#2593: Driving Blind
The Best of Car Talk
The Best of Car Talk Nov 22, 2025
#2593: Driving Blind

#2593: Driving Blind

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#2593: Driving Blind
Term

turbocharged engine

A turbocharged engine is a type of engine that uses a special device called a turbocharger to make the engine more powerful by pushing in more air and fuel.

Saab 900 Turbo
Car

Saab 900 Turbo

The Saab 900 Turbo is a car made by the Swedish company Saab. It's known for having a turbocharged engine, which gives it more power and speed compared to regular engines.

Term

overheating

Overheating happens when a car's engine gets too hot, which can cause problems and even damage the engine if it doesn't cool down properly.

Part

coil spring

A coil spring is a metal spring shaped like a coil that helps support the car's weight and smooth out bumps in the road. It's an important part of the car's suspension system.

Part

alternator

The alternator is a part that makes electricity while the engine is running. It keeps the battery charged and powers the car's electrical systems. If it stops working, the battery can run out of power.

Part

starter motor

The starter motor is a part of the car that helps start the engine. When you turn the key, it makes the engine begin to run. If it's not working, the engine won't start at all.

Part

battery

The battery is a part of the car that stores electricity. It helps start the engine and powers things like lights and radio when the engine is off. If the battery is dead, the car won't start.

Term

resistance

Resistance is like a blockage that makes it harder for electricity to flow. When things heat up, it can create more resistance, which can make it difficult for parts like the starter motor to work well.

Chevrolet Suburban
Car

Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and cargo. The 1997 version is known for being roomy and powerful, often used for family trips or work purposes.

Term

7.4 liter V8

The 7.4 liter V8 is a big engine that helps the vehicle go fast and carry heavy loads, but it uses a lot of gas, which can be expensive.

Term

aftermarket high-tech electronic ignition systems

These are special parts you can add to your car to help it start better and use less gas. They replace the original parts and can make your car run smoother.

Term

7.4 liter engine

A 7.4 liter engine is a large engine that can produce a lot of power. The size of the engine is measured in liters, and a bigger number usually means more strength and capability.

Term

cubic inches

Cubic inches is a measurement for how big an engine is. In the U.S., people sometimes use this instead of liters to talk about engine size.

Term

horsepower

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the vehicle can go.

Term

torque

Torque is how strong an engine is at moving things, especially when starting from a stop or pulling heavy loads. More torque means better ability to tow or accelerate quickly.

Term

spark plug wires

Spark plug wires are like electrical cords that connect the battery to the parts of the engine that make it go. They help the engine start and run properly.

Term

super coil

A super coil is a special part that helps make the spark in the engine stronger, which can help the car run better and use fuel more efficiently.

Ford Falcon
Car

Ford Falcon

The Ford Falcon is a small car made by Ford that was popular in the 1960s. It's known for being affordable and reliable, which is why many people liked it back then.

Part

ignition points

Ignition points help start the engine by creating a spark. They are part of older car engines and are not commonly used in modern cars anymore.

Part

distributor cap

The distributor cap helps send electricity to the engine to make it run. It's an important part of the ignition system that helps the engine start and keep running.

Porsche 911
Car

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time. The 1972 version is considered vintage and is known for its unique look and speed.

Term

vintage

'Vintage' means that a car is quite old, usually over 20 years, and is often considered special or collectible.

Term

relay

A relay is like a switch that uses electricity to turn something on or off. In cars, it helps control things like the headlights or the engine without needing a lot of power from the battery.

Term

headlights

Headlights are the bright lights at the front of a car that help you see when it's dark. You can turn them on and off with a switch inside the car.

Ford truck
Car

Ford truck

The 1969 Ford truck is a type of vehicle made by Ford that is known for being tough and useful for carrying heavy loads or towing.

Term

diesel engine

A diesel engine is a type of engine that runs on a special fuel called diesel. It works differently from regular gasoline engines by using heat to ignite the fuel instead of a spark. They are usually more efficient but need regular care to keep them running well.

Term

oil change

An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage. It's especially important for diesel engines because they can get dirty faster.

Part

power steering pump

The power steering pump makes it easier to turn the steering wheel by using fluid pressure. This helps you steer without having to use a lot of strength, especially in big cars or trucks.

Part

steering box

The steering box helps turn the wheels when you turn the steering wheel. It's an important part of the steering system that makes sure your car goes where you want it to.

Chevy one-ton panel truck
Car

Chevy one-ton panel truck

This is a type of truck made by Chevrolet in 1965. It's known for being sturdy and is often used for carrying heavy loads or as a restoration project.

Harley-Davidson Panhead
Car

Harley-Davidson Panhead

This is a motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson in 1949. It's famous for its unique engine and is popular among collectors.

Chevy pickup trucks
Car

Chevy pickup trucks

These are trucks made by Chevrolet in 1965. They're known for being tough and can be used for many purposes, like work or personal use.

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