In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

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 layout makes every build shine.We break down the big details at Team Gilman’s north complex: a 10 a.m.–2 p.m. schedule, recommended preregistration that guarantees your spot, and a live three-hour broadcast from the lot. Then the headline-grabber: six vehicles, two from each store, raffled so winners can buy for $1,000 plus TTL. You must be 18, licensed, present, and registered to enter. It’s a bold way to give back and put real keys in real hands, and it’s already lighting up club chats across Subaru, Mazda, Acura, a

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 economy.We break down what matters for buyers: how BlueCruise and Co-Pilot360 2.0 help on long stints, how the B&O Unleashed 22-speaker audio fills the cabin, and why the second-row captain’s chairs and power-folding third row make life easier for families. Then we talk money and matchups. The Expedition’s pricing strategy ranges from a value-forward Active trim to the fully loaded King Ranch tested here, so cross-shopping the Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia is essential. We explain who wins on base pri

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 take you inside the market’s mood with our “guess what it sold for” tour through Hemmings. A C3 Corvette punching to $42K, a C4 convertible slipping under $14K, a clean 442 stretching into the mid-twenties, and a ’68 Bronco commanding $52.5K reveal what buyers are rewarding right now: originality, presentation, and lifestyle appeal. We also spotlight a sleeper value—a straight ’85 GMC 2500 with dog-dish charm—and a ’73 BMW 3.0 CS that proves design never goes out of style. If you’re hunting a classic, we share the questio

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 variety to their advantage.We map the season ahead—from the Team Gillman Mega Meet to Tailpipes and Tacos—and share a practical spring prep checklist you can tackle this weekend. Wash and decontaminate the paint, refresh trim, and give that K&N filter a proper clean and dry before a light re-oil to keep sensors happy. We also flag a surprising road-trip stat: a 648-mile stretch with no public restrooms. Planning matters, whether you’re managing bathroom breaks, plotting charging stops, or just making sure the kids don’t

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 proposed rules mandating fixed buttons with minimum sizes, the global tide is turning. We explore how major brands are responding: Volkswagen restoring knobs and switches after admitting the all-touch pivot went too far, Mercedes replacing fussy haptics with rockers and rollers, Hyundai keeping high-frequency hardware to lower stress, Tesla reportedly reviving turn signal stalks, and BMW balancing sweeping displays with dedicated safety buttons. It’s not anti-tech; it’s pro-context—screens for setup and infotainment, hardwar

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, and pure fun.We share what registration includes—driver and passenger shirts, two catered meals, and venue access—and why Eventbrite helps keep scammers away. The route heads north through the hill country with a Texas history stop at a restored fort, quick time at a beloved New Braunfels shop, and awards at the Luckenbach post office. Hotels in Victoria, New Braunfels, and Fredericksburg filled fast, so we offer tips on booking and why planning early matters. Along the way, we spotlight the culture that makes this tour

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, debris, and cost.Then we trade lab coats for landscapes and plan a spring pilgrimage across Texas bluebonnets. We share practical, photo-friendly routes with timing tips shaped by weather and bloom cycles. The Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg brings sweeping hills and Indian paintbrush accents; Muleshoe Bend near Spicewood frames Lake Travis with easy trails and family space; Ennis maps more than 40 miles of viewing with a festival vibe; Brenham’s barns and fences add texture to wide fields; and the Lady Bird Johnson Wi

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 battery fire risks and what smaller fire departments can and cannot do when lithium-ion ignites. We translate recall notices into plain steps you can take—VIN checks, dealer conversations, and realistic expectations—without the noise. Then it’s onto our sold-car showdown: a sleeper-priced AMC AMX, a tidy ’57 Thunderbird, a six-figure Defender, and a shockingly affordable Mercedes SEL that proves entry price and ownership cost are two different lanes.Community keeps the hobby running, so we spotlight cruise-ins and char

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, reduce supplements, and hand back vehicles that are truly road ready.We dive into real-world cases where this approach shines. Airbag deployments aren’t just about swapping a module—procedures can call for new seat belts, sensors, and software steps that vary by brand. Windshield replacements on late-model cars now demand camera calibrations, and we explore why cheap glass can sabotage those efforts even when the camera is mounted correctly. Andy explains how brand specialists pair OEM tools over the internet to prog

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 policy dots too. When fuel economy penalties relax and federal tax credits wobble, the spreadsheets change—fast. That’s why platform choices matter so much right now. Dedicated EV architectures promise efficiency but trap capital if adoption slows, while flexible platforms and smart hybrid lineups offer a safer mix. We share first-hand charging experiences that show how infrastructure and real costs shape daily life: a Tesla plug that fills a workday gap feels great; a pricey fast charge on a road trip does not.Autonomy

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 timing, design, and marketing alignment matter more than hype. Randy explains why many product misfires teach sharper business lessons than successes, and how dealers experience those lessons in real inventory pain. Then we get practical: the research that actually moves price, captive finance deals that hide in the fine print, and the single sentence that resets a negotiation when the process drags or the fees bloat.The conversation shifts to the future of retail. Online shopping has shrunk the need for sprawling showro

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 surprise is the view around the next bend.Then we flip the script and explore the wild side of automotive branding. Porsche’s chef-level knives, Honda’s quietly brilliant HondaJet, BMW and McLaren’s high-end bicycles, Peugeot’s heritage pepper mills, Toyota’s loom-to-engine lineage, Mercedes’ limited surfboards, and Bugatti’s carbon fiber furniture show how engineering DNA travels from test tracks to kitchens, oceans, and living rooms. We dig into why these products make strategic sense—and where they’re pure theater

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. Along the way, we dig into the heat around EV subsidies, why automakers crave stable rules, and how global competition shapes what ends up in your driveway.From there we get tactical. We map the difference between range anxiety and time anxiety, explain how a simple home Level 2 setup changes daily life, and offer practical road-trip planning tips that reduce charging stress. We also deliver a crisp recall rundown—tires with potential tread separation, overheating starters, loose seat frames, and lighting faults—plus a rem

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: How do gas prices and insurance premiums stack up? Does dealership and shop density change how well people maintain their cars? Where do theft and fatality risks really live, and how do sprawling metros skew statewide averages?Texas becomes our on-the-road case study. Ranked 13th overall, it benefits from strong access to dealerships and service and competitive fuel prices, even as fast growth and weather nudge road quality down the list. We contrast urban congestion in Houston and Dallas with the relief found on rura

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 electric pocket bikes. They’re fast, silent, and, under Texas law, not street legal. Our guest breaks down exactly why these “mini pocket bikes” don’t qualify for public roads, what makes an e-bike legal, and how parents can avoid tragic outcomes by setting strict rules and keeping these toys off the street. Then we open the door on a quieter crisis—youth vaping—and how it’s bleeding into underage DUIs. We talk real risks, from THC exposure to potential contamination, and share practical steps for families, schools, an

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: when a bivouac loops vs leaps, what a “marathon” day does to crews, and how three full-size spares can still feel like not enough. You’ll hear how spectators find safe vantage points, why photographers always plan escape routes, and how even a royal visit can reroute a live stage. Mercedes explains the craft behind regularity and TSD rallying—holding speed, nailing time, and staying on course—plus why that style of precision racing is so addictive for data-driven drivers and navigators.Then we look ahead. Mercedes and A

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 and the vibe walks the line between festive and family-friendly.Road trips need the right ride, so we put real miles on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition. Expect crisp styling, an interior that puts the driver in command, and standout handling that outperforms most compact SUVs. The 2.5-liter turbo brings usable power and confidence without drama, though the flat roof rack looks overbuilt and the infotainment system needs a rethink. We share observed mpg, pricing context, and how it stacks up against segment staples

Hybrids aren’t the backup plan anymore—they’re the headline. We break down Consumer Reports’ 2026 winners, from the Civic Hybrid’s sharp steering and 44 mpg to the Camry’s 48 mpg and old-school tactile controls that make daily driving easier. Subaru’s Crosstrek and Forester win on ride quality, visibility, and confidence in bad weather, while Toyota’s mid-sized SUV pick nails cargo space and comfort with an easygoing 35 mpg hybrid. For luxury shoppers, the Lexus NX balances a calm cabin with intuitive controls and a hybrid that smooths the surge.Trucks and EVs share the spotlight too. The Ford Maverick proves you can get real utility without parking-lot fatigue, pairing a spacious cabin with hybrid efficiency that saves cash every week. The F-150 continues to deliver with a gem of a V6 and smart touches like a tailgate that doubles as a workbench. On the electric side, Tesla’s Model Y refresh aims squarely at daily comfort—acoustic glass, a calmer ride, better materials—while keeping the speed, range, and Sup

The ground just shifted under the auto industry, and we take you straight to the dealer floor to show what’s really moving metal. With the $7,500 EV tax credit gone and emissions targets easing, automakers are recalibrating fast—dialing up hybrids, testing extended-range EVs, and even hinting at new life for V8 performance where demand is loudest. We connect policy changes to showroom choices, price pressure, and the practical hurdles that still stall EV adoption: high MSRPs, thin charging networks, and range that doesn’t always meet real commutes.We break down why traditional hybrids are winning hearts and wallets right now. No plugs. Fewer compromises. Better fuel economy without changing habits. Then we dig into extended-range EVs, a sleeper category that pairs electric drive with an onboard generator to put range anxiety on ice while trimming complexity versus plug-in hybrids. PHEVs get a critical look too—those 30-ish electric miles sound great until your round trip or charger access says otherwise. Add

Step onto the show floor at the 43rd Houston Auto Show and you’ll find a surprise: a show within the show. We sit down with curator Ben Miller, the connector who rebuilds a forty-car classic lineup every year from scratch—mixing concours-grade muscle, JDM unicorns, and offbeat imports to keep the display fresh, diverse, and unforgettable.Ben shares how he scouts “undercover” at Autorama, Texas Elite, and Cars and Coffee meetups, building trust with owners and tracking evolving builds so repeat participants never bring the same car twice. He explains why auctions aren’t ideal for sourcing, how community ties matter more than bidding paddles, and how small, local shows can yield the most surprising finds. Along the way, we talk selection philosophy—choosing cars people love, not just cars he loves—and the importance of mixing eras, body styles, and stories to spark conversation across generations.Highlights include a 2021 Ford GT and a rare new GTD holding court in the lobby, plus a time-capsule 1999 Viper ACR