Bumper to Bumper Podcast

Can mismatched tires really destroy your all-wheel drive system? The short answer: yes — and it happens more often than drivers realize.

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, automotive experts Dave Riccio and John Riggle explain how replacing only one or two tires on an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle can lead to serious and expensive damage to the transfer case. Using real shop examples, they break down how tire circumference, tread wear, and tire brands affect AWD systems — and why even small differences can cause vibrations, noises, and drivetrain failure.

You’ll learn:

H...

Ever wonder what your mechanic really sees when they plug in that scan tool?
On this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down one of the most misunderstood topics in auto repair: scan tools, diagnostic codes, and what actually goes into figuring out what’s wrong with your car.

They explain why a scanner doesn’t magically “tell you the problem,” why live data matters far more than just reading codes, and how real technicians diagnose issues even when there are no codes at all. From misfires to torque converte...

When the check engine light pops on, it can feel like the technician is speaking a different language. In this episode, Dave and John break down one of the most common — and most confusing — concepts in modern auto repair: fuel trims. We’re talking what they are, why they matter, and how they can reveal what’s really going on under your hood.

You’ll learn:

What “lean” and “rich” codes actually mean

Why your engine constantly adjusts fuel delivery

How shops diagnose fuel delivery problems the right way

How understanding...

Dave Riccio and John Riggle are back with a public service announcement every GM truck owner needs to hear. This week, they’re breaking down a common failure in the 6L80 transmission — the thermal bypass valve — and why this small part can lead to major transmission damage if ignored.

They explain how to spot the bad valves, what years are affected, and the difference between the original and redesigned parts (hint: check for that “Made in Canada” sticker). Whether you’re driving a Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, or Suburban, this episode could save you from a costly repair.

💡 Key t...

Is a transmission service the fix your car needs—or can it make things worse? In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio and John Riggle dive deep into one of the most common questions drivers have: “Will a transmission service fix my car?”We break down:When a transmission service can actually solve issues (like torque converter shudder on Chevy Colorados).When it won’t help—or could even make problems worse.Why modern cars don’t have dipsticks (and why “sealed transmissions” are a myth).The real rule of thumb for how often you should servi...

Can your car go 200,000+ miles? Spoiler: yes, if you treat it right. Host Dave Riccio with Tri-City Transmission and Auto Repair sits down with Spencer Doucet, owner of H&I Automotive with 3 locations (Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, AZ), to talk modern vehicle longevity, the “maintenance mindset,” and why a well-cared-for 150k-mile ride can beat a neglected 80k “jalopy.”  Dave and Spenser have been long-time friends, starting with their time on Bumper to Bumper Radio on New 92.3 KTAR, Arizona’s number one news talk.

In this episode:

Why the average car age is ~13.5 years and 200k miles is to...

om Washing Cars to Owning 3 Shops: Spencer's Journey in the Auto Repair World 🚘

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, host Dave Riccio sits down with Spencer Doucet, Owner of H & I Automotive, to explore his incredible journey from washing cars at a dealership to owning three successful auto repair shops.

Spencer Doucet, a regular guest on the Bumper to Bumper Radio show on 92.3 KTAR Saturdays at 11:00, shares his journey into automotive repair.

Why he laughed at the idea of becoming a mechanic in high school 😆

How in...

Thinking about buying a used car? Don’t make a costly mistake. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle (with 75+ years of combined auto experience) break down the real truth about used car shopping.They cover:✅ Why so many used cars end up for sale✅ How to budget for unexpected repairs✅ Certified pre-owned vs private party deals✅ The danger of salvage titles & auction cars✅ Why that “great deal” might be hiding thousands in repairsWhether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned car owner, this episode will help you make smarter, safer, and more cost-effe...

Think your car battery is fine just because your engine starts? Think again. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and John Riggle dive deep into how a seemingly "okay" battery can cause serious problems across your entire vehicle—especially your transmission.From adaptation issues and solenoid failures to corrupted long-term memory in your car’s computer, we explain why battery health is way more important than most drivers realize. We also cover:🔋 How a weak battery affects shift adaptations🧠 What “keepalive memory” is and how it works⚙️ Why throttle bodies, f...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, host Dave Riccio sits down with Josh Dana of Dana Brothers Diesel to break down everything you thought you knew about diesel engines—and what you actually need to know.From modern diesel myths and real maintenance tips, to why DEF fluid placement matters (a lot), this episode is packed with must-hear advice for diesel owners new and old. Learn the dos and don'ts of diesel repair, why newer diesels are cleaner and more efficient than ever, and how a simple mistake can cost you thousands.Topics Covered:Common diesel mi...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper podcast, Dave Riccio sits down with Tyler Turdo from Dynamic Tint to talk about everything you didn’t know you needed to know about protecting your car.We cover:✅ What paint protection film (PPF) is and why it's more than just a "clear bra"✅ How ceramic coatings protect your paint, plastics, and even wheels✅ The truth about windshield tinting — is it legal? ✅ Why tinting isn’t just for looks — it protects you and your dashboard✅ Real talk about pricing, quality installs, and what to expect from a legit shop✅ How personalization (like color PPF) is c...

It’s getting hot out there — especially in Phoenix, Arizona — and that means auto shops are flooded with air conditioning complaints. But did you know most A/C problems are misdiagnosed because of poor communication?In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down:-The #1 reason cars come back to the shop after A/C service-Why “not cold enough” doesn’t always mean low refrigerant-How airflow and cabin filters play a bigger role than you think-Why vague complaints like “my A/C isn’t working” can lead to the wrong repairs-What to say when you call...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle dive deep into one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of car care: engine oil maintenance.You’ll hear about:Why 5,000-mile oil changes are still the gold standardWhat oil monitoring systems can’t tell youHow modern engines are quietly burning oil without warningThe truth about oil consumption and what’s “normal”A real-life case study of oil loss and check engine lightsWhy you should never underestimate the value of a good oil changeHow bad PCV systems and oil leaks...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle break down one of the most common ways people waste money at the auto shop: confusing maintenance with repairs.They share real stories, expert tips, and practical advice on how to clearly communicate with your technician — and how that can save you money, time, and frustration.Topics Covered:- The difference between maintenance and repairs- Why saying “I need a transmission flush” might be a costly mistake- What to say when calling the shop: symptoms vs assumptions- Why communication is mor...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle break down what really happens when you skip or cheap out on your oil change — and why that “$39.99 deal” might cost you a $30,000 engine.With 75+ years of combined experience, they uncover:- How often you should change your oil (and why 5,000 miles is the magic number)- The danger of waiting for your oil life monitor to warn you- Why high heat, short trips, and oil consumption can kill your engine- What to ask before accepting a cheap oil ch...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle uncover the real role your car’s battery plays — and why even a battery that “starts the car just fine” could be causing serious, hidden issues.From erratic transmission shifting to electrical gremlins and memory loss in your vehicle's systems, this episode reveals how a weak or corroded battery can lead to major (and expensive) problems.What you'll learn in this episode:- Why a car that starts might still have a bad battery- How low battery voltage causes h...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle break down one of the most common — and most misunderstood — reasons your check engine light might be on: the P0420 code.

Whether you've been quoted $3,000 for a new catalytic converter or you're wondering if a $69 aftermarket part from Amazon will do the trick, this episode dives deep into:

What a catalytic converter actually does (and how it works)

- Why the P0420 "catalyst efficiency" code is so common

- The diff...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper radio and Jon Riggle dive deep into one of the most misunderstood components in your car: the oxygen sensor (O2 sensor).

If your check engine light’s ever come on and the parts store told you it’s “just an O2 sensor,” you’ll want to hear this. The guys break down:

- What an O2 sensor actually does (and doesn’t do)

- The difference between O2 sensors a...

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio - Co Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle explore one of the most misunderstood topics in auto repair: transmission diagnostics and the art of the targeted repair.

From Hyundai Genesis cases with no reverse, to bad check balls and spun bushings, Dave and Jon share real-world examples where deep diagnostic work saved customers thousands — avoiding unnecessary replacements or rebuilds. If you've ever been told "you need a new transmission," this episode will open your eyes.

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In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, hosts Dave Riccio, Co-Creator of Bumper to Bumper Radio and Jon Riggle pull back the curtain on what actually goes into a transmission diagnostic — and why it's one of the most misunderstood parts of auto repair.

From road tests and scan tools to technical service bulletins (TSBs) and fluid checks, this episode breaks down the real diagnostic process step-by-step — saving customers from unnecessary transmission replacements that could cost thousands.

In this episode, we cover:

- Why most transmission quotes are guesses without a proper diag...