In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

Tired of crowded beaches and saltwater? We're diving into six incredible lake destinations across Texas that offer everything from secluded cabin getaways to luxury resort experiences for your next family vacation.Our journey begins in the serene pine forests of East Texas at Deer Lake Cabins Ranch Resort, where lakefront cabins provide the perfect basecamp for horseback riding, fishing, and unplugged family reconnection. For nature enthusiasts, Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan delivers hiking trails, observatory stargazing, and wildlife experiences in a scenic setting that eco-conscious families will love.We explore the nostalgic charm of Heart of Texas Lake Resort on Lake LBJ with its no-frills approach to family fun, featuring cabins, fishing spots, and mini-golf. For those seeking more refined experiences, Lakeway Resort and Spa on Lake Travis offers elegant comfort with multiple pools, splash zones, and full marina services just minutes from Austin.The tropical-inspired Margaritaville Lake Reso

Discover why the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid might be the perfect balance of city practicality and outdoor adventure capability. This week, we dive deep into Subaru's newest hybrid offering, exploring how it stands out in an increasingly crowded crossover market.The Forester has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, but this new hybrid variant takes things to another level. With its distinctive boxy design, the Forester makes no apologies for prioritizing function alongside form. Depending on your chosen trim level—and there are plenty to choose from—the aesthetic ranges from sophisticated urban crossover to trail-ready adventure machine.What truly sets this vehicle apart is its impressive efficiency without sacrificing capability. The 2.5-liter boxer engine pairs with electric assistance to deliver 194 horsepower through a CVT transmission, achieving a remarkable 35 mpg combined rating and 581-mile range on a single tank. With 1,500 pounds of towing capacity, you can easily bring along a small

Dust off those wrenches and prepare for a nostalgic journey through American automotive history! We're diving deep into the world of truck restoration with our carefully curated list of five classic pickups that deserve a second chance at life.The humble truck has evolved from pure utility vehicle to sought-after collector's item, with certain models commanding impressive prices and passionate followings. From the beloved 1972 Chevrolet C10 with its perfect blend of style and simplicity to the surprisingly quick 1979 Dodge Little Red Express (which, believe it or not, was the fastest American-made vehicle in 1978!), we explore what makes these vehicles special and why they're worth the investment of time and resources to restore.Each truck on our list represents a unique chapter in automotive development. The 1985 Ford F-150 showcases the rugged dependability that built Ford's truck dynasty, while the 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 demonstrates why this boxy off-roader developed a cult foll

Buckle up for a thrilling ride through automotive history's most fascinating turning points! From daring pioneers to corporate chess moves, our latest episode uncovers the moments that revolutionized how we move through the world.We kick things off with the remarkable story of Bertha Benz, who in 1888 essentially "borrowed" her husband's invention without permission and embarked on a 66-mile journey that would change transportation forever. Imagine purchasing fuel from a pharmacy, making roadside repairs yourself, and proving to a skeptical world that automobiles weren't just novelties but practical machines with real potential. This audacious act by Bertha stands as perhaps the world's first automotive marketing campaign—and it worked brilliantly.The episode accelerates through Henry Ford's initial stumbles with his first automotive venture, which produced fewer than 20 vehicles before closing. We explore how Harvey Firestone's tire company became fundamental to Americ

The alarming disparity between US and Canadian traffic fatality rates takes center stage in our latest podcast. While road deaths have surged 33% in America over a decade, our northern neighbors have managed to reduce theirs – but why? We dive deep into the fascinating research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that reveals how different enforcement approaches and policies might explain this life-or-death difference.Our discussion explores how pedestrian and cyclist deaths jumped 64% in the US while falling 17% in Canada, and how truck-related fatalities show an even more dramatic contrast. Could it be that American resistance to automated enforcement, less strict drunk driving penalties, and dwindling traffic patrol visibility are costing thousands of lives? The conversation turns personal as we reflect on rarely seeing police running radar or motorcycle officers enforcing traffic laws in Houston compared to previous decades.This week's "Guess the Sold Car Price" game delivers so

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation that's reshaping how we think about careers in vehicle repair and maintenance. Gone are the days when becoming a mechanic simply meant learning from your dad in the garage. Today's automotive technicians need sophisticated computer skills alongside traditional mechanical aptitude.Hugh Mann from Houston Community College joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of automotive education and the lucrative career paths available to those with proper training. "You almost feel like you gotta have an IT degree to work on them sometimes," Hugh notes when discussing modern vehicles with their complex sensors and driver-assist features. Dealerships are competing fiercely for qualified technicians, driving up wages and improving working conditions - including the increasingly common air-conditioned repair shops replacing the sweltering environments of years past.One particularly fascinating insight reveals how HCC structures their educ

Ever wondered what treasures hide beyond San Antonio's famous Alamo? Our latest automotive adventure uncovers the city's best-kept secrets that most tourists miss entirely.Imagine 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging at dusk in a spectacle so massive it appears on weather radar and can be seen from space. This natural wonder at Bracken Cave outshines Austin's famous bat bridge and represents just one of San Antonio's hidden gems. We also explore the eccentric burial site of Sandra West, interred in her beloved 1964 Ferrari, and the haunting Hot Wells of Bexar ruins where 19th-century celebrities once relaxed. For the truly curious, Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum showcases over 1,200 decorated commodes commemorating world events and abstract humor, while adventure seekers can descend 40 feet into a sinkhole to explore the Robber Baron Cave Preserve beneath a residential neighborhood.Our automotive passion shines through our exploration of creative barbecue grills fashion

Ted Ryan, Ford's Heritage Brand Manager, joins us from a golf course to share exciting news about the 60th anniversary of the Ford Bronco. The special commemorative model features stunning Wimbledon white paint with red accents, including the Bronco name spelled out in red on the hood and "1966" embedded in the hubcaps. The original Bronco was unveiled on August 11, 1965, when Ford handed reporters cowboy hats and scarves, telling them "let's go rodeo" before introducing what would become an American icon.Ryan shares delightful stories about the Bronco's enduring appeal - from his 84-year-old father who's on his third new Bronco to being stopped by a Mississippi police officer who wanted to see the vehicle so badly that Ryan handed him the keys for a test drive. The officer's immediate reaction? "I'm buying one of these things." Ford has already sold over a million combined Bronco and Bronco Sport models in just four years since their revival.We also

What happens when a prophet tells you to become an auctioneer? For Yvette Vanderbrink, it launched a 25-year career specializing in automotive barn finds and collections. Her extraordinary journey from hospital worker to renowned auctioneer began when a minister at her church mysteriously knew about auction school application papers she'd hidden in her kitchen cupboard.Yvette shares the struggles and triumphs of breaking into the male-dominated auction world, including how she handled sexist comments and established her reputation through innovative marketing. When one man told her to "make a sandwich and let the boys do it," she simply took his bidding number away. Her pioneering use of early internet technology helped attract national bidders when such practices were revolutionary.The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the world of automotive collections and auctions, including why Montana ranchers maintain their own fire trucks (the nearest fire station is often over an hour away

Ever dreamed of seeing your custom car immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast model? That dream could become reality as the Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolls into Houston on Saturday, August 2nd.We're joined by Eric Han, lead designer at Hot Wheels, who pulls back the curtain on this extraordinary traveling car show. Now in its eighth year, the Legends Tour has become a global phenomenon where builders showcase their custom creations for a chance at Hot Wheels immortality. The Houston stop promises to be spectacular, with hundreds of unique vehicles expected to fill the Walmart parking lot in Cypress from 8am to noon.What makes this event truly special is its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is completely free, making it an ideal weekend activity for automotive enthusiasts of all ages. Parents will appreciate the dedicated play areas where children can test out the latest Hot Wheels track sets, while die-hard collectors can purchase exclusive merchandise only available at the tour. Eric

Ever wondered what it would be like to cross America primarily on dirt roads? Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal let us ride shotgun on their extraordinary Transamerica Trail adventure – a jaw-dropping 7,100-mile journey with over 3,100 miles on unpaved terrain, all completed in just 29 days.The couple's modified 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness proved remarkably capable, conquering elevations approaching 13,000 feet in Colorado and withstanding temperatures ranging from freezing to a sweltering 111°F in Moab. Their detailed walkthrough of the vehicle's modifications reveals the thoughtful preparation behind such an ambitious journey – from the Thule rooftop tent and ARB awning to the critical Primitive Racing skid plates that protected vital components on rough terrain.What makes their story particularly compelling isn't just the vehicle specs or challenging routes – it's how this journey provided them a completely different perspective on America. Despite both having previously visited all 50

Houston reveals itself as a treasure trove of unexpected adventures for locals and visitors alike. From art deco aviation history to underwater shark tunnels, our exploration uncovers destinations perfect for beating the Texas heat and creating memorable experiences right in your backyard.The 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport stands as a stunning architectural time capsule, preserving aviation heritage with vintage uniforms and airline memorabilia in an elegant setting that now hosts weddings and events. For underwater thrills without getting wet, Downtown Aquarium's Shark Voyage takes riders through a 200,000-gallon tunnel surrounded by magnificent predators including an 18-foot sawfish, combining entertainment with conservation education.When temperatures soar, Lagoon Fest in Texas City offers a 12-acre crystal lagoon escape with white sand beaches, water activities, and swim-up bars. For interactive entertainment, Activate Houston transforms gaming from screen to reality with laser dodging and

The frustrating reality of start-stop technology takes center stage in this eye-opening episode as we explore why this supposedly fuel-saving feature might be doing more harm than good. Through lively debate and personal experience, we unpack how that momentary engine shutdown at stoplights creates a ripple effect of delays for everyone on the road—all while saving minimal fuel.We dive deep into the political dimensions of this automotive controversy, examining how President Trump's elimination of CAFE noncompliance fines and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's policy shifts are changing the landscape for this once-mandated technology. With 62% of 2023 model vehicles featuring start-stop systems, we explore why so many drivers are seeking ways to permanently disable them, from aftermarket eliminators to DIY workarounds.Our popular "Guess the Sold Car Price" segment delivers surprising revelations about the classic car market, with vehicles ranging from a 1977 Chevrolet Corvette "with about

An automotive time capsule awaits discovery in the rolling hills of Montana where approximately 600 vehicles lie scattered across 100 acres of countryside. This extraordinary barn find collection, headed to auction through Vanderbrink Auctions, features everything from 1920s classics and vintage fire trucks to Plymouths, Rivieras, and even a rare 1961 bubble top with intact glass. The remote location adds to the mystique – so far from civilization there's no cell service, creating a treasure hunter's paradise where viewing requires dedication and extraction demands ingenuity.Our hosts dive deep into what makes this auction special, exploring the logistics of purchasing vehicles from such a remote location and imagining creative uses for these automotive relics. The conversation turns playful as they contemplate converting a 1923 American LaFrance fire truck into a mobile barbecue pit, complete with sauce-dispensing hoses – a quintessential example of American automotive enthusiasm and creativity.The

Automotive enthusiasts, buckle up for a three-course journey through the cutting edge of electric vehicles, the rarified world of elite car collections, and the rugged charm of an off-road icon reborn.We start by examining Volvo's latest electric offering—the 2025 EX40 Twin Motor Ultra AWD. Built in Belgium on the framework of last year's XC40, this all-electric crossover brings 402 horsepower and advanced pixel headlight technology to the premium EV segment. However, not everything about modern technology improves the driving experience. The EX40's touchscreen-centric control system requires four separate taps just to power down the vehicle—an unnecessarily complex solution to a problem that never existed. Despite these interface frustrations, the EX40 delivers competitive performance against rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Genesis, though at a premium price point starting at $62,045 for the Ultra trim.We then explore automotive passion at its most extreme with a tour of the world's

Looking for straight talk about electric vehicles? Our review of the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra pulls no punches, exposing both impressive features and frustrating flaws in this Belgian-built EV. With 402 horsepower and advanced pixel headlight technology, the vehicle offers plenty of power and premium features—but requires navigating through four separate touchscreen interactions just to turn it off.The real-world economics of EV ownership take center stage as we reveal how driving 270 miles required two charging sessions costing $33.59, while the same money would fuel a conventional truck for 232 miles without the charging delays. At an MSRP of $62,045 for our test model, the EX40 faces stiff competition from Mercedes, Audi, and Genesis alternatives.Auto appraiser Michael Wooding joins us to discuss the current state of the classic car market, revealing how economic uncertainty has created a buyer's paradise where normally $25,000 vehicles are selling for just $8,000. Wooding shares valuable insi

Automotive passion knows no borders in this fascinating exploration of European racing heritage and the world's most extraordinary car collections. We're joined by Lincoln Small, author of "Abarth Radborn Racing and Me," who transports us to the vibrant racing scene of 1960s Britain and Italy. Lincoln shares how he discovered Abarth's modified Fiats "like an epidemic" across Italy before bringing the underdog brand to compete against Britain's beloved Mini Coopers. His firsthand account reveals how these tiny, lightweight Italian machines with minimal horsepower managed to "humiliate lots of very large engine cars" through exceptional handling and engineering.The conversation shifts to the business side of racing as Lincoln explains how he established Radborn Racing and created a network of dealerships offering Abarth parts and conversion services throughout the UK. Though our international connection was unfortunately cut short, the interview provides a rare

The ripple effects of Trump's tariffs are sending shockwaves through luxury car dealerships across America, upending a market that remained resilient even during the pandemic and chip shortages. When customers start canceling orders for $750,000 Lamborghinis rather than pay an additional $75,000 in tariffs, something significant is happening.What makes this story particularly compelling is the human element behind the headline numbers. While wealthy buyers can simply walk away from these purchases, dealership employees - from mechanics to salespeople - face the real consequences. One luxury dealer reports earnings down 70-90% compared to previous years, forcing painful business decisions that affect ordinary working people.The tariff situation has evolved rapidly. European vehicle duties jumped from 2.5% to 25% in April, with British automakers receiving some relief at 10% starting June 30th. The European Union now faces a potential 30% tariff beginning August 1st if new trade agreements aren't reac

Buckle up for a journey into the heart of authentic car culture with our exploration of Rats on the Platte, a rebellious celebration of automotive passion that thrives far from the polished showcases of mainstream car events. Speaking with organizers Jake Donahoe and Paula Sanada, we discover what makes this annual gathering in Mitchell, Nebraska a must-visit for true gearheads and automotive misfits.This isn't your typical car show – it's a raw, community-driven event where creativity and character trump cleanliness and conformity. As Paula colorfully explains, "This isn't some shiny Corvette lawn chair circle where judged means who brought the cleanest wax rag." Instead, Rats on the Platte celebrates builders, dreamers, wrenchers, and fabricators who create machines worth noticing without seeking validation.The two-day event features dirt track racing in a rodeo arena, a concrete burnout pad with bleachers, swap meets, and the intriguing "Mistresses of Mayhem" – pinup mode

Rudy Samsel has created something special with Guys with Rides - a dealer-free marketplace where classic car enthusiasts can connect without the high fees and uneven playing field that plague traditional auction sites. As he explains to the In Wheel Time crew, his platform was born from frustration with how private sellers are treated at established auctions.What makes this concept compelling is its focus on creating meaningful connections between sellers who often have emotional attachments to their vehicles and buyers who will truly appreciate them. Samsel shares touching stories about helping families find proper homes for inherited classics, including daughters selling their late father's cherished '62 Thunderbird and a rare 1976 Cadillac pickup that found its way to Switzerland through his site.The pricing structure is revolutionary compared to industry standards - just $1 to list and $49 more if sold, with buyer fees capped at 1% of purchase price (maximum $500). This approach particularly ben