Let’s Talk Wheels

When a $2 Water Bottle Costs $12,000 — The Shocking Hyundai Repair

Today’s episode covers a bizarre $12,000 Hyundai repair caused by spilled water, how California police uncovered high‑tech key‑fob relay thefts, and Nissan’s recall of 42,000 Sentras for bubbled windshields.We also road‑test the 2026 Nissan Leaf (surprising real‑world range and features), get Infiniti’s winter driving tips, review the VueRoid S1 dashcam, and share maintenance advice for diesel trucks and classic‑car musings.

Car-Shipper Heists, Major Recalls & the 2026 Nissan Murano

This episode of Let's Talk Wheels covers a wave of car thefts targeting auto shippers, Honda's recall of 256,000 Accord Hybrids for loss of drive power, an update on Hyundai's brake-pad/service access controversy, and a full review of the 2026 Nissan Murano, highlighting comfort, tech, and ProPilot hands-free driving.
Plus winter travel tips, classic-car stories, Q&A on 4x4 vs. AWD and vintage trucks, and listener mail — all wrapped up with hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum’s practical advice and commentary.

Honda Recall: 406,000 Civics Could Lose Their Wheels

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: a major Honda Civic recall affecting 406,000 vehicles, Toyota’s first electric Hilux with limited range, Ford partnering with Amazon to sell certified pre‑owned cars, and a full review of the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid.
They also talk about car‑care tips (including a wild mouse-in-battery story), the retirement of NHRA legend John Force, and a feature interview with Randy Shannon, founder of the long-running Niftee-50ees weekend car show. Buckle up for some fun! #niftee-50ees #carshows #txmpa #classiccars #autorecalls #carshow

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars of 2025 — Is Your Ride at Risk?

The top 10 most stolen vehicles list for the first half of 2025 is out — find out which models made the list, plus a rising chip shortage tied to geopolitical disputes and supply disruptions that could affect automakers.
We cover GM’s split with Allison transmissions, Ted Ryan from The Ford Heritage Vault explains Ford’s new Mustang Immersive experience, and Mike gives practical truck reviews: a hands‑on look at the Ram 2500 Rebel and the Ford F‑250 Super Duty, including towing and payload tips.
Hosted by Mike Herzing with Paul Bertuccini filling in for new dad Jeremy Birenbaum, the episode mixes automotive news, interviews, reviews, and classic car coverage.

Car Thieves Hack Toyotas via Headlights — How to Protect Yours

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: thieves stealing Toyotas, Ford running out of aluminum, and a 5,900‑mile Transamerica Trail mapped by Google.
The episode also reviews the 2026 Infiniti QX60, explores Transfer Flow’s truck fuel tank solutions, and offers practical towing and maintenance advice for long trips. 

Jeep Thefts Rise, Average New Cars top $50k, Real Talk On Tech Shortage

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum discuss rising Jeep thefts, the average new car price surpassing $50,000, and Hyundai's large Santa Fe recall. They cover a rental car fiasco that led to a wrongful arrest, review the luxurious Infiniti QX80, answer listener car questions, and host guests from the National Technical Honor Society and TechForce to address the growing technician shortage.
The episode mixes news, a vehicle review, and interviews that highlight career pathways in technical trades, scholarship programs, and industry efforts to make technician roles appealing to the next generation.

Ford’s Technician Crisis, Keyless Theft Wave, and a GT Up for Auction

On this episode, Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover Ford CEO Jim Farley’s warning that the industry needs 400,000 technicians, the rise in keyless car thefts, and Hagerty’s report showing Fox Body Mustang values jumping. They also discuss Ford selling production unit #3 of the Ford GT at Barrett-Jackson to support the Heritage Fleet, and Ford Historian Ted Ryan explains the Ford Heritage Vault.
Plus a hands-on review of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV edition, practical classic-car advice for daily driving, and troubleshooting tips for sudden oil consumption issues like a faulty PCV valve.

Kia Soul's Last Ride — NASCAR Changes ahead?

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s automotive headlines: Kia retires the Soul, Nissan teases a returning Xterra, Ram’s Hemi boost drives sales, and Toyota issues safety recalls.
They review the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, answer listener questions about oil use in modern Audis, and discuss smart classic buys from the 1980s.
Plus "Bench Racin" with NASCAR veteran Carl Benton on innovation, rule-pushing, and racing memories — all mixed with shop talk, reviews, and automotive banter. Lots of great memories and fun time on this weeks show! 

Ford Wins the Owner Loyalty Race and Solving Engine Problems

Join Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum as they break down automotive headlines: Ford’s runaway truck owner loyalty, new recalls from Ford and Jeep, and a practical Nissan Murano Platinum review.
Additionally, we explore engine oil problems with newer engines and solutions with Carl Benton of Polymer Dynamics (Polydyn), and answer listener questions. Buckle up for fun!

Counterfeit Car Parts: When Cheap Airbags Can Kill

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Biernbaum dig into the dangers of counterfeit auto parts—especially aftermarket airbags and filters—cover recent recalls, and share tips to spot fakes and protect yourself. They also review the Subaru WRX TS, discuss a compact "suitcase-sized" 1.5L range-extender engine from Horse Powertrain, and answer listener questions about classic cars, maintenance, and truck picks.
The episode blends safety warnings, practical buying advice, new-technology news, and hands-on car talk to help listeners make better decisions about repairs, purchases, and performance upgrades.