The Smoking Tire Podcast: Integra Type S Review; Spray-on PPF?; Are Tire Changes a Bad Sign?

Hosts: Matt Farah & Zack Klapman
Date: February 19, 2026
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Matt and Zack deliver a hands-on review of the new Acura Integra Type S, debate automotive industry trends, discuss the practicalities and trade-offs with modern tow vehicles, examine the implications of AI in publishing and YouTube, and field thoughtful listener questions—from “un-shitboxing” a Subaru to the reality of frequent tire changes on a used Lexus LC500. Along the way, signature wit, tangents, and real-world enthusiast perspectives abound.

Main Theme

A blend of accessible car culture discussion and practical advice, centered on a deep-dive review of the Acura Integra Type S as a modern enthusiast’s do-it-all car. The episode also explores the realities of car ownership, emerging automotive tech like spray-on paint protection, AI’s effects on car media, and broader car-community questions.

Acura Integra Type S: Review & Insights

[06:26–14:03]

• Driving Experience:

  • Described as "a simple and well-executed car"—engages all aspects an enthusiast wants: good inputs, lightweight, responsive, comfortable seats, excellent shifter, usable infotainment. “Not too much like, screens in your face,” Matt notes, with praise for its traditional yet digital cluster ([07:50]).
  • Feels surprisingly light: “It feels like it doesn’t weigh anything.” ([07:53] – Matt)
  • Large, practical trunk/hatchback; hosts wish for an optional rear wiper due to rain buildup ([07:57]).
  • “I really like the price—$53,000 as it sits. …Considering how many different boxes this thing checks and how few affordable sports cars are left on the market…” ([08:26] – Matt)

• Comparison to Civic Type R:

  • About $6k more than a Civic Type R.
  • Stereo (ELS) is outstanding and seats are “just right” for comfort—especially lumbar support, which edges out the Civic.
  • Civic’s bolsters are better for spirited driving; if Acura had them with lumbar support it’d be “one of the best seats ever.” ([09:23] – Zack)
  • Slightly softer, more refined for daily, but less aggressive.
  • Better looking, in Matt’s view.
  • “Japan’s M3, kind of.” ([13:51] – Zack)

• Fuel Economy & Practicality:

  • Fuel economy “not great” at sustained highway speeds—smaller tank means less range than expected for the car’s size ([10:34]).
  • Noted differences may come from tire spec (Cup 2s vs. PS4S) and Civic’s draggy wing ([11:30-12:00]).
  • Easily manageable for city and highway—“Even though it’s a stick, the clutch is so light and the shifter’s so easy.”

• Performance & Track Use:

  • Advanced drivers may quickly reach its limits: “You’re gonna get to the limit of the car in your first couple of sessions… it probably won’t challenge you.” ([12:24] – Matt)
  • Still, “such a good, do everything, pick-an-activity” car—nothing it’s truly bad at.
  • Hosts advise against heavy modification: “It’s such diminishing returns.” ([13:33] – Matt)

• Comparisons & Legacy:

  • “Nicest driving front-wheel-drive car I’ve ever driven.”
  • Recalls previous favorites: R53 Mini JCW, Fiesta ST, Mark 7 GTI, and legendary Acura CL Type S.
  • Reminisces about failed attempts to buy earlier great Honda models due to unavailability ([14:48]).

Notable Quotes

• “This car, what was I driving right before it? …the Acura is just a simple and well executed car that engages basically everything that people who like cars ask for.” ([06:50] – Matt)
• “If I never rode this new one, the 310 [Vespa], there would be absolutely nothing wrong with keeping mine forever. …It’s just that now I’ve had a taste.” ([06:04] – Matt, on loaners and upgrades)

Industry News, Towing Rigs, Lexus GX550

[24:30–31:17]

• Towing Search:

  • Lexus GX550 enters the hosts’ personal tow rig competition.
  • “Can tow 9,000 pounds and has adjustable, self-leveling air suspension. …It’s a lot of money [~$75-80k], but a lot cheaper than a Cayenne.” ([27:43] – Matt)
  • Breakdown of trims and towing capacities; considered for practicality, not passion.
  • “Hannah likes boxy shit.” ([28:59] – Matt, about spouse’s taste)
  • Suggests premium trim for best value.

• Ride Quality:

  • Overtrail model drove “really trucky” on highway ([29:20]), but hopes premium, road-focused versions might ride better.

AI Disrupting Online Content & YouTube Frustrations

[31:17–43:16]

• AI as Content Thief:

  • How generative AI and large language models (LLMs) scrape content from small creators, reducing their already thin ad revenue — recipe sites are highlighted as a poignant example.
  • “All they wanted was a click…LLMs just scrape it right off.” ([32:57] – Matt)
  • “With recipes it absolutely fucking does [steal traffic].” ([35:25] – Matt)

• Shift in Media Promotion:

  • Vent about how cross-promotion between YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms has been neutered; platforms downrank external links, hurting organic, creator-driven discovery ([37:52]).

• Changing YouTube Landscape:

  • Discussion about YouTube becoming less meritocratic, now favoring “cringy” content, clickbait, or Jack-and-Logan Paul types over high-effort journalism or videos.
  • “We know what gets good traffic, and it’s cringy as fuck.” ([36:22] – Matt)
  • “The audience will find you… because there’s someone else out there that has a similar brain.” ([37:07] – Zack, quoting Patton Oswald, but noting it’s not so simple now)
  • They believe the algorithm rewards spectacle over substance, and that older creators’ revenue/visibility is purposely being squeezed.

Listener Q&A Highlights

(Patreon Questions included throughout from [43:16] onward)

Spray-On Paint Protection Film

[78:32–80:27]

• Plasti-Dip has released a spray-on PPF—applies like a wrap, peels off for easy track day use.
• “People put painter’s tape on their car; it doesn’t do shit.” ([80:09] – Matt)
• Useful as a temporary track solution, but hosts express caution about long-term use and residue.

Buying Used: Frequent Tire Changes on Lexus LC500

[51:40–54:14]

• Listener’s parents are wary of a CPO LC500: two alignments and five sets of tires in 45k miles.
• “Maybe that person drives spiritedly… You could blow off a set of Michelins in 9,000 miles.” ([53:23] – Matt)
• Forums confirm: “That seems about right. The front end’s heavy, it’s got soft tires from stock.” ([54:07] – Zack)
• Conclusion: Not unusual for that car.

Un-"Shitboxing" an ’06 Subaru WRX Wagon

[65:22–67:48]

• What mods to make an old Subaru less of a beater?
• Hosts recommend sound deadening, updated carpet/headliner, modern suspension, a decent stereo—focus is on comfort and livability rather than speed.

Tire & Rim Choices for a Lifted BRZ

[83:55–85:05]

• Advice: Drop to 16” wheels for more sidewall, have separate tarmac and gravel tire sets.
• "If you can afford two sets of wheels and tires, that's the answer." ([85:14] – Matt)

Rental Car Philosophy

[54:41–55:49]

• Matt: Always take a minivan. “I’ve never been in a situation with a rental car where I had a minivan and wished I didn’t.”
• Zack: Chevy Tahoe is his utility pick.

Secret Pre-License Driving

[76:12–77:23]

• Hosts recount parents letting them drive in parking lots or quiet neighborhoods before licenses—early hands-on learning is invaluable.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On car buying and responsibility:
  “The way we acted about our cars was very different from people who were given cars… We treated not just the car but the responsibility of driving way differently.” ([81:56] – Matt)

• On overdone carbon fiber:
  “Having carbon fiber accents is trashier than having camo accents.” ([63:09] – Listener question)
  “There is a way to use naked carbon fiber in a way that looks cool, but they don’t always do that. Sometimes it can look plasticky, sometimes they overdo it.” ([63:16] – Matt)

• Podcast’s endearing tone:
  “Thank you, everybody. Appreciate y’all—patrons, even you guys, who talked mad shit. Appreciate you too.” ([92:32] – Matt)

Other Key Segments / Timestamps

• Restaurant Tangent / LA Life: [02:06–05:32] (local eats, Vespa rides, LA winter woes)
• Vespa 310 Ride & Value Retention: [05:12–06:11]
• Modified Car Memories: [77:38–78:32] (nutty engine swaps remembered fondly)
• Ford Colors: [57:45–61:14] (theory: each year, Ford offers one “real” color that’s a stunner, rest are bland)
• Hypercar Gearbox Choices: [61:17–63:16] (explaining why top hypercars still use single-clutch automated if not dual-clutch)
• Performance SUV Use at Rallies: [90:07–92:29] (they’re accepted by most, but sometimes with grumbling)

Overall Vibe & Takeaways

• Informed, informal, and fun: Matt and Zack balance concrete expertise with the humility of real-world car owners—unscripted, honest, and approachable.
• Episode’s Heart: Integra Type S—a worthy modern icon for enthusiasts seeking usable practicality without sacrificing spirit.
• Larger Themes: The challenge of balancing passion and practicality, living with the realities of platform shifts in automotive media, and always: the joy (and madness) of car culture.

For listeners who want to catch up quickly, this summary covers all core themes, standout moments, and practical advice from the episode. Skip the ads, enjoy the vibe, and refer to the timestamps for deeper dives into each topic!