Gear Related

The Hertz rental company has been doing some not so friendly things to their customer base. If you've ever rented a car or plan to in the future, you may want to listen to this episode to avoid some jail time. Heather breaks down the story that has landed some folks in jail for not stealing cars. Also, that rental car you just got into may have some un-repaired recalls. Listen and learn how you can protect yourself. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Ben and Heather ring in the new year with several news stories that may excite, scare, or anger you. Are digital license plates headed to your state? Tesla is experiencing some serious issues with customer service. Also, there's more car companies coming for your data. Honda is working on a new Hydrogen Fuel Cell for one of their popular models and a Supercar company may have the answer to FCEV's. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

As we take a little break for the holidays, here is an episode from the past we hope you enjoy. Have an awesome holiday season and keep yourself warm during these cold winter months. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

As we take a little break for the holidays, here is an episode from the past we hope you enjoy about some winter car myths. Have an awesome holiday season and keep yourself warm during these cold winter months. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Are you still looking for that perfect gift for your loved one? Or maybe you just need a few more stocking stuffers. Well check out this year's Gear Related Gift Giving Guide. Ben and Heather throw out a bunch of great ideas for that car lover in your life along with some very handy and helpful gadgets that make traveling a bit more easy and a bit more fun! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella Gift Links: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Bluetooth-Cancelling-Headphones-Hands-Free/dp/B08KY684PB http://www.foval.cn/en/ProductView.Asp?ID=8 https://www.amazon.com/LUXON-Emergency-Flashlight-Contains-Cranking/dp/B01LZAHT64/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=7+in+1+car+charger+safety+tool&qid=1669992890&sprefix=7+in+1%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-5 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SGBR7T8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Ampper-Waterproof-Underglow-Offroad-Underbody/dp/B01LZU3DWG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NI6RKS93DHII&keywords=ampper%2Bexterior%2Bled%2Blight%2Bcar&qid=1669995138&sprefix=ampper%2Bexterior%2Bled%2Blight%2Bcar%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Interior-Govee-Two-Line-Waterproof-Controller/dp/B07Q6CPQK4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1AWHOACTD7PKY&keywords=govee+led+light+car&qid=1669995372&sprefix=govee+led+light+car%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySkEwTlU3Q01NM0hGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDA2NTc3MURNUkFKSjNJNzdETyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODAxODQ1MTM1MVc0SjdHSUk4QSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= https://www.amazon.com/Mandalorian-Rotary-Button-Scratch-Decoration/dp/B09MRTN216/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=38V5LOAX0UO4B&keywords=mandalorian%2Bpush%2Bbutton&qid=1669995649&sprefix=mandolorian%2Bpush%2Bbutton%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVkFLRjNQVE9EMDAyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjgyNzg0MkRUM1VGWFJINUc5WiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDg3MDEzM0ozUkFVVVk0RktUMyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Missiles-Cigarette-Lighter-Citadel-Black/dp/B06XB2FLYB/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=fire+missile+cigarette+lighter+plug&qid=1669995939&sprefix=fire+missle%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Enrichment-PureZone-Portable-Purifier/dp/B087M2ZWXR/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?crid=1FUK9JO8VUVBK&keywords=ionic%2Bair%2Bpurifier%2Bfor%2Bcar&qid=1669996525&sprefix=ionic%2Bai%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-7-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRFVBWEQ5SjVSUEZYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzk4MzQ0M0E4OUlPWUQ5QVZRWCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzU3NzcwMUw5TFVBTkQ0UldLOSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1 https://www.classicautomall.com/vehicles/3981/1989-batmobile-w-b

More and more advance driver assist systems, or ADAS, are being developed and added to cars every year. Ben and Heather discuss some new ones that manufacturers have developed and are working on. These include government mandated ones such as drunk driving detection, rear seat reminders and even speed limiters. Listen in to find out what's coming next for your vehicle. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Follow your nose! Anytime your car gives off a smell you don't recognize, it indicates a problem. Ben and Heather discuss some of the smells your car may give off to indicate a problem. If you give a listen, you might just save yourself from expensive repairs or at the very least, find out where the trouble is brewing. So use your ears to listen where your nose can help you! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella Song inspired by "Dead Skunk In The Middle Od The Road" by Loudon Wainwright III

A fan favorite is back again - Fear Related! This year Ben and Heather, in the spirit of Halloween, bring you some of the most terrifying defects in automotive history. Every once and awhile, a manufacturer ends up having to recall a certain vehicle because of a safety hazard, usually causing injury or even death. Listen in to find out some of the scariest mechanical issues from the past. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

In Part 2 of this origin story, Ben and Heather bring you the post war story of Jeep. The tale is quite serpentine as the iconic vehicle changed hands from manufacturer to manufacturer until finally coming to land on what we all recognize today as...The Wrangler. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Jeep has one of the most controversial origins of any automobile manufacturer. Join Ben and Heather as they go back in time to discuss the birth of Jeep and how one of the most iconic vehicles found its way into history. In part 1, you'll hear about the Army's request for the best reconnaissance vehicle and how Bantam, Ford, and Willys Overland competed to create the most versatile machine ever built. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

On August 16th, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. One of the many facets of this law includes tax credits for electric vehicles. However, there are many stipulations as to how the average consumer can get this tax credit. Ben and Heather wade through the quagmire of necessary steps to get the tax credit and what vehicles may qualify. Also, another "Right To Repair Act" update! Sort of. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Automotive theft has skyrocketed in the U.S. in the last few months, particularly due to a viral challenge from social media. Ben and Heather discuss the "KiaTikTok Challenge" and why so many more thefts are occurring. Of course, maybe the more important part of the discussion is how you can prevent it from happening to you, especially if you own one of the affected cars. Music and Production: Mike Muscarella

The first of many in a series that brings you inside some of the most amazing car museums from around the globe. Ben and Heather take you inside the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum with an exclusive interview with the founder, James Sandoro. Listen in to this featured podcast filled with rich history surrounding one of the most amazing car manufacturers that you may never even have heard of. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella Special thanks: James Sandoro and The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum and staff.

It is becoming more and more common to pay a subscription fee in conjunction with new products. Automakers are not about to miss out on a billion dollar opportunity. What are manufacturers already charging us for features and what do they plan on charging us for next? Ben and Heather discuss the car features already targeted and those slated to become subscription based services. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Automatic and manual transmissions both have pros and cons. What are they and which one is better? Ben and Heather duke it out to determine which transmission is better. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of both and discover which style takes the crown in this automotive battle royal! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

It's that wonderful time of the year where there is not a street in sight that doesn't seem to have some orange cones or barrels in it.  That's right, it's construction season. Ben and Heather discuss road construction and break down the how, who where, and what roads are chosen to be fixed and how you can monitor the progression.  Also, have you ever damaged your car by hitting a pothole?  The city that you live in might just owe you some money.  Find out on this podcast! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

While a lot of auto makers have origins where you might expect, Mazda may surprise you. This Japanese car maker doesn't exactly fit the stereotypical mold of automotive beginnings. Join Ben and Heather as they take you into the past of the car maker who brought us the rotary engined sports car and the well-known sports coupe, the MX-5 Miata. Uncork em if ya got em! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Buying a car is not necessarily the easiest thing to do. But what about for those first time drivers? Is there a better car or more appropriate vehicle for that first time driver who is just getting started in their driving experience? Ben and Heather discuss some of the best features and possible models for that kid that is just aching to get behind the wheel. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

In this second installment of Iconic Cars, the Batmobile goes full-out tank and then American muscle. Ben and Heather discuss the "Tumbler" from Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy and give you all the details behind its inception and design. After that, it's the latest iteration from Matt Reave's "Batman" with a Dodge Charger inspired, asphalt-chewing monster. Robert Pattinson sold separately. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

After attending the STX Conference, Ben and Heather bring you some very interesting insights into what's happening in the industry today. Also, an in depth discussion about EV batteries, their impact on the environment and the future of recycling and manufacturing. Find out why not relying on other countries for fossil fuels may just mean relying on someone else for other reasons. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella