How to Become an Automotive Technician | With H & I Automotive
From Washing Cars to Owning 3 Shops: Spencer's Journey in the Auto Repair World 🚘 |
Bumper to Bumper Podcast - https://bumpertobumperradiopodcast.com/
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 initiative and a “beginner’s mind” helped him level up fast
What it was like rebuilding engines as a lube tech at 19 🔧
Why you don’t need a $50K degree to succeed in the industry
Lessons on growth, mentorship, and keeping your ego in check
How the 2008 recession pushed him to open his first shop in Mesa
The power of slowing down to go faster and build a lasting business
If you’re curious about a career in automotive repair or want to hear how grit, humility, and curiosity can turn into a thriving business, this episode is a must-listen. If you are already in the automotive industry, this episode will bring back memories of your journey.
Spencer’s Story is inspirational for anyone wanting to open their own automotive shop. He has proven that patience, passion, and determination are the road to success.
How Cheap Car Parts RUIN Your Vehicle (and Cost You Thousands)
Welcome to the Bumper to Bumper Podcast! 🚗🔧
I’m Dave Riccio, joined by my co-host John Riggle, and together we bring you over 75 years of combined auto repair experience. In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest ways cars get ruined—cheap, low-quality parts. From radiators and struts to air conditioning systems and motor mounts, we break down why saving a few bucks upfront can cost you thousands later.
💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why using aftermarket radiators can destroy your transmission.
The hidden dangers of quick struts and how they affect your ride.
Why cheap A/C parts lead to endless repair cycles.
How bad motor mounts cause bigger problems over time.
Real stories from our shop that prove why quality parts matter.
At the end of the day, cars are ruined one bad part at a time. Our goal? To help you avoid unnecessary auto repair expenses and keep your car running the way it was designed to.
If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a Bumper to Bumper Podcast!
5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Car (and How to Avoid Them)
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Regal share the five biggest mistakes car owners make that can quickly turn a great vehicle into an expensive headache.
With over 75 years of combined automotive experience, they break down:
🚫 Ignoring oil leaks
🚫 Overlooking coolant leaks
🚫 Driving with the check engine light on
🚫 Skipping regular maintenance
🚫 Continuing to drive when your car is overheating
You’ll also learn how to spot these issues early, what’s worth fixing immediately vs. what can wait, and how to talk to your mechanic so you’re not over- or under-servicing your vehicle.
👍 Like & Subscribe for more tips to keep your car running like new.
Why a Weak Battery Can Wreck Your Transmission | Bumper to Bumper Podcast
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, fuel pumps, and alternators adapt over time
💡 The real reason you need to register a new battery on modern vehicles
🛠️ Real shop stories where a bad battery was the root of major issues
If you're in a hot climate like Arizona, or just trying to avoid costly repairs, this episode is a must-watch.
👍 Like & Subscribe for more auto insights every week!
#CarTalk #AutoRepair #CarBattery #TransmissionIssues #BumperToBumper
Do You Really Need a Fuel Injection Service?
🚗 Do You Really Need a Fuel Injection Service? | Bumper to Bumper Podcast
Ever been told you need a fuel injection service and wondered if it's actually worth it? In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down what fuel injection service really is, how it's changed over the years, and when it’s actually necessary.
With over 75 years of combined experience, they unpack:
🔧 The difference between fuel injection, induction, and throttle body service
🛠️ Old-school vs. modern direct injection systems
⛽ How top-tier fuel and regional conditions affect your car's performance
🧽 What really works when it comes to cleaning carbon buildup
🧰 Whether those "3-part cleaning packages" at auto shops are worth it
If you've ever left a repair shop wondering what you just paid for, this one's for you.
👍 Like & Subscribe for more no-BS car advice from the experts.
Diesel Truths: What Every Truck Owner Should Know with Josh Dana from Dana Bros
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 misconceptions
How long modern diesel engines can last
Why changing your oil every 5K miles is non-negotiable
The #1 costly mistake diesel owners make
How fuel additives can save your engine
Why tuning and mods can be a slippery slope
What tools can protect your investment while towing
👨🔧 Whether you're hauling 15,000 lbs or daily-driving a diesel SUV, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and avoid expensive mistakes.
🔧 Find a trusted diesel or auto repair shop:
https://www.danabros.com/
🎧 Like what you hear? Tap LIKE, hit SUBSCRIBE
Will a transmission service fix your car?
Is your car shuddering, surging, or jerking—and you're wondering if a transmission service will solve it? In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down a real case from their auto shop: a 2020 Chevy Colorado with serious drivability issues that were actually solved by a transmission fluid service.
👨🔧 With over 75 years of combined experience, our hosts explain:
When a transmission service can actually fix the problem
What a torque converter does (and why it feels like a misfire when it fails)
Why GM’s 8L45 transmission is notorious for issues
The importance of using the right fluid (Dexron HP)
How to properly diagnose converter clutch problems
If you're dealing with transmission issues or have questions about car maintenance, this episode is packed with insights every driver should know.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more honest, expert automotive advice.
#TransmissionProblems #CarMaintenance #TorqueConverter #ChevyColorado #BumperToBumperPodcast #AutoRepair #TransmissionService #CarPodcast
Car Tint 101- Ceramic Coating, Tint, & PPF Explained with Tyler Turdo from Dynamic Tint
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 changing the game for new car owners
Whether you drive a Toyota Tacoma or a Tesla, this episode will help you understand how to keep your ride looking showroom-fresh for years.
🔗 Learn more: https://dynamictintaz.com/
Located near Tempe Marketplace in Tempe, Arizona
Case Study: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down a real-life transmission case study involving a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
A customer came in thinking they needed a brand-new transmission—but the true culprit? A worn-out check ball and a damaged separator plate. Dave and John take you deep into the diagnostics, symptoms like tie-ups, flares, and neutral sensations, and how a targeted repair saved the transmission (and the customer’s wallet).
Whether you're a car owner curious about strange transmission issues or a technician interested in smart diagnostics, this episode delivers insights, laughs, and lessons from the shop floor.
🔧 Topics Covered:
- What a "tie-up" feels like vs. "neutral"
- Importance of Transmission TSBs
- Check ball #9 failure and separator plate damage
- How solenoid codes can be misleading
- Why fluid condition matters in modern valve bodies
Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair
Why Your Car’s A/C Isn't Working (And How to Fix It Right)
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 a shop for air conditioning service
-Common myths about A/C performance and refrigerant leaks
-Real stories from the shop (including a flickering control panel and a missing cabin filter door)
🎧 Whether your car blows hot air, weak air, or cool-but-not-cold air, this episode will help you better understand how to communicate the problem and get it fixed right the first time.