chad-swiatecki

Chad Swiatecki


Chad Swiatecki is a 30-year journalist who relocated to Austin, TX from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He writes regularly for Austin Monitor, and has written for Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Daily News, Texas Monthly, Austin Business Journal, Austin American-Statesman and many other regional and national outlets.

McDonald's expert reveals the real reason free drink refills are going away

‘That robot thing in the lobby’: McDonald’s expert reveals the real reason free drink refills are going away

'They are making so much money on the beverages.'

On May 28, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Mechanic talking (three split)

‘Would have kept your head gasket from blowing up’: Mechanic reveals why Kia and Hyundai engines are failing so early

'It never overheated.'

On May 22, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Auto Zone customer shows how to fix bad-smelling car vents

‘You want to spray all up in there’: Auto Zone customer shows how to fix bad-smelling AC vents in your car for cheap

'It's not hard.'

On May 19, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Man 1 talking(l), Hyundai sign(c), Man 2 talking(r)

‘I wouldn’t trust anyone that chooses a Hyundai’: 5 mechanics weigh in on Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord

'Love my Sonata, have had 3, still own 2 of them, daily driver is fast approaching 250k miles.'

On May 18, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Expert calls out new Honda sedan for being built with a lack of Honda parts

‘GM and Honda made a baby???’: Expert calls out new Honda sedan for being built with a lack of Honda parts

'I want a Honda that is a Honda...'

On May 16, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

man speaking (l) Subaru (c) man speaking (r)

‘My mid-’90s Subaru Impreza’: Mechanics reveal 6 cars they would own again

'delivered pizzas for 5 years with it and put over 350k miles with zero breakdowns.'

On May 13, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Mechanic says new engine covers are a ticking time bomb for owners

‘This engineering is unacceptable’: Mechanic says new engine covers are a ticking time bomb for owners

'You want to know why people are quitting the automotive industry?'

On May 12, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Mechanic reveals why Hyundai and Kia engines really fail. Here’s what drivers can do today to slow it down

‘That’s it?’: Mechanic reveals why Hyundai and Kia engines really fail. Here’s what drivers can do today to slow it down

'This one has a knock.'

On May 5, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki

Boss calls meeting with worker who didn't vote in Microsoft Teams poll about pie flavor

‘This is my reward, mind you’: Boss reprimands worker who didn’t vote in Microsoft Teams poll about pie flavor

'I would never exceed metrics again.'

On Apr 8, 2024 by Chad Swiatecki