The Smoking Tire Podcast – Episode: "My Waymo Test; Toyota Concept; Hertz AI; FL Speed Law"
Release Date: July 17, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zach Klapman delve into a variety of automotive topics, blending personal experiences with industry insights. Despite conducting the podcast remotely due to health precautions, their dynamic conversation remains lively and informative. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Exploring the Avant Classics Event in Seattle [00:00 - 09:59]

Zach Klapman kicks off the episode by recounting his recent visit to the Avant Classics on the Green Concours in Seattle. Held at a picturesque winery, the event showcased a diverse array of vehicles, from modern exotics to vintage classics and quirky imports.

• Diverse Vehicle Showcase: Zach highlights the variety, mentioning "Harlequin Golfs" and a factory Volkswagen Beetle from Mexico. He shares his fascination with the Beetle's unique design, noting its 1994 model with a rear-mounted engine that differs significantly from contemporary models.

  "It's like the engine is just hanging so far out the back of the car. I didn't really know that about those things." [05:25]

• Rally Cars and Extreme Conditions: The event featured rally cars from the Dirt Fish Rally School, including the formidable Metro and Launcher Delta S4. Zach describes the extreme heat in Seattle during the event, mentioning an emergency water delivery due to soaring temperatures.

  "It was 15 degrees, 20 degrees hotter than, you know, it would be typical for this time of year." [07:17]

• Special Interactions: A heartfelt moment arises when Zach receives handmade cookies from a listener, Andrew from Lowrider Cookies, showcasing the community's support and camaraderie.

  "These cookies are insanely good. The peanut butter one is fire." [49:16]

2. Remote Podcasting and Personal Updates [01:31 - 08:38]

Matt and Zach briefly discuss their remote setup due to Zach's wife's potential COVID exposure. Despite initial concerns, Zach remains optimistic about avoiding infection, crediting his strong immune system and recent vaccinations.

"I have a good shot of beating it and you've had it before and you say you've got some antibodies. I think that's how the science works." [02:15]

3. Waymo Test Drives: Experiences and Observations [21:00 - 38:54]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Zach's firsthand experience testing Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in Los Angeles.

• User Interface and Vehicle Comfort: Zach praises the Jaguar I-Pace used by Waymo, noting its cleanliness, comfort, and low mileage. He appreciates the seamless integration of controls, allowing passengers to manage music and temperature effortlessly.

  "The car was clean, it was comfortable, genuinely a nice place to be." [23:22]

• Driving Behavior and Safety: Zach remarks on Waymo's cautious driving style, comparing it to a chauffeur with limited confidence. While the vehicle adheres strictly to speed limits and exhibits smooth acceleration and braking, he observed instances of overly cautious braking in situations where a human driver might merely nudge the vehicle.

  "It did technically get me there safely and smoothly and on time and with absolutely zero fuss whatsoever." [36:11]

• Challenges and Limitations: Despite the generally positive experience, Zach points out flaws in Waymo's routing algorithms, such as directing the vehicle to remote areas like back alleys, which complicates user navigation.

  "It takes me to the back of my building by the trash instead of the front door and that's kind of funny but, but it did, it did technically, you know, get me there safely." [31:20]

• Overall Impression: Zach concludes that Waymo’s service is safer and more predictable than many human drivers, advocating for its continued use despite minor inconveniences.

  "I do intend to keep using it. I would ride in it again for sure." [38:54]

4. Hertz's AI-Powered Damage Detection and Customer Service Issues [42:35 - 48:48]

The hosts shift focus to discuss Hertz's implementation of AI in detecting rental car damages, highlighting significant concerns.

• Automated Fine Systems: They critique Hertz’s AI systems for identifying and charging customers for minor or non-existent damages. An example includes a customer being fined $190 for what appears to be negligible damage, with no straightforward way to contest the charge.

  "They have an automated AI chat experience that does not break or go to a human interaction." [43:36]

• Customer Experience: The lack of human oversight in the damage assessment process is criticized for its rigidity and unfairness, leading to customer frustration and potential loss of business.

  "That's crazy. So that's what they mean when they say AI powered. I assume they were referring to the scanning devices … but if it's the customer service end of it, that is purely AI powered without humans, that's like extra up." [45:37]

• Potential Solutions: The hosts suggest that such practices could drive customers away, advocating for more human interaction and transparency in the damage assessment process.

5. New Florida Speed Laws [68:19 - 70:10]

Matt and Zach discuss the newly implemented Florida speed laws that impose hefty fines and potential jail time for extreme speeding.

• Law Details: Speeds exceeding 50 mph over the limit or reaching 100 mph attract fines starting at $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders face penalties up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.

  "If you're going 50 miles per hour over the speed limit, your fine starts at 500 and could be 30 days in jail." [68:26]

• Hosts' Perspectives: They express support for the law, emphasizing public safety and deterring reckless driving.

  "It's a huge fine or something for like a triple digit speeding ticket." [68:32]

6. Listener Q&A: Automotive Advice and Insights [50:44 - 83:43]

The hosts address Patreon listener questions, providing expert advice on various automotive topics.

• Track Day Tips for New Drivers: A listener inquires about attending track days with a new 2021 Supra. Zach advises that there's no such thing as a "car that's too fast" if the driver approaches track days with the right mindset and possibly investing in racing school.

  "There's no such thing as a car that's too fast. You can just drive it slower if you want." [51:55]

• Least Desirable Million-Dollar Cars: The question revolves around identifying overpriced luxury cars. Both hosts express disdain for models like the Lamborghini Countach reboot and the Bugatti Veyron, citing their inflated prices relative to performance and desirability.

  "I didn't see the time, but I heard it and it sounded rad." [63:08]

• Regulatory Changes for Better Car Buying: Listeners ask about legislative changes to improve the car buying experience. The hosts advocate for the Right to Repair laws and fixed dealership pricing to eliminate the haggle and ensure transparency.

  "I think cementing the right to repair law would be great so they don't have to fight for it every year." [66:55]

• Future of Toyota’s GT Concept: A query about whether Toyota’s new GT concept will serve as a halo car like the LFA. Zach believes it will be a mid-range luxury model rather than a hypercar.

  "I think it will be a bump up from the LC500. It'll occupy the space of the AMG GT and the SL63." [80:35]

7. Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks [84:36 - End]

In the concluding segment, Zach announces upcoming events in Texas, encouraging listeners to attend and partake in exclusive merchandise and interactions.

"Please come see us in Texas in two weeks. It's going to be super, super fun." [84:56]

He also teases future podcast content, including updates on the Myers Max build and other automotive projects, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more exciting content.

Notable Quotes

• Zach Klapman on Waymo Safety:
  "I felt perfectly safe the entire time. It never exceeded the speed limit by even one mile an hour." [28:26]

• Matt Farah on Hertz’s AI System:
  "If that’s the case, I would never rent from that company again. Straight up. That's crazy." [45:54]

• Zach Klapman on New Florida Speed Laws:
  "I have no problem with that. Being very elite." [69:12]

Conclusion

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, hands-on reviews, and critical discussions on emerging automotive technologies and regulatory changes. Hosts Matt Farah and Zach Klapman, along with Jason Cammisa, provide insightful commentary that both enthusiasts and casual listeners will find valuable. From the allure of classic car events to the challenges of autonomous driving and AI in customer service, the podcast encapsulates the multifaceted world of automobiles with depth and engagement.

For more detailed car reviews and the latest automotive news, visit www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire.

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