Bumper to Bumper Podcast

Bumper to Bumper Podcast

Welcome to the Bumper to Bumper Podcast — your go-to source for real talk about car repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and everything in between. Hosted by Dave Riccio and John Riggle of Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair, this show gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how shops actually work, the truth about repairs, and what you need to know to avoid getting ripped off. Whether you're a car owner who wants to stay informed or just curious about the automotive world, we break it down in simple terms with real stories, expert advice, and the occasional laugh.

  1. Apr 14

    What Is Glycol Contamination? The Hidden Transmission Killer

    In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and John from Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair in Tempe, Arizona break down a costly and often overlooked issue: glycol contamination in automatic transmissions.What happens when your cooling system and transmission system mix? It can lead to serious damage and in many cases, a full transmission replacement We cover:What glycol contamination actually isHow coolant gets into your transmissionWhy it causes irreversible damageThe “strawberry milkshake” warning sign 🍓Real-world cases (including a $13,000 repair 😳)Common vehicles prone to this issue (like certain Nissan models)How to prevent it before it destroys your transmissionIf you drive a car with a transmission cooler built into the radiator, this is something you NEED to know.Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for weekly car advice, diagnostics, and insider tips.Bumper to Bumper Podcast Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee. Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/ Dave Riccio is the Co-creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio, heard on KTAR News 92.3, every Saturday from 11:00 to noon. Dave has created the Bumper to Bumper Podcast with some of the same themes, just more directed toward a YouTube audience. https://davericcio.com/ Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair#CarRepair#TransmissionRepair#AutoRepair#CarMaintenance#MechanicLife#CarProblems#CheckEngineLight#BumperToBumperPodcast#PhoenixAutoRepair#TempeMechanic#ArizonaAutoRepair

    9 min
  2. Mar 31

    What Should I Look For in a Trustworthy Auto Shop?

    In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and Jon break down one of the biggest questions drivers have: Can you actually trust your technician?They dive into the difference between dishonesty vs. lack of competency, why some diagnoses go wrong, and how customers can protect themselves when dealing with auto repair shops. If you’ve ever felt unsure at a shop or worried about getting taken advantage of, this episode is for you.What you’ll learn:Why “not knowing” doesn’t always mean a technician is dishonestThe real reason misdiagnoses happen (and why it’s more common than you think)Why you should NEVER rely on guesses before proper diagnosticsHow specialization (like transmission shops) can make or break a repairThe truth about reviews and why they can be misleadingWhat actually matters when choosing a trustworthy auto shopA car is one of your biggest investments. Understanding how repairs work can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-world car advice from experienced technicians.Bumper to Bumper Podcast Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee. Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/ Dave Riccio is the Co-creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio, heard on KTAR News 92.3, every Saturday from 11:00 to noon. Dave has created the Bumper to Bumper Podcast with some of the same themes, just more directed toward a YouTube audience. https://davericcio.com/ Tempe auto repair | Phoenix transmission shop | Mesa mechanic | Scottsdale auto repair#CarRepair#TransmissionRepair#AutoRepair#CarMaintenance#MechanicLife#CarProblems#CheckEngineLight#BumperToBumperPodcast#PhoenixAutoRepair#TempeMechanic#ArizonaAutoRepair

    18 min
  3. Mar 17

    Before You Replace Your Transmission, Watch This

    In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down one of the most feared (and expensive) car problems: transmission issues. But there’s good news. Many drivers assume their transmission is failing when the problem might actually be something much simpler.Dave and Jon share real shop experiences explaining why 70% of the time people think they need a transmission, they actually don’t. From fluid issues to computer adaptations and even weak batteries, there are several common problems that can cause symptoms similar to major transmission failure.In this episode we cover:Why a transmission service won’t always fix a problemThe myth about servicing transmissions after 100,000 milesHow torque converter shudder can sometimes be fixed with fluidWhy bad batteries can cause harsh shifting in modern vehiclesWhat shift adaptations are and how they affect your transmissionWhen a cheap fix might save you thousands on repairsModern transmissions are incredibly complex with computers, sensors, and adaptive learning systems. Understanding how they work can help you avoid unnecessary repairs and make smarter decisions when diagnosing transmission problems.Like, comment, and subscribe for more automotive insights from the Bumper to Bumper Podcast.Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Ahwatukee.

    18 min
  4. Mar 9

    Can’t Seem to Fix Your Car’s Overheating Issue?

    Many cars today have plastic belly pans and undercovers protecting the underside of the vehicle. Most drivers don’t realize how important they actually are. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down why these plastic shields exist, what happens when they’re missing, and how something as small as a $45 piece of plastic can cause major problems if ignored. For many vehicles, a missing splash shield, chin spoiler, or air dam can disrupt airflow and lead to engine overheating.From airflow management and engine cooling to protecting critical components from road debris, snow, and water, these underbody panels play a bigger role than most people think. Dave and Jon also share a real shop story where a car received cooling fans, a radiator, and even a head gasket, only to discover the overheating issue was caused by a missing chin spoiler. This is a perfect example of how a small missing underbody panel can lead to a misdiagnosed overheating problem.In This Episode We Cover:Why modern cars use belly pans and underbody shieldsHow missing splash shields or air dams can cause overheating issuesWhy manufacturers spend money adding these partsThe real reason some oil leaks never reach your drivewayHow parking over curbs damages underbody panelsWhy some shops struggle to reinstall them during serviceDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast.Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Ahwatukee.

    12 min
  5. Mar 3

    Is My Transmission Failing?

    In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle from Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair break down the real signs of transmission problems and the common symptoms people misinterpret.Before you assume you need a brand-new transmission (and a massive bill), this episode explains what to watch and listen for.We Cover:What does it mean if your car won’t move when put in gearWhining, growling, rattling,“squawk” noises, and what they indicateThe difference between engine-speed noise vs. vehicle-speed noiseDelayed engagement when shifting into Drive or ReverseWhat “morning sickness” is in older transmissionsHow low transmission fluid can mimic serious problemsWhy “my transmission is slipping” means 10 different thingsThe difference between slipping, shuddering, misfires, and harsh shiftsWhy proper diagnosis (including a road test) mattersKeep in mind:70–80% of the time, people think they need a transmission and they don’t. It could be fluid level, a sensor, a misfire, or another repair entirely. Don’t guess. Diagnose.If you're experiencing unusual shifting, noises, delays, or vibrations, this episode will help you understand what might actually be happening before calling for a replacement.Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more real-world automotive advice from experienced technicians.Bumper to Bumper Radio - Powered by Tri City Transmission & Auto Repair, Arizona’s Oldest Transmission Shop, Serving Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Ahwatukee. Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.com/

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Bumper to Bumper Podcast — your go-to source for real talk about car repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and everything in between. Hosted by Dave Riccio and John Riggle of Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair, this show gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how shops actually work, the truth about repairs, and what you need to know to avoid getting ripped off. Whether you're a car owner who wants to stay informed or just curious about the automotive world, we break it down in simple terms with real stories, expert advice, and the occasional laugh.

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