{"version":"1.1.0","producer":"fm.getcarcurious","layer":"official","episode":{"title":"#2657: Getting to Yes","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2657-getting-to-yes","audioUrl":"https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510208/npr.simplecastaudio.com/9d92d581-9541-4957-9480-c04a7b77b708/episodes/756eebf5-269a-4377-8e29-e235bdfa6d35/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=9d92d581-9541-4957-9480-c04a7b77b708&awEpisodeId=756eebf5-269a-4377-8e29-e235bdfa6d35&feed=AL0VkDms&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5895123&p=510208&d=2080&size=33286356","description":"Jane says that there’s somebody on the outside of her Honda banging it with a hammer or, at least that’s what it sounds like when she’s driving around. Click and Clack ask a bunch of inciteful, probing questions designed to elicit meaningful details… but Jane keeps saying, ‘Nope’. Find out if the boys can get any of the other callers to play nice on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy"},"annotations":[{"id":500995,"startTime":189.6,"endTime":193.0,"type":"term","title":"high viscosity","url":"/glossary/high-viscosity","quote":"I'm thinking 20 degrees, oil, high viscosity. This is a bad thing. It's better to start your car first.","canonicalId":"term:high-viscosity","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"High viscosity oil is thicker oil that flows less easily, especially when it’s cold. That’s why the speaker argues it can be “a bad thing” for cold starts—thicker oil can increase engine wear until it warms and circulates properly.","simplifiedExplanation":"“High viscosity” means the oil is thicker. When it’s cold, thick oil doesn’t move around as easily, so the engine can be harder to protect until it warms up.","sourceStartTime":189.6,"sourceEndTime":193.0}},{"id":500996,"startTime":236.4,"endTime":237.8,"type":"term","title":"overdrive","url":"/glossary/overdrive","quote":"Then there's a stop sign, but the engine still is cold. Then he'll make a right turn onto this highway and he'll keep it pretty much between 40 and 50 miles per hour until the car kicks into overdrive.","canonicalId":"term:overdrive","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overdrive is a higher gear (or gear mode) in an automatic transmission that reduces engine RPM at cruising speeds. The speaker says the car “kicks into overdrive” around 40–50 mph, which is why it can then go faster without the engine spinning as hard.","simplifiedExplanation":"Overdrive is a transmission mode that uses a higher gear for cruising. It usually lowers engine revs, so the car can drive faster more efficiently.","sourceStartTime":236.4,"sourceEndTime":237.8}},{"id":500997,"startTime":291.74,"endTime":298.38,"type":"car","title":"Prizm Geoprism","url":"/cars/geo/prizm","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/1998_Chevrolet_Prizm_2.jpg","quote":"...nd this is his car. We have another car at a 1995 geoprism and that's kind of like my car. But if I'm drivin...","canonicalId":"car:prizm","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Prizm (often spelled “Geo Prizm”) is a compact car known for being practical and straightforward transportation. In the podcast context, it’s being referenced as another car in the same household or comparison, with a 1995 Geo Prizm mentioned alongside a Ford Explorer. It comes up because the conversation is about how these cars behave day to day—especially what happens while driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Prizm is a small, simple car meant for getting around town and commuting. The podcast mentions a 1995 Prizm as a second car, likely to compare how it drives or what it’s like to own. If you hear a description about driving, it’s usually about ride comfort, noise, or how the car feels in everyday use.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1998_Chevrolet_Prizm_2.jpg","sourceStartTime":291.74,"sourceEndTime":298.38}},{"id":500998,"startTime":304.0,"endTime":305.8,"type":"term","title":"fuel injected","url":"/glossary/fuel-injected","quote":"Well, he's actually right except in cold weather with modern cars which are fuel injected. Now the 85 is not fuel injected, but the 95 prism is.","canonicalId":"term:fuel-injected","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel injection is a system that meters fuel into the engine using electronic controls rather than relying on a carburetor. The speaker contrasts modern fuel-injected cars with older carbureted setups, noting that fuel injection reduces the risk of over-fueling during warm-up.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel injection is how newer cars deliver fuel to the engine using sensors and computers. It helps prevent the engine from getting flooded with too much fuel when you start it cold.","sourceStartTime":304.0,"sourceEndTime":305.8}},{"id":500999,"startTime":315.1,"endTime":320.0,"type":"term","title":"choke","url":"/glossary/choke","quote":"But in the old days when you had a choke with a carburetor, the thing would be revving at 4,000 RPM.","canonicalId":"term:choke","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A choke is a carburetor cold-start device that enriches the air-fuel mixture so a cold engine can start and idle. The speaker explains that with a choke, the engine can rev high (around 4,000 RPM), which wastes gasoline and can stress the engine if left uncontrolled.","simplifiedExplanation":"A choke is a cold-start helper on older carbureted engines. It adds extra fuel so the engine can run when it’s cold, but it can also make the engine rev high and burn extra gas if you don’t manage it.","sourceStartTime":315.1,"sourceEndTime":320.0}},{"id":501000,"startTime":315.1,"endTime":320.0,"type":"term","title":"carburetor","url":"/glossary/carburetor","quote":"But in the old days when you had a choke with a carburetor, the thing would be revving at 4,000 RPM.","canonicalId":"term:carburetor","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A carburetor mixes air and fuel mechanically, and it often needs a choke for cold starts. The speaker uses it to explain why older cars could waste fuel and potentially cause engine damage if you keep the choke on and let the engine rev too high.","simplifiedExplanation":"A carburetor is an older way of mixing fuel and air for the engine. Older carbureted cars often need a choke to start in cold weather, and that can lead to extra fuel use if you don’t handle it correctly.","sourceStartTime":315.1,"sourceEndTime":320.0}},{"id":501001,"startTime":464.04,"endTime":468.94,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Beetle","url":"/cars/volkswagen/beetle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/2011_Volkswagen_Beetle_R_Concept_%286158707986%29.jpg","quote":"I've been thinking about Carman Gears lately. I was wondering, you know, Volkswagen has come out with a new Beetle. Uh-huh. They're soon to come out with a","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:beetle","priority":0.45,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “Beetle” refers to Volkswagen’s iconic rear-engine compact, the Volkswagen Beetle. In the early 2000s and beyond, “new Beetle” commonly meant the modernized Beetle that revived the original’s styling cues.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “Beetle” is Volkswagen’s famous old design. When someone says “new Beetle,” they usually mean the newer version that looks like the classic but is a different, more modern car underneath.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 2.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Volkswagen_Beetle_R_Concept_(6158707986).jpg","sourceStartTime":464.04,"sourceEndTime":468.94}},{"id":501002,"startTime":468.9,"endTime":476.5,"type":"car","title":"new micro bus","url":"/cars/volkswagen/type-2","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Volkswagen_Kombi_%2815172648344%29.jpg","quote":"Uh-huh. They're soon to come out with a new micro bus. Yep. And I says to myself, I says, what about the gear? Yeah. What about that?","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:type2","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “micro bus” is a reference to Volkswagen’s classic Type 2 “Bus” (often called the Microbus in enthusiast talk). It’s known for its boxy shape and passenger-carrying heritage, and later “new” versions revived that identity for modern buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “micro bus” is Volkswagen’s classic van, the one people associate with road trips and the hippie-era look. When they say “new micro bus,” they mean a modern version of that classic style.","imageAttribution":"Jeremy from Sydney, Australia (CC BY 2.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 2.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Volkswagen_Kombi_(15172648344).jpg","sourceStartTime":468.9,"sourceEndTime":476.5}},{"id":501003,"startTime":517.7,"endTime":576.7,"type":"term","title":"tailpipes","url":"/glossary/tailpipes","quote":"It says little flames are shooting out your tailpipe. No, black smoke. Huge flames are shooting out the tailpipe.","canonicalId":"term:tailpipe","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The tailpipe is the exhaust outlet at the rear of the vehicle. The host uses it to describe where the flames and sparks are appearing, which is a key clue that unburned fuel is igniting in the exhaust.","sourceStartTime":517.7,"sourceEndTime":576.7}},{"id":501004,"startTime":529.4,"endTime":541.8,"type":"term","title":"backfire","url":"/glossary/backfire","quote":"You mean there's a fire in the back? That's not why they call it a backfire. Backfire... Yeah, it's backfiring. Yeah, because the end, because it's missing.","canonicalId":"term:backfire","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A backfire is an ignition event that happens in the exhaust system rather than inside the engine cylinders. In this case, the host ties it to missing ignition spark, so unburned fuel/air ignites in the muffler and exits through the tailpipe as flames.","simplifiedExplanation":"Backfire is when the engine doesn’t burn the fuel at the right time, and it instead burns in the exhaust. That’s why you can see flames or hear pops coming out of the tailpipe.","sourceStartTime":529.4,"sourceEndTime":541.8}},{"id":501005,"startTime":541.8,"endTime":552.2,"type":"term","title":"ignition","url":"/glossary/ignition","quote":"What's missing is the ignition is missing in all likelihood. In other words, you're not getting a spark in every cylinder every time.","canonicalId":"term:ignition","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ignition refers to the system that creates the spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine. The host says the ignition is missing in all likelihood, meaning not every cylinder is getting a spark when it should.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ignition is what makes the spark that lights the fuel in the engine. If the ignition isn’t working correctly, the engine can misfire and cause flames in the exhaust.","sourceStartTime":541.8,"sourceEndTime":552.2}},{"id":501006,"startTime":614.6,"endTime":632.58,"type":"term","title":"points","url":"/glossary/points","quote":"But the most likely is that your points are burned up. The points are burned up? I think this thing has points of condenser 73.","canonicalId":"term:points","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ignition points are mechanical contacts used in older ignition systems to control when the ignition coil charges and fires. The host suggests the most likely cause is that the points are burned up, which would lead to weak or missing spark and misfire/backfire.","simplifiedExplanation":"Points are an old-style part in the ignition system that helps time the spark. If they wear out or burn, the engine can start misfiring and backfiring.","sourceStartTime":614.6,"sourceEndTime":632.58}},{"id":501007,"startTime":620.9,"endTime":632.58,"type":"term","title":"condenser","url":"/glossary/condenser","quote":"I think this thing has points of condenser 73. Oh, sure. Must. It must. Yeah, I went in to replace the points and I replaced the plugs. But not the condenser. Not the condenser. Replace the condenser. You've","canonicalId":"term:condenser","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A condenser (in classic ignition systems) is a capacitor that helps control the electrical behavior of the ignition points and coil. The host indicates the condenser may be the missing replacement, implying it could be failing and causing poor spark.","simplifiedExplanation":"The condenser is an electrical part in older ignition systems that helps the spark work correctly. If it fails, the spark can be weak or inconsistent, leading to misfires and tailpipe flames.","sourceStartTime":620.9,"sourceEndTime":632.58}},{"id":501008,"startTime":640.7,"endTime":649.8,"type":"term","title":"distributor","url":"/glossary/distributor","quote":"push that little piece of plastic into the hole in the bottom of the distributor. Yep. You've got to take the distributor out to do it. And then it breaks or falls down inside. Oh, boy. Yeah. And then it shorts out.","canonicalId":"term:distributor","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A distributor is an ignition-system component used on many older engines to route high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug. The speaker describes removing it because a plastic piece is supposed to go into a hole at the bottom of the distributor, and if it breaks or falls in, it can cause an electrical short.","simplifiedExplanation":"A distributor is an older ignition part that sends spark to the right spark plug at the right time. If something inside breaks or falls in, it can cause electrical problems and the engine may not run.","sourceStartTime":640.7,"sourceEndTime":649.8}},{"id":501009,"startTime":644.3,"endTime":649.8,"type":"term","title":"shorts out","url":"/glossary/shorts-out","quote":"it breaks or falls down inside. Oh, boy. Yeah. And then it shorts out. That's why nobody ever does the car. The car will never run again.","canonicalId":"term:shorts-out","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Shorts out” means an unintended electrical connection creates a low-resistance path, causing current to flow where it shouldn’t. In ignition systems, a short can prevent the engine from running by disrupting proper high-voltage operation.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Shorts out” means electricity takes a wrong path and can cause the system to fail. In this case, it can stop the car from running.","sourceStartTime":644.3,"sourceEndTime":649.8}},{"id":501010,"startTime":660.76,"endTime":667.04,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Carmen Gia","url":"/cars/volkswagen/karmann-ghia","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/1958_Volkswagen_Type_14_Karmann_Ghia_%2832316666454%29.jpg","quote":"...e. We're letting you know when they make the 2002 Carmen Gia. Oh, yeah. Actually, I looked on the Carmen websi...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:karmannghia","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a classic Volkswagen sports coupe known for its distinctive, stylish body shape. It’s often discussed in enthusiast circles because it represents a simpler, more design-focused era of small cars. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a playful way around “making” a new version, which highlights how memorable the name and design are to fans.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is an older-style Volkswagen coupe, built more for looks and classic driving than for modern performance. The podcast brings it up because people recognize the name and talk about it when discussing possible new versions. It’s basically a classic two-door car that stands out because of its design.","imageAttribution":"Sicnag (CC BY 2.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 2.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1958_Volkswagen_Type_14_Karmann_Ghia_(32316666454).jpg","sourceStartTime":660.76,"sourceEndTime":667.04}},{"id":501011,"startTime":1009.5,"endTime":1037.7,"type":"car","title":"Isuzu impulse","url":"/cars/isuzu/impulse","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/1991_Isuzu_Impulse_RS_Interior.jpg","quote":"[1009.5s] on car talk. Hello, this is Sarah from Ithaca, New York. Sarah with an H? Yes, with an H. Ithaca.\n[1015.6s] And I have a 91 Isuzu impulse. Was it an impulse purchase?","canonicalId":"car:isuzu:impulse","priority":0.85,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Isuzu Impulse is a compact Japanese coupe from Isuzu, known for its unusual styling and for being a bit of an enthusiast oddball. In this call, Sarah mentions it specifically because sourcing parts has been difficult for her model.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Isuzu Impulse is a small two-door coupe made by Isuzu. Sarah is talking about it because she’s had trouble finding replacement parts for her specific car.","imageAttribution":"Adam Barrera @highmileage (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1991_Isuzu_Impulse_RS_Interior.jpg","sourceStartTime":1009.5,"sourceEndTime":1037.7}},{"id":501012,"startTime":1015.6,"endTime":1023.5,"type":"concept","title":"impulse purchase","url":"/glossary/impulse-purchase","quote":"[1015.6s] And I have a 91 Isuzu impulse. Was it an impulse purchase? Actually, no. My dad purchased it a while ago and then I inherited it eventually.","canonicalId":"concept:impulse-purchase","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An “impulse purchase” is a buying decision made quickly, without much planning or research. In the segment, the host uses the phrase as a pun because the caller’s car is an Isuzu Impulse.","simplifiedExplanation":"An “impulse purchase” is when you buy something on the spur of the moment. Here it’s used as a joke because the car model name sounds like the phrase.","sourceStartTime":1015.6,"sourceEndTime":1023.5}},{"id":501013,"startTime":1037.7,"endTime":1044.1,"type":"term","title":"two-seater, two-door","url":"/glossary/two-seater-two-door","quote":"[1037.7s] it's like a two-seater thing, right? Yes, it's a two-seater, two-door. Two doors, two seats, two steering wheels, two wheels, everything.","canonicalId":"term:two-seater-two-door","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “two-seater, two-door” describes a body style with seating for two people and two doors for entry. It’s a quick way to communicate the car’s layout and packaging, which matters for things like interior space and parts availability.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Two-seater, two-door” means the car is built for two people and has two doors. It’s basically describing how the car is laid out inside and how you get in.","sourceStartTime":1037.7,"sourceEndTime":1044.1}},{"id":501014,"startTime":1151.4,"endTime":1171.5,"type":"term","title":"weather stripping","url":"/glossary/weather-stripping","quote":"You might have two problems because I think when that happens that the door itself is shut and the\nblock isn't stuck. It sometimes is because the little rubber seal around the door. The\nweather stripping that goes all around the perimeter of the door.","canonicalId":"term:weather-stripping","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Weather stripping is the rubber or foam seal that lines the perimeter of a car door to keep water, wind, and noise out. When it freezes, it can make the door harder to open or keep it from closing properly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Weather stripping is the rubber seal around a car door. It helps keep rain and cold air out. If it freezes, the door can get stuck or not seal right.","sourceStartTime":1151.4,"sourceEndTime":1171.5}},{"id":501015,"startTime":1179.0,"endTime":1183.0,"type":"term","title":"silicone spray","url":"/glossary/silicone-spray","quote":"That gets, especially if it has been\nwet and moist and rainy and then it gets cold and that thing freezes and that's what's holding the\ndoor shut. And that's sometimes spraying it with like silicone spray.","canonicalId":"term:silicone-spray","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Silicone spray is a lubricant/protectant used on rubber seals and weather stripping to reduce sticking and help them resist moisture. In cold conditions, it can help prevent seals from freezing to the body or door frame.","simplifiedExplanation":"Silicone spray is a slippery protective spray. People use it on rubber seals so they don’t stick or freeze when it’s cold and wet.","sourceStartTime":1179.0,"sourceEndTime":1183.0}},{"id":501016,"startTime":1185.9,"endTime":1191.5,"type":"term","title":"door latch","url":"/glossary/door-latch","quote":"But what's happening\n[1185.9s] you got two problems. No, I think you have 11 I think just the latch is frozen. What's\n[1191.5s] wrong is that water is getting in there.","canonicalId":"term:door-latch","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The door latch is the mechanism that engages when you close the door, holding it shut and allowing it to be opened with the handle. If the latch is frozen or gummed up by water, it may not “latch” again after being forced open.","simplifiedExplanation":"The door latch is what actually catches and holds the door closed. If it gets frozen, it may not lock back in place after you force the door open.","sourceStartTime":1185.9,"sourceEndTime":1191.5}},{"id":501017,"startTime":1202.5,"endTime":1270.6,"type":"term","title":"latch mechanism","url":"/glossary/latch-mechanism","quote":"is that moisture is getting in there and freezing on the latch mechanism. And so what you need is some kind of an inhibitor.","canonicalId":"term:latch-mechanism","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A latch mechanism is the set of linkages and parts that physically hold a door closed and release it when you pull the handle. When moisture gets in and freezes, the latch can bind, preventing the door or window from operating normally.","simplifiedExplanation":"The latch mechanism is the door’s locking/releasing parts. If water gets in and freezes, it can make the latch stick so the door or window won’t move.","sourceStartTime":1202.5,"sourceEndTime":1270.6}},{"id":501018,"startTime":1217.1,"endTime":1226.4,"type":"term","title":"power windows","url":"/glossary/power-windows","quote":"And they're power windows and... And they're frozen too. Well, this castle's like a real joy.","canonicalId":"term:power-windows","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Power windows are door windows that move using electric motors and a switch instead of manual cranks. If the window regulator or related hardware is exposed to freezing moisture, the window may not operate even though the motor is working.","simplifiedExplanation":"Power windows are windows you move with a button or switch. If the parts inside the door freeze up, the window can get stuck even if you press the button.","sourceStartTime":1217.1,"sourceEndTime":1226.4}},{"id":501019,"startTime":1257.7,"endTime":1266.0,"type":"term","title":"white lithium grease","url":"/glossary/white-lithium-grease","quote":"You need to have your mechanic take apart the door and grease up with... Usually they use like a white lithium grease on all of the relay rods and all of the latch mechanism.","canonicalId":"term:white-lithium-grease","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"White lithium grease is a thick, tacky lubricant commonly used on metal-to-metal moving parts. In this context, it’s meant to coat the latch mechanism so water can’t reach the surfaces that would otherwise freeze and bind.","simplifiedExplanation":"White lithium grease is a slippery paste you put on moving metal parts. Here, the idea is to coat the latch so water can’t get to the parts that would freeze and stop working.","sourceStartTime":1257.7,"sourceEndTime":1266.0}},{"id":501020,"startTime":1310.6,"endTime":1326.4,"type":"car","title":"95 Ford Explorer","url":"/cars/ford/explorer","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/2020_Ford_Explorer_%28sixth_generation%29_1.jpg","quote":"Well, I have a truly bizarre problem... I have a 95 Ford Explorer. It has about 80,000 miles. And it sings.","canonicalId":"car:ford:explorer","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Explorer is a body-on-road SUV known for being used as a daily driver and family hauler, so unusual noises under the hood are a big deal. In this segment, the 1995 Ford Explorer is described as making a loud “French horn”-like tone at idle, which points to an engine-bay issue that only shows up when the engine isn’t revving.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Ford Explorer is an SUV. The speaker says their 1995 Explorer makes a loud musical noise under the hood, but only when the engine is idling.","imageAttribution":"Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2020_Ford_Explorer_(sixth_generation)_1.jpg","sourceStartTime":1310.6,"sourceEndTime":1326.4}},{"id":501021,"startTime":1838.78,"endTime":1844.78,"type":"car","title":"Honda Civic","url":"/cars/honda/civic","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/2017_Honda_Civic_Type_R_FK8_in_Championship_White%2C_front_right%2C_08-04-2024.jpg","quote":"Well, I have a crazy 93 Civic, Honda Civic. Yeah. Okay, by three weeks ago, I was taking a trip up north to Sedona in the mountains.","canonicalId":"car:honda:civic","priority":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “93 Civic” refers to a 1993 Honda Civic, a compact car known for being practical and easy to live with. In this story, it’s the specific car Jane is describing when she hears a loud knocking noise from the back/trunk area.","simplifiedExplanation":"“93 Civic” means a 1993 Honda Civic. It’s a common, everyday compact car. In this segment, it’s the car where the owner hears a strange knocking noise.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0","imageLicense":"CC BY-SA 4.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017_Honda_Civic_Type_R_FK8_in_Championship_White,_front_right,_08-04-2024.jpg","sourceStartTime":1838.78,"sourceEndTime":1844.78}},{"id":501022,"startTime":1852.0,"endTime":1861.0,"type":"term","title":"trunk","url":"/glossary/trunk","quote":"I had left my trunk open for a while and I thought, oh my gosh, someone's crawled in there. So it's this loud, loud knocking noise and it kept it up louder and louder.","canonicalId":"term:trunk","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The trunk is the rear storage compartment of a car, typically accessed from inside the cabin or via an exterior latch. In this story, the knocking seems to come from the trunk area, which is why the owner suspects something is loose or trapped back there.","simplifiedExplanation":"The trunk is the storage space in the back of the car. It’s where you put luggage or other items. Here, the knocking sounds like it’s coming from that back storage area.","sourceStartTime":1852.0,"sourceEndTime":1861.0}},{"id":501023,"startTime":1985.2,"endTime":1993.2,"type":"term","title":"loose shock theory","quote":"Okay. How about the loose shock theory? I like that, don't you? No. Come on.","canonicalId":"term:loose-shock-theory","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.62,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A shock absorber (often shortened to “shock”) controls how quickly the suspension moves after hitting bumps or changing road load. A “loose shock theory” suggests the noise could come from a shock mount, bushing, or fastener that’s not secure, allowing the shock to move and knock.","simplifiedExplanation":"Shocks help control bouncing by damping the suspension’s movement. If a shock or its mounting is loose, it can make knocking or banging sounds when the suspension loads up.","sourceStartTime":1985.2,"sourceEndTime":1993.2}},{"id":501024,"startTime":1996.9,"endTime":2003.9,"type":"term","title":"sway bar theory","url":"/glossary/sway-bar-theory","quote":"Well, the fact that it happens with seeming unpredictability. How about the sway bar theory? Well, it could be.","canonicalId":"term:sway-bar-theory","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A sway bar (also called an anti-roll bar) helps reduce body roll when the car turns or when weight shifts. The “sway bar theory” here means the noise could be caused by a worn bushing, link, or bar-related suspension movement rather than the exhaust.","simplifiedExplanation":"A sway bar helps keep the car from leaning too much when it moves around. If someone suspects the sway bar, they think a part connected to it might be loose or worn and making noise when the suspension loads up.","sourceStartTime":1996.9,"sourceEndTime":2003.9}},{"id":501025,"startTime":2012.4,"endTime":2019.9,"type":"term","title":"broken coil spring","url":"/glossary/broken-coil-spring","quote":"I think of all the possible suspension problems, I think a broken coil spring. I like that. I could certainly live with that.","canonicalId":"term:broken-coil-spring","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A coil spring is the suspension spring that supports the car’s weight and controls ride height and movement. A “broken coil spring” can cause sudden clunks or booms because the suspension can’t compress and rebound smoothly, and the spring may shift or contact other parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coil springs are the parts that help your car ride smoothly and keep it from bouncing. If a coil spring is broken, the suspension can move in a weird way and make loud bangs or clunks.","sourceStartTime":2012.4,"sourceEndTime":2019.9}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Tom Magliozzi","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Ray Magliozzi","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2657-getting-to-yes/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}],"alignmentMode":"scalar","fallbackOffset":0.0}