Wrench Nation

  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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 o...

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, man...

    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 Auctio...

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...

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...

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 deci...

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...

  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 be...

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.

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....

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...

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...

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. Be...

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 ? R...

You may not think about it when you start your car, but a world of innovation is working silently under the hood to keep your ride smooth, safe, and comfortable. From smart thermostats and electronic stability control to adaptive engine mounts and climate system breakthroughs, this episode of WrenchNation shines a spotlight on the unsung tech advancements that transformed your daily drive. We’ll e...

The technician shortage isn’t just about a lack of interest or younger generations turning away from the trades. It’s about years of failed leadership, broken promises, and workplaces that left passion out in the cold. This week on Wrench Nation we dig deep into one of the industry’s most pressing crises—and we’re not pulling punches. We’re joined by special guest Josh Parnell of...

Ever wonder what happens before the hammer drops? We take you behind the scenes of the auction process, from vehicle consignment to final sale so that you can navigate it all as a buyer or seller with confidence or an enthusiast taking it all in!    How does the consignment process work?  How are the reserve prices determined? What are the roles of the consignor before the auction? What are the ro...

Emission Impossible: Avoid These Common Failures Discover the most common reasons behind failed emissions tests in this insightful episode of WrenchNation. From faulty oxygen sensors to leaky exhaust systems, we’ll break down the most common culprits and how they impact your vehicle’s performance and the environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a curious car owner, tune in for prac...

Fast, Furious, and Full of Heart: Cody Walker Discusses FUEL FEST with Frank Leutz (Apologies for the delayed upload; please make sure to catch 2025 Fuel Fest Events coming to a city near you ) Join host Frank Leutz as he sits down with special guest Cody Walker to discuss the highly anticipated FuelFest 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ! Cody shares insights into this epic celebration of cars, music, and cu...

Welcome! You’ve landed at Busted Knuckle Garage, an automotive lifestyle brand with a story like no other. Founder Warren Tracy dreamt up this idea years ago while living deep in the Grand Canyon—an unlikely place for a car enthusiast, but that’s exactly where the vision was born. One morning, Warren woke to find a rough cartoon sketch of a garage he’d drawn in his sleep, without any memory...