Car Talk

02/21/2025

Social media is packed with videos and photos of car enthusiasts’ extravagant garages, but for those of us living in the real world, simplicity is often the best approach. Amateur mechanics need a straightforward toolset with wrenches and a few other essentials, but it can often be hard to figure out where to start. Our quick guide will give you an idea of the best tools to stock your garage, so let’s get started. The Best Tools To Have In Your Garage - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/9Hnuy

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

02/19/2025

Okay, sure, it's probably warm up there, but we still think something nefarious may be going on.

02/17/2025

Dear Car Talk:
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee has remote entry using a key fob. After locking my Jeep with the remote, it unlocks by itself, and the headlights turn on. After a few weeks of this, the lock button on my remote no longer worked. Any idea what could be wrong? There are no service lights on. Thank you. -- Javier

Read Ray's response: Unlocking The Mystery Of The Unlocking Jeep - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/QU41r

02/16/2025

Show number #2513: Janet's Midlife Miata
Janet has a big birthday coming up and she needs to give herself something really big to help her cope. Listen now: Our Show https://ecs.page.link/CUFct

02/13/2025

“This was the first car I purchased with my own money, back in 2016. Her name is Dune Buggy or ur-a-bus which is Subaru backwards. I bought it when I moved back to MA from CA. It has been on fun camping trips, and winter adventures, and helped me through several moves. I will miss Ms. Dune buggy."

Connie donated a 2005 Subaru Forester to WBUR through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program. Thank you, Connie! Learn more: https://ecs.page.link/7NuFq WBUR 90.9 FM

02/12/2025

Protecting tires while amusing people in traffic. 👍👍

02/11/2025

Ice scrapers and snow brushes live lonely and neglected in the corner of your shed, garage, or basement until the first snowflakes fall. Suddenly, they are your best friend. Shame on you! In this article, we will overview the very best snow brushes and ice scrapers you can buy. We will also offer sage advice from yours truly. Your author lives and drives in the snowbelt of New England and has been blessed to be a car tester for two decades. Read more: Best Snow Brushes and Ice Scrapers - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/NM62R

02/10/2025

Dear Car Talk:
So, I drove my GMC Terrain through -- I'm guessing -- like 2 feet of water. Even though it was only 2-feet deep, the splash was so big that water came up over the hood and the engine died. I saw some white smoke. The engine would not restart, so I had it towed home. It makes no sound when I try to start it. So now I'm letting it dry out. Do you think everything will be alright when it dries out? -- Luke

Read Ray’s response: https://ecs.page.link/f6T4P

02/07/2025

This week's show #2510: Sounds good, but...
Should Lee take the advice of a retired mechanic friend and ‘rinse’ the inside of his engine with kerosene between oil changes? Listen now: https://ecs.page.link/CUFct
Photo by Richard Howard

02/06/2025

We'd like to introduce you to the newest Car Talk Web Lackey, our Intern, Car Talk Cleo. She takes way too many breaks (to chew on everything around her), so, she fits right in. She wants to start answering Dear Car Talk letters but we told her it's just too soon and Ray really does have more expertise.

02/05/2025

And fingers crossed too.

02/04/2025

Dogs are awesome road trip companions, but cats can be just as much fun on the road. Like dogs, cats need to be secured and contained when the vehicle is moving, making cat carriers an excellent choice to make the trip much more enjoyable for all parties involved. Whether you're going on vacation, moving households or just taking a trip to the vet, there are many good reasons to have a solid car carrier for your little feline companion. If you’re looking for an affordable, safe cat carrier but are having trouble making a decision, we’re here to help. These are our favorite cat carriers for the car: Best Cat Carriers for Cars - Car Talk

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

02/03/2025

Dear Car Talk:
I over-tightened a lug nut on an alloy wheel. It seems to have pushed right through the alloy and is up against the metal on the other side.
Is there a fix for this? The rest of the lug nuts are OK. -- Perry

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

01/31/2025

Thank you for all your votes! We are excited to announce the 2024 Golden Wrench Car Donation of the year is the 1962 Jaguar Mark 2 donated to !

Learn more about the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program: https://www.cartalk.com/car-donation/.

01/30/2025

01/28/2025

Dear Car Talk:
I am a fairly active, 78-year-old woman who would like to know which car to buy. I love my 2017 Honda Accord but am finding it more difficult to get in and out of it because it sits lower to the ground. My husband drives a 2021 Toyota Highlander, which, for me, is almost too high to enter.

Is there a model of car that would sit higher than my Accord but lower than the Highlander? -- Gail

Read Ray's response: Searching High And Low For a Vehicle For Every Height - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/ev266

01/27/2025

Round 3 is live! The final showdown is here! Will it be the Fire Truck or the Jag? Quite the match-up! Winners will be announced on Friday. Don’t forget to vote this week: https://ecs.page.link/AZNEP KNKX Public Radio WABE

01/24/2025

Thank you for your votes! Here are the winners for Round 2. Check back next week for the final round! https://ecs.page.link/AZNEP