About this episode
A humorous and light-hearted episode featuring the Tappet Brothers as they tackle quirky car problems and unexpected consequences of their advice. Highlights include a caller whose husband's car makes a strange noise, leading to a playful investigation into its cause. The episode also features a unique story about a colorectal surgeon who credits the brothers for boosting his business through their unconventional suggestions. Listeners will enjoy the banter, puzzlers, and the charm of the brothers as they navigate automotive dilemmas with wit and wisdom.
Holy ‘Mutual of Omaha’, Marlin Perkins! Spiders and Cats and cell phone calls from the top of a California Redwood on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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Chevy Cavalier
"...in his 1993 Chevy Cavalier station wagon with 125,000 miles on it. You want to get him out of this beast?"
The Chevy Cavalier is a small car that many people bought because it was cheap and useful. It was made by Chevrolet and sold for many years.
The Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
steering wheel
"...it's with the steering wheel. When he goes, like he backs out of the driveway and he turns the wheel..."
The steering wheel is what you hold to turn the car left or right. It's how you control where the car goes.
The steering wheel is the main control interface for a driver to steer the vehicle. It allows the driver to turn the front wheels and navigate the car's direction.
power steering
"...the noise was coming from the power steering, maybe even the belt or some such thing. But when you added the constraint that the car had to move."
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel, so you don't have to use as much strength to steer the car. It helps you steer smoothly, especially when you're going slow or parking.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers steer the vehicle by using hydraulic or electric actuators to reduce the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. It enhances the driving experience, especially at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.
counterclockwise
"...because they were racing counterclockwise around a track, he wanted to make it so that the Jeffersonville truck would be able to negotiate those constant left-hand turns easier than the East Norrerton truck."
Counterclockwise means turning to the left, like the way the hands of a clock move. In racing, it describes how cars go around a track.
Counterclockwise refers to the direction of rotation that is opposite to the direction of the hands of a clock. In racing, tracks are often designed to be run in a specific direction, which can affect vehicle handling and performance.
Lucid Air
"...d without using any tools, he simply let a little air out of the left-hand tires of the Jeffersonville ..."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that doesn't need gas to run. It's designed to be really fast and can go a long way on a single charge, making it a big deal in the world of electric vehicles.
The Lucid Air is an all-electric luxury sedan produced by Lucid Motors, known for its impressive range, high performance, and advanced technology features. It represents a significant step forward in the electric vehicle market, competing with established luxury brands while pushing the boundaries of EV capabilities. Its mention in the podcast likely relates to its innovative design or performance characteristics.
tire pressure
"...if you have low pressure in one of your tires, your car will tend to pull in that direction."
Tire pressure is how much air is in your car's tires. If the pressure is too low, it can make the car harder to control and wear out the tires faster.
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air inside a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Proper tire pressure is crucial for vehicle handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
Ford Ranger
"...I'll give you guys the info here. It appears to be an 87 Ford Ranger."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that can be used for carrying things or driving off-road. The 1987 version is known for being tough and reliable.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that was first introduced in 1983. The 1987 model is part of the first generation, known for its durability and versatility, making it popular for both work and recreational use.
injectors
"I think your injectors are clogged. I was kind of getting a kick out of trying to, you know..."
Injectors are parts of a car's engine that spray fuel into the engine for it to run. If they get blocked, the car might not work well and could even stop running.
Fuel injectors are components in an engine that deliver fuel to the combustion chamber. If they become clogged, it can lead to poor engine performance, such as stalling or chugging.
fuel pump
"And only assume that it could be there were fuel problem, it could be a weak fuel pump, it could be a clogged fuel filter."
The fuel pump moves fuel from the tank to the engine. If it's not working well, the engine might not get enough fuel to run properly.
A fuel pump is a critical component in a vehicle's fuel system that delivers gasoline or diesel from the tank to the engine. If the fuel pump is weak or failing, it can lead to poor engine performance or starting issues.
fuel filter
"it could be a clogged fuel filter."
The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it goes to the engine. If it gets clogged, the engine might not get enough fuel.
A fuel filter is designed to remove contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, leading to performance issues.
coil
"It could be electrical, it could be a bad coil."
The coil helps create the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If it's not working, the engine might misfire or run poorly.
The coil, or ignition coil, is responsible for converting the battery's low voltage to the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. A bad coil can lead to misfires and poor engine performance.
spark plug wire
"A bad spark plug wire, a fouled plug."
Spark plug wires connect the coil to the spark plugs. If they're bad, the engine might not start or run smoothly.
Spark plug wires carry the electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If a wire is damaged or worn, it can cause misfires or starting issues.
BMW 740I
"Yeah. We leased a BMW in 1997, a 740i, and we just leased it in May. Gotcha."
The BMW 7 Series is a high-end car that's known for being very comfortable and packed with cool features. People often choose it for its smooth ride and luxury feel, making it a popular choice for those who want a fancy car.
The BMW 7 Series is a flagship luxury sedan that showcases BMW's commitment to performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Known for its powerful engines and high-end features, it has been a popular choice among executives and luxury car enthusiasts since its introduction. The mention of leasing a 740i highlights the model's longstanding appeal and reputation for quality.
curb impact noise
"...I hit the curb and I thought, oh, two days later, I heard this noise that sounded like when you put a cookie sheet into the oven..."
Curb impact noise is the sound you hear when a car hits the curb. It can mean that something might be wrong with the car, like the wheels or suspension.
Curb impact noise refers to the sounds produced when a vehicle strikes a curb, often indicating potential damage to the wheels, suspension, or alignment. This noise can vary based on the severity of the impact and the vehicle's construction.
fuel tank vent hose
"...you've got a spider in the fuel tank vent hose and it's built a web and it's closing off the air that's going to the gas tank..."
The fuel tank vent hose helps air get into the gas tank so that it doesn't create a vacuum when you use fuel. If it's blocked, it can cause problems with the gas tank.
The fuel tank vent hose is a component that allows air to enter the fuel tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming. If blocked, it can cause issues like fuel tank collapse.
vent breather hose
"vent breather hose for the gas tank. Yeah."
The vent breather hose helps gases escape from the gas tank, which is important for safety and to keep the car running well. If it's not working, it can cause problems with the fuel system.
The vent breather hose is a component of the fuel system that allows gases to escape from the fuel tank, preventing pressure build-up and potential leaks. It's crucial for maintaining proper fuel tank pressure and emissions control.
spider issue in gas tank
"...this is something that they fixed after 1997. They now make a new tube that prevents spiders from getting in..."
Sometimes, spiders can get into the gas tank and cause problems. Car makers have made changes to stop this from happening, so it's less of an issue now.
The mention of spiders getting into the gas tank refers to a known issue in certain vehicles where spiders can build webs in the venting system, leading to fuel delivery problems. Manufacturers have since designed components to prevent this from happening.
Bimmer
"You could drive a 740 Bimmer. This spider gave his life."
'Bimmer' is a nickname for BMW cars. People who love BMWs often use this term to talk about their vehicles.
'Bimmer' is a colloquial term used to refer to BMW cars. It is often used affectionately by enthusiasts and owners to signify their pride in the brand.
BMW 740
"You could drive a 740 Bimmer. This spider gave his life."
The BMW 740 is a high-end car that offers a lot of luxury and comfort. It's part of the BMW 7 Series, which is known for being very nice to drive and full of technology.
The BMW 740 is a luxury sedan that is part of the BMW 7 Series, known for its comfort, technology, and performance. It typically features a powerful engine and advanced features, making it a popular choice among luxury car buyers.
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