Podcasts by The Straight Shift with The Car Chick

The Straight Shift, #85: What is it REALLY Like to Own an Electric Car? from 2022-07-15T19:26:26

In this second of three episodes of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks all about the reality of owning an"electrified" vehicle - hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EV...

The Straight Shift, #84: How to Buy a Car FAST During an Inventory Shortage from 2022-02-19T15:44:35

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks gives you practical strategies for people who need to buy a car quickly during the current inventory shortage.

The Straight Shift, #83: Why Your New Car May Be Missing Some Bells&Whistles! from 2022-01-25T18:13:47

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about why that new car you are buying may not have all of the features and options you are expecting. Yep, the chip shortage is forci...

The Straight Shift, #82: What is the Difference Between Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Cars? from 2022-01-12T20:44:47

In this first of three episodes of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks all about "electrified" vehicles - hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). She revisits some hi...

The Straight Shift, #81: Why Vehicle Crash Test Results Don't Apply to Women! from 2021-12-06T18:37:57

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks (ok, rants) about why the government-regulated vehicle crash tests don't apply to women and, in fact, the majority of the US populati...

The Straight Shift, #80: Why Holiday Car Shopping Will Suck in 2021&What You Can Do About It from 2021-11-06T19:12:23

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about why holiday car shopping in 2021 will be extra challenging this year due to the low inventory levels, high prices, and a new ru...

The Straight Shift, #79: The Best New Vehicles for 2022 - including an electric Hummer?!? from 2021-06-30T19:23:22

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about some of the exciting new and redesigned cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans for 2022. Including the 2022 Honda Civic, 2022 Hyundai ...

The Straight Shift, #78: What All First Time Car Buyers Need to Know! from 2021-06-04T18:05:39

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick takes first time car buyers through a step-by-step process, from picking the right car to negotiating the deal without paying too much for ...

The Straight Shift, #77: How to Buy a Car During an Inventory Shortage from 2021-04-22T16:19:01

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the massive shortage of both new and used cars across the US and the world in 2021. Why are there so few cars on dealer lots? W...

The Straight Shift, #76: Why the Car Makers Can't Build Cars Right Now! from 2021-01-30T11:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the affect of the current, global shortage of computer chips on the automotive industry. How much will this hurt new car produc...

The Straight Shift, #75: How to Buy a Car Out of State from 2021-01-07T22:00:28

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the right (and wrong) way to buy a car long distance, including how to buy a new or used car from a dealer out of state as well...

The Straight Shift, #74: How to Find a Good Mechanic, Part 2 from 2020-12-15T10:00

In Part 2 of this two part episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to find a good, trustworthy mechanic and shop to service and repair your vehicle. She talks about the be...

The Straight Shift, #73: How to Find a Good Mechanic, Part 1 from 2020-11-30T16:13:32

In this 2 part episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to find a good, trustworthy mechanic. Part 1 talks about what is wrong with the retail automotive service industry t...

The Straight Shift, #72: Holiday Car Shopping Tips - 2020 Edition! from 2020-11-15T12:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks holiday car shopping deals, incentives and strategies - 2020 style! Is the end of the year still a good time to buy a new car? How ha...

The Straight Shift, #71: Self-Service Test Driving with Stacauto from 2020-10-30T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with special guest, Jordan Huibers of Stacauto, about a new way to test drive cars without the hassle and pressure of a pushy sales p...

The Straight Shift, #70: How to Avoid Car Problems During a Divorce from 2020-10-15T16:20:35

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with special guest, Lindsey Easterling of Easterling Family Law, about the most common problems people encounter during and after a d...

The Straight Shift #69: How to Order a Car and Still Get a Great Deal from 2020-09-30T15:40:56

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to save money when ordering a car. Most dealers say you have to pay full sticker price if you order a car - not true! The C...

The Straight Shift #68: How to Name Your Car (and Why You Should) from 2020-09-15T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to name your car, and WHY you even should. She shares the long history of naming vehicles, as well as her personal reasons ...

The Straight Shift, #67: 7 Exciting New Vehicles For 2021 (including the return of the Ford Bronco!) from 2020-08-31T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about 7 new vehicles (all SUVs) making their debut for the 2021 model year, including the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, the 2021 Toyota Ven...

The Straight Shift, #66: 5 Car Shopping Pet Peeves that Cost You Time and Money from 2020-08-15T11:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick discusses 5 of her biggest car shopping pet peeves that will cost you valuable time and money. If these things annoy HER, you know they wil...

The Straight Shift, #65: Exclusive Interview with the Mechanic Shop Femme from 2020-07-31T23:26:29

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with automotive writer and educator Chaya Milchtein, the Mechanic Shop Femme, about how to know if a mechanic is lying to you, how to...

The Straight Shift, #64: How to Buy a Classic Car from 2020-07-17T18:30:39

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick dishes out some tough reality checks about buying classic and vintage cars. She talks about what to buy, what NOT to buy, what to look out ...

The Straight Shift, #63: What Happens When Your Car "Sits" and How to Store It Properly from 2020-06-30T18:38:24

What can (and does) happen to your car when it just "sits" for extended periods of time? How do you store it properly, so it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg when you are ready to drive it agai...

The Straight Shift, #62: Boys and their Toys - The Best Cars, Trucks and SUVs for Father's Day from 2020-06-15T15:28:55

Let's face it - boys like their toys. In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick shares her picks for the best cars, trucks and SUVS for dad, in honor of Father's Day, including the ...

The Straight Shift, #61: Why the 2021 Toyota Sienna Minivan is a Game Changer! from 2020-05-31T14:29:37

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick gives you the scoop on the upcoming, fully redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan. Why is this minivan a game changer? Why does it look like...

The Straight Shift, #60: What's in a VIN? (And why does this car's VIN spell "fart"?) from 2020-05-15T21:14:18

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains what your car's VIN number means and how to decode it to discover hidden information about your vehicle. Did you know that some VI...

The Straight Shift, #59: The Best Cars for Moms (that are NOT a Minivan!) from 2020-04-30T18:34:37

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick gives her top picks for the best cars for moms that are NOT a minivan, including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, 2020 T...

The Straight Shift, #58: Is NOW a Good Time to Buy a Car? (And your other car questions answered!) from 2020-04-15T18:42:22

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick answers YOUR car questions, including - is NOW a good time to buy a car during coronavirus? Is it safe to drive with the check engine light...

The Straight Shift, #57: How to Buy a Car Safely&How to Sanitize Your Car During Coronavirus from 2020-04-01T15:43:53

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to stay home and stay safe and still buy a car during Coronavirus. She also talks with auto detailing expert, John Stephens...

The Straight Shift, #56: The Impact of the Coronavirus Outbreak on the US Automotive Industry from 2020-03-15T09:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how the Coronavirus outbreak is affecting the US automotive industry now, and how it may impact it over the next several months...

The Straight Shift, #55: How to Drive with a Gorilla in Your Car (and Other Ridiculous Traffic Laws) from 2020-02-28T18:12:36

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the most ridiculous, crazy and downright stupid traffic laws that are still on the books in many states across the US. Includin...

The Straight Shift, #54: Men vs. Women - The Gender Gap in Car Buying from 2020-02-14T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the difference between women and men in the car buying process. Using deeply researched industry data, she shares statistics on...

The Straight Shift, #53: The Truth About Online Car Dealerships from 2020-01-31T18:09:19

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how those new, online-only and car "vending machine" dealerships really work, the pros and cons of their car buying experience,...

The Straight Shift, #52: How to Protect Your Car from Rust&Bird Poop from 2020-01-15T09:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the best (and most economical) ways to protect the interior and exterior of your car from environmental hazards like salt, tree...

The Straight Shift, #51: 7 Things You Car Wishes You Knew that are Costing You Money from 2019-12-31T19:25:40

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick helps you save money on car repairs and maintenance and extend the life of your vehicle by identifying 7 weird things your car wishes you k...

The Straight Shift, #50: An Exclusive Look at Santa's Sleigh with Santa Claus himself! from 2019-12-16T16:09:46

On this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick interviews exclusive guest, Santa Claus, and reveals the top-secret details about his mysterious new sleigh!

The Straight Shift, #49: The Truth About the All-Electric Tesla Cybertruck from 2019-11-27T21:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the newly launched Tesla Cybertruck, an new all-electric pickup truck, and how it REALLY did in a drag race against a Porsche 9...

The Straight Shift, #48: 3 Ways Electric Cars Will Change the US Economy that May Not Be Good from 2019-11-15T09:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about 3 effects that electric vehicles will have on the US economy that may not be good. Will you be affected?

The Car Chick a...

The Straight Shift, #47: The 7 Biggest Lies Car Dealers Tell to Close the Sale from 2019-10-31T20:04:13

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick reveals the 7 biggest lies that car dealers and salesmen will tell you in order to close the sale!

The Straight Shift, #46: 7 Exciting New SUVs for 2020 from 2019-10-15T09:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about 7 exciting new and redesigned SUVs that are hitting the market for the 2020 model year, including the 2020 Hyundai Palisade (an...

The Straight Shift, #45: How New Car Incentives Really Work from 2019-09-30T18:40:14

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick breaks down exactly how new car incentives really work. What are the different types of new car incentives, such as rebates, low APRs and l...

The Straight Shift, #44: How to Get Out of Your Car Lease from 2019-09-15T09:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about different ways to get out of a car lease. Whether you are in the middle of the lease or at the end, whether you are over...

The Straight Shift, #43: Exploding Sunroofs! from 2019-08-30T09:00

Holy exploding sunroofs, Batman!  In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the crazy phenomenon of exploding sunroofs.  It's NOT just an urban myth!  It's a real safety...

The Straight Shift, #42: Are Certified Pre-Owned Cars Worth the Money? from 2019-08-15T19:49:44

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains how Certified Pre-Owned programs work, how they different among the different car brands, how much they cost, who has the best (an...

The Straight Shift, #41: Should You Buy an Extended Car Warranty? from 2019-07-31T22:09:36

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about extended car warranties.  What are the different types of extended car warranties?  How do extended car warranties work?  What ...

The Straight Shift, #40: How to NOT Void Your New Car Factory Warranty from 2019-07-12T21:15:39

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains the ins and outs of New Car Warranties - what's covered, what's NOT covered, and how to avoid, well... VOIDING your car's factory ...

The Straight Shift, #39: Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle Recalls from 2019-06-28T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks all about recalls. What constitutes a recall on a car? How are recalls issued? How do you know if your car has an open recall? What s...

The Straight Shift, #38: How to Sell Your Car Privately for the Most Money and Least Risk from 2019-06-14T19:16:16

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the how to sell your car privately to an individual instead of to a dealership. She gives you tips on how to get the most money...

The Straight Shift, #37: Is it Better to Buy a New Car or a Used Car? from 2019-05-31T18:07:45

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the age old debate of new vs used. Is it better to buy a used car or a new car? It's always better to buy used, right? Maybe no...

The Straight Shift, #36: How to Prepare Your Car for a Long Summer Roadtrip from 2019-05-15T20:13:34

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how to prepare your car for a long, summer roadtrip. She'll tell you what to check on the car, what to bring with you and how t...

The Straight Shift, #35: Car Kweens from 2019-04-30T14:10:22

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks with special guest, Crystal Snow, The Car Kween about her Car Kweens Association, a non-profit dedicated to helping women pursue their ...

The Straight Shift, #34: The Truth About the Prius Tax from 2019-04-15T21:45:05

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about the "Prius Tax" - alternatives to the gas tax, including fees for registering hybrid and electric vehicle and mileage-based tax s...

The Straight Shift, #33: How to Avoid Yo Yo Scams from 2019-04-02T02:51:23

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks with consumer rights attorney, Steve Moskos of Moskos Law Firm about Yo-Yo scams (Yo-Yo Transactions), also known as Spot Delivery Scam...

The Straight Shift, #32: How to Avoid Being Carjacked from 2019-03-15T20:46:42

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks frankly about a recent and violent carjacking attempt. She gives eye-opening statistics about auto theft as well as practical advice on...

The Straight Shift #31: How to Buy a Cheap Used Car from 2019-03-02T01:41:59

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the harsh reality and specific challenges of buying a cheap used car - that is, a used car under $5,000. Learn what to look for...

The Straight Shift, #30: Why Women Pay More For Cars Than Men from 2019-02-14T20:10:38

Did you know that women pay, on average, $1,000 more for the same car than men? In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with social science expert and co-author of the book,...

The Straight Shift, #29: Car Awards Don't Mean Squat from 2019-01-30T20:43:01

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about all of the hype and pure BS in many car commercials, including the truth about those prestigious car awards the manufacturers bra...

The Straight Shift, #28: The Do's and Don't's of Leasing a Car from 2019-01-15T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the do's and don't's of leasing. What is leasing? How does it work? Is leasing a good idea or a bad idea? What are the benefits...

The Straight Shift, #27: 5 Highly Anticipated New Vehicles for 2019 from 2018-12-29T11:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about some of the most anticipated new and redesigned vehicles for 2019, including the Audi A6, Mercedes A-class, Toyota RAV4, Lexus ...

The Straight Shift, #26: Are Extended Warranties and Other "Extras" Worth the Money? from 2018-12-15T12:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about whether or not you should buy an extended warranty, gap insurance, pre-paid maintenance plans or any of the other stuff the dea...

The Straight Shift, #25: Why Today's Cars Won't Last from 2018-11-29T21:39:30

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about reliability and why the cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans made today probably won't last as long as vehicles made just a few years ...

The Straight Shift, #24: Those Pesky Dashboard Warning Lights from 2018-11-14T19:47:54

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about those pesky warning lights that appear on your vehicle's dashboard. What do they mean? How critical are they? What should you d...

The Straight Shift, #23: What Does the Color of Your Car Say About You? from 2018-10-15T18:56:57

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with special guest and color psychology expert, Stacey Cohen, of Anderson-Cohen Designs about what the color of your car says about y...

The Straight Shift, #22: How to Keep Your Car Organized with Special Guest, The Clutter Consultant from 2018-09-28T23:03:46

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks with special guest, Lianne Hofer, The Clutter Consultant about how to keep your car organized, clean and clutter-free! Whether you have...

The Straight Shift, #21: Hurricanes and How to Avoid Buying a Flood Car from 2018-09-18T20:40:57

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the affect of storms like Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma on the used car market. She also gives her to...

The Straight Shift, #20: The Worst Used Cars in America from 2018-08-31T18:35:41

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the absolute WORST used cars on the US market that you should avoid like the plague and NEVER buy!

The Straight Shift, #19: The Truth About Gasoline from 2018-08-16T16:49:18

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick explains what is meant by the octane number of gasoline and why it's critical to use the right type of gas in your vehicle. Does using Prem...

The Straight Shift #18: How to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe on the Road from 2018-07-30T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about how we can keep our teen drivers safe on the road. What are the best (and worst) cars to buy for your teenager? How can you set...

The Straight Shift, #17: The Best Time to Buy a Car from 2018-07-13T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick dispels many of the myths around the best time to buy a car. When is the best time to buy a car? The truth is, there are many good times to...

The Straight Shift, #16: What to Expect As Your Car Ages from 2018-06-29T10:00

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about what maintenance and repairs you should expect as your car ages, or if you are purchasing a used car. She also points out certa...

The Straight Shift, #15: Road Rage from 2018-06-15T13:24:17

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick gives you the Road Rage Test! How prone are you to experiencing road rage? Are your driving behaviors contributing to road rage in others? Le...

The Straight Shift, #14: The Right Way to Detail Your Car from 2018-05-31T15:30:21

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks with car detailing expert, Johnathon Stephens of Carolina's Finest Detailing, about the do's and don'ts of washing and detailing your c...

The Straight Shift, #13: Lemon Law for Cars from 2018-05-14T18:23:48

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks with attorney, Steve Moskos of the Moskos Law Firm, about Lemon Law for cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans and other passenger vehicles.  S...

The Straight Shift, #12: How NOT to Buy Tires from 2018-04-30T19:55:28

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick decodes all of those confusing letters and numbers associated with tires, and tells you what to look for, and what to avoid, when it's time t...

The Straight Shift, #11: Driver Aids Safety Technology from 2018-04-16T23:15:25

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the different "driver aid" technologies that exist in cars today - what are they, how do they work, how can they FAIL, and why ...

The Straight Shift, #10: Self-Driving Car Kills Pedestrian from 2018-03-30T18:42:54

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the recent tragic accident in which a self-driving Uber car killed a pedestrian. She talks about how self-driving car technolog...

The Straight Shift, #09: How NOT to Buy a Used Car (Used Cars, Part 2) from 2018-03-15T12:00

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about the critical DOs and DO NOTs of buying a used car, including the most common mistakes that many used car shoppers make that can c...

The Straight Shift, #08: What is Your Trade Really Worth? (Used Cars, Part 1) from 2018-02-28T22:41:44

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about how much the car you are trading is really worth, and how to get the most money for it.  This is Part 1 in a two part series on b...

The Straight Shift, #07: When and Why to Change the Fluids in Your Car from 2018-02-16T00:43:32

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick talks about the 6 main fluids in your car, why they are important and how often to change them to keep your car running smoothly and safely...

The Straight Shift, #06: Driving Tips from the Race Track from 2018-01-31T22:28:16

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick shares 8 advanced driving tips that she has learned in over 25 years of racing that YOU can implement on the city streets and highways to b...

The Straight Shift, #05: How to Pick the Perfect Car from 2018-01-13T20:56:02

In this episode of "The Straight Shift", The Car Chick shares her 3 step process for how to pick the perfect vehicle based on YOUR unique lifestyle, budget and personality.

The Straight Shift, #04: New Years Resolutions for Your Car from 2017-12-31T17:29:48

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about 10 New Year's Resolutions that your CAR wishes you would make.

The Straight Shift, #3: Holiday Driving Dangers from 2017-12-16T00:30:41

In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about the top 5 holiday driving dangers and a CRAZY thing that happened in the Walmart parking lot.

The Straight Shift, #2: Winterizing Your Car with Special Guest, Amy Mattinat from 2017-11-30T18:37:51

In Episode #2 of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks with special guest and award winning auto shop owner, Amy Mattinat, about how to prepare your vehicle for winter.  Whether you live in th...

The Straight Shift, #1: Holiday Car Shopping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them from 2017-11-14T20:56:34

In Episode #1 of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick talks about the top 3 mistakes most holiday car shoppers make and how to avoid them, so you get a great deal on a new car without all of the ye...