Episode Summary: "We're Back! Matt's New Daily; Zack's Crazy Wrap; Trains; Q&A!"
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Hosts: Matt Farah & Zack Klapman
Podcast: The Smoking Tire
After a month-long hiatus filled with travel, driving adventures, and relaxation, Matt Farah and Zack Klapman return with a packed episode covering new car acquisitions, vehicle modifications, environmental concerns, and listener questions. This episode blends personal experiences with broader automotive and societal discussions, offering insights for both enthusiasts and casual listeners.
1. Hosts' Personal Updates
Matt's New Daily Driver: The Bentley
Matt Farah shares his experience with his new Bentley, discussing maintenance challenges and the meticulous care required to keep it in pristine condition. He emphasizes his commitment to ensuring the car remains in "as perfect condition as I can possibly make it," highlighting the lengths he's gone to, including detailed work with trusted detailers and photographers.
Notable Quote:
"This car is in as perfect condition as I can make it. Other than the slight evidence of wear and tear for 24,700 miles, a little acorn ding on the trunk..."
[Matt, 28:14]
Zack's Vehicle Wrap Journey
Zack Klapman delves into his experience getting his car wrapped with assistance from 405 Motoring and Pure PPF. He discusses the technical challenges faced during the wrapping process, including issues with peeling clear coats and the extensive prep work required to ensure the wrap adhered properly.
Notable Quote:
"When you put new paint or wrap on something, if you don't fill those little parts, it's gonna be really obvious. You're gonna have all these little valleys that are, you know, just covered."
[Zack, 21:07]
2. Car Wrapping and Maintenance Challenges
The hosts provide an in-depth look into the complexities of car wrapping, particularly when dealing with older vehicles or those with deteriorating paint finishes. Zack shares his frustrations with the prep work needed for a successful wrap and the unforeseen complications that arose, such as clear coat failures and the need for additional repairs.
Notable Quote:
"If your clear coat is so old that it's peeling off, which mine was, because here's a photo for everybody. And this is just one spot, so in four different places, my clear coat was literally just peeling back."
[Matt & Zack, 19:17]
3. Stock Picking and Financial Insights
Following Nancy Pelosi’s Stock Moves
Matt introduces the concept of mirroring stock trades made by Congress members, particularly Nancy Pelosi. He references platforms like Unusual Whales, which track and report these trades with minimal penalties for delayed reporting.
Notable Quote:
"I have one bit of stock picking advice, and that is do whatever the fuck Nancy Pelosi is doing."
[Matt, 04:17]
Zack discusses the mechanics behind this strategy, explaining how legislative insiders' trades can offer valuable investment insights despite minimal regulatory oversight.
Notable Quote:
"These companies will report what is reported, but it still shows. Hey, if they're still holding this, it might be interesting for you to look at."
[Zack, 05:29]
4. Environmental Concerns: Nitrous Oxide Accessibility
The duo raises alarms about the increasing availability of nitrous oxide tanks, especially flavored varieties, which are becoming easily accessible to minors through online platforms like Walmart.com. They discuss the societal implications of this trend and the potential dangers associated with widespread nitrous use.
Notable Quote:
"You could just go. It's literally Walmart. Five out of five stars. Yeah, I bet."
[Matt & Zack, 11:45]
5. Matt's Electrifying Road Trip with the Porsche Taycan
Matt recounts his cross-country journey in a newly acquired electric Porsche Taycan, focusing on the practical aspects of long-distance EV travel. He highlights the efficiency of Porsche’s route planning software and shares real-world insights into charging strategies, especially under challenging conditions like cold weather and traffic congestion.
Notable Quote:
"Can you drive across the country with zero planning in an electric car? Like yes, yes, absolutely you can."
[Matt, 79:14]
Zack adds his observations on the Taycan's performance, noting the seamless integration of technology and the car's impressive charging speeds compared to other EVs.
6. Listener Q&A: Diverse Automotive Topics
The episode features a dynamic Q&A session where Matt and Zack address various listener-submitted questions, ranging from car depreciation, the impact of wildfires on car culture, to the future of manual transmissions in OEM vehicles.
Depreciation of EVs
They discuss whether EV depreciation should account for tax incentives and conclude that market value predominantly sets depreciation rates, irrespective of the original buyer’s tax credits.
Notable Quote:
"The market sets that value."
[Zach, 62:29]
Impact of Wildfires on Car Culture
Matt and Zack explore how ongoing wildfires in and around Los Angeles are reshaping daily life and car culture, noting the closure of popular driving routes and the increased toxicity from EV fires.
Notable Quote:
"Our winter is fire season. That's an interesting way to look at it."
[Zach, 90:37]
Future of Manual Transmissions
The hosts predict the eventual phasing out of manual transmissions in new cars, estimating it might take up to 15 years for them to disappear entirely from OEM offerings.
Notable Quote:
"Probably within 15 years."
[Matt, 50:55]
7. Automotive Culture and Personal Preferences
Favorite and Least Favorite Aspects of Living in LA
Matt and Zack share their love for California’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness while lamenting the notorious traffic and bureaucratic inefficiencies that plague the city.
Notable Quote:
"It's the sunshine, the crisp California air, the food, the multiculturalism."
[Matt, 95:18]
Preferred Vehicles for Daily Driving and Fun
They compare various models, discussing the practicality of vehicles like the Acura Integra Type S and the Volkswagen Golf R in different climates, emphasizing attributes like all-wheel drive for snowy conditions and the enjoyable driving experience of sports cars.
8. Book Recommendations
Matt recommends three books he read during the hiatus:
- "Escaping the Rabbit Hole" by Mick West - A guide on deprogramming conspiracy theorists.
- "Typhoid Mary" by Anthony Bourdain - A unique take on the infamous chef from another culinary perspective.
- "On Freedom" by Timothy Snyder - An exploration of differing views on freedom and its implications in contemporary politics.
Notable Quote:
"On Freedom basically explores the idea that there are different views of what freedom is."
[Matt, 56:17]
9. Closing Remarks
The hosts express gratitude to their Patreon supporters, hinting at upcoming content, including detailed videos and articles about the Porsche GT3 and their respective vehicles. They encourage listeners to join their Patreon for exclusive perks and early access to content.
Notable Quote:
"We love you kids. See you next time. Bye."
[Matt & Zach, 110:22]
This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a blend of personal anecdotes, technical discussions on car maintenance and modifications, financial strategies related to stock picking, and broader societal issues impacting the automotive world. Matt and Zack's candid conversations provide valuable insights and engaging content for their audience.