"What a Sled!" A Holiday Car Talk Bonus
About this episode
A holiday special from the archives features a mix of listener calls that highlight quirky car issues and humorous banter. Kyle shares his frustrating experiences with a 2017 F-150 plagued by multiple engine problems and vibrations while towing, prompting a discussion on potential transmission issues. Meanwhile, Chloe debates with her mother about whether to replace her reliable 2008 Honda Civic, which leads to a lighthearted exploration of safety features in newer cars. The episode blends practical advice with nostalgic charm, making it a delightful listen for car enthusiasts.
Happy Holidays from the Best of Car Talk! We had our eye on a really ugly holiday sweater for you, but they didn’t have your size. Instead, we thought you might like to take a break from all the holiday hustle and bustle and revel in the merry misery of someone else’s car trouble. Ray has been taking car questions of late and Kyle and Chloe were lucky enough to catch him in the studio. These calls are usually for NPR+ supporters only, but in a very uncharacteristic moment of magnanimity, we decided to spread the schadenfreude around and let everyone listen in. If you have a car question for Ray, call 888 522 5478, and have a wonderful holiday season.
Get access to occasional new calls like these and other prehistoric Car Talk gems, as well as about 1000 episodes of Car Talk, by heading over to plus.npr.org
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Ford F150
"I've got a 2017 F-150 and right out of the gate, right after I bought it, I bought it used and we just had issues with it right off the bat."
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. It is one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States and is often used for both work and personal purposes.
valve cover
"we had a crack in the valve cover on the driver's side. So I take it back, they fix it."
The valve cover is a part of the engine that keeps oil inside and protects the engine's moving parts. If it cracks, it can cause oil leaks.
The valve cover is a component that sits on top of the engine's cylinder head, sealing the area where the valves are located. It helps keep oil in and contaminants out.
recall
"And then they did a recall on it. And I drive it for two weeks and then all of a sudden just."
A recall happens when a car company finds a problem with their cars and asks people to bring them back to fix it for free.
A recall is when a manufacturer asks owners to return a vehicle to fix a safety-related defect or noncompliance with regulations. This is usually done at no cost to the owner.
rear-pinion seal
"we had a rear-pinion seal leak. So I take it and they fix it."
The rear-pinion seal is a part that keeps oil inside the back of the truck where the wheels are. If it leaks, it can cause problems with how the truck drives.
The rear-pinion seal is a component that prevents oil from leaking out of the rear differential, which is responsible for transferring power to the rear wheels.
vibration
"If I really put my foot on it, I get like a vibration."
Vibration in a car means that something might be wrong, like with the wheels or the parts that help the car move. It can make driving uncomfortable.
Vibration in a vehicle can indicate a mechanical issue, often related to the drivetrain or suspension. It can be caused by unbalanced wheels, worn components, or alignment problems.
towing capacity
"...towing something that's 8,000 pounds with an F-150. Yeah. Okay. And how steep is the grade? It's steep. It's a steep hill."
Towing capacity is how much weight a vehicle can pull safely, like a trailer or boat, without causing problems.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can safely tow, which is crucial for ensuring safety and performance when hauling trailers or other loads.
traction
"...I think it's a problem with the the back wheels losing traction. Oh, interesting."
Traction is how well the tires of a vehicle stick to the road. Good traction helps prevent slipping or sliding, especially when driving uphill or on slippery surfaces.
Traction refers to the grip that a vehicle's tires have on the road surface, which is essential for maintaining control, especially when accelerating or going uphill.
torque converter
"I thought it may have been a torque converter issue."
A torque converter is a part in automatic cars that helps connect the engine to the transmission. It makes it easier for the car to start moving and helps with smooth acceleration.
A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions that allows the engine to spin independently of the transmission. It helps to transfer power from the engine to the transmission while providing a smooth acceleration.
transmission fluid
"Wouldn't hurt to change the transmission fluid already done."
Transmission fluid is a special liquid that helps keep the parts inside an automatic car's transmission working well. Changing it regularly is important to prevent problems.
Transmission fluid is a specialized lubricant used in automatic transmissions to keep the components cool and to ensure smooth shifting. Regular changes are important for maintaining transmission health.
powertrain warranty
"I've got a lifetime powertrain warranty."
A powertrain warranty is a type of insurance for your car that covers important parts like the engine and transmission. If something goes wrong with these parts, the warranty can help pay for repairs.
A powertrain warranty covers the major components of a vehicle's powertrain, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It typically protects against defects and failures for a specified period or mileage.
Honda Civic
"Well, I have a beautiful blue 2008 Honda Civic sedan."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. The 2008 version is one of the newer styles and has some nice features.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The 2008 model is part of the eighth generation of Civics, which features a more modern design and improved performance compared to earlier versions.
lane departure warning
"...you need all that other safety stuff, you know, automatic braking and lane departure warning and all that..."
Lane departure warning lets you know if you're starting to leave your lane on the road without using your turn signal. It's a feature that helps keep you safe while driving.
Lane departure warning is a safety feature that alerts drivers when their vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. It aims to prevent accidents caused by lane drifting.
automatic braking
"...you need all that other safety stuff, you know, automatic braking and lane departure warning and all that..."
Automatic braking helps stop the car if it senses something in front of it that could cause a crash. It's a safety feature that can help avoid accidents.
Automatic braking is a safety feature that detects potential collisions and applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate an accident. It's part of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Audi A5
"An Audi A5? That's a nice car."
The Audi A5 is a nice-looking car that is part of Audi's lineup. It's known for being luxurious and having good performance.
The Audi A5 is a luxury coupe or convertible that combines performance with elegant design. It's known for its stylish looks, high-quality interior, and advanced technology features.
backup camera
"But you know, it had to keep you in the lane. It had the backup care."
A backup camera is a small camera at the back of the car that shows you what's behind you when you're trying to park or back up. It helps you see things you might not see otherwise.
A backup camera is a safety feature in vehicles that provides a view of the area behind the car when reversing. It helps drivers avoid obstacles and improve safety while backing up.
blind spot monitoring
"Look, a few of blind spot monitoring. You don't even need mirrors."
Blind spot monitoring helps drivers see cars that are in areas they can't see in their mirrors. It uses sensors to warn you if there's a car nearby when you're trying to change lanes.
Blind spot monitoring is a safety feature in modern vehicles that uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alerts the driver, usually through lights or sounds. This technology helps prevent accidents during lane changes.
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