{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"#2620: Hubby's Fuelishness","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2620-hubby-s-fuelishness","audioUrl":"https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510208/traffic.megaphone.fm/NPR6305892633.mp3?t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5739336&p=510208&d=2093&size=33498680","description":"Whitney lives in the New Hampshire mountains with her cheapskate hubby who insists on driving the cars bone dry before refueling them. And while this practice does bring a little extra excitement to a quick drive to town, is it bad for the car? Find out 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":229.94,"endTime":234.0,"type":"car","title":"Subaru Outback","url":"/cars/subaru/outback","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/2000-2004_Subaru_Outback_Wagon.jpg","quote":"Well, I have a 97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. My brakes are making sort of a grinding noise.","canonicalId":"car:subaru:outback","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Subaru Impreza Outback Sport is a variant of the Subaru Impreza, combining features of a compact car with some rugged styling and increased ground clearance similar to an SUV. The 1997 model is part of the first generation of Impreza, known for its all-wheel-drive system and versatility.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Subaru Impreza Outback Sport is a type of car that mixes a small car with some SUV features, like higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive. The 1997 model is an older version that people liked for being good in different driving conditions.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":229.94,"endTime":234.0,"type":"car","title":"Subaru Impreza","url":"/cars/subaru/impreza","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/1994_Subaru_Impreza_WRX_STi.jpg","quote":"...yway, what's up, Kerry?  Well, I have a 97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport.  My brakes are making sort of a gr...","canonicalId":"car:subaru:impreza","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Subaru Impreza, particularly the 1997 Outback Sport variant, is known for its all-wheel-drive system and versatility. Brake noises in these older models can indicate wear or the need for maintenance, which is common given their age and usage conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Subaru Impreza is a small car that can drive well in different weather because it has power to all its wheels. If the brakes are making noise, it usually means they need to be checked or fixed to keep the car safe.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":237.9,"endTime":246.7,"type":"term","title":"metal to metal grinding","url":"/glossary/metal-to-metal-grinding","quote":"It sounds like metal to metal grinding when I first apply the brakes, even on a small incline. Yeah, I mean, it really, it sounds like metal to metal.","canonicalId":"term:metal-to-metal-grinding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Metal to metal grinding in brakes occurs when the brake pads are worn down completely, causing the metal backing plate to contact the brake rotor. This creates a loud grinding noise and can damage the rotor if not addressed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Metal to metal grinding is a loud noise you hear when the parts that stop your car rub together without the soft pads in between. It means the brake parts are worn out and need fixing."}},{"startTime":267.44,"endTime":271.1,"type":"part","title":"semi-metallic brake pads","url":"/glossary/semi-metallic-brake-pads","quote":"and had them change to semi-metallic rather than metallic.\nSo these pads that you put on were not from Subaru?","canonicalId":"part:semi-metallic-brake-pads","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Semi-metallic brake pads are made with a mix of metal fibers and other materials, offering good heat resistance and durability but sometimes causing more noise compared to other types.","simplifiedExplanation":"Semi-metallic brake pads are a kind of brake pad that has some metal in them. They help stop your car well but can sometimes make noise when you brake."}},{"startTime":318.6,"endTime":338.8,"type":"term","title":"brake noise","url":"/glossary/brake-noise","quote":"I mean, you're hearing the noise, but I think you were crazy to have changed the brake pads. For no reason. And the truth is that some cars just do this. And you can, there are certain chemicals that you can actually immerse the pads in that can cut down this noise, but it's only temporary.","canonicalId":"term:brake-noise","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brake noise refers to sounds like squealing or grinding that can come from the braking system. It can be caused by pad material, moisture, or the car sitting unused for a while.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sometimes brakes make sounds like squeaks or squeals. This can happen because of the brake parts or if the car hasn't been used for some time."}},{"startTime":375.0,"endTime":376.2,"type":"term","title":"metal on metal","url":"/glossary/metal-on-metal","quote":"\"They work great. Metal on metal is great. Oh, yeah. Yeah.\"","canonicalId":"term:metal-on-metal","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Metal on metal refers to the condition where brake pads have worn down completely and the metal backing plate contacts the brake rotor, causing a loud noise but still allowing the brakes to function temporarily.","simplifiedExplanation":"When the brake pads wear out, the metal part of the pad touches the metal disc, making a loud sound. The brakes still work for a little while, but it's a sign they need fixing soon."}},{"startTime":425.5,"endTime":429.8,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Van","url":"/cars/dodge/b-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/1969_Dodge_Charger_R-T_coupe_%2815029124653%29.jpg","quote":"Well, I got an 87 Dodge Van, unfortunately. And as I drive it, I go through an area of swamp gas that happens inside the car.","canonicalId":"car:dodge:b-150","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Van is a full-size van produced by Dodge, popular in the 1980s for commercial and personal use. The 1987 model is part of the B-series generation known for its boxy design and utility.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Dodge Van is a big vehicle used for carrying stuff or people. The 1987 one is an older model that many people used for work or travel.","imageAttribution":"sv1ambo (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":454.2,"endTime":459.7,"type":"car","title":"Dodge B-150","url":"/cars/dodge/b-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/1969_Dodge_Charger_R-T_coupe_%2815029124653%29.jpg","quote":"This is a 1-ton Dodge Van 360 motor. So it's a B350 or something like that, right? Yeah, I think it's a 350 model.","canonicalId":"car:dodge:b-150","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge B350 Van is a full-size van model from Dodge, often used for heavy-duty cargo or passenger transport. The 'B350' designation refers to a 1-ton payload capacity variant in the Dodge van lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge B350 Van is a big van made by Dodge that can carry heavy loads or lots of people. It's called B350 because it can handle about one ton of weight.","imageAttribution":"sv1ambo (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":463.5,"endTime":468.2,"type":"part","title":"air pump","url":"/glossary/air-pump","quote":"And one guy told me it was the air pump because the bearings in the air pump are bad, and it's making a pretty bad sound there that it could be the air pump.","canonicalId":"part:air-pump","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An air pump in a vehicle is part of the emission control system that helps reduce harmful exhaust gases by injecting air into the exhaust stream to promote further combustion. Bearings in the air pump can wear out and cause noise or failure.","simplifiedExplanation":"The air pump is a part that helps clean the car's exhaust by pushing air into it. If it gets worn out, it can make bad sounds or stop working."}},{"startTime":528.7,"endTime":530.0,"type":"part","title":"O2 sensor","url":"/glossary/o2-sensor","quote":"I mean, it could be a bad O2 sensor.","canonicalId":"part:o2-sensor","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An O2 sensor measures the oxygen level in the exhaust gases to help the engine control the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The O2 sensor checks how much oxygen is in the car's exhaust to help the engine run better and pollute less."}},{"startTime":532.2,"endTime":533.5,"type":"part","title":"coolant temp sensor","url":"/glossary/coolant-temp-sensor","quote":"It could be a bad coolant temp sensor, for example, that's changing the mixture","canonicalId":"part:coolant-temp-sensor","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The coolant temperature sensor monitors the engine's temperature and informs the engine control unit to adjust fuel mixture and ignition timing accordingly.","simplifiedExplanation":"This sensor tells the car how hot the engine is so it can add the right amount of fuel and keep the engine running well."}},{"startTime":556.4,"endTime":558.0,"type":"term","title":"carburetor","url":"/glossary/carburetor","quote":"If, in fact, the carburetor is flooding out and there is therefore...","canonicalId":"term:carburetor","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A carburetor mixes air and fuel for internal combustion engines, controlling the amount of fuel delivered to the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"A carburetor is a part that mixes gas and air so the engine can run properly."}},{"startTime":572.7,"endTime":575.0,"type":"term","title":"catalytic converter","url":"/glossary/catalytic-converter","quote":"When that exhaust stream reaches the catalytic converter, it cools it off.","canonicalId":"term:catalytic-converter","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases from the engine exhaust into less harmful substances.","simplifiedExplanation":"This part cleans the car's exhaust gases to make them less bad for the air we breathe."}},{"startTime":591.9,"endTime":594.0,"type":"term","title":"sulfur dioxide gas","url":"/glossary/sulfur-dioxide-gas","quote":"to combine with that sulfur and make sulfur dioxide gas, which is what you smell.","canonicalId":"term:sulfur-dioxide-gas","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Sulfur dioxide is a harmful gas produced by combustion of sulfur-containing fuels, contributing to pollution and acid rain.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sulfur dioxide is a bad gas that comes from burning certain fuels and can pollute the air."}},{"startTime":651.5,"endTime":655.7,"type":"term","title":"fuel air mixture","url":"/glossary/fuel-air-mixture","quote":"And they see if in fact that it's putting out the right fuel air mixture. And if it isn't, they reject it and they go ahead and either discard it or rebuild it again.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-air-mixture","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The fuel air mixture is the ratio of fuel to air that the engine uses for combustion. Proper mixture is critical for efficient engine performance and emissions control.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel air mixture means how much gas and air get mixed together for the engine to burn and make the car go."}},{"startTime":691.9,"endTime":692.5,"type":"part","title":"thermostat","url":"/glossary/thermostat","quote":"I mean, it could be something like a thermostat that's stuck in the open position.","canonicalId":"part:thermostat","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The thermostat in a car regulates the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant to the radiator. If stuck open, it can cause the engine to run too cool, affecting performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The thermostat is a part that helps keep the engine at the right temperature. If it gets stuck open, the engine might not warm up properly."}},{"startTime":719.66,"endTime":725.28,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Charger","url":"/cars/dodge/charger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/1970_Dodge_Charger_R-T_Hirschaid_22-20220709-RM-120204.jpg","quote":"...me with a story worth sharing.  Like a 1973 Dodge Charger tucked away in an Arizona barn for more than 40 y...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:charger","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Charger, especially models from the early 1970s like the 1973 version, is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful V8 engines and aggressive styling. Finding a 1973 Dodge Charger stored away in a barn for decades is significant because these cars are highly collectible and can be restored to valuable condition.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Charger is a classic American car famous for being fast and strong. A 1973 Charger found hidden in a barn is special because it might be in good shape and worth fixing up or keeping.","imageAttribution":"Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":719.7,"endTime":720.5,"type":"concept","title":"barn find","url":"/glossary/barn-find","quote":"Like a 1973 Dodge Charger tucked away in an Arizona barn for more than 40 years.","canonicalId":"concept:barn-find","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A barn find is a classic or collectible car that has been stored and forgotten, often in a barn or garage, for many years, usually discovered in good original condition.","simplifiedExplanation":"A barn find is an old car that was kept hidden away in a barn or garage for a long time and is found later, often in good shape."}},{"startTime":837.9,"endTime":866.9,"type":"part","title":"fan belt","url":"/glossary/fan-belt","quote":"One of the officers stands up and says, I have a question about the fan belt, about the longevity of the fan belt. ... This fan belt looks just like the belt around your waist. It's a flat piece of rubber and it's designed to run around the fan and the generator.","canonicalId":"part:fan-belt","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A fan belt is a flat rubber belt that connects and drives the engine's fan and generator (alternator). It is essential for cooling the engine and powering electrical components.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fan belt is like a rubber band that helps the engine's fan and electrical parts work by spinning them. It keeps the engine cool and the car's electricity running."}},{"startTime":930.1,"endTime":943.0,"type":"concept","title":"belt with a twist","url":"/glossary/belt-with-a-twist","quote":"And what they did was they manufactured the belt with a twist in it. Imagine if you took your own belt and joined the two ends together. So you'd have an inside of the belt and an outside. But imagine before joining them, if you gave one end a twist","canonicalId":"concept:belt-with-a-twist","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A belt with a twist refers to a design where the belt is given a half twist before joining the ends, creating a Möbius strip. This design doubles the wear surface and can increase belt life without changing the material.","simplifiedExplanation":"If you twist a belt before joining its ends, it can last longer because both sides get used evenly. It's a clever way to make the belt last without changing what it's made of."}},{"startTime":1155.9,"endTime":1167.2,"type":"part","title":"fuel pump","url":"/glossary/fuel-pump","quote":"we are of the belief, however, that it is not good for the fuel pump,\nwhich in both of these cars resides inside the gas tank to run with the tank close to empty,\nbecause the fuel actually cools the pump.","canonicalId":"part:fuel-pump","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The fuel pump is a component that moves gasoline from the fuel tank to the engine. In many modern cars, it is located inside the fuel tank and is cooled by the fuel around it.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fuel pump is a part inside the car that sends gas from the tank to the engine so the car can run. It sits inside the gas tank and stays cool because of the gas around it."}},{"startTime":1176.1,"endTime":1178.0,"type":"term","title":"miles to empty","url":"/glossary/miles-to-empty","quote":"I'll get in the Jeep and it's got one of those computer consoles, the top, the deal.\nMiles to empty, it tells you.","canonicalId":"term:miles-to-empty","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"\"Miles to empty\" is a feature in many modern cars that estimates how many miles can be driven before the fuel tank is empty, based on current fuel level and driving conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"\"Miles to empty\" tells you how far you can drive before your car runs out of gas. It uses information from the car to guess this number."}},{"startTime":1328.38,"endTime":1332.96,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/1966_Ford_Mustang_coupe_white_001.jpg","quote":"\"He goes, I go by it like a, he likes to, he wants a convertible Mustang with a 56 Mustang.\"","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It has been in continuous production since 1964 and is iconic for its performance and cultural impact.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a popular fast car that many people like because it looks cool and goes really fast. It’s been around for a long time and is a symbol of American muscle cars.","imageAttribution":"Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1803.34,"endTime":1814.5,"type":"term","title":"LS trim","url":"/glossary/ls-trim","quote":"You can't assume that one manufacturer's LS, if that means, for example, if the LS is the top of the line for your car, then you can't assume that if you go to a Toyota, that an LS is going to be the top of the line for their car.","canonicalId":"term:ls-trim","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"LS is a common trim level designation used by various manufacturers, often indicating a base or mid-level trim, but its meaning varies by brand and model.","simplifiedExplanation":"LS is a name car companies use to describe a certain version of a car, but it can mean different things for different brands."}},{"startTime":1957.46,"endTime":1959.96,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Altima","url":"/cars/nissan/altima","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/2023_Nissan_Altima_SR.png","quote":"...pening, Dennis?  Okay, my wife has a 95-need son, Altima.  And occasionally, I like to try to do nice thin...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:altima","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Altima is a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. A 1995 Altima, while older, can still be a dependable daily driver if properly maintained, though some owners may encounter typical wear-and-tear issues over time.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Altima is a comfortable car that many people use every day because it doesn't use too much gas and usually runs well. A 1995 model is an older car but can still work fine if taken care of.","imageAttribution":"LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2002.8,"endTime":2005.5,"type":"term","title":"flat truck","url":"/glossary/flat-truck","quote":"First time it happened, called AAA. They put it on a flat truck and they hauled it off to the Nissan dealership.","canonicalId":"term:flat-truck","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A flat truck, or flatbed tow truck, is a vehicle used to transport cars by carrying them on a flat platform, preventing damage during towing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A flat truck is a big truck with a flat back that can carry a car safely when it breaks down."}},{"startTime":2005.5,"endTime":2011.8,"type":"concept","title":"dealership","url":"/glossary/dealership","quote":"They put it on a flat truck and they hauled it off to the Nissan dealership. We went back that evening and the Nissan guy said, nothing wrong with this car.","canonicalId":"concept:dealership","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A dealership is an authorized business that sells new and used cars and often provides maintenance and repair services.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dealership is a place where you buy cars and get them fixed if they have problems."}},{"startTime":2040.7,"endTime":2042.0,"type":"part","title":"fuel filter","url":"/glossary/fuel-filter","quote":"So they replaced the distributor rotor, fuel filter, and the spark plug.","canonicalId":"part:fuel-filter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it reaches the engine, preventing dirt and debris from causing damage or poor performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fuel filter makes sure the gas going into the engine is clean so the car runs smoothly."}},{"startTime":2040.7,"endTime":2042.0,"type":"part","title":"distributor rotor","url":"/glossary/distributor-rotor","quote":"So they replaced the distributor rotor, fuel filter, and the spark plug.","canonicalId":"part:distributor-rotor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The distributor rotor is a component inside the distributor that directs high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder's spark plug in the firing order.","simplifiedExplanation":"The distributor rotor helps send the spark to the right part of the engine so it can start and run properly."}},{"startTime":2040.7,"endTime":2042.0,"type":"part","title":"spark plug","url":"/glossary/spark-plug","quote":"So they replaced the distributor rotor, fuel filter, and the spark plug.","canonicalId":"part:spark-plug","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders to power the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"The spark plug makes a small spark that helps the car's engine start and keep running."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"NPR","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2620-hubby-s-fuelishness/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}