Car Talk

12/28/2024

Wiper blades are out of sight and out of mind until one ice, snowy, or rainy night when suddenly you rely on them to stay alive. Perhaps the easiest of all DIY jobs, replacing your wiper blades offers instant satisfaction. Streaks disappear, the glass seems clearer, and you won’t hear any chatter once your blades are replaced.
Check out the recommendations from our experts: Best Wiper Blades - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/eX8ZK

Car Talk researchers and expert mechanics weigh in on the best wiper blades for your vehicle, how much it will cost and how to make the best informed decision for your vehicle.

12/26/2024

Happy Holidays Knuckleheads!
Photo by Richard Howard

12/23/2024

Dear Car Talk:
I have a 1969 Buick with a 430-cubic-inch engine.

It will start and run fine. But when I go to turn the car off, it keeps on running, even though the key is all the way in the "off" position. The only way to stop the engine is by disconnecting the positive cable of the battery and turning the key to the crank position.

The only thing to add is that when I go to put the positive cable back on, it sparks like something is on, even though nothing is on. Any help would be appreciated. -- Bob

Read Ray's response: https://ecs.page.link/yKyMt

12/19/2024

Pat donated his 2009 Ford Escape to support Minnesota Public Radio Thank you, Pat, for !

We call it Kiwi 2 in honor of the original. The original was a long-time member who helped 2 kids learn to drive and fairy us to numerous practices and events. The original Kiwi met its fate on a snowy night against a bridge pillar, keeping everyone safe inside. Kiwi 2 was bought in honor and also brought kids to jobs safely and electrically. As with its predecessor, it was battery-assisted. It's fate we could see coming for a long time. It caught the dreaded rust. It is soldering, but it’s time for us to let Kiwi 2 go. Learn more about the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program: https://ecs.page.link/bB2Sw

12/18/2024

We found your next car.

12/17/2024

Every vehicle on the road should have an emergency kit to take care of things like flat tires, dead batteries, and the occasional problem that might leave you stranded. Pickup trucks, however, are a whole other ballgame on that front. Read more from our experts: Best Tools For Truck Owners - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/2c1yg

Car Talk researchers and expert mechanics weigh in on the best tools for truck owners, how much they will cost and how to make the best informed decision for your vehicle.

12/16/2024

12/15/2024

Show #24100: Bernsteining the Clutch
Alexander's dad loved convertibles and drove them with style. Since Dad was Leonard Bernstein does it really matter that he had it all wrong? Listen now: https://ecs.page.link/QqE26

12/11/2024

The holidays are upon us, and the gifting season is in full swing. If you have a car nut in the family, or you simply are out of other ideas, here is a list of gifts we recommend here at Car Talk. This year, we lean heavily on our “Best Products” guides for ideas, but we have some other choices you might like as well. Read more: Car Talk's Holiday Gift Guide for 2024 - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/PyrQa

Car Talk experts take a look at the best holiday gifts for the car lover in your life.

12/09/2024

Dear Car Talk:
I've always loved your radio show (now Car Talk podcast), and even visited your office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, once. You weren't there. Your staff said you were busy with your second afternoon nap. Anyway, as a driver, I have always tried to avoid jackrabbit starts to improve my fuel economy. I now drive an electric vehicle and wonder whether the laws of physics apply the same to how you accelerate with electric cars. Am I saving range by accelerating more slowly? It's more fun to step on it!
-- Chris

Read Ray's response: Flooring Your EV is Fun but Not Cost-Free - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/pt4sr

12/06/2024

Jennifer donated her 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee to support her public radio station, WBUR 90.9 FM. Thank you, Jennifer!

"My mom passed away in 2022. She gave me her car when she was no longer able to drive She was a devoted WBUR listener and PBS supporter. After she passed, I drove this car and felt like she was with me."

Learn more about the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program: NPR Car Donation https://ecs.page.link/bB2Sw

12/06/2024

Spoiler alert: the tree air freshener is not featured.

Everyone loves a new car smell, but the freshness tends to fade way faster than most of us would like. Kids, pets, and lunches on the go can have your new ride smelling sour before you know it. Thankfully, the car air freshener industry has no shortage of products to choose from, including sprays, hanging fresheners, and more. Here are some of our favorite products in the space: Best Car Air Fresheners - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/HY6mP

Car Talk researchers and expert mechanics weigh in on the best car air fresheners for your vehicle, how much it will cost and how to make the best informed decision for your vehicle.

12/03/2024

So that's how it is!

12/02/2024

Dear Car Talk:
I have a 1980 Toyota Celica ST with a 20R engine that has 98,000 miles on it. I bought it in the mid-1990s with only 30,000 miles from a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays. For the last two months, when I make a fairly hard left turn, the car loses power but doesn't quite stall. What do you think it might be? -- Chuck

Read Ray's response: https://ecs.page.link/qT2Lp

11/29/2024

#2495: Drive Thru Auto Repair
Is there anything more depressing than the customer waiting room at your local repair shop? Well, Sarah has found a repair place that will fix her Nissan while she waits - in her car! Listen now: https://ecs.page.link/CUFct
Photo by Richard Howard

11/28/2024

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend, all you turkeys! h/t to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the great advice, no matter where you live.