Think Your Car Battery Is Fine? Let's Think Again.

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 hard shifts, no-starts, or false transmission diagnoses

- The truth about battery lifespan in hot climates (like Arizona)

- OEM vs. cheap aftermarket batteries: what's the difference?

- How corrosion destroys wiring — and how to prevent it

- Real shop stories where a simple battery fix saved thousands in unnecessary repairs

Got a car question you want featured? Tap the link below!

Brought to you by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair

#carbattery #carmaintenance #autorepair #bumpertobumperradio #bumpertobumperpodcast

Understanding the P0420 Code and Catalytic Converters

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 difference between OEM vs. aftermarket converters

- The role of precious metals like platinum and rhodium (and why they drive theft)

- When it’s worth paying more — and when it’s not

- How emissions testing and onboard diagnostics have changed

If you've ever heard "your cat is bad" and didn't know what that meant (or why it's so pricey), this episode will give you the clarity you need to make a smart, informed decision.

#catalyticconverter #p0420 #checkenginelight #bumpertobumperradio

Tap the link below — it might get featured in a future episode!

What Really Is an O2 Sensor — and Do You Need a New One?

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 and air-fuel ratio sensors

- Why replacing one might not fix your check engine light

- What "lean codes" (P0171, P0174) actually mean

- How false O2 sensor diagnosis cost drivers money

Get a clearer understanding of your car's emissions system, and why a simple parts scan at the auto parts store might be giving you the wrong idea. With real-world examples and expert insight, this episode will help you make smarter decisions when you're hit with an O2 sensor code.

Have a car question?

Submit it using the link below — it might be featured in a future episode!

Brought to you by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair

#checkenginelight #autorepairpodcast #carrepair #p0171

Can You Fix a Transmission Without Replacing It?

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.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- What a targeted transmission repair really is

- Why most transmission quotes over the phone are misleading

- The difference between general repair and transmission expertise

- How to spot and prevent misdiagnosis

- What really goes into a proper transmission diagnostic process

- The importance of TSBs, road testing, and verifying the real root cause

This podcast is for car owners, mechanics, and shop owners alike who want to save time, money, and frustration when it comes to one of the most expensive parts of the car.

Want your car question featured?

Tap the link below to send us a message — we might answer it on the next episode!

#transmissionrepair #autorepairtips #carmaintenance #BumperToBumperPodcast

What Really Happens During a Transmission Diagnostic?

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 diagnostic

- The danger of misdiagnosing complex transmission issues

- Real stories from the shop (including a $10K fix that only cost $1K!)

- How we use TSBs, scan tools, and real-time road testing

- Why asking the right questions is key to fixing your vehicle

Tap the link below to send us a message — we might answer it on the next episode!

#carrepairtips #autorepair #bumpertobumperpodcast