Wrench Nation

Frank Leutz
  • 3.9 (52)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Car Talk Radio Show on All things automotive

  1. APR 27

    #343 FTC Crackdowns : New Car Dealer Rules You Need to Know

    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 transparency standards designed to create a clearer and fairer buying process. What We Covered on the Show How hidden fees can inflate the final vehicle price Why “monthly payment shopping” can cost buyers thousands Add-ons, warranties, and products consumers should question What younger buyers expect from the vehicle purchase process How dealership practices may evolve moving forward Why informed buyers hold the power in today’s market Why This Matters Whether you’re buying new, used, leasing, or just researching your next move, understanding the fine print has never been more important. The old model of confusion and pressure is being challenged, and smart consumers who prepare before stepping onto the lot can save serious money. Ray Shefska Brings Real Insight Ray and the team at CarEdge have built a trusted voice in automotive consumer education—helping buyers understand pricing, negotiations, financing, trade-ins, and dealership tactics in plain English. Check out their Youtube channel with a plethora of great information : CareEdge YouTube

    38 min

  2. MAR 17

    #342 Bid Smart: Insider Tips for Buying and Selling Cars at Auction

    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 the energy and excitement of live collector car auctions. In 2011, David moved into a full-time role as a consignment agent, quickly becoming a trusted advisor for collectors looking to buy or sell vehicles at auction. His dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to Director of Consignment in 2023. Today, David oversees Mecum’s team of consignment agents within the classic and collector car division, working alongside Frank Mecum. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with collectors by focusing on trust, transparency, and delivering successful auction results. Beyond vehicles, David has also helped bring several significant Road Art® collections to auction, assisting consignors in showcasing and selling rare automotive memorabilia. During our conversation, David also shared insights into what collectors and enthusiasts can expect at the upcoming Glendale auction—from standout consignments to tips for buyers and sellers looking to participate in one of the most exciting collector car events in the Southwest.

    56 min

  3. MAR 15

    #341 Brake Smarter, Not Harder: Insider Tips from the Godfather of Brakes Dino Crescentini

    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, along with the latest legislation that removed copper from brake pads and how that change is affecting modern braking performance.

    1 hr

  4. FEB 14

    #340 Amazon Autos: Disruption or Distraction?

    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 purchasing your next used car online, this episode will help you shop smarter and buy with confidence.

    56 min

  5. JAN 26

    #339 Why Your Car Feels “Off” But No Warning Lights Are On

    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 the latest news regarding recent HONDA announcement of logo change and more !

    59 min

  6. 12/21/2025

    #338 The Noise vs The Truth: 2025 Automotive Industry Breakdown

    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 vehicles longer than ever. We also unpack how artificial intelligence is entering the repair shop — not as a replacement for skilled technicians, but as a support tool — and why software updates are now legitimate repairs affecting safety, performance, and reliability. At the same time, the skilled trades shortage reached a tipping point, impacting shop capacity, wait times, and service quality nationwide. This episode is about clarity, not fear. The future of automotive isn’t flashy — it’s practical, skilled, relationship-driven, and built on trust between drivers and the professionals who keep their vehicles safe and reliable.

  7. 12/15/2025

    #337 Rolling Through Time: Inside the Martin Auto Museum with Rick DeBruhl

    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 !

  8. 11/26/2025

    DIY Car Repairs Gone Wrong: Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them Before They Break You

    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.

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3.9
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52 Ratings

About

Car Talk Radio Show on All things automotive

Information

  • Creator
    Frank Leutz
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Wrench Nation