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

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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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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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Gas at $6.50 a gallon changes the mood of any car conversation fast, and it kicks off a wide ranging hang with auto journalist Jack Nerad as we compare California’s pump prices with the rest of the country and unpack the idea of a coastal “weather tax.” We talk about why the Golden State stays irresistible to visit even when the politics, taxes, and cost of living feel like a constant headwind, and what those pressures mean for everyday drivers.

From there, we get into the good stuff: what’s actually fun to drive right now. Jack’s pick, the Volvo V60 Cross Country, is a reminder that a great station wagon still has a place in 2026, especially when it’s practical and genuinely enjoyable on real roads. We also dig into electric vehicles with fresh impressions of the all electric Toyota C-HR and Subaru’s newest small EV, including the punchy acceleration that can surprise you even if you think you’re “over” EV hype. If you care about modern car reviews, EV performance, and how these new platforms change cabin space and driving feel, this conversation is for you.

Then we zoom out to car culture and automotive media. Why did car TV channels vanish while cooking and remodeling shows took over, and what replaces them now? We trade thoughts on low cost, high honesty content like Vice Grip Garage, and we debate NASCAR’s sliding ratings, confusing race formats, and how “stock cars” became hard to tell apart.

Jeff also brings a wild throwback with Goodyear’s glowing illuminated tires, a real experiment that sounded futuristic until road grime and physics showed up.

Subscribe, share this with a car friend, and leave a review if you want more smart, funny, real world car talk. What’s the most overpriced thing about driving where you live right now?

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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.
----- -----
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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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/

https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime

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

info@inwheeltime.com