About this episode
Ray and Tom tackle a variety of listener calls, sharing their signature humor and questionable car advice. A memorable story involves a driver losing his cell phone after making an obscene gesture, leading to a discussion on road rage and karma. The brothers also dive into car troubles, including a listener's Volkswagen Fox with CV joint issues and another's Chrysler LeBaron with turbo problems. They emphasize the importance of warranties and consumer rights while keeping the conversation light and entertaining.
A merry melange of motor maladies on this end of the year episode of the Best of Car Talk.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
Dodge Caravan
"...my aging dodge minivan when a man who was talking on his cell phone pulled out of the rental store parking lot right in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and managed to get the caravan stopped..."
The Dodge Caravan is a type of vehicle called a minivan, which is designed to carry families and their belongings. It's known for having a lot of space inside and being easy to drive.
The Dodge Caravan is a minivan that has been popular for family transportation since its introduction in the 1980s. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, it has been a go-to choice for many families.
Blazer
"...the hand holding the cell phone while propped up in the open window of his blazer toward me. I don't understand all that..."
The Chevrolet Blazer is a type of vehicle known as an SUV, which stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. SUVs are larger than cars and can handle rougher terrain, making them great for outdoor activities.
The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV that has been produced in various forms since the late 1960s. It is known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Fox
"All right, I got an 89 Volkswagen Fox. Oh, man. That's what I'm talking about."
The Volkswagen Fox is a small car that Volkswagen made in the late 1980s. It was designed to be affordable and simple, but it wasn't very popular.
The Volkswagen Fox is a subcompact car that was produced by Volkswagen in the 1980s. It was known for its economical design and was aimed at budget-conscious consumers.
bare bones
"Everything was teeny. Everything was bare bones. You would think the general motors had made it."
'Bare bones' means something is very simple and doesn't have extra features. For cars, it means they are basic and don't have fancy options.
The term 'bare bones' refers to a very basic version of a product, lacking any extra features or luxury options. In automotive terms, it means a car with minimal amenities.
CV joint
"...Garage tells me that I blew both CV joints amazingly at the same time, seizing my axles is what they told me. No, it doesn't sound good to me..."
A CV joint helps connect the wheels to the car's engine, allowing them to turn while still moving. If it breaks, it can cause problems with how the car drives.
A CV joint, or constant velocity joint, is a crucial component in front-wheel drive vehicles that allows the wheels to receive power while turning. They are designed to handle the angle and rotational movement of the wheels.
axles
"...Garage tells me that I blew both CV joints amazingly at the same time, seizing my axles is what they told me..."
Axles are like rods that connect the wheels to the car, helping it to move. If they break, the car won't be able to drive properly.
Axles are the shafts that connect the wheels to the vehicle and transfer power from the engine to the wheels. They play a critical role in the vehicle's ability to move and handle properly.
thumping sound
"...I started getting this thumping sound underneath the footwell of the driver's side. And it's only when I drive straight or turn left..."
A thumping sound in a car usually means something isn't working right, like parts that are worn out or broken. It's a sign that you should have it checked out.
A thumping sound in a vehicle can indicate various issues, often related to suspension, drivetrain, or wheel alignment problems. It may suggest that components are worn or damaged.
Chrysler LeBaron
"Well, what I got is what I thought was a good deal. My stepmom's uncle had passed away and he had an 85 Chrysler LeBaron with only 70,000 miles on it."
The Chrysler LeBaron is a car that Chrysler made from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It was popular for being comfortable and came in different styles, like a two-door or convertible.
The Chrysler LeBaron is a mid-size car that was produced by Chrysler from 1977 to 1995. It was known for its comfortable ride and was available in various body styles, including coupe and convertible.
Porsche 944 Turbo
"Is this one of the ones with a turbo? Yes. Yeah. 4-cylinder turbo. All the bopping power you could ever want."
The Porsche 944 Turbo is a sporty car from the 1980s that has a turbocharged engine, which means it can produce more power and go faster. It's well-regarded for how it handles on the road.
The Porsche 944 Turbo is a performance variant of the 944 sports car, featuring a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that enhances its power and acceleration. It was produced in the 1980s and is known for its balance and handling.
turbo
"Is this one of the ones with a turbo? Yes. Yeah. 4-cylinder turbo. All the bopping power you could ever want."
A turbo is a part of some car engines that helps them go faster by pushing more air into the engine, which lets it use more fuel and create more power.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in improved acceleration and performance.
air conditioner
"So here's what it is. You get on the freeway and it's kind of like when you have the air conditioner turned on and you can literally feel it click on and off with the power in the car."
The air conditioner in a car helps keep it cool inside by blowing cold air. Sometimes, it can use up some of the car's power, making it feel less powerful when it's running.
The air conditioning system in a car cools the interior by circulating refrigerant and removing heat from the cabin. It can affect engine performance when engaged, as it draws power from the engine.
Dodge Colt Vista
"...you should be looking for, forget the car scope, you don't need it. You need a nice 87 or 88 Dodge Colt Vista with one of those wonderful Mitsubishi engines. Yeah. They're great, man. They last forever."
The Dodge Colt Vista is a small van made by Dodge in the 1980s. It's known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside, making it good for families.
The Dodge Colt Vista is a compact minivan produced by Dodge in the late 1980s, known for its practicality and reliability. It was based on the Mitsubishi Space Wagon and featured a spacious interior for families.
Volkswagen Golf
"Volkswagen Golf that he recently bought from his sister. His sister? That's a stupid idea. Wait,"
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's been around for a long time and is known for being reliable.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car known for its practicality and performance. It has been a popular choice in various markets since its introduction in the 1970s.
pulls to the right
"Apparently, it pulls to the right when he's going uphill. I remember this call and pulls to the left when he's going downhill or straight away."
If a car pulls to the right, it means that when you drive straight, the car wants to go to the right side of the road instead. This can be a sign that something is wrong with the car's setup.
When a car pulls to the right, it means the vehicle tends to steer or drift towards the right side of the road while driving. This can indicate alignment issues or problems with the suspension.
pulls to the left
"...pulls to the right when he's going uphill. I remember this call and pulls to the left when he's going downhill or straight away."
If a car pulls to the left, it means that when you drive straight, the car wants to go to the left side of the road instead. This can be a sign that something is wrong with the car's setup.
When a car pulls to the left, it means the vehicle tends to steer or drift towards the left side of the road while driving. This can also indicate alignment issues or problems with the suspension.
parallelogram
"Now you're finding out that the whole frame is no longer square. It's a parallelogram. You're never going to be able to get..."
A 'parallelogram' frame means the car's frame is bent in a way that makes it not square anymore. This can cause problems with how the car drives and wears out the tires unevenly.
In automotive terms, a 'parallelogram' frame refers to a structural issue where the frame is distorted, affecting the vehicle's alignment and handling. This can lead to uneven tire wear and difficulty in steering.
trapezoid
"Better that than a trapezoid, but you're never going to get it to track right."
A 'trapezoid' frame means the car's shape is bent in a way that makes it look like a trapezoid, which can cause problems with how the car drives.
A 'trapezoid' frame indicates a specific type of distortion in the vehicle's structure, which can also lead to alignment issues. Like a parallelogram, it can affect handling and safety.
Toyota Tercel
"So what's up, Susan? I have an 86 Toyota Tercel. Runs like a dream. Yeah, they all do."
The Toyota Tercel is a small car that Toyota made from the late 1970s to the late 1990s. The 1986 version is known for being dependable and good on gas.
The Toyota Tercel is a compact car that was produced by Toyota from 1978 to 1999. The 1986 model is part of the second generation, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
Toyota 86 Toyota
"...o it's sad to say. So what's up, Susan? I have an 86 Toyota Tursale. Runs like a dream. Yeah, they all do. E..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people trust because it lasts a long time and doesn't use much gas. It's popular because it's easy to drive and usually doesn't cost a lot to keep running. People often talk about it because it's a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It has been one of the best-selling cars worldwide for decades, making it a significant player in the automotive market. Discussions about the Corolla often highlight its practicality and long-standing reputation as a dependable vehicle.
pump noise
"...Runs like a dream. Yeah, they all do. Except it makes a pump, pump, pump, pump, pump noise that has come up recently..."
A 'pump noise' is a sound that can come from different parts of a car, like the fuel pump or tires. It might mean something is wrong, so it's good to check it out.
A 'pump noise' in a vehicle can indicate various issues, such as problems with the fuel pump, power steering pump, or even tire issues. It's important to diagnose the source to prevent further damage.
wheel bearing
"Brilliant. Yeah. You have a bad wheel bearing. I knew you were going to say that. And what you have is one spalled, spelled S-P-A-L-L-E-D, ball bearing."
A wheel bearing helps the wheels spin smoothly. If it gets damaged, it can make noise and make it hard to drive the car safely.
A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls or rollers held together by a metal ring called a race. It allows the wheel to rotate smoothly and supports the weight of the vehicle. When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause noise and affect the handling of the car.
spalled
"...you have a bad wheel bearing. I knew you were going to say that. And what you have is one spalled, spelled S-P-A-L-L-E-D, ball bearing."
Spalled means that a part has started to break or chip away, which can happen when it gets worn out. In wheel bearings, this can cause problems with how the wheels turn.
Spalling refers to the flaking or breaking off of material from a surface, often due to wear or fatigue. In the context of wheel bearings, it indicates that the bearing has suffered damage, leading to potential failure.
Toyota Avalon
"...we have a 95 Camry and we have a 97 Avalon. Both of them have over 35,000 miles..."
The Toyota Avalon is a larger car than the Camry, providing more room and comfort. The 1997 model is known for being a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan that offers more space and luxury compared to the Camry. The 1997 model is part of the first generation, known for its smooth ride and spacious interior.
Toyota Camry
"...we have a 95 Camry and we have a 97 Avalon. Both of them have over 35,000 miles..."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people trust for its durability. The 1995 version is known for being comfortable and good on gas.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and longevity. The 1995 model is part of the third generation of the Camry, which was praised for its comfort and fuel efficiency.
200,000 miles
"...he says these cars can go 200,000 miles with no..."
When people say a car can go '200,000 miles', they mean it can last a long time if you take care of it. It's a good sign of a reliable car.
The term '200,000 miles' refers to a common benchmark for vehicle longevity, indicating that many cars can be expected to run well for this distance with proper maintenance.
Chevrolet Avalanche
"...if you have an avalanche or a camera, you get a good shot at getting 200,000 miles out of both of them."
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a type of truck that can also be used like an SUV. It has a lot of space and is good for carrying things, making it popular for families and work.
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a unique pickup truck that combines the functionality of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. It was produced from 2001 to 2013 and is known for its versatility and spacious interior.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.