#2592: How to Divorce Your Car
About this episode
Exploring the humorous intersection of car troubles and personal dilemmas, the Tappet Brothers tackle a variety of listener questions, from oil changes to quirky vehicle noises. A standout moment features a doctor debating whether to inform a mechanic about a simpler way to change oil on a Toyota. The episode also highlights a caller's quest for a reliable vehicle for life in East Africa, leading to discussions about the best options for rugged terrain. With their signature wit, Click and Clack provide practical advice while keeping the mood light.
Ellen from Boston has had enough and wants to divorce her Honda. It's been in 3 accidents, vandalized repeatedly and been hit by a falling tree. Will Click and Clack agree that this union was simply not meant to be, or will they suggest some expensive counseling sessions at the Good News Garage first? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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Toyota pickup truck
"...I have a 1995 Toyota pickup truck that I always changed my own oil on. But I worked out a deal with a mechanic."
The 1995 Toyota pickup truck is a small truck known for being reliable and easy to fix. Many people like to work on these trucks themselves because they are straightforward and durable.
The 1995 Toyota pickup truck is part of Toyota's long-standing line of compact and mid-size trucks known for their reliability and durability. This model is often appreciated for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts.
GMC Jimmy
"I have a Jimmy. 1995. 95 Jimmy. It's white."
The GMC Jimmy is a type of SUV made by GMC. The 1995 model is known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The GMC Jimmy is a mid-size SUV that was produced by General Motors from 1970 to 2005. The 1995 model is part of the second generation, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities.
fan clutch
"But my first idea that I had was that you have a bad fan clutch. Oh, let me write that down."
A fan clutch helps the car's engine stay cool by turning the fan on and off as needed. This saves energy and keeps the engine running quietly when the fan isn't needed.
A fan clutch is a component that controls the operation of the engine cooling fan. It engages and disengages the fan based on the engine temperature, helping to improve efficiency and reduce noise when cooling is not needed.
belt tensioner
"And that is that you have a bad, a worn out belt tensioner. A belt tensioner? Yes."
A belt tensioner helps keep the engine's belts tight so they work properly. If it's worn out, the belts can become loose, which can cause problems with the engine.
A belt tensioner is a component in an engine that maintains the proper tension on the serpentine belt or timing belt. It ensures that the belt does not slip or become loose, which can lead to engine performance issues.
serpentine belt
"...if this vehicle has what's called a serpentine belt, there's one belt that drives everything. Because it snakes around all these different pieces..."
A serpentine belt is a long, winding belt in a car that connects to different parts of the engine. It helps power things like the battery charger and air conditioning, all with just one belt instead of several.
A serpentine belt is a single, continuous belt that drives multiple components in an engine, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It is designed to be more efficient and compact compared to older systems that used multiple belts.
GMC 1500
"Well, I have an 84 GMC pickup truck. What series is it? It's, what is it, a 1500?"
The GMC 1500 is a type of pickup truck made by GMC. The '1500' indicates its size and capacity, and it was popular for being strong and useful for many tasks.
The GMC 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that was part of GMC's C/K series, popular for its durability and versatility. The 1984 model year featured various engine options and configurations, making it suitable for both work and personal use.
first gear
"...the only thing I could do was drop it into first gear. It's an automatic..."
First gear is the lowest setting in a car's transmission. It helps the car start moving or go up hills by giving it more power.
First gear is the lowest gear in a vehicle's transmission, providing maximum torque and power to help the car start moving or climb steep inclines. It allows the engine to operate at higher RPMs for better acceleration.
RPMs
"...the RPMs would kick in and it would start to, you know, go right on up the hill."
RPMs tell you how fast the engine is spinning. When the number is higher, it means the engine is working harder, which helps the car go faster, especially when going uphill.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how fast the engine is rotating. Higher RPMs typically indicate that the engine is working harder, which can be necessary for climbing hills or accelerating.
automatic transmission
"...Well, then two years ago, I managed to blow the engine, but it led to getting a new engine. Good."
An automatic transmission is a type of car system that changes gears by itself, so you don't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on steering and acceleration without needing to manually shift gears.
six cylinder engine
"Is this a six cylinder engine? No, it's a, it's an eight, a 350."
A six cylinder engine means it has six small chambers where fuel and air mix and burn to create power. It's a common type of engine that can provide good performance without using too much fuel.
A six cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders arranged in a specific configuration. This type of engine is known for providing a balance between power and efficiency, commonly found in various vehicles.
eight cylinder engine
"No, it's a, it's an eight, a 350. Okay."
An eight cylinder engine has eight chambers where fuel burns to create power. It's usually found in bigger cars and trucks, giving them more strength and speed.
An eight cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with eight cylinders, typically providing more power and torque compared to smaller engines. This configuration is often used in performance and larger vehicles.
350 engine
"No, it's a, it's an eight, a 350. Okay."
The 350 engine is a type of V8 engine made by Chevrolet. It's known for being powerful and is often used in sports cars and trucks.
The 350 engine typically refers to the Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8 engine, known for its reliability and performance. It's a popular choice for many muscle cars and trucks.
Rochester carburetor
"...they said, you got a Rochester carburetor in there. They said, they're no damn good."
A Rochester carburetor is a device that mixes air and fuel for an engine. It's often found in older cars and has a reputation for not working well.
The Rochester carburetor is a type of carburetor that was commonly used in American cars, particularly by General Motors. They are known for their simplicity but have a reputation for being less reliable compared to other carburetors.
Edelbrock carburetor
"...put a holly or an Engelbrock or something like that"
An Edelbrock carburetor is a device that helps mix fuel and air for an engine, similar to a Holley. They are often used in cars that are built for speed and performance.
Edelbrock carburetors are another popular choice among car enthusiasts, known for their performance and ease of tuning. They are often used in classic cars and hot rods to enhance engine performance.
Holly carburetor
"...what you got to do is put a holly or an Engelbrock or something like that"
A Holley carburetor is a type of fuel and air mixing device used in cars, especially those that are modified for better performance. They are known for being adjustable and improving engine power.
Holly carburetors, often spelled 'Holley', are popular aftermarket carburetors known for their performance and tuning capabilities. They are frequently used in performance applications and are favored by car enthusiasts.
Rochester two barrel
"...they want to rip off that Rochester two barrel which you have on there. That's what they were saying."
A Rochester two barrel is a part that helps mix fuel and air in an engine. It's found in older cars and can affect how well the engine runs.
The Rochester two barrel is a type of carburetor commonly used in older vehicles. It has two barrels that mix air and fuel for combustion, which can impact engine performance and efficiency.
kick down cable
"...it should shift down on its own. Yeah, the kick down cable may need to be adjusted."
The kick down cable helps your car shift to a lower gear when you need more power, like when you're speeding up. If it's not adjusted properly, your car might not shift as smoothly or quickly as it should.
A kick down cable is a component in an automatic transmission that allows the engine to downshift to a lower gear when more power is needed, such as during acceleration. Adjusting this cable can improve the responsiveness of the transmission.
kick down linkage
"If you really want to get it fixed, have someone take a look at the kick down linkage, otherwise just shift it down yourself."
Kick down linkage helps your car shift to a lower gear when you need more power, like when you're speeding up. If it's not working right, the car might not shift gears on its own when you want it to.
Kick down linkage is a mechanism in an automatic transmission that allows the driver to downshift to a lower gear when more power is needed, such as during acceleration. If this linkage is malfunctioning, it can prevent the transmission from shifting down automatically when required.
accelerator pump
"it could be that you just need an accelerator pump in the carburetor. So have them do that."
An accelerator pump helps your car's engine get extra fuel when you press the gas pedal quickly. This makes the car respond better and not hesitate when you want to speed up.
An accelerator pump is a component in a carburetor that provides an extra burst of fuel when the throttle is opened quickly, helping to prevent hesitation during acceleration. This is particularly important in performance applications where immediate throttle response is desired.
Jeep Wrangler
"I think I've narrowed it down to Jeep Wrangler or something that I haven't found yet."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that can handle rough terrains. It's known for being able to drive with the doors and roof off, making it great for outdoor adventures.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and capability. It's popular among off-road enthusiasts and is recognized for its removable doors and roof, allowing for an open-air driving experience.
Toyota Land
"...is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Yeah, of course. If you've got 40,000."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that can handle tough roads and off-road conditions. It's popular for adventures and is known for being very reliable, but it can be quite expensive.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has a long history and is often featured in adventure and nature programs due to its ruggedness and reliability in various terrains.
Japanese car
"oh, you should get a Japanese car because everybody has a Japanese car"
Japanese cars are vehicles made by manufacturers from Japan. They are popular because they tend to be reliable and cost-effective.
Japanese cars are known for their reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are often recommended for their long-lasting performance and lower maintenance costs.
Land Rover Range Rover
"... that's not attractive to thieves. Oh, you need a Range Rover. But that's a tough trade-off."
The Land Rover Range Rover is a fancy, big car that can drive on tough roads and looks really nice inside. People like it because it’s both strong for adventures and comfortable for everyday use, but some worry about it being stolen because it's so popular.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It combines ruggedness with elegance, making it a popular choice among those who seek both adventure and comfort. Discussions about the Range Rover often revolve around its status symbol appeal and concerns about theft due to its desirability.
Jeep Cherokee
"In the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler would, too."
The Jeep Cherokee is a smaller SUV that is great for off-roading and can be used for everyday driving. It's well-liked for its ability to go on tough trails.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that is known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. It has been a popular choice for those seeking a rugged vehicle that can handle various terrains.
Subaru Outback
"I don't think I'd want to get something like a Subaru Outback because I don't think it will hold up."
The Subaru Outback is a car that looks like a wagon but can handle rough roads. It's good for families and people who like outdoor activities.
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that combines the features of a station wagon with off-road capability. It's known for its all-wheel drive and practicality, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ford Falcon
"So anyway, he fires up his most reliable car, his 65 Falcon, and he makes his way through Massachusetts..."
The Ford Falcon is a small car made by Ford that was popular in the 1960s. The 1965 version is known for being dependable and easy to drive.
The Ford Falcon is a compact car that was produced by Ford from 1960 to 1970. The 1965 model is known for its simple design and reliability, making it a popular choice for many drivers during its time.
ignition points
"And to his amazement is a brand new set of ignition points. Oh, I thought you were going to say a salami sandwich."
Ignition points are small parts in older cars that help start the engine by controlling the electricity that goes to the spark plugs. They make sure the engine gets the spark it needs to run.
Ignition points are components in older ignition systems that open and close the electrical circuit to the ignition coil, allowing the engine to start and run. They are crucial for the timing of the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.
distributor cap
"So he opens the hood, takes off the distributor cap, and proceeds to remove the little screw that holds the points in."
The distributor cap is a part of the engine that helps send electricity to the spark plugs in the right order. This is important for making sure the engine runs properly.
The distributor cap is a component of the ignition system that houses the ignition coil and distributes the high-voltage electricity to the correct cylinder at the right time. It plays a vital role in ensuring the engine runs smoothly.
Honda Civic
"I have a 1991 Honda Civic. It's a four door sedan and it's red."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for daily driving. The 1991 version is known for being dependable and good on gas.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1991 model is part of the fourth generation of Civics, which was popular for its practical design and performance.
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