Bumper to Bumper Podcast

Can a simple car modification actually create a much more expensive problem somewhere else?Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down the hidden tradeoffs behind common vehicle modifications including aftermarket air filters and cold air intakes, exhaust systems, oversized tires, deep transmission pans, lift kits, lowering kits, and other popular “upgrades.”

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down what actually goes into diagnosing a vehicle and why simply pulling a trouble code doesn't tell you what's wrong.They explain how check engine codes work, why some vehicles can have serious problems without storing a code, and how replacing parts based on a scan can quickly turn into an expensive guessing game. They've seen cars come into the shop with thousands of dollars in new parts only for the original problem to still be there.

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and Jon break down how to buy a good used car without getting burned. They cover the ideal mileage range, why a clean Carfax doesn’t tell the whole story, why a pre-purchase inspection matters, and the types of used cars they recommend avoiding altogether.You’ll also learn why salvage titles, auction cars, mechanic-owned vehicles, and car flippers can come with more risk than buyers realize and why the cheapest car may not actually be the best deal.

What car should you actually buy if reliability and cost of ownership matter?In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and Jon break down the car brands they see every day from an auto repair shop’s perspective. They compare brands like Toyota, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Dodge, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, and more. They also dive into which vehicles seem to spend the most time in the shop.

Ford’s 10R80 transmission has become a major talking point among F-150 owners...but if Ford knows there’s a problem, why hasn’t there been a recall?In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down the problems surrounding the Ford 10R80 transmission, including the common CDF drum failure, why some transmissions are failing at relatively low mileage, and the difference between a safety recall, service campaign, and warranty extension.

If your Nissan has been diagnosed with a P17F0, P17F1, or P17F4 CVT code, don't agree to a transmission replacement until you watch this episode.In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, transmission experts Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle explain why these Nissan CVT judder codes don't always mean your transmission has failed. They break down real-world cases where customers were quoted $6,000–$8,000 for a replacement when the actual problem was something far less expensive.

🚗 Not sure if your car is worth fixing? Get an honest second opinion from the experts at Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair 👉 https://tricitytransmission.comShould you repair your car or replace it? It's one of the biggest financial decisions most drivers face and the answer isn't always what you think.In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle explain how to determine whether a major repair actually makes financial sense. They break down real-world examples of $3,000, $4,000, and even $6,000 repairs, explain why replacing your vehicle can sometimes cost far more than fixing it, and discuss the hidden risks of buying another used car.Use Our Repair or Replace Calculator 👉 https://tricitytransmission.com/repair-replace-calculator/Follow Bumper to Bumper Podcast:Website: https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumpertobumperpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpertobumperpodcast/Subscribe and Listen to Bumper to Bumper Podcast Here!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55E5tR13DlyeLRy0rfqEWQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bumper-to-bumper-podcast/id1811679572

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle explain how CV axles (constant velocity axles) fail, the warning signs of a bad axle shaft, and why replacing a quality factory axle with a cheap aftermarket part can create even bigger problems.Whether you drive a Honda CR-V, Ford, Jeep, or virtually any front-wheel-drive vehicle, understanding how CV joints and axle shafts work can help you avoid unnecessary repairs and keep your vehicle driving like new. Follow Bumper to Bumper Podcast:Website: https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumpertobumperpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpertobumperpodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55E5tR13DlyeLRy0rfqEWQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bumper-to-bumper-podcast/id1811679572Ask us a car question! https://forms.gle/h2fJdqEJFcycJTCw5 ABOUT US:Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - Tempe, Arizona - Arizona's Oldest Transmission ShopVisit us at: https://tricitytransmission.comStarted on KTAR News 92.3, now here on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.The Bumper to Bumper podcast puts you in the know when it comes to your car. For more information about our hosts, Dave Riccio - davericcio.com

Is your car getting worse gas mileage than it used to? Before assuming something is wrong, there are a few things every driver should check.In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle explain what actually causes poor fuel economy, how to accurately calculate your MPG, and when a drop in gas mileage is serious enough to have your vehicle inspected.Follow Bumper to Bumper Podcast:Website: https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumpertobumperpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpertobumperpodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55E5tR13DlyeLRy0rfqEWQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bumper-to-bumper-podcast/id1811679572 ABOUT US:Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - Tempe, Arizona - Arizona's Oldest Transmission ShopVisit us at: https://tricitytransmission.comStarted on KTAR News 92.3, now here on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.The Bumper to Bumper podcast puts you in the know when it comes to your car. For more information about our hosts, Dave Riccio - davericcio.com

Is your Ford F-150 10-speed transmission shifting hard, jerking, slipping, or acting strange? Before you approve a $10,000 transmission replacement, watch this episode.In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, transmission experts Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle explain the most common problems with the Ford 10R80 transmission found in the Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Expedition, and other Ford vehicles. They break down why many 10-speed transmission issues are often misdiagnosed and how some trucks can be repaired without a complete transmission rebuild or replacement. If your Ford truck has transmission problems, this video could save you thousands and help you understand what is actually happening inside your transmission. Check Out Our Case Study:https://tricitytransmission.com/case-study/barraged-by-the-ford-10r80-2019-ford-raptor/ ABOUT US: Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - Tempe, Arizona - Arizona's Oldest Transmission Shop Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.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/

Have you ever asked an auto repair shop, "What's your hourly rate?" According to Dave and Jon, that might be the wrong question. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, we break down how most automotive technicians are paid and why it can directly impact the quality of your repair. From flat-rate pay systems to technician incentives, overselling, warranty work, cutting corners, and customer satisfaction, we tap into an industry practice that most drivers never hear about. ABOUT US: Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - Tempe, Arizona - Arizona's Oldest Transmission Shop Visit us at: https://tricitytransmission.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/

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down why many manufacturers claim transmissions have lifetime fluid, why that claim can be misleading, and what transmission builders actually see in the real world. From BMW and ZF transmissions to Toyota marketing tactics and modern CVTs, we cover what every car owner should know before skipping transmission maintenance.Subscribe for real-world automotive advice, repair stories, and honest conversations from inside the shop. ABOUT US:Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - Tempe, Arizona - Arizona's Oldest Transmission Shop 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.

Most radiator hoses DON’T need replacing at 80k miles. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and Jon break down why modern coolant hoses last far longer than most people think and how unnecessary hose replacements can actually create new problems.We explain:Why factory spring clamps matterHow modern hose materials changed everythingWhen hoses actually need replacementWhy shops still recommend them so oftenThe hidden risks of replacing perfectly good OEM partsIf your mechanic recommended radiator hoses, watch this before spending the money.Subscribe for real-world automotive advice, repair stories, and honest conversations from inside the shop.

Does changing your air filter actually improve gas mileage? In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down one of the biggest automotive myths and explain why modern fuel-injected vehicles don’t work the way most people think. From fuel economy misconceptions to over-serviced air filters, they explain what actually affects MPG and what shops may be overselling you on.Subscribe for real-world automotive advice, repair stories, and honest conversations from inside the shop.Ask us a question! https://forms.gle/h2fJdqEJFcycJTCw5 Follow Bumper to Bumper:Website: https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/ TikTok: / bumpertobumperpod Instagram: / bumpertobumperpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55E5tR1... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ABOUT US:Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - Tempe, Arizona - Arizona's Oldest Transmission ShopVisit us at: https://tricitytransmission.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/

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

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

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.

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.

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/

In this episode, Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down one of the most common (and frustrating) problems drivers face: mysterious car noises. From wheel bearing hums and brake squeals to suspension pops, motor mount vibrations, and drivetrain howls. We explain what these sounds usually mean, how to describe them to your mechanic, and when a noise is just annoying versus when it’s a serious safety issue.If your car is squeaking, rattling, grinding, popping, or vibrating, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.