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
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 brea
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 incr
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 transpare
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
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
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
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 th
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 v
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 !
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.This isn’t just a trucking crisis. It’s a road-safety wake-up call for every driver out there.
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
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 seri
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 th
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 .
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 explore how these behind-the-scenes components evolved, why they matter, and how they continue to quietly shape modern motoring—because sometimes the most important parts are the ones you never see. BO
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 Limitless Leadership , a voice that's challenging the status quo and calling out the cultural rot from the top down. From toxic shop environments to outdated mindsets that value profit over people, Josh helps us unpac
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 roles of the consignor at the auction? Is there a better auction or even time to consign a vehicle? Our special guest is Gus Kozarzewski, a Consignment Agent with Mecum Auctions, who helps us navigate it al
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 practical tips to keep your ride running clean and passing with flying colors & how to navigate check engine light causing failures.
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 culture, paying tribute to the legacy of his brother, Paul Walker, star of the Fast & Furious franchise. Discover how FuelFest combines automotive passion with giving back, supporting Reach Out Worldwid
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 of doing it. That sketch soon became a reality, and after twenty years of passion, dedication, and grit, every piece of Busted Knuckle Garage merchandise you see today comes straight from that dream. No cor
Educating consumers properly about vehicle service and purchasing is crucial to ensure they have the best possible experience. With the right knowledge, consumers can make informed decisions, avoid being overcharged or misled, and feel confident when negotiating prices or choosing the right vehicle. Proper education also empowers them to understand essential aspects like maintenance schedules, warranties, and repair options, ultimately saving time and money while prolonging the life of their vehicle. A well-informed consumer is better equipped to handle unexpected challenges and make smarter i
Robots are transforming the automotive service industry by assisting technicians with precision tasks and improving efficiency. Richtech Robotics is revolutionizing the automotive service industry by integrating advanced robotics solutions to streamline operations. Their robots assist with various tasks, such as handling routine maintenance, inspecting vehicle components, and conducting precise diagnostics. Richtech’s robots enhance efficiency and reduce downtime in service shops by automating repetitive tasks . They also help ensure higher accuracy in repairs, allowing technicians to focus on
