This episode was recorded live on Friday, March 27, 2026 on WNRI 1380AM & 99.9FM in Woonsocket, RI.
In this episode, Nathan and his dad dive deep into the mechanics of your vehicle and the future of the automotive industry. We kick things off by answering a question from last week: What exactly is a foot-pound? Nathan's dad breaks down the science of torque, clamping force, and why a calibrated torque wrench is a mechanic's best friend.
Later, we shift gears to discuss Slate Auto, the new American EV company backed by Jeff Bezos. Discover why their "blank slate" pickup truck is disrupting the market with a modular design, DIY upgrades, and a 3D-printing-friendly approach. We also take a live caller's questions about transmission maintenance, explaining the difference between a drain-and-fill versus a power flush.
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Have an automotive question for our "Ask a Mechanic" segment? Submit your questions here: https://nathanmarkley.net/askamechanic
Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Welcome to the Nathan Markley Show
01:48 Meet the Co-Host: Nathan's Dad
03:10 The Power of Local Radio & Global Podcasting
06:18 Revisit: What are ASE Certifications?
08:25 Tech Talk: What exactly is a "Foot-Pound"?
13:17 Clamping Force vs. Twisting Torque
16:42 Choosing the Right Tools: Torque Wrenches & Breaker Bars
18:25 Analog vs. Digital: Which Torque Wrench is Best?
21:14 Torque Specs for Common Vehicles
23:55 Mid-Show Break: How to Start Your Own Podcast (Libsyn)
25:20 Looking for a New Car: The "Slate Auto" Concept
27:55 The Modular EV: From Pickup to SUV
31:10 Accessories and 3D Printing for the Blank Slate
36:55 Listener Call: Transmission Maintenance 101
38:50 Flush vs. Drain & Fill: What's the Difference?
45:22 Totaled Cars: Unibody vs. Body-on-Frame
49:30 Manual Transmissions: 3-Speeds vs. 6-Speeds
52:28 Closing Remarks & Next Week's Preview
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