A humorous exploration of automotive education kicks off with the Tappet Brothers discussing Northwood University's unique automotive marketing courses, featuring quirky classes like 'Psychology of Purchase Decisions' and 'Advanced Rhetorical Analysis.' The episode includes entertaining listener calls, including a woman who had a near-accident involving a spider and a man with a mysterious noise in his Subaru. The brothers provide light-hearted advice while sharing their comedic take on car troubles and the quirks of vehicle ownership.
Gina was tooling along a local country road when an humongous spider descended in front of her eyes and into her lap. She doesn’t have any questions about removing stains from upholstery but there is the matter of the hedges and lawn furniture she wiped out as she careened down the embankment towards the waterfront. Brace for impact and check out this episode of The Best of Car Talk.
"Did you burn the clutch out? Exactly what I was going to ask."
A clutch is a part of some cars that helps you change gears. It connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels, which is important for driving smoothly.
The clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the wheels, allowing the driver to change gears in a manual transmission vehicle.
An automatic transmission is a type of car system that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it yourself. It 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.
"No, it's an automatic. It is. It is. It's a pretty new car. It's a 97 or 98 Subaru Outback Sport."
The Subaru Outback Sport is a type of car that is good for both city driving and off-road adventures. It's designed to be versatile and can handle different types of terrain.
The Subaru Outback Sport is a compact crossover that combines the features of a station wagon with the ruggedness of an SUV. It is known for its all-wheel drive and practicality, making it popular for outdoor enthusiasts.
"It's almost like a metal sound dragging on the ground."
A metal sound coming from a car can mean something is wrong, like parts are rubbing together or something is loose. It's a good idea to check it out to avoid bigger problems.
A metal sound in a vehicle can indicate various issues, such as worn brake pads, loose components, or problems with the suspension. It's important to diagnose the source to prevent further damage.
"Well, my answer is that you have a loose heat shield. And what you're hearing is the little sheet metal of the heat shield rattling and it's a benign little noise. And where is the heat shield located? The heat shield on this car. Outside of the re-entry rockets. Right. The heat shield is everywhere. The heat shield runs from stem to stern on the exhaust system on this car."
A heat shield is a part of the car that keeps other parts safe from getting too hot. It wraps around the exhaust system to protect things nearby from the heat it produces.
A heat shield is a component used in vehicles to protect other parts from the high temperatures generated by the exhaust system. It is typically made of metal or other heat-resistant materials and is installed around the exhaust system to prevent heat damage to nearby components.
"...the catalytic converter and the tailpipe, you name it. There's a heat shield. And it could be any one of those heat shields that's come loose..."
The catalytic converter helps clean up the car's exhaust gases to make them less harmful to the environment. It's an important part of the car's exhaust system.
A catalytic converter is an essential component of a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances before they exit the exhaust. It plays a crucial role in meeting environmental regulations.
A rotor is a round metal part in the car's braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze the rotor to help stop the car.
In automotive terms, a rotor refers to the disc component of a disc brake system that the brake pads clamp down on to create friction and slow the vehicle. It's crucial for effective braking performance.
"...paying for a transmission, CV joints, wheel bearings. Oh, here's what you do..."
Wheel bearings help your car's wheels turn easily. They support the weight of the car and make sure the wheels can spin without much effort, which is important for driving safely.
Wheel bearings are components that allow the wheels to rotate with minimal friction. They support the weight of the vehicle and enable smooth wheel movement, which is crucial for safe driving and handling.
"...paying for a transmission, CV joints, wheel bearings. Oh, here's what you do..."
CV joints help your car's wheels move smoothly while turning and going over bumps. They connect the wheels to the engine and allow for movement without losing power.
CV joints, or constant velocity joints, are crucial components in front-wheel drive vehicles, allowing power to be transmitted from the engine to the wheels while accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension. They are essential for smooth and efficient power delivery, especially during turns.
"Yeah, I have an Eagle Summit Wagon 1994. Once in a while when I'm driving, usually when I'm turning, but sometimes when I'm backing up, I hear this noise out of the back end."
The Eagle Summit Wagon is a type of car made by the Eagle brand, which is no longer in business. It's a compact wagon that offers more space for passengers and cargo compared to a regular sedan.
The Eagle Summit Wagon is a compact car produced by the now-defunct Eagle brand, which was a subsidiary of Chrysler. It was known for its practicality and versatility as a wagon, appealing to families and those needing extra cargo space.
"...when I'm driving, usually when I'm turning, but sometimes when I'm backing up, I hear this noise out of the back end. It sounds something like a very heavy spring, springing..."
A heavy spring is a part of the car's suspension system that helps support the car's weight and makes the ride smoother. If it's making noise, it might be broken or worn out, which can cause problems while driving.
A heavy spring in a vehicle typically refers to a suspension spring that supports the weight of the vehicle and absorbs shocks from the road. If it's making noise, it could indicate wear or damage, affecting ride quality and handling.
"I think it's coming from the rear suspension. It's coming from one of the springs. I like the spring theory."
The rear suspension is the part of a car that helps keep the back wheels in contact with the road. It makes the ride smoother and helps the car handle better, especially when going over bumps.
The rear suspension is a critical component of a vehicle that supports the weight of the car and absorbs shocks from the road. It plays a vital role in handling and ride comfort, particularly when navigating uneven surfaces or turns.
"It's coming from one of the springs. I like the spring theory. And if you think about it for a"
Springs are metal coils that help make the ride in a car smoother by absorbing bumps in the road. They support the weight of the car and help keep the wheels on the ground.
Springs are components of the suspension system that absorb shocks and support the weight of the vehicle. They help maintain ride height and improve handling by allowing the wheels to move up and down independently.
"...the spring sits on a rubber cushion top and bottom. Right. And it may be that at times,..."
A rubber cushion is a soft part that helps reduce noise and bumps in your car's suspension. It makes the ride smoother by absorbing shocks.
A rubber cushion, often referred to as a rubber isolator or mount, is used in suspension systems to dampen vibrations and noise. It provides a buffer between the spring and the vehicle frame, enhancing comfort and reducing wear on components.
"...you could also have a broken spring too. And broken springs are hard to detect. Sometimes the last half of a coil will break off a spring..."
A broken spring is when the metal part that helps your car's wheels move gets damaged. This can make your car ride bumpy and hard to control.
A broken spring in a vehicle's suspension can lead to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride. It can be difficult to detect visually, especially if only a small part of the spring is damaged.
"...ask him to lube the spring cushions with the silicone lubricant and to look and see where the springs sit..."
Silicone lubricant is a slippery substance that helps parts move smoothly without rubbing against each other too much. It's often used to keep car parts from getting stuck or wearing out.
Silicone lubricant is a type of lubricant that is used to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. It is often used in automotive applications to protect components from corrosion and wear.
"...make sure you wear the seatbelt just in case. And a football helmet..."
A seatbelt is a strap in your car that keeps you safe by holding you in your seat. It helps protect you in case of an accident.
A seatbelt is a safety device in vehicles designed to secure the occupant against harmful movement that may result during a collision or a sudden stop. It is a critical component for passenger safety.
Car
Alfa Spiders
"...one of the largest, whitest, biggest lobster-like spiders I've ever seen in my life. Fall off my visor in f..."
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a stylish convertible sports car that looks really cool and is fun to drive. It's known for its beautiful design and has been around for many years, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. People talk about it because it's a classic car with a lot of character.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian sports car that gained fame for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. Produced from the 1960s until the late 1990s, it is often celebrated for its beautiful lines and open-top driving. The Spider is frequently discussed in automotive circles for its blend of performance and aesthetics.
Car
Lumina van
"...in my Lumina van. Yeah. Went through somebody's stairs to their dock..."
The Chevrolet Lumina is a type of car that was made for families and had a lot of space inside. It was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Chevrolet Lumina was a mid-size car produced by Chevrolet from 1990 to 2001, available in both sedan and van variants. It was known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features.
"... have a question for you. Oh. I'm looking at used suburban. What do you think of suburban? Suburbans are big..."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's been around for a very long time and is great for families or anyone who needs extra space. People often talk about it because it's known for being reliable and useful.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It has been a staple in the automotive market since 1935, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in history. Its size and versatility make it a popular choice for families and those needing ample cargo space.
"...under a tree. Oh no. And some kind of a monstrous beetle or bee or something was in the hat. A beetle in y..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car with a very distinctive round shape. It's famous for being cute and fun to drive, and many people love it because it has a lot of character. It's often mentioned because it's a classic car that many recognize.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car that has become an iconic symbol of automotive history, originally designed in the 1930s. Its unique shape and friendly design have made it popular across generations. The Beetle is often discussed for its cultural significance and its revival in modern times.
"And the Subaru is all wheel drive. It's low to the ground. I like it a lot better."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better. This is useful when driving in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
"his 93 Subaru Legacy would die while he was climbing a hill. He'd pull over,"
The Subaru Legacy is a car that is known for being reliable and good in bad weather. It's a popular choice for families and people who need a dependable vehicle.
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car known for its all-wheel drive and reliability. It has been popular for its practicality and performance in various weather conditions.
"... another car in the neighborhood. You have Toyota Camry Syndrome. No kidding. I believe so."
The Toyota Camry is a popular family car that's known for being very reliable and easy to drive. It's a comfortable car that gets good gas mileage, which makes it a favorite among many drivers. People often mention it because it's a safe and sensible choice.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for decades, often praised for its smooth ride and low maintenance costs. The Camry is frequently discussed due to its reputation as a practical and dependable vehicle.
"And what you have is carbon buildup on the valve train, which causes some of the valves to stick open and not close, thus rendering the engine compression-less."
Carbon buildup happens when carbon from fuel and oil sticks to parts of the engine. This can cause problems like valves not working properly, which can make the engine run poorly.
Carbon buildup refers to the accumulation of carbon deposits on engine components, particularly in the valve train. This can lead to performance issues, such as valves sticking, which affects engine compression and overall efficiency.
"...not close, thus rendering the engine compression-less."
Engine compression is the pressure inside the engine's cylinders when the fuel and air are squeezed together. If this pressure is too low, the engine won't run well or may not start at all.
Engine compression refers to the pressure created within the engine's cylinders during the compression stroke. Proper compression is essential for efficient engine operation and power generation.
"Well, we explained that Toyota Camry Syndrome results from carbonized valves, and if you catch it early enough, you can sometimes treat it with a few bottles of, ah, you know, fuel injector cleaner."
Carbonized valves happen when carbon builds up on the engine's valves, which can cause the engine to run poorly. It's usually due to not burning fuel completely.
Carbonized valves refer to a condition where carbon deposits build up on the engine's valves, which can lead to performance issues and increased emissions. This is often a result of incomplete combustion or poor fuel quality.
"you can sometimes treat it with a few bottles of, ah, you know, fuel injector cleaner."
Fuel injector cleaner is a special liquid you can add to your gas tank to help clean the parts that spray fuel into the engine. It helps the engine run better by removing dirt and buildup.
Fuel injector cleaner is a chemical additive designed to clean the fuel injectors and combustion chamber of an engine. It helps remove carbon deposits and improve fuel flow, which can enhance engine performance and efficiency.
"Then you've got to use a device called MotorVac that forces a powerful cleaning solvent through the engine."
MotorVac is a machine that helps clean the inside of an engine using a strong cleaning solution. It's often used by mechanics to fix problems caused by dirt and buildup.
MotorVac is a brand of engine cleaning equipment that uses a powerful solvent to clean the fuel system and engine internals. It is typically used by automotive professionals to remove carbon buildup and improve engine performance.
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And thanks.
Hello and welcome to Kartalk from National Public Radio. Well, let's click and
clack the tappet brothers, and we're broadcasting this week from the Division
of Higher Education here at Kartalk Plaza. Everyone knows we're interested in higher
education. We certainly are. In other words, in September, here's a story that's
certain to be of interest. This is from the Detroit Free Press. Northward University
offers a degree in automotive marketing. This is an actual university, and they actually
offer a major in automotive sales. So our crack staff rode away to Northward University,
and has obtained an actual copy of the course catalog. And my brother will read you a few
excerpts from the required, required course list. Go for it. I mean, we just read, we just took
these right out of the catalog. Here's one. Psychology 202. The effectiveness of sartorial
patterns on purchase decisions. Plaid pants and you. Professor Iacocca will delve into the
effect that different patterns can have on purchase and upsell decisions. Do wider
plaids encourage power options? Do gingham plaids affect leather seat sales? Does wool
or polyester affect closing rate? Pre-requisite sociology 201, white belts, and luxury purchase
intentions. Here's another. Economics 301. Market timing strategies. When to say,
I have to go talk to my sales manager. Professor R. Smith. Oh, R. Smith? Yeah, R. Who could that
be? We don't know. Professor R. Smith will explore the delicate art of timing. When is
the appropriate moment during a negotiation to relinquish authority to a fictitious supervisor?
How to make sure you are completely out of sight during this ploy so the customer
will not see you having a cigarette by yourself and leaving through Newsweek.
What is the exact right moment to throw in the free floor mats? Several theories
that we thoroughly tested and evaluated through role-playing with the help of guest
lecturers. I mean lecturers. Pre-requisite psych 101, the art of lying. I like it.
English 107. Advanced rhetorical analysis. How to answer questions without the benefit
of facts. Like unencumbered by the thought process. Professor Reagan will offer an
overview of skills necessary to allay concerns, rebut criticism, and answer difficult technical
questions. All without the benefit of any particular knowledge. Kind of like our show.
Memorization of several dozen vocabulary words will be required as they will then be
used in an improvisational manner to respond to subjects on automotive, economic, and foreign
policy topics. Sounds like a good course. Pre-requisite English 102. Basic motor skills,
lip, and tongue coordination. And this is the last one. Math 206. We're gonna get mail.
It is the last one. Math 206, getting to 40,000. Creative edition techniques are discussed
along with such tools as exterior and interior packages, pinstriping, a little known state and
federal fees, and dealer prep costs. The semester concludes with an overview of advanced
numerical obfuscation theory and spontaneous acronym creation. Guest lecturers will come
from major auction houses, Vegas gaming establishments, and money-losing internet companies.
Pre-requisite Math 104, calculating your commission while talking.
I'm sorry, where is this place? Northwood University? In Detroit.
Wow. Yeah, I deal always the wrong line two away.
The dean of admissions wants us. It's a John Mungin letter. Guest lecturers,
if you'd like to talk to us about your car or perhaps enrollment in Northwood College,
the number is 888-CAR-TALK. That's 888-227-82-55. Hello, you're on car talk.
Hi, my name's Rosanna. I'm in San Francisco. Hi, Rosanna. Rosanna. Rosanna, Rosanna,
Dana. Exactly. Excellent. From where? San Francisco? San Francisco, California.
Yeah. What's going on? You got a car? You know what? I have my friend's car for the
summer. Did you burn the clutch out? Exactly what I was going to ask. No, it's an automatic.
It is. It is. It's a pretty new car. It's a 97 or 98 Subaru Outback Sport. Yeah. And it's driving
back from work the other day, and I heard a kind of ringing noise coming from under the car.
Yeah. I noticed a man in a... Yeah, I noticed a man in a stopping car. Oh, maybe you ran
over a cell phone user. We hope. I noticed a man in a shopping cart rolling toward me,
and I thought, oh, that's making the noise. But then about a mile later, it was still there.
That wasn't it. It stops whenever I stopped the car to stop, sign or stop light.
It stops when I turn, make turns. But once I straighten the car back out again,
I hear the ringing. It's almost like a metal sound dragging on the ground.
But you have to be moving pretty much or revving up the engine a little bit to hear it?
Moving. Moving. Yeah.
Moving. Have you tried just revving up the engine without moving? For example,
leaving it in park or neutral? I didn't try that. I didn't think so.
Yeah. I didn't think so. I'm not very good at diagnostics.
Yeah. Well, that, that'll mean we'll have to give you two answers.
Okay. One for moving and one for revving. Okay.
I'm only, I'm prepared with only one answer. No, you're not. I am. I'm not.
Oh, all right. Well, sure. Well, you give your answer and I'll give my answer. Yeah.
And you'll obviously give the other one. Yeah.
I mean, you may have, you may have two answers. I, I have two.
I mean, you have two more. Oh, I guess one of yours may not be mine.
Wouldn't that be interesting? Then we'd have three, wouldn't we? There you go.
Well, my answer is that you have a loose heat shield. And what you're hearing is the little
sheet metal of the heat shield rattling and it's a benign little noise.
And where is the heat shield located? The heat shield on this car.
Outside of the re-entry rockets. Right.
You had me writing that down.
Well, the heat shield is everywhere. The heat shield runs from stem to stern on the exhaust
system on this car. It starts virtually at the engine and there are heat shields wrapped
around the front exhaust pipe and, and the intermediate pipe and the catalytic converter
and the tailpipe, you name it. There's a heat shield. And it could be any one of
those heat shields that's come loose and is making this annoying little
noise. And that's, that's 99% probably right. And you can corroborate that by sitting there
with the, with the car in neutral apart and revving up the engine and you will get the
noise without actually being in motion. I will get the noise. I think so. Okay. But now my
brother's prepared to give you six or seven other answers. That was, that was my first
answer. And the second one is if in fact you, you rev it up and you can't get the
noise unless you really are moving. Okay. Then that probably isn't it. Okay. Then you might have a
little, I don't know, backing plate that's bent and maybe a rotor is just barely touching it.
Oh, you could have a pebble stuck in the air. Pebble stuck between them. Give them
at the pebble beach or anything like that. No, haven't been out there recently.
Yeah. But I don't think so. I think that you can get the noise even when you're not
moving and that it's going to be the heat shield. So when are you returning this car?
At the end of the week. End of the week. Oh good. The sooner the better, right?
Exactly. Exactly. There was a little bit. I wouldn't even mention it. Oh, you have to.
You have to give whoever you borrowed from a full report. Absolutely. Absolutely.
Really? I agree. Here's why I wouldn't say anything. Because how long, you've had the
car all summer? Yeah. The person who was stupid enough to let you drive his car or her car
is going to get in the car and not having driven it for three months or so
is going to hear five other noises which he's going to blame you for.
So why add another one? If you say, oh, it makes sense. Little tinkle, tinkle noise.
He's going to say, yeah, well, what about the thunking noise when you hit a bump?
What about the noise I hear when I take a left turn? What about the rose bush that stuck
to the left front fender? It didn't make any of those noises when I gave you the car.
And you're going to end up paying for a transmission, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Oh, here's what you do. Arrange to be out of town when he returns. Smart.
Unavailable. Give him three or four days to sort things out and you have to be in communicato.
You have to be someplace. You disappear. Can't be found. Wait, Rosanna? Don't know.
You know what's good to? Out of town. Return it on a day when you're having storms.
Rain and thunder, especially loud thunder. I was thinking of leaving the radio
volume up really loud. We try that at the shop all the time. But get the heat shield looked at
if you want to get rid of this. If this is the only thing, take it to a gas station and if they can
duplicate the noise, they can probably tighten it up and put a little weld on it. Okay.
Chewing gum works. Yeah, for a day. I was going to say duct tape, that kind of thing.
Yeah. See ya, Rosanna. Okay, thanks. Bye-bye. Bye-bye. If they had high temperature
chewing gum, that would work. We have that. All right, Tommy, I'm not going to ask you
if you remember last week's question. Instead I'm going to ask you a much easier question.
Compare and contrast the economic policies of King George III and King Louis XV
paying special attention to physiocracy as a reaction to 17th century mercantilism.
As a dad, BetterHelp president Fernando Madera relates to needing flexibility when it comes to
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doing the weekend. So I think that's what we need to tell the parents, you're not alone,
we can help you out. If a flexible schedule would help you, visit betterhelp.com
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Like my brother, Dewey Chinman, how you can now get car talk t-shirts that say, for instance,
if money can fix it, it's not a problem. Life is too short to drive boring cars.
Do it while you're young. You may never have a chance to do anything this stupid again.
Reality often astonishes theory or happiness equals reality minus expectation.
How about this one? Lows you car advice since 1977 and many, many more. If you'd like one or
want one to ship to a friend or relative, you don't really like, just head over to
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