Wrench Nation

#346 Turn Down the Radio! 9 Car Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore

Is your vehicle trying to tell you something? Learn to identify 9 common car noises that indicate it is time for a check-up. Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or just learning the basics of vehicle maintenance, our show provides the information you need to keep your ride running smoothly. We break down specific car sounds that often signal underlying issues, helping you catch potential problems before they become costly repairs. Listen closely to what your vehicle is telling you and gain the confidence to address these alerts properly. Subscribe for weekly car maintenance tips and comment below with your questions for our next episode.

#345 Car Buyers vs. Car Dealers: California Changes the Rules

California’s New Car Pricing Rules: Is the End of Hidden Dealer Fees Finally Here? WrenchNation Podcast | Special Guest: Ray Shefska of CarEdge The price you see should be the price you pay. But is buying a car finally becoming more transparent? California is taking aim at confusing vehicle pricing practices, hidden fees, and last-minute surprises at the dealership. What do these changes mean for car buyers, dealerships, and the future of automotive retail? On this episode of WrenchNation, host Frank Leutz welcomes back Ray Shefska of CarEdge, a leading consumer advocate and automotive retail expert, to break down California’s push for greater transparency in vehicle pricing. We explore how advertised prices, dealer add-ons, financing presentations, and the final out-the-door price can influence what consumers actually pay—and why understanding the numbers before entering a dealership is more important than ever. Ray brings his years of dealership experience and consumer advocacy to a candid conversation about what needs to change, what buyers should watch for, and whether California’s approach could influence dealerships across the country. Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply tired of pricing games, this is a WrenchNation conversation you won’t want to miss.

#344 Car Dealers Can’t Sell Overpriced Inventory… So How Are They Getting the Deals Done?

Dealers Can’t Sell Cars: How to Slay the Negotiation Car dealers are sitting on inventory, buyers are pushing back on high prices, and the old rules of negotiating a vehicle purchase are changing. So how do you use today’s market to your advantage? On this episode of WrenchNation, Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge to break down what’s really happening inside today’s dealership..but more importantly, how consumers can use that information when it’s time to buy. Frank and Ray dig into dealer inventory, pricing pressure, incentives, trade-ins, financing, and the negotiating strategies that can help buyers recognize where a dealership may have room to make a deal. In this episode: Why some dealers are struggling to move inventory How long a vehicle has been sitting can affect your negotiating position When advertised price isn’t necessarily the final price How to research the market before walking into the dealership Negotiating the vehicle price separately from your trade-in and financing Dealer add-ons, fees and other numbers buyers need to watch When walking away may be your strongest negotiating tool How to recognize a genuinely good deal versus a cleverly structured payment What today’s car buyer should know before signing anything The goal isn’t to “beat” the dealership. It’s to walk into the negotiation informed, prepared and capable of recognizing a fair deal. Ray Shefska of CarEdge joins WrenchNation each month with an inside look at the automotive retail market and practical strategies consumers can put to work when buying their next vehicle. If you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle , or thinking about trading your current one..this episode could change the way you approach the negotiating table.

#343 The Biggest Mistakes Drivers Make After a Crash

A car accident can last only seconds, but the decisions you make afterward can affect your finances, your health, and your insurance claim for months—or even years. In this episode of WrenchNation, host Frank Leutz welcomes Russell “Rusty” Reynolds, JD, founding partner of Reynolds & Reynolds Injury Law, for an important conversation every driver should hear before they’re ever involved in a collision. Together, they discuss the critical first 24 hours after an accident, including what information to document, when to seek medical attention, how to communicate with insurance companies, and the common mistakes that can unintentionally weaken a legitimate claim. You’ll also learn why photographs, witness information, vehicle data, and accurate documentation have become increasingly important as today’s vehicles become more technologically advanced. Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, this episode provides practical guidance to help you protect yourself, your passengers, and your financial interests while navigating the often-confusing claims process. Topics Covered: What to do immediately after a car accident The first 24 hours after a crash Common insurance claim mistakes Recorded statements and insurance adjusters Why documentation matters Medical treatment after an accident Modern vehicle technology and crash evidence Social media and insurance claims Protecting your rights after a collision Practical advice every driver should know Don’t wait until you’re standing on the side of the road to learn what to do next. This episode could help you avoid costly mistakes and better prepare you for an unexpected accident.

#342 Behind the Headlines: Why Some Dealers Are Thriving While Others Are Struggling

Learn the current dealership trends affecting your next purchase. We analyze the market to help you navigate your next car buying advice session. We are joined by Ray Shefska, a consumer advocate and co-founder of CarEdge, to discuss the state of the automotive industry. With 43 years of experience inside franchise dealerships, Ray provides an insider perspective on why some stores are struggling while others are thriving. This session is designed for anyone planning on buying a car soon who wants to understand the dealer landscape. By examining how franchise dealerships operate today, we break down what you need to know before stepping onto a lot. Ray Shefska shares his expertise on the shifting car dealer market so you can enter your next transaction with confidence and clarity. Subscribe for weekly automotive industry breakdowns, and comment below if you want us to cover specific car buying tips next.

#344 The Great Car Market Reset: Are Dealers Finally Negotiating Again?

With Special Monthly Guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge After several years of inflated prices, limited inventory, and “take it or leave it” dealership attitudes, the automotive market may finally be returning to reality. Is the era of paying thousands over sticker becoming a thing of the past? On this month’s edition of WrenchNation Radio, host Frank Leutz welcomes back special monthly guest Ray Shefska of CarEdge to examine what many are calling The Great Car Market Reset. For consumers who delayed buying a vehicle during the pandemic and post-pandemic price surge, the conversation has become increasingly interesting. Rising inventory levels, higher interest rates, and changing consumer demand are putting pressure on dealers nationwide. In many cases, dealerships are once again finding themselves competing for customers rather than customers competing for vehicles. Additionally , as a last minute in studio surprise -we have young independent film talents Kenny Li and Nothing But Laughz as they discuss their latest film project at Singing Panda Asian Restaurant !

#343 FTC Crackdowns : New Car Dealer Rules You Need to Know

FTC Dealer Transparency Rules: What Car Buyers Need to Know WrenchNation Welcomes Ray Shefska of CarEdge The car-buying landscape is changing—and consumers need to pay attention. On our latest episode of WrenchNation, we sat down with Ray Shefska of CarEdge to break down the latest FTC dealership transparency mandates and what they could mean for everyday car buyers across America. For years, many consumers have faced confusing pricing, surprise add-ons, hidden fees, and high-pressure tactics inside dealership finance offices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is pushing for stronger transparency standards designed to create a clearer and fairer buying process. What We Covered on the Show How hidden fees can inflate the final vehicle price Why “monthly payment shopping” can cost buyers thousands Add-ons, warranties, and products consumers should question What younger buyers expect from the vehicle purchase process How dealership practices may evolve moving forward Why informed buyers hold the power in today’s market Why This Matters Whether you’re buying new, used, leasing, or just researching your next move, understanding the fine print has never been more important. The old model of confusion and pressure is being challenged, and smart consumers who prepare before stepping onto the lot can save serious money. Ray Shefska Brings Real Insight Ray and the team at CarEdge have built a trusted voice in automotive consumer education—helping buyers understand pricing, negotiations, financing, trade-ins, and dealership tactics in plain English. Check out their Youtube channel with a plethora of great information : CareEdge YouTube

#342 Bid Smart: Insider Tips for Buying and Selling Cars at Auction

Mecum Auctions Coming to Glendale: Inside the Collector Car Market with David Purvis We recently welcomed special guest David Purvis to the show to talk about the excitement surrounding the upcoming Mecum Glendale 2026 event coming to Glendale. David’s passion for collector cars began early, attending classic car auctions with his father—who was a regular participant at Mecum Auctions dating back to its second-ever sale. That lifelong connection to the hobby eventually led David to join Mecum in 2010, where he began working at the fast-paced “Bid Goes On®” desk, gaining firsthand experience in the energy and excitement of live collector car auctions. In 2011, David moved into a full-time role as a consignment agent, quickly becoming a trusted advisor for collectors looking to buy or sell vehicles at auction. His dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to Director of Consignment in 2023. Today, David oversees Mecum’s team of consignment agents within the classic and collector car division, working alongside Frank Mecum. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with collectors by focusing on trust, transparency, and delivering successful auction results. Beyond vehicles, David has also helped bring several significant Road Art® collections to auction, assisting consignors in showcasing and selling rare automotive memorabilia. During our conversation, David also shared insights into what collectors and enthusiasts can expect at the upcoming Glendale auction—from standout consignments to tips for buyers and sellers looking to participate in one of the most exciting collector car events in the Southwest.

#341 Brake Smarter, Not Harder: Insider Tips from the Godfather of Brakes Dino Crescentini

On this episode of WrenchNation, we welcome Dino Crescentini — widely known in the industry as the Godfather of Brakes and a leader at Dynamic Friction Company (DFC). Dino explains the fundamentals of brake pad materials in a way that both technicians and enthusiasts can easily understand. In this episode, we break down the real differences between ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic brake pads—and what those differences mean for safety, performance, noise, heat management, and durability. We also discuss how these choices impact the level of service to the consumer in today’s shop environment, along with the latest legislation that removed copper from brake pads and how that change is affecting modern braking performance.

#340 Amazon Autos: Disruption or Distraction?

Shop Smarter: Your Guide to Buying Used Cars Online In this episode, we dive into smart consumer tips for buying used cars online — and what the launch of Amazon Autos means for everyday buyers. Joining us is special guest Justin Fischer of CarEdge, who brings expert insight into pricing transparency, dealer tactics, online buying risks, and how consumers can protect themselves in today’s digital car marketplace. From vehicle history reports and hidden fees to return policies and financing traps, we break down what to look for — and what to avoid — before clicking “buy.” If you’re considering purchasing your next used car online, this episode will help you shop smarter and buy with confidence.

#339 Why Your Car Feels “Off” But No Warning Lights Are On

If your car feels different—but the dashboard is quiet—you’re not crazy. Modern vehicles don’t always warn you when something’s wrong, and in this episode of WrenchNation, we break down why that happens and what drivers should know. We’ll explain how today’s cars are designed to tolerate small changes without triggering warning lights—and why drivers often feel issues long before a computer decides it’s a “problem.” We’ll talk about common signs your vehicle may be developing an issue even with no lights on, including changes in how it accelerates, idles, steers, brakes, or shifts. Covering the latest news regarding recent HONDA announcement of logo change and more !

#338 The Noise vs The Truth: 2025 Automotive Industry Breakdown

2025 was a year of loud headlines and big claims across the automotive world — EV dominance, AI replacing technicians, digital car buying, and the end of traditional repair. But beneath the noise, a very different story was taking shape. In this episode of WrenchNation, we cut through the hype and break down what actually happened in 2025 — and what it quietly set up for 2026 and beyond. EV sales didn’t collapse, but they clearly hit a wall as affordability, incentives, and infrastructure realities set in. Automakers recalibrated, hybrids gained ground, and consumers began holding onto their vehicles longer than ever. We also unpack how artificial intelligence is entering the repair shop — not as a replacement for skilled technicians, but as a support tool — and why software updates are now legitimate repairs affecting safety, performance, and reliability. At the same time, the skilled trades shortage reached a tipping point, impacting shop capacity, wait times, and service quality nationwide. This episode is about clarity, not fear. The future of automotive isn’t flashy — it’s practical, skilled, relationship-driven, and built on trust between drivers and the professionals who keep their vehicles safe and reliable.

#337 Rolling Through Time: Inside the Martin Auto Museum with Rick DeBruhl

This week on Wrench Nation, we welcome motorsports broadcaster and automotive storyteller Rick DeBruhl, representing the incredible Martin Auto Museum. From rare classics to iconic race machines, the Martin Auto Museum isn’t just about chrome and horsepower—it’s about preserving history, inspiring the next generation, and celebrating the stories behind the sheet metal. Rick takes us behind the scenes with museum favorites, upcoming events, and why this destination is a true gem for car culture !

DIY Car Repairs Gone Wrong: Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them Before They Break You

Ever try to save a few bucks by wrenching on your own ride, only to end up with a driveway disaster? From stripped bolts to mystery leaks, we’re diving into the most common DIY car repairs that can go sideways — and the small but vital steps that often get overlooked.

#335 Trucking’s Underbelly Exposed: Illegal Labor, Fake Repairs, and Failing Oversight

This week on WrenchNation, we’re joined by Trucker Tim — a seasoned long-hauler who’s witnessed it all: the grit, the grind, and the growing dangers inside today’s trucking world. America’s economy rolls on eighteen wheels, but what happens when those wheels start coming off? From illegal labor to shady maintenance shortcuts and companies cutting corners just to survive — the cracks are widening.This isn’t just a trucking crisis. It’s a road-safety wake-up call for every driver out there.

#334 Behind the Curtain of the World’s Biggest Car Show: Tom Gattuso on the Magic of SEMA

Few people have done more to put the automotive world on the global stage than Tom Gattuso. As Vice President of Events for SEMA, Tom is the driving force behind the legendary SEMA Show in Las Vegas — one of the most influential automotive trade events on the planet. Blending marketing expertise, sharp strategic planning, and a lifelong passion for all things automotive, Tom has elevated the SEMA Show into a must-attend gathering for industry pros, builders, and enthusiasts worldwide. Under his leadership, the event has grown far beyond a product showcase to become an immersive celebration of car culture and innovation. Tom pitstops by this awesome edition of WN sharing his story and the incredible movement that is the SEMA SHOW

#333 Clear Vision: Windshield Wisdom Every Driver Should Know

#332 Tire Smoke & Triumphs: Jim Liaw’s Inside Story of Formula Drift & PRI

Jim Liaw serves as the General Manager of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), where he leads efforts to support and advocate for racers, builders, sanctioning bodies, tracks, and the businesses that fuel motorsports. A natural entrepreneur with a deep passion for the industry, Liaw has built a career creating and elevating programs that connect with both enthusiasts and the next generation of fans. Before joining PRI in 2021, Liaw co-founded Formula Drift in 2003 and served as its President. What began as a little-known motorsport from Japan quickly became the premier professional drifting series in the world under his leadership. Together with his partner, Liaw helped transform drifting into a global motorsport standard and an influential pillar of youth automotive culture. Jim is our special guest on this edition of WrenchNation, where he recounts the fascinating history of Formula Drift and shares insight into his current role with PRI, driving the future of motorsports forward.

Headliners & Horsepower -SEMA FEST 2025

Headliners + Horsepower ! OPTIMA® Batteries On the latest Wrench Nation, we sat down with Tom Gattuso, VP of Events for Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), to dive into the incredible lineup and what makes this years SEMA FEST a must-see. Headliners include Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, and Neon Trees—blending world-class music with the ultimate car culture experience. Beyond the stage, SEMA Fest brings rare custom builds, concept rides, networking industry training sessioins, and the unique chance for the public to step inside the legendary SEMA Show on Nov. 7. It’s the perfect collision of horsepower and harmony. Don’t miss it. SEMA FEST Details : https://www.semafest.com/ Catch our complete WrenchNation interview with Tom coming soon on https://bit.ly/40oWRg1 A big hugs gratitude to many of the SEMA team quietly working to make an incredible event , year after year, while keeping members legislatively on the right side! We are grateful . Mike Spagnola Karen Bailey-Chapman

#331 Used Car Confessions: Scandals, Psychology, and Smart Buyer Tips

A couple of last-minute guests roll into the studio, as we swap stories about used car adventures—the good, the bad, and the 'what were we thinking?' moments. We’ll give you smart tips to avoid falling for the classic mechanical cover-ups that sellers try to slip past you, and dish up some practical advice empowering you before your next used car buy ! Need a prepurchase inspection ? Reach out to Frank for a community minded auto service facilty in your neighborhood .