Watching a car run on a dyno is pure theater, but the numbers can also save you money, guide smarter tuning, and even keep you safer. We head to Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas, to talk with Austin Maness from the Carol Shelby Auto Institute about their Dyno Day event and what really happens before a vehicle ever makes a pull. We get clear on what a dynamometer measures, why rear-wheel drive matters for their setup, and what participants actually learn from horsepower and torque data.

We also get honest about the not-so-fun side of performance testing: liability, safety inspections, and the kind of mechanical problems that can shut the whole day down. Austin explains how risk mitigation works in practice, from tech checks to turning cars away when something looks off. Then we dig into a situation a lot of owners face, a tune that doesn’t feel right, and how flashing back to factory settings can be the cleanest way to rebuild confidence in a car’s drivability.

To round it out, we share our 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid review with real-world impressions and real-world fuel economy. The Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD brings strong combined power, a sharp redesign, and impressive efficiency when you actually plug it in, plus a few driving quirks worth knowing before you buy. If you’re into car culture, dyno testing, automotive education, or plug-in hybrid SUVs, this one is built for you. Subscribe, share the show, and leave a review, what would you put on the dyno first?

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In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

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Glowing tires were once pitched as one of the most dramatic developments in automotive history, and we can’t stop thinking about how close it came to being real. We dig into Goodyear’s illuminated tire experiment from the late 1950s and 1960s: translucent polyurethane “neothane,” dye colors, and small lights mounted inside the rim so the whole tire could shine at night. It’s a perfect slice of retro car culture, equal parts engineering ambition and marketing bravado, right down to the promise that your tires could match your car or even your outfit.

Then we change gears into travel mode with quick, practical Texas Hill Country getaway ideas built for comfort, quiet, and big skies. We talk through glamping destinations near Austin and beyond, including 21+ spots designed for couples, luxury tents that actually feel like tiny cabins, and futuristic pods with patios and private jacuzzies. If you’re planning a Mother’s Day trip or just need a weekend reset, these recommendations focus on what matters: vibe, views, and what you really get for the price.

We close with a hands-on 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV review, covering styling updates, minimalist interior design, and the real question with any plug-in hybrid SUV: does plugging in pay off? We share real-world MPG results, performance notes on the 1.6L turbo hybrid system, and what still needs improvement like downshift timing and acceleration feel. If you’re shopping a compact SUV that feels like a midsize, comparing a Sportage PHEV to options like the RAV4 Prime or Tucson PHEV, this breakdown helps you decide.

Subscribe for more car history, travel picks, and honest reviews, and if you enjoyed the mix, share the show and leave a quick rating and review. Which part surprised you most: glowing tires, glamping pods, or that plug-in hybrid mileage?

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Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?

In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
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Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

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A modern car can fail you in two very different ways: a broken part you can hear and feel, or a software and security issue you never see coming. We start with the real-world stuff first, running down this week’s biggest automotive recalls, including the Ford F-150 transmission problem that can trigger an unexpected downshift, plus a long list spanning Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Tesla, Volkswagen, and more. We also revisit the Takata airbag mess and the simple step that still matters most: check your VIN and get the remedy done through the manufacturer.

Then we lighten the mood with a listener-favorite game: “guess what it sold for.” We throw out bids on everything from a 1970 Dodge Coronet and an underappreciated 1984 Mustang convertible to a true jaw-dropper, a 1958 Chevrolet Impala convertible with a 409 that proves just how crazy classic car auction prices can get when rarity and originality line up.

To close it out, we share Texas driving destinations with a Hill Country twist: glamping for grown-ups. Think luxury tents, futuristic pods, hot tubs, big decks, dark skies, and easy weekend access from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and DFW. We also hit the cruise-in and events calendar and a quick headline on Stellantis partnering with Microsoft on AI and cybersecurity for connected vehicles.

Subscribe for more weekly car talk, share this with your favorite gearhead, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What car would you gamble on in our “guess the price” game?

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Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?

In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!

Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
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Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.

In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:

Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.

Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!

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For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at

info@inwheeltime.com