11.680
With the donation to Shirley's Kids, you'll get a free Loopy Tortilla breakfast taco.

00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:17.680
There'll be coffee and adult beverages, plus chili pepper trophies for the best hot rod, best modern classic, and best classic.

00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:19.680
There's no entry fee and no registration.

00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:21.839
Just bring your ride and the kids.

00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:28.960
Bad bunnies aren't allowed, but the Easter bunny will be there, and he'll be full of joy to help make this Tail Pipes and Tacos a very special one.

00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:30.480
Photo Opportunities abound.

00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:36.480
The NRL Time Car Talk Show will be streaming around the globe, and you can be selected to tell your car story to a global audience.

00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:41.359
It's the Tail Pipes and Tacos Cruise in Easter edition, Saturday, April 4th, 8 to 11 a.m.

00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:48.160
at the Loopy Tortilla Text Max in Katy, located on 99, the Grand Parkway, just south of I-10, the Katy Freeway, in Katy.

00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.039
Make plans now.

00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:51.599
Loopy Tortilla is pretty good.

00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:58.160
Apple or Android NWL Time podcasts can be found everywhere, on the stream, and through downloads.

00:20:58.319 --> 00:21:03.759
Whether you're on the road or at home and Jones in for a different kind of car talk show, give In Wheel Time a try.

00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:13.680
Honest new car reviews, fun, informative interviews with real car people, weekly automotive news, features like Jeff's car culture and Mike's driving destinations, all on In Wheel Time.

00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:19.599
Check us out on Sirius XM Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or while you're shopping on Amazon through Amazon Music.

00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.160
Mm-hmm.

00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:23.839
InWheeltime.com has a list, and we know you love lists.

00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:31.200
Hey, uh InWheel Time invites you to join us 10 to noon Central Time every Saturday for our live show about all things automotive.

00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:41.359
Next week we adjust our schedule a little bit for the tailpipes and tacos cruise in at the Lupi Tortilla in Katy for a special Easter show that happens 8 to 11 next Saturday.

00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:43.839
We hope you'll join us in person or online.

00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:45.119
Thanks for being with us today.

00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:45.599
All right.

00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:47.279
Time now for Jeff's Car Culture.

00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:50.400
Tool brands that the mechanics choose over Snap On.

00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.200
There you go.

00:21:51.359 --> 00:21:56.000
But uh just because Snap on is the top brand used in the field doesn't mean that it's the only one.

00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:59.759
There are several other companies that manufacture premium tools that have planned.

00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:02.960
Of professional mechanics using them in their garage.

00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:19.599
There are multiple reasons why people choose or recommend different names over Snap on, including brand loyalty, accessibility, personal preferences, and another big reason is that uh just filling out the budget, uh filling out your toolkit, too expensive, some cases depending on the tool itself.

00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.400
So here we go.

00:22:20.640 --> 00:22:23.119
One of the tools we have is uh Sun X.

00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:30.720
These tools have been around for 50 years, and the American brand has built a strong reputation for its itself in the automotive repair industry.

00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:38.559
The company makes all kinds of mechanics tools, hand tools, shop tools, hydraulic presses, simple socket sets, and useful things and fittings.

00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:44.319
Sun X also makes air tools, lifting equipment, some storage gear stuff, and uh they even make knives.

00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:49.200
For a professional grade brand, Suntech's tools are modestly priced, they're widely available.

00:22:49.359 --> 00:22:54.640
Mechanics can easily order many of these things, products online and from different retailers.

00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:55.519
That's Sun X.

00:22:55.839 --> 00:22:56.880
Sun X, that's correct.

00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:59.519
Uh the next one is Gear Wrench.

00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.720
Uh one word.

00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:04.640
Many different gear wrench tools, products, and mechanics can use every day.

00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:08.319
When mechanics list their favorite tools, many of them list gear wrench.

00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:22.160
Technician Garage, which is a company, built a starter mechanics toolkit, included many of the brand's products, including most of the socket sets, uh, saying that the gear wrench quality, pricing, and warranty and availability are big points in its favor.

00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:34.559
Other tools from the selected brand uh for the mechanics sets include uh flex head ratchets, mini combination sets, a whole myriad, right down to oil change wrenches and things of that nature for your super serp serpentine belt.

00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:37.119
So they have a vast variety of that as well.

00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:41.279
The next one, we all know this one as well, uh Mac tools.

00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:45.279
Uh these tools owned by Stanley Black and Decker.

00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:51.680
Uh other brands are offered under the same name, umbrella like Craftsman and DeWalt, uh, which are also good brands there as well.

00:23:52.079 --> 00:23:53.440
Also Chinese made, by the way.

00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.319
Very good.

00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:58.240
Uh professional mechanics also recommend Mac tools for similar reasons.

00:23:58.400 --> 00:24:13.839
Uh the at least one of them calling out it might be overpriced for some mechanics, but they use Mac tools specifically for their hose cutters, radiator clamps, uh, radiator lines, calipers, pistons, and things of that nature for uh different specifics on that repair.

00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:17.039
Uh the next one we've got, Michael, is called Tekton.

00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:30.400
Tecton Tools is a family-owned business based in Michigan that's appreciated by many mechanics because of its provides plenty of detail about where each products are made, uh certain specifications about the materials they use in those tools as well.

00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:37.839
The company focuses on hand tools, making ratchets, wrenches, screwdriver sockets, and many more things that you use on a daily basis.

00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:43.680
Uh these tools, uh more notable brand uh than anything is an acceptable warranty.

00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:51.279
Uh the users claim that the professional mechanics saying the tecton tool products are are easily replaceable thanks to their lifetime warranties.

00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:53.680
And the last one we've got is called gray tools.

00:24:53.839 --> 00:25:00.880
Mechanics emphasize the durability of gray tools also by adding that they still use their grandfather's gray wrenches from the 60s.

00:25:01.119 --> 00:25:09.200
I can attest to that, uh, which uh continue to work like they're just came off the uh box, right out of the box in the in the store.

00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:14.079
They strongly recommend the brand, though concede that it they can be expensive for some of the products.

00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:19.119
Others note that the high quality of gray tools, while others are less enthusiastic about the brand.

00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:22.400
All of these that we're talking about, they are options for you.

00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:29.039
If you don't want to uh spend a whole lot of money and you want a quality tool, check some of these out so they'll you can mix and match as well.

00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:30.880
So very good stuff to look at.

00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:37.839
So um craftsman used to be sold at Sears and Rican Made and all that.

00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:39.200
You got a torque wrench?

00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:46.799
They ticked me off so bad that uh I swore I would every chance I get would put them down.

00:25:46.880 --> 00:25:51.759
Because you know, they were sold with an unlimited forever lifetime warranty.

00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:53.599
They lied.

00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:54.799
Yeah, they did.

00:25:55.200 --> 00:26:05.519
And uh good luck in getting your forever lifetime warranty fulfilled if you have a problem with one of the tools, like for instance a torque wrench, which I did.

00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:10.720
It was a you know hundred dollar torque wrench back in the day, and uh it wouldn't lock on.

00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:15.279
And so they tried to they're out of business.

00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:19.920
Yeah, somebody else bought the name and uh it's now Chinese and don't buy them ever.

00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:24.160
Well, there's my brother-in-law was on a ship in the Navy for uh a long, long time.

00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:27.920
They couldn't go, they couldn't take their tools into certain ports because of where they were made.

00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:32.799
It was a religious thing because of Japan, you know, Chinese, Japanese, uh Israeli, and things like that.

00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:35.039
Depending on what port they went into, they couldn't use certain tools.

00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:40.559
So at the dealership we had the Cornwell man that came by uh every other week, I think they did.

00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:50.240
So I bought my stuff from him, a dwell meter, uh a timing light, and those things they were expensive at the time, but quality stuff.

00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:51.920
I still have them and they still work.

00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:55.759
And and like I said, I've got I've got hammers, I've got wrenches and things from my dad.

00:26:55.920 --> 00:26:56.160
Yeah.

00:26:56.400 --> 00:27:00.079
From you know, like back in the 60s, they hand me down because they're just that quality of a tool.

00:27:00.319 --> 00:27:03.759
And they're not craftsmen or they're not snap on, they're one of these other brands.

00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.519
Uh Mr.

00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:15.200
Morris, I think we've run out of time in this section, and I think that what we're gonna do is we're gonna move your driving destinations first thing out of the box in our next segment, if that's okay with you.

00:27:15.599 --> 00:27:15.920
Very good.

00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:16.640
Yeah, that works.

00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:17.519
It does, okay.

00:27:17.680 --> 00:27:18.480
We'll catch up in two weeks.

00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:20.240
Yeah, we'll yeah.

00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.319
Two weeks.

00:27:23.279 --> 00:27:23.599
Yeah.

00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:26.319
The patio will be ready in two weeks.

00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:27.279
Two weeks.

00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:27.680
Yeah.

00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:28.240
Yeah.

00:27:29.920 --> 00:27:32.400
Five months later, they finally opened the patio.

00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.759
It was two weeks.

00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.279
It was crazy.

00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.240

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