The Straight Shift with The Car Chick cover art

The Straight Shift with The Car Chick

The Straight Shift with The Car Chick

By: LeeAnn Shattuck The Car Chick: Your Car Buying and Repair Expert
Listen for free

About this listen

The Straight Shift is a podcast that's about cars! Car buying, car selling, car maintenance and repairs, safe driving tips, and general car-related nonsense designed to empower consumers. Brought to you by The Car Chick, the #1 trusted automotive expert for women and smart men. New episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month!

© 2025 Women's Automotive Solutions, Inc. DBA The Car Chick. All Rights Reserved.
Economics
Episodes
  • Fatal Mistakes: What Driver’s Ed Isn’t Teaching Teen Drivers (or Adults!)
    Aug 6 2025

    Summary
    In this episode, The Car Chick® discusses the tragic incident involving a teen driver that resulted in multiple fatalities, highlighting the dangers of teen driving and the inadequacies of the current driver's education system. She emphasizes the need for better training and experience for young drivers, as well as the importance of modeling safe driving behavior as parents. The conversation also explores statistics related to teen driving accidents and offers solutions for improving road safety for teenagers.

    Takeaways

    • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.
    • Inexperienced drivers are often handed the keys without proper training.
    • Driver's education programs focus on passing tests rather than real-world skills.
    • Teens are three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than older drivers.
    • Advanced driving courses can significantly improve teen driving skills.
    • Anticipatory driving and car control are crucial skills for safety.
    • The frontal lobe, responsible for judgment, isn't fully developed in teens.
    • Parents must model safe driving behaviors for their children.
    • We need to prioritize safety and better training for all drivers.

    Resources
    TeenDrivingSolutions.org
    PutOnTheBrakes.org


    You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here.

    Connect with LeeAnn:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    Work with LeeAnn:

    • Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
    • Car Buying Service

    Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick. All rights reserved.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Stay Cool and Save Money: Your Summer Guide to Car A/C Systems
    Jul 16 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® dives into the world of car air conditioning, debunking common myths and explaining the science behind how A/C systems work. From the importance of maintenance to understanding the components of the A/C system, listeners gain valuable insights into keeping their vehicles cool during the summer months. The Car Chick® emphasizes the significance of proper care and maintenance, including checking the cabin air filter and understanding the closed-loop system of refrigerant. The episode concludes with practical tips for maintaining A/C efficiency and comfort while driving.

    Takeaways

    • A/C systems pull heat out of the air, not blow cold air.
    • Refrigerant is a closed-loop system and doesn't get used up.
    • Using the recirculate button is more efficient in heat.
    • Starting a car with A/C on doesn't harm the battery in modern cars.
    • Using A/C in electric vehicles is efficient and safe for pets.
    • Regularly changing the cabin air filter is key to A/C performance.


    You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here.

    Connect with LeeAnn:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    Work with LeeAnn:

    • Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
    • Car Buying Service

    Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick. All rights reserved.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • What Does 'Made in America' Mean for Cars in 2025?
    Jul 2 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® explores the complexities of what 'Made in America' means in the automotive industry today. She delves into the history of American cars, the evolution of car culture, and the impact of globalization on car manufacturing. The discussion highlights how the definition of American-made cars has changed over the years, especially with the rise of foreign manufacturers producing vehicles in the U.S. The Car Chick® emphasizes the importance of understanding where cars are made and the economic implications of car buying decisions, encouraging listeners to do their research before making a purchase.

    Takeaways

    • The term 'Made in America' is complex and evolving.
    • The automobile was originally invented in Germany, not America.
    • American car culture reflects societal changes and historical events.
    • Cars have always symbolized freedom and personal identity in the U.S.
    • The globalization of car manufacturing complicates the definition of American-made.
    • The Kogod index provides a nuanced view of American car manufacturing.
    • Buying a car should align with personal values and financial considerations.
    • Foreign brands can have a significant positive impact on the American economy.
    • Understanding tariffs is crucial for informed car buying decisions.
    • Researching a car's origin can reveal its true American-ness.


    Resources

    Kogod Made In America Auto Index

    https://kogod.american.edu/autoindex/2024

    Cars.com Made In America Index

    https://www.cars.com/american-made-index/


    You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here.

    Connect with LeeAnn:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    Work with LeeAnn:

    • Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car
    • Car Buying Service

    Copyright ©2024 Women’s Automotive Solutions Inc., dba The Car Chick. All rights reserved.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.