Bumper to Bumper Podcast

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.

A customer brought in a 2012 Mini Cooper with wind noise. In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down how professional technicians diagnose hard-to-find vehicle noises and what drivers should realistically expect from the repair process.They cover:Why noise diagnostics are some of the hardest problems in auto repairHow tools like smoke machines and thermal cameras are used to track down air leaksWhy previous windshield or body work can create hidden problemsThe difference between nuisance noises vs. serious mechanical issuesHow shops decide what’s worth diagnosing and what it costsSubscribe for more intriguing conversations about car repair, diagnostics, and what's reasonable at the shop.#autorepair #minicooper #windnoise #carnoise #automotivechannel #carrepair

Confused about new vs remanufactured vs rebuilt transmissions? You’re not alone — and this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast clears it all up.

In this episode, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down the real differences between new, rebuilt, remanufactured, reconditioned, and recycled transmissions, and explain why these terms are often misleading or loosely defined in the automotive industry. If you’ve ever been told you need a “new transmission” and were quoted $8,000–$10,000, this conversation is a must-watch.

We cover:

• What remanufactured transmissions really are (and who actually builds them)

• When a used or recycled transmission can be a smart, cost-effective option

• Why there is no true industry standard for rebuild terminology

• The risks of cheap online transmissions and aftermarket parts

• Real-world examples involving dealerships, salvage yards, alternators, AC components, and electronics

• How to protect yourself by choosing a reputable, integrity-driven repair shop

Whether you’re deciding if it’s worth fixing your car, questioning a dealership quote, or just want to be a more informed consumer, this episode gives you the knowledge to make confident decisions before stepping into a repair shop.

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, professional mechanics Dave Riccio and Jon Riggle break down the top 5 do-it-yourself car maintenance projects and explain which repairs actually make sense to tackle at home and which ones can get you into trouble.We cover common DIY auto repairs like oil changes, brake jobs, sensors, wiper blades, bulbs, and air & cabin filters, while sharing real-world shop experience, safety tips, and costly mistakes we see every day. If you’re trying to save money on car repairs or wondering “Can I fix this myself?” - this episode is for you.Topics Covered:Oil changes: Are they really worth doing yourself?Brake jobs: When DIY brakes become dangerous.Sensors & check engine lights explained.Wiper blades & light bulbs: Easy wins.Engine air filters & cabin filters done right.When DIY car repairs actually cost MORE.Why scan tools matter more than ever.Common mistakes mechanics see from DIY repairs.Whether you’re a weekend DIYer, car enthusiast, or just trying to avoid getting ripped off at the shop, this episode gives you honest, mechanic-approved advice you won’t get from most YouTube tutorials.

In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down one of the most misunderstood topics in auto repair: OEM vs aftermarket parts.From shocks and struts to belts, hoses, mounts, and more, we explain:Why replacing parts too early can actually hurt your carHow “quick struts” and one-size-fits-all parts ruin ride qualityThe real differences between OEM, OES, genuine, and aftermarket partsWhy cheaper parts often cost you more in the long runWhen aftermarket parts make sense and when they absolutely don’tIf you’ve ever wondered whether a repair shop is selling you something you don’t actually need, or why your car doesn’t feel the same after a repair, this episode is a must-watch.👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay informed and avoid getting “snowed” at the repair shop.

Are CVT transmissions really as bad as the internet says? 🤔
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and John break down the truth behind CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failures - especially in vehicles like Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Honda.

From misunderstood driving feel to misdiagnoses that lead to unnecessary $8,000 transmission replacements, the guys explain how CVTs actually work, why they feel different than traditional automatics, and why many issues come down to fluid level, valve bodies, sensors, or even something as simple as a tail light bulb.

You’ll learn:

• What a CVT transmission really is (and isn’t)

• Why CVTs often get misdiagnosed

• Which brands see the most CVT issues and why

• How dealerships sometimes skip proper diagnostics

• When a CVT can be repaired vs. replaced

• Why correct fluid, service intervals, and heat matter

If you drive a car with a CVT or are shopping for one, this episode will help you avoid panic, save money, and ask better questions when you’re at the shop.

In this episode of Bumper to Bumper, Dave and John break down the most common—and most misunderstood—diagnostic trouble code in modern vehicles: EVAP system faults. From gross leaks and small leaks to why replacing the gas cap often doesn’t fix the problem, we explain how evaporative emissions systems actually work, why these codes get ignored, and what drivers (and DIYers) should know before clearing that light.

If you’ve ever been told “it’s just an emissions thing,” this episode is for you.

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:

• How all-wheel drive systems work (full-time vs part-time AWD)

• Why replacing fewer than four tires can damage a transfer case

• How tire circumference differences stress driveline components

• Common symptoms of transfer case failure

• Proper AWD tire replacement and maintenance tips

• How often transfer case fluid should be serviced

If you own an AWD vehicle — including popular SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Subaru, or Land Rover — this episode is essential listening before your next tire purchase.

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 converter confusion to the hidden modules modern vehicles rely on, this episode pulls back the curtain on the tech behind today’s cars.

Whether you’re trying to understand your car better or avoid being misled at the shop, this episode puts you in the know.