{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"#2597: We're Part of the Solution","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2597-we-re-part-of-the-solution","audioUrl":"https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510208/traffic.megaphone.fm/NPR9962486464.mp3?t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5634693&p=510208&d=2292&size=36676842","description":"Ivan was enduring an attempt to upsell him on a special oil treatment when he heard this doozy from the mechanic-turned-salesman: “We’re not the problem. We’re part of the solution.” We agree, if the solution he’s referring to is a sleazy soup of grease and jargon. Click and Clack wade through this and other messes on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy"},"annotations":[{"startTime":203.44,"endTime":207.04,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Camry","url":"/cars/toyota/camry","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/%28USA-Massachusetts%29_Private_Toyota_Camry_NJ-Z22UKZ_rear_2024-06-06.jpg","quote":"...I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LEV6, and about three weeks ago, when I started putting on the left-hand turn signal,...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:camry","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 1998 Toyota Camry LEV6 is a mid-size sedan known for its reliability and comfort. The LE trim typically includes features such as power windows, locks, and a more powerful V6 engine compared to the base model.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 1998 Toyota Camry LEV6 is a reliable car that is comfortable to drive. It has a V6 engine, which means it has more power than the basic version.","imageAttribution":"S5A-0043 (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":319.5,"endTime":323.0,"type":"term","title":"bumper-to-bumper warranty","url":"/glossary/bumper-to-bumper-warranty","quote":"No, you're under warranty, and it's a bumper-to-bumper warranty you have, and that does include the light bulbs.","canonicalId":"term:bumper-to-bumper-warranty","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost all vehicle components, from the front bumper to the rear bumper, excluding wear-and-tear items. This type of warranty typically lasts for a certain number of years or miles, providing peace of mind to the vehicle owner.","simplifiedExplanation":"A bumper-to-bumper warranty means that most parts of your car are covered for repairs, so you won't have to pay for many issues that come up. It usually lasts for a few years or until you drive a certain number of miles."}},{"startTime":327.3,"endTime":331.8,"type":"term","title":"light bulb","url":"/glossary/light-bulb","quote":"However, what it's going to take to fix it is a new light bulb. I believe what's going on is that the parking light bulb, which comes on when you turn the headlights on, is the same bulb that operates the directional.","canonicalId":"term:light-bulb","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Light bulbs in vehicles are used for various lighting functions, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals. They can vary in type and brightness, and some bulbs have multiple filaments to serve different functions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Light bulbs in cars are used to make things bright, like headlights and turn signals. Some bulbs have more than one part inside them to do different jobs, like showing when you're turning."}},{"startTime":340.5,"endTime":342.56,"type":"term","title":"filament","url":"/glossary/filament","quote":"And those bulbs have two filaments in them.","canonicalId":"term:filament","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A filament is a thin wire inside a light bulb that produces light when electricity passes through it. In automotive bulbs, multiple filaments can allow the bulb to serve different functions, such as parking lights and turn signals.","simplifiedExplanation":"A filament is a thin wire inside a light bulb that lights up when electricity goes through it. Some car bulbs have two filaments so they can do two different things, like being a parking light and a turn signal at the same time."}},{"startTime":422.2,"endTime":426.2,"type":"term","title":"oil change","url":"/glossary/oil-change","quote":"Well, about three weeks ago, I went to get a simple oil change. It was after 5,000 miles between oil changes.","canonicalId":"term:oil-change","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure where the old engine oil is replaced with new oil to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. It's crucial for maintaining engine health and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running well and prevents damage."}},{"startTime":434.0,"endTime":439.2,"type":"term","title":"detergent","url":"/glossary/detergent","quote":"...they have to put this special detergent in that cost another $15.","canonicalId":"term:detergent","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In the context of engine oil, detergent refers to additives that help keep the engine clean by preventing the buildup of sludge and deposits. They are essential for maintaining engine performance and longevity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Detergent in engine oil helps clean the engine by preventing dirt and sludge from building up. This keeps the engine running smoothly."}},{"startTime":1187.4,"endTime":1190.5,"type":"part","title":"alternator","url":"/glossary/alternator","quote":"...I think it might possibly be your alternator. And he said to me and he said, oh, no, no, no,...","canonicalId":"part:alternator","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle's electrical system. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy to power the car's electrical systems and recharge the battery while the engine is running.","simplifiedExplanation":"The alternator is a part of the car that helps generate electricity. It keeps the battery charged and powers things like the lights and radio when the car is running."}},{"startTime":1805.0,"endTime":1808.3,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Astrovan","url":"/cars/chevrolet/astrovan","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/1994_Chevrolet_Astro%2C_front_%282%29_6.14.21.jpg","quote":"Well, I've just acquired an 86 Astrovan. It's got a 4.3-liter V6 in it.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:astrovan","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Astrovan is a full-size van that was produced by Chevrolet from 1985 to 2005. It is known for its spacious interior and versatility, making it popular for families and commercial use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Astrovan is a large van that can carry many people or cargo. It was made by Chevrolet and is often used for family trips or work purposes.","imageAttribution":"Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1808.3,"endTime":1811.3,"type":"part","title":"4.3-liter V6","url":"/glossary/4-3-liter-v6","quote":"It's got a 4.3-liter V6 in it. And I did a tune-up on it.","canonicalId":"part:4-3-liter-v6","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 4.3-liter V6 is a six-cylinder engine produced by General Motors, known for its balance of power and efficiency. It was commonly used in various GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Astrovan, providing adequate performance for everyday driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 4.3-liter V6 is a type of engine that has six cylinders and is 4.3 liters in size. It's known for being powerful enough for vans and trucks while still being somewhat fuel-efficient."}},{"startTime":1811.3,"endTime":1812.88,"type":"term","title":"tune-up","url":"/glossary/tune-up","quote":"And I did a tune-up on it.","canonicalId":"term:tune-up","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A tune-up refers to a series of maintenance tasks performed on an engine to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. This can include replacing spark plugs, checking ignition timing, and inspecting various engine components.","simplifiedExplanation":"A tune-up is when you do maintenance on a car's engine to make sure it runs well. This often includes changing parts like spark plugs and checking other important pieces."}},{"startTime":1873.7,"endTime":1875.8,"type":"part","title":"air filter","url":"/glossary/air-filter","quote":"...what did that consist of? Put six new plugs in it and an air filter. Yeah, air filter plugs,...","canonicalId":"part:air-filter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An air filter is a crucial component in an internal combustion engine that prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. It helps maintain optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency by ensuring clean air is mixed with fuel for combustion.","simplifiedExplanation":"The air filter keeps dirt out of the engine. If it's dirty, it can make the car run less efficiently and use more fuel."}},{"startTime":1873.7,"endTime":1875.8,"type":"part","title":"spark plugs","url":"/glossary/spark-plugs","quote":"...Put six new plugs in it and an air filter. Yeah, air filter plugs,...","canonicalId":"part:spark-plugs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Spark plugs are essential components of an internal combustion engine that ignite the air-fuel mixture, allowing the engine to produce power. They need to be replaced periodically to maintain engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Spark plugs help start the engine by creating a small spark that ignites the fuel. If they are old or worn out, the car might have trouble starting or running well."}},{"startTime":1875.8,"endTime":1877.3,"type":"part","title":"rotor","url":"/glossary/rotor","quote":"...the distributor cap and the rotor. The wires appear to be pretty well new.","canonicalId":"part:rotor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The rotor is a component inside the distributor cap that rotates to make contact with the ignition wires. It helps distribute the electrical current to the correct cylinder for ignition, playing a key role in the engine's starting and running processes.","simplifiedExplanation":"The rotor spins inside the distributor cap and helps send electricity to the right part of the engine. If it’s worn out, the engine might not start or run smoothly."}},{"startTime":1875.8,"endTime":1877.3,"type":"part","title":"distributor cap","url":"/glossary/distributor-cap","quote":"...the distributor cap and the rotor. The wires appear to be pretty well new.","canonicalId":"part:distributor-cap","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The distributor cap is a part of the ignition system in older vehicles. It houses the ignition coil and directs high voltage from the coil to the correct cylinder in the engine at the right time, ensuring proper engine firing.","simplifiedExplanation":"The distributor cap helps send electricity to the engine's cylinders so they can fire properly. If it’s not working, the car might not start or run well."}},{"startTime":1885.6,"endTime":1887.0,"type":"part","title":"carburetor","url":"/glossary/carburetor","quote":"I pulled off the carburetor, or not the carburetor, the injection carburetor. Throttle body. And it was filthy.","canonicalId":"part:carburetor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A carburetor is a device that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel in internal combustion engines. It was commonly used in older vehicles before fuel injection became the standard.","simplifiedExplanation":"A carburetor helps engines get the right mix of air and fuel to run properly. It's more common in older cars since newer ones usually use a different system called fuel injection."}},{"startTime":1889.0,"endTime":1890.3,"type":"part","title":"throttle body","url":"/glossary/throttle-body","quote":"And I pulled off the carburetor, or not the carburetor, the injection carburetor. Throttle body. And it was filthy.","canonicalId":"part:throttle-body","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The throttle body is a component of the air intake system that controls the amount of air entering the engine. It plays a crucial role in regulating engine power and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The throttle body controls how much air goes into the engine, which affects how powerful the engine can be. It's an important part for making sure the engine runs well."}},{"startTime":1894.1,"endTime":1898.5,"type":"term","title":"gas cleaner","url":"/glossary/gas-cleaner","quote":"And I also put some gas cleaner in the fuel. Yeah. How long ago did you put the gas cleaner in the fuel?","canonicalId":"term:gas-cleaner","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Gas cleaner is a fuel additive designed to clean the fuel system, including the fuel injectors and combustion chamber. It helps improve engine performance and efficiency by removing deposits.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gas cleaner is a special liquid you add to your fuel to help clean the engine and keep it running smoothly. It removes dirt and buildup that can cause problems."}},{"startTime":1915.8,"endTime":1917.8,"type":"term","title":"vacuum leak","url":"/glossary/vacuum-leak","quote":"If you're really lucky, Gil, you have a vacuum leak, which could account for just about everything you described.","canonicalId":"term:vacuum-leak","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A vacuum leak occurs when there is an unintended gap in the air intake system of an engine, allowing air to enter that can disrupt the air-fuel mixture. This can lead to various performance issues, including stalling and rough idling.","simplifiedExplanation":"A vacuum leak is when air gets into the engine where it shouldn't, which can cause the engine to run poorly or stall. It's like having a hole in a balloon that makes it hard to keep the air inside."}},{"startTime":2024.6,"endTime":2027.68,"type":"term","title":"compression test","url":"/glossary/compression-test","quote":"...the next step is to do a bona fide compression test.","canonicalId":"term:compression-test","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A compression test measures the pressure in each cylinder of an engine to determine its health. Low compression can indicate problems such as worn piston rings or valves.","simplifiedExplanation":"A compression test checks how well the engine's cylinders are working. If they don't hold enough pressure, it can mean there are problems inside the engine."}},{"startTime":2136.5,"endTime":2136.5,"type":"term","title":"starting gear plate","url":"/glossary/starting-gear-plate","quote":"The mechanic said, look, you know, you got some broken teeth on your starting gear plate.","canonicalId":"term:starting-gear-plate","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The starting gear plate is a component of the starter system that engages with the flywheel to crank the engine when the ignition key is turned. If it has broken teeth, it can cause starting issues, such as grinding noises.","simplifiedExplanation":"The starting gear plate helps the engine start when you turn the key. If it's damaged, it can make a grinding noise and prevent the car from starting properly."}},{"startTime":2167.6,"endTime":2167.6,"type":"part","title":"flywheel","url":"/glossary/flywheel","quote":"...the flywheel gets replaced,...","canonicalId":"part:flywheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The flywheel is a crucial component in a vehicle's engine that helps maintain smooth operation by storing rotational energy. It plays a key role in the engine's ability to start and run smoothly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The flywheel is a round part in the engine that helps keep everything moving smoothly. It helps the car start and run without shaking or stalling."}},{"startTime":2176.9,"endTime":2180.9,"type":"term","title":"automatic transmission","url":"/glossary/automatic-transmission","quote":"Yes. Yeah, that seems to affect only the automatics. But there are millions of them out there that have automatic transmissions that never have this problem.","canonicalId":"term:automatic-transmission","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratio as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears.","simplifiedExplanation":"An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it yourself like in a manual car."}},{"startTime":2203.4,"endTime":2209.0,"type":"part","title":"starter","url":"/glossary/starter","quote":"...there's a misalignment between the starter and the flywheel of some kind. So that when the starter engages, when you turn that key...","canonicalId":"part:starter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The starter is an electric motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning the flywheel when the ignition key is turned. It is essential for starting the vehicle and is typically located near the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"The starter is a small motor that helps start the engine when you turn the key. It makes the engine begin to run by turning a part called the flywheel."}},{"startTime":2321.3,"endTime":2323.7,"type":"term","title":"Prussian blue","url":"/glossary/prussian-blue","quote":"...We use this stuff called Prussian blue. Doesn't say miracle on the bus.","canonicalId":"term:prussian-blue","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Prussian blue is a dye used in mechanical applications to check the contact pattern between gears. It helps identify how well the gears mesh together, which is important for ensuring proper function and longevity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Prussian blue is a special dye that helps mechanics see how well gears fit together. It's used to make sure everything is working correctly."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"NPR","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2597-we-re-part-of-the-solution/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}