The Motor Files Podcast

Chris Clarke
  • 5.0 (2)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

"Your Front Row Seat To The Auto Industry’s Latest Trends" Chris Clarke brings 20 years of dealership experience and 12 years as a Toyota-trained Parts Manager to The Motor Files. This podcast offers auto enthusiasts clear and practical insights into the latest car technologies, industry updates, maintenance tips, and buying strategies.With a mix of solo episodes and occasional guest appearances, Chris shares two to three episodes each week, giving listeners the tools to make informed decisions and get the most out of their vehicles. Tune in to The Motor Files for advice you can trust and a passion for all things automotive. Please like, share and download! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

  1. 1D AGO

    Bought a Truck, Got $8,000 Repair Bill — The Gray Market Nightmare

    Santino bought a “perfect” Ram — then his mechanic found $8,000 in undercarriage damage and the warranty was denied. Listen to me react and learn the exact checks that would’ve saved him thousands. used truck problems, gray market car, Ram 1500 import, warranty denied used car, $8000 repair bill, used car checklist, buy used truck tips Buy me a coffee!  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/partsmanagerpro Grab a copy of my book: https://partsmanagerpro.gumroad.com/l/qtqax "The Parts Manager Guide" - https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Manager-Guide-Strategies-Maximize-ebook/dp/B09S23HQ1P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UZYOGZJUNJ9K&keywords=parts+manager+guide&qid=1644443157&sprefix=parts+manager+guid%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    11 min

  2. OCT 16

    Racing Against Time: Ray Hartjen on Indy 500, Storytelling & Surviving Cancer

    Ray Hartjen wrote about chasing the Indy 500 while fighting cancer. In this exclusive interview, he shares how resilience, purpose, and storytelling intersect with the auto industry and its future. The automotive world is changing fast—EVs, autonomous vehicles, global disruption—but the lessons that drive innovation remain timeless. In today’s episode, we sit down with Ray Hartjen—writer, musician, marketer, and cancer survivor—to explore how his personal journey shapes powerful lessons for car enthusiasts, industry leaders, and storytellers. Ray’s story bridges racing, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. His latest book, The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, isn’t just about the sport—it’s about grit, legacy, and what it takes to win in life and business. We cover: ✅ Why the Indy 500 is more than a race—it’s a model for automotive storytelling ✅ How battling multiple myeloma reshaped Ray’s purpose and outlook on leadership ✅ What the auto industry can learn from vulnerability and crisis ✅ The “Drive + Story” framework for building legacy in mobility and beyond Whether you’re a new car enthusiast, a dealer principal, or an industry observer looking for deeper insights, this episode offers rare perspective on the intersection of cars, storytelling, and resilience. 📚 Learn more about Ray Hartjen & his work: 🌐 Website: https://rayhartjen.com 📖 Books: Ray Hartjen Books If you enjoy auto stories with real human depth—like, share, and subscribe. Drop your comments on what legacy YOU think the auto industry should leave behind. #Indy500 #AutoIndustry #CarNews #RayHartjen #AutomotiveLeadership #EVnews #CarEnthusiast #Resilience Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    38 min

  3. OCT 10

    Auto Industry Collapse 2025: The Truth They Don’t Want You to Know

    Imagine dropping your car off for a simple repair — brakes, thermostat, or routine service — and weeks go by in silence. When the call finally comes, you’re told the job’s done… and you’re one of the lucky ones. This isn’t fiction. It’s the harsh reality for millions across North America as the $2.8 trillion auto industry unravels in real time. In this episode, we break down how the 2025 automotive crash shattered supply chains, triggered parts shortages, and left repair shops across the country struggling to survive. You’ll see why even industry giants like Ford — despite record revenues — are pointing fingers at a national shortage of skilled mechanics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    20 min

  4. OCT 3

    How Dealerships Secretly Steal Your Salesman's Commission

    Car dealerships don’t want you to know this… Every time you walk into a showroom, your salesman is already losing money before he even shakes your hand. The reason? A hidden fee called the PAC (Personnel Adjustment Charge). In this episode, I’ll expose exactly how dealerships secretly cut salespeople’s commissions, how it changes YOUR buying experience, and how you can use this knowledge to negotiate a better deal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    16 min

  5. SEP 27

    How China Broke the Auto Industry

    Ten years ago VW built more cars in China than Germany. Today Chinese EVs are eating the market and factories are closing. In this video I break down the numbers, the playbook, and what’s next. Buy me a coffee!  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/partsmanagerpro Grab a copy of my book: https://partsmanagerpro.gumroad.com/l/qtqax Drop a comment: Which automaker do you think survives this shake-up? Will BYD replace VW in your garage? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    18 min

  6. SEP 24

    The Last Stand of Manual Transmission

    The manual transmission is dying—and nobody wants to admit why. I broke my first stick shift in under 10 seconds, but that feeling of pure control was unforgettable. Today, less than 2% of cars sold in the U.S. have a manual gearbox. EVs, automatics, and cost-cutting killed it. But did we just vote the most fun way to drive into extinction? Full Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/sUvB9BF5oes?si=W0XfKZj7jrHQ-XIl Grab a copy of my book: https://partsmanagerpro.gumroad.com/l/qtqax Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    15 min

  7. SEP 18

    Turbo vs Supercharger: The ONE Question That Settles It

    Turbocharger vs Supercharger. It’s the debate that refuses to die. One promises instant response, the other delivers unmatched top-end power. But the truth is, there’s ONE question that cuts through the noise and decides which is right for you. We’ll break down:The real-world driving difference between turbos and superchargersWhy your driving style matters more than dyno chartsCommon myths about turbo lag and fuel economyInstallation and maintenance differences every enthusiast should knowThe sound factor: turbo whistle vs supercharger whineWhether you’re chasing lap times, daily drivability, or just love the sound of boost, this guide gives you the clear answer you’ve been searching for. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    13 min

  8. SEP 13

    Is Your Car a Snitch? The Hidden GPS Tracker EVERY Driver Ignores

    Your car could be spying on you right now—and you’d never know it. For less than thirty bucks, a stranger can track every stop you make, every person you visit, even when you leave your house. These devices are cheap, powerful, and scary easy to hide. Some can run for months on a single charge. Others wire straight into your car so they NEVER die. Worst of all? They’re sold online to anyone. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

    9 min
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About

"Your Front Row Seat To The Auto Industry’s Latest Trends" Chris Clarke brings 20 years of dealership experience and 12 years as a Toyota-trained Parts Manager to The Motor Files. This podcast offers auto enthusiasts clear and practical insights into the latest car technologies, industry updates, maintenance tips, and buying strategies.With a mix of solo episodes and occasional guest appearances, Chris shares two to three episodes each week, giving listeners the tools to make informed decisions and get the most out of their vehicles. Tune in to The Motor Files for advice you can trust and a passion for all things automotive. Please like, share and download! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-motor-files-podcast--4960744/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Clarke
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    412
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Chris Clarke
  • Show Website
    The Motor Files Podcast