Aftermarket or Factory Car Parts?
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 car
How “quick struts” and one-size-fits-all parts ruin ride quality
The real differences between OEM, OES, genuine, and aftermarket parts
Why cheaper parts often cost you more in the long run
When aftermarket parts make sense and when they absolutely don’t
If 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.
The Truth About CVT Transmissions
Are CVT transmissions really as bad as people say—or are they just misunderstood and misdiagnosed?
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 from Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Honda. From costly dealership misdiagnoses to simple issues that get mistaken for total transmission failure, this episode will help you understand what’s actually going on under the hood.
We cover:
What a CVT transmission is and how it works
Why CVTs feel different than traditional automatics
Common CVT problems vs. real transmission failure
Why dealerships often jump straight to replacement
When a CVT can be repaired instead of replaced
How fluid level, heat, and maintenance affect CVT lifespan
Real examples of cars nearly getting an unnecessary $8,000 transmission
If your car has a CVT—or you’re thinking about buying one—this episode can save you money, stress, and bad advice.
Check Engine Light? EVAP Codes Explained (It’s Not Just a Gas Cap)
Is your check engine light on and you were told it’s “just a gas cap”? In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, we break down one of the most common and most misunderstood diagnostic trouble codes in modern vehicles: EVAP system faults.
Master technician John explains:
What EVAP codes actually mean
The difference between gross leaks vs small leaks
Why replacing the gas cap often doesn’t fix the issue
How EVAP systems are tested (and why they’re hard to diagnose)
Why these codes are the most ignored and most failed repair
When an EVAP issue can become a safety or health concern
If you’ve ever ignored a check engine light because your car “still drives fine,” this episode explains why that might be a mistake — and what drivers and DIYers should know before clearing the code.
This Common Tire Mistake Is Quietly Destroying AWD Vehicles
Can replacing just one or two tires really damage your all-wheel drive system? Unfortunately, yes — and it’s a mistake that costs drivers thousands every year.
In this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, automotive experts Dave Riccio and John Riggle explain how mismatched tires on AWD vehicles can cause serious damage to the transfer case. Using real-world shop stories, they break down how tire circumference, tread wear, and tire replacement habits affect all-wheel drive systems — and why even small differences between tires can lead to vibrations, strange noises, and complete drivetrain failure.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How all-wheel drive (AWD) systems actually work
The difference between full-time and part-time AWD
Why replacing only two tires can destroy a transfer case
How tire circumference and tread wear impact driveline components
Common symptoms of AWD and transfer case failure
How often transfer case fluid should be serviced
Proper tire replacement tips for AWD vehicles
This episode is essential for owners of AWD SUVs and cars like Ford Explorers, Subarus, Land Rovers, and other all-wheel drive vehicles — especially before buying new tires.
Scan Tools Explained: What They ACTUALLY Tell You About Your Car
Ever wondered what a scan tool actually does when a mechanic plugs it into your car?
In today’s episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down the BIGGEST myths about scan tools, check engine lights, diagnostic codes, and modern car computers — and why diagnosing your car isn’t as simple as “the machine tells you what’s wrong.”
We explain:
🔧 What scan tools really read (live data vs. simple codes)
🚗 Why your car can have problems without a check engine light
⚙️ How misfires, torque converter issues, and mechanical failures get confused
📊 Why graphing data is the key to real diagnostics
💡 The difference between basic auto-parts-store scanners vs. professional tools
🛠️ Why the best technicians still rely on experience, not just computers
If you want to understand your car, avoid misdiagnosis, and know what your mechanic is actually doing, this episode puts you in the know.
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What Are Fuel Trims? Check Engine Light Explained (Lean vs Rich Code Fix)
Is your check engine light on with codes like P0171, P0174, or rich/lean fuel system errors? 🚨 Don’t panic — in this episode of the Bumper to Bumper Podcast, Dave and John break down fuel trims in a way that actually makes sense.
We cover:
✔️ What fuel trims are and why they matter
✔️ The difference between short-term and long-term fuel trims
✔️ What it means when your engine runs lean or rich
✔️ The real causes behind common check engine codes
✔️ How good diagnostics can prevent unnecessary repairs
If you’ve ever felt confused — or worried about being taken advantage of — at an auto shop, this episode puts you in the know so you can make smarter decisions about your car.
The Hidden GM Transmission Flaw That Could Cost You Thousands
If you drive a Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Suburban built between 2014–2019, you need to hear this. Dave Riccio and John Riggle from Tri-City Transmission explain the truth about the 6L80 transmission thermal bypass valve — a small part that’s failing on millions of GM trucks and causing major overheating issues and transmission damage.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why every 6L80 thermal bypass valve is a ticking time bomb
✅ How to identify if your truck has the bad #2 valve or the updated 70-stamped valve
✅ What GM owners can do to prevent transmission failure
✅ Why “bypassing” the valve isn’t always the best fix
✅ What years and models are most at risk (Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Suburban)
Whether you’re a mechanic, truck enthusiast, or GM owner, this episode could save you thousands in repairs.
What Does Your Check Engine Light Mean?
Welcome to the Bumper to Bumper Podcast! 🚗 In this episode, hosts Dave Riccio and John Riggle break down one of the most confusing topics for drivers — the check engine light.
We’ll cover:
✅ What the check engine light really means (it’s more than just emissions)
✅ Why a transmission issue can trigger the light
✅ The difference between a quick code scan at an auto parts store vs. a full professional diagnosis
✅ Common mistakes when relying only on scanner printouts
✅ How modern cars use multiple sensors and modules that all “talk” to each other
With over 45 years of combined experience, Dave and John share real shop stories, explain how intermittent issues are diagnosed, and reveal why ignoring that yellow light can cost you a catalytic converter.
Powered by Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair - https://tricitytransmission.com/
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#CheckEngineLight #CarMaintenance #AutoRepair #CarPodcast #BumperToBumper
What is a Technical Service Bulletin?
Welcome to the Bumper to Bumper Podcast! 🚗🔧 In this episode, Dave Riccio and co-host John Riggle break down the world of recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and service campaigns—what they mean, how they affect your car, and how to avoid unnecessary stress at the repair shop.
We’ll cover:
The difference between a recall, a TSB, and a service campaign
Why manufacturers issue bulletins (and how they can save you money)
Real shop stories about extended warranties, transmission fixes, and dealerships missing key details
Tips to reduce car-repair anxiety and work with the right auto shop
Whether you’re a car owner trying to understand dealership letters in the mail or a DIYer curious about service info, this episode helps you stay informed and confident when dealing with car issues.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more auto repair insights from the Bumper to Bumper team!
#CarRepair #AutoTips #BumperToBumperPodcast #Recalls #TSB #CarMaintenance