You’ve probably noticed it at the pump: no more twisting off a grimy gas cap, no more second-guessing whether it clicked tight enough, and fewer random check engine lights tied to EVAP leaks. We dig into the real reasons capless fuel systems took over, from tighter emissions standards and better vapor sealing to cleaner fueling, added security through the locking system, and smart designs that help prevent misfueling with the wrong nozzle. We also talk honestly about the drawbacks drivers report, like worn pump nozzles that don’t always seal perfectly and the occasional premature shutoff during fueling.

Then we hit the fun stuff that makes car culture so addictive. NASCAR success doesn’t stay on the track, it shows up in real estate: castle-like mansions, pirate-themed escapes, trophy-room garages, equestrian estates, and big-city condos with luxury finishes. It’s a quick tour of how speed, sponsors, and wins can turn into some truly wild housing choices.

We round it out with a rapid-fire mix of engineering and ownership tips: standout U.S. tunnels and what makes them historic, futuristic regenerative tires that aim to replenish tread using smart materials, and a practical guide to car battery shopping with cold cranking amps and warranty realities in mind. Plus, a nostalgic deep dive into white letter tires, how raised lettering differs from painted letters, and what it takes to keep them looking sharp.

If you like smart car talk with facts, laughs, and usable takeaways, subscribe, share this with a friend who lives at the gas pump, and leave a review so more drivers can find us.

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In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

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Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

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Gas is “down” in Southern California and it’s still in the high fives per gallon, so we start with the kind of reality check every driver understands. Then we zoom out and ask the bigger question: if the economy is supposedly struggling, why are people still buying so many cars, and why are they paying around $50,000 on average for a new one? We cut through the noise and follow the money, the demand, and the on-the-ground market signals.

We also bring you inside the modern manufacturing machine with a firsthand look at Hyundai and Kia operations in Georgia, including what it means when production targets and EV plans get reshaped by real-world demand. From the Kia Sportage Hybrid story to the sheer logistics of moving thousands of vehicles by rail and truck, we talk about how the auto industry actually works when it’s running at scale, and why that matters to pricing, availability, and what shows up on dealer lots.

Then it gets personal and practical: used car shopping that turns into a sea of options, the hunt for value, and why the Chevy Trax keeps coming up as one of the few genuinely affordable new crossovers that still feels modern. We dig into regional buying patterns, why certain brands are rare in certain states, and the ongoing argument between turbocharged efficiency and the kind of naturally aspirated V8 horsepower that people still crave, especially with Stellantis signaling a return to more muscle.

Finally, we shift into pure car culture with tips on Texas swap meets and a fascinating tour of abandoned Detroit car factories that still hold the fingerprints of the Motor City era. If you like smart market talk, real enthusiast opinions, and stories that connect today’s cars to yesterday’s industry, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a car friend, and leave us a quick review so more listeners can find the show.

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!

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Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?

In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
----- -----
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

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For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at

info@inwheeltime.com

A three-row SUV that looks traditional can still feel shockingly upscale once you shut the door and settle in. We take you through Don Armstrong’s drive of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, focusing on what actually matters when you’re spending real money: design, comfort, tech, power delivery, ride quality, and where the value lands once the window sticker gets involved.

We walk through the trim lineup, then zoom in on the Grand Cherokee L Summit 4x4 configuration with three rows and seating for six. The exterior earns praise for its clean, conservative Jeep look and familiar seven-slot grille, but we also talk honestly about why the design is starting to feel ready for a bigger modern update. Inside is where the Grand Cherokee makes its strongest argument, with standout materials, excellent fit and finish, and a cabin that feels legitimately premium. The one catch: the newer infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as the previous version, and it can take time to get comfortable with it.

Then we get into the numbers and the feel. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes a headline-grabbing 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and a tow rating around 6,200 pounds. MPG is rated at 20 city and 25 highway, and we share a real-world 21.1 mpg result over more than 400 miles. We also call out the downside that surprised us most: turbo lag that shows up in certain situations. Finally, we explain why the air ride suspension is a must-have for a “smooth as glass” ride, break down pricing from roughly $40K to a $72,770 as-tested sticker, compare rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, and tease next week’s review of the Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid. Subscribe, share this with a fellow SUV shopper, and leave a review with your biggest dealbreaker: price, tech, or power delivery?

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Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?

In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
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Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/

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For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at

info@inwheeltime.com