{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"#2618: Who, What or How but Never All Three","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2618-who-what-or-how-but-never-all-three","audioUrl":"https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510208/traffic.megaphone.fm/NPR6126958477.mp3?t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5724193&p=510208&d=2229&size=35666634","description":"Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that position and momentum cannot simultaneously be known. Click and Clack’s uncertainty principle is that they may be able to figure out ‘Why’ or ‘What’ and sometimes ‘How’ your car has broken down, but never all three at once(because that’s too much work).  Lots of uncertainty on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy"},"annotations":[{"startTime":249.1,"endTime":251.4,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel","url":"/cars/volkswagen/rabbit","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Volkswagen_Golf_VIII_Rabbit_45_1X7A6982.jpg","quote":"\"I have a 1979 rabbit diesel. Because of these cold mornings that we have in New Hampshire, I'm forced to plug my car in.\"","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:rabbit","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel is a compact car produced by Volkswagen, known for its diesel engine variant which offers better fuel economy. The 1979 model is part of the first generation Rabbit, popular in the U.S. for its practicality and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel is a small car from 1979 that uses diesel fuel, which helps it use less gas and go farther. It's a popular older car that some people still drive today.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":251.4,"endTime":257.9,"type":"term","title":"plugging in a car","url":"/glossary/plugging-in-a-car","quote":"\"Because of these cold mornings that we have in New Hampshire, I'm forced to plug my car in. So, it's easier to start in the morning...\"","canonicalId":"term:plugging-in-a-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Plugging in a car refers to connecting it to an external power source, often to use an engine block heater or battery warmer to help the engine start more easily in cold weather.","simplifiedExplanation":"Plugging in a car means you connect it to electricity to help it start better when it's very cold outside."}},{"startTime":292.8,"endTime":293.5,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"VWs, they don't have feelings because they're made in Germany.","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to luxury models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars."}},{"startTime":297.6,"endTime":298.2,"type":"brand","title":"Fiat","url":"/glossary/fiat","quote":"Fiat's, on the other hand, are very sensitive.","canonicalId":"brand:fiat","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fiat is an Italian automotive brand known for small city cars and stylish designs, often with a focus on urban driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fiat is a car company from Italy that makes small and stylish cars."}},{"startTime":302.9,"endTime":303.5,"type":"brand","title":"Alfa Romeo","url":"/glossary/alfa-romeo","quote":"Fiat's, Alfa Romeo's, stuff like that.","canonicalId":"brand:alfa-romeo","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Alfa Romeo is an Italian car manufacturer known for sporty and stylish vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and design.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alfa Romeo is a car company from Italy that makes sporty and good-looking cars."}},{"startTime":557.3,"endTime":560.1,"type":"car","title":"Saab 900 Turbo","url":"/cars/saab/900","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/1989_Saab_900_Turbo_16.jpg","quote":"Well, I have an 84 sob 900 turbo. And recently it's left axle just broke.","canonicalId":"car:saab:900","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Saab 900 Turbo is a turbocharged variant of the Saab 900, a compact executive car produced by Saab. The 1984 model year is part of the classic first-generation Saab 900, known for its distinctive design and turbocharged engine which was advanced for its time.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Saab 900 Turbo is a car from the 1980s that has a special engine part called a turbocharger to make it go faster. It's a unique and older model that some people like to keep and drive.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":589.8,"endTime":592.8,"type":"car","title":"Saab 900","url":"/cars/saab/900","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/1989_Saab_900_Turbo_16.jpg","quote":"In fact, there was an 84 sob 900. And he's looking at the thing. And of course you may not realize it, but the engine in this vehicle is in backwards.","canonicalId":"car:saab:900","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Saab 900 is a compact executive car produced by the Swedish manufacturer Saab. The 1984 model is part of the classic first generation, known for its unique design and front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with the engine mounted longitudinally but reversed compared to typical cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Saab 900 is a car made by a Swedish company called Saab. The 1984 version has its engine placed in a way that is different from most cars, which can make working on it a bit unusual.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":636.6,"endTime":637.3,"type":"part","title":"air filter","url":"/glossary/air-filter","quote":"\"It is interesting. Air filter. And it took me, you know, probably about an hour and a half just to find it.\"","canonicalId":"part:air-filter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An air filter is a component in a car's intake system that cleans the air entering the engine, preventing dirt and debris from causing damage or reducing performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The air filter is like a screen that cleans the air before it goes into the car's engine, so the engine stays healthy and runs well."}},{"startTime":648.6,"endTime":649.6,"type":"part","title":"CV joint","url":"/glossary/cv-joint","quote":"\"But anyway, that's the CV joint broke. The axle fell out into the street. You stopped dead, of course.\"","canonicalId":"part:cv-joint","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A CV joint (constant velocity joint) is a flexible coupling in a car's axle that allows power to be transmitted smoothly while accommodating steering and suspension movement. It's essential for front-wheel drive and many all-wheel drive vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The CV joint is a part that helps the wheels turn and move up and down without breaking. It makes sure the car can drive smoothly even when you turn the steering wheel."}},{"startTime":725.7,"endTime":734.7,"type":"part","title":"motor mount","url":"/glossary/motor-mount","quote":"I think you may have even something as simple as a broken motor mount or maybe somehow the shift linkage got disturbed. Oh, I see. Yeah. And my vote is for a broken motor mount.","canonicalId":"part:motor-mount","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A motor mount is a component that secures the engine to the vehicle's frame and helps absorb vibrations and shocks. If broken, it can cause misalignment and unusual vibrations affecting engine and transmission performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A motor mount holds the engine in place and stops it from shaking too much. If it breaks, the engine can move around and cause problems."}},{"startTime":729.4,"endTime":734.7,"type":"part","title":"shift linkage","url":"/glossary/shift-linkage","quote":"I think you may have even something as simple as a broken motor mount or maybe somehow the shift linkage got disturbed.","canonicalId":"part:shift-linkage","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Shift linkage refers to the mechanical or electronic components that connect the gear shifter to the transmission, enabling gear changes. If disturbed or misaligned, it can cause shifting problems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Shift linkage is the part that connects the gear stick to the car's transmission so you can change gears. If it gets moved or broken, the car might not shift properly."}},{"startTime":1194.6,"endTime":1196.3,"type":"term","title":"automatic transmission","url":"/glossary/automatic-transmission","quote":"the truck had an automatic transmission.","canonicalId":"term:automatic-transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to manually shift gears. It is common in many trucks and passenger vehicles for ease of use.","simplifiedExplanation":"An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears by itself so the driver doesn't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic."}},{"startTime":1206.6,"endTime":1211.7,"type":"part","title":"neutral safety switch","url":"/glossary/neutral-safety-switch","quote":"Because it's either, in this case, the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch itself.","canonicalId":"part:neutral-safety-switch","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The neutral safety switch is a safety device that prevents the engine from starting unless the transmission is in neutral or park, helping to avoid unintended vehicle movement.","simplifiedExplanation":"This part makes sure your car only starts when it's safe, like when the gear is in neutral or park, so the car doesn't jump forward or backward unexpectedly."}},{"startTime":1206.6,"endTime":1211.7,"type":"part","title":"ignition switch","url":"/glossary/ignition-switch","quote":"Because it's either, in this case, the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch itself.","canonicalId":"part:ignition-switch","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The ignition switch is the electrical switch that activates the vehicle's main electrical systems and starts the engine when turned by the key or push button.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is the part you turn or press to start your car, which powers up everything needed to get the engine running."}},{"startTime":1211.7,"endTime":1223.2,"type":"part","title":"solenoid","url":"/glossary/solenoid","quote":"But if I get powered to the solenoid, to that thin wire, that means it's not the ignition switch. ... It's the solenoid. ... Yeah, the solenoid only costs seven bucks. You might as well try one of those first.","canonicalId":"part:solenoid","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A solenoid in a car starter system is an electromagnetic switch that engages the starter motor to crank the engine when the ignition key is turned.","simplifiedExplanation":"It's a small part that helps start your car by connecting the battery to the starter motor when you turn the key."}},{"startTime":1413.68,"endTime":1417.1,"type":"car","title":"Mercury Grand Marquis","url":"/cars/mercury/grand-marquis","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/03-05_Mercury_Grand_Marquis_.jpg","quote":"\"I have a car. My car is a 88 Grand Marquis Mercury. Uh-huh.\"","canonicalId":"car:mercury:grand-marquis","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size luxury sedan produced by Mercury, a division of Ford. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is a big, comfortable car made by Mercury, which is part of Ford. It was known for being roomy and easy to drive.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1473.9,"endTime":1475.9,"type":"term","title":"gas leak","url":"/glossary/gas-leak","quote":"I'll even come go out the next morning, and I still smell it. It sure sounds like you have a gas leak.","canonicalId":"term:gas-leak","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A gas leak refers to the unintended escape of fuel vapors or liquid fuel from a vehicle's fuel system, which can cause a strong smell and poses safety risks such as fire hazards.","simplifiedExplanation":"A gas leak means fuel is escaping from your car somewhere it shouldn't, which can smell bad and be dangerous because fuel can catch fire."}},{"startTime":1496.3,"endTime":1500.5,"type":"part","title":"injectors","url":"/glossary/injectors","quote":"Here's what I suggest. I think the leak is probably coming from one of your injectors. Injectors?","canonicalId":"part:injectors","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fuel injectors are components in a car's engine that spray fuel into the combustion chamber or intake manifold. They precisely control the amount and timing of fuel delivery to optimize engine performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Injectors are parts that put fuel into the engine so it can run. They make sure the right amount of fuel gets in at the right time."}},{"startTime":1509.4,"endTime":1511.0,"type":"term","title":"smog check","url":"/glossary/smog-check","quote":"Yeah, they're going to get a smog check, so maybe that would pick up.","canonicalId":"term:smog-check","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A smog check is an emissions test that measures pollutants coming from a vehicle's exhaust to ensure it meets environmental standards. It helps reduce air pollution by identifying vehicles that emit excessive harmful gases.","simplifiedExplanation":"A smog check is a test to see if a car is making too much dirty smoke or pollution. Cars need to pass this test to be allowed on the road."}},{"startTime":1519.1,"endTime":1525.44,"type":"term","title":"unburned hydrocarbons","url":"/glossary/unburned-hydrocarbons","quote":"They're going to use that smog tester to check for the presence of unburned hydrocarbons.","canonicalId":"term:unburned-hydrocarbons","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Unburned hydrocarbons are fuel molecules that did not fully combust in the engine and are released as pollutants in the exhaust. Their presence indicates incomplete combustion and contributes to smog and air pollution.","simplifiedExplanation":"Unburned hydrocarbons are bits of fuel that didn’t burn inside the engine and come out as pollution. They can make the air dirty and cause smog."}},{"startTime":1786.6,"endTime":1791.84,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Corolla","url":"/cars/toyota/corolla","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/1969_Toyota_Corolla_1200.jpg","quote":"On the hottest day of the summer, my mother was driving her decrepit 88 Toyota Corolla from New York City to Philadelphia with her significant other.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:corolla","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1988 model is part of the fourth generation of Corollas, which were popular in the 1980s.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people use because it is reliable and doesn't use much gas. The 1988 Corolla is an older version from the 1980s.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1994.5,"endTime":1995.92,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"\"What kind of a Honda do you have?\"","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and efficient cars, motorcycles, and power equipment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a company that makes cars and motorcycles. They are known for making vehicles that last a long time and are easy to take care of."}},{"startTime":2007.84,"endTime":2013.18,"type":"car","title":"Geo Prism","url":"/cars/geo/prism","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Apatite_%28GeoDIL_number_-_1733%29.jpg","quote":"Okay.  I'm calling actually about a 1992 Geo Prism with about 135,000 miles on it.  And it's got thi...","canonicalId":"car:geo:prism","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Geo Prism was a compact car produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, essentially a rebadged Toyota Corolla. It is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. The 1992 model with 135,000 miles is typical for a car of its age and could still be dependable if well maintained.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Geo Prism is a small, simple car from the early 1990s that was made to be reliable and easy to drive. It’s good for people who want a car that doesn’t cost a lot to fix or use a lot of gas. A 1992 one with 135,000 miles means it’s been driven a lot but could still work well if taken care of.","imageAttribution":"Nessa Eull (CC0)"}},{"startTime":2139.5,"endTime":2144.1,"type":"part","title":"spark plug wire","url":"/glossary/spark-plug-wire","quote":"\"It requires opening the hood and pulling off a spark plug wire, but it's not hard to do.\"","canonicalId":"part:spark-plug-wire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A spark plug wire carries the electrical current from the ignition system to the spark plug, enabling the spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinder.","simplifiedExplanation":"A spark plug wire is a cable that sends electricity to the spark plug, which helps start the engine by making a small spark."}},{"startTime":2212.4,"endTime":2214.1,"type":"part","title":"igniters","url":"/glossary/igniters","quote":"\"And the same thing happens with igniters.\"","canonicalId":"part:igniters","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Igniters are electronic components that control the timing and delivery of the spark to the ignition coil or directly to the spark plugs, ensuring proper engine combustion.","simplifiedExplanation":"Igniters help control when the spark happens in the engine, making sure the engine runs smoothly."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"NPR","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2618-who-what-or-how-but-never-all-three/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}