The Best of Car Talk

Nancy's hubby has finally gone too far with his car gadget hobby. He's constantly taking an oversized undergarment on and off the front of his Acura. Click and Clack attempt to lift and separate the various underlying issues on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

Car noises can be tricky things to describe. Paula's Ford is making an annoying, whiny, nasal sound that reminds our odd couple of hosts of another 'Odd Couple' from the past. Check out this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Liz is a Maine-iac who is looking for a new vehicle for her and her 23 sled dogs that'll get them to frozen parts unknown. Can Click and Clack come up with a car that all 24 of them can fit in, or at least one light enough for the doggies to pull? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

Scott has an ex-aerospace industry relative who's affectionately referred to as 'Uncle Know-it-all' and has been telling Scott that he's driving his car all wrong. Can Click and Clack land this one safely? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

The jig is up! Morley Safer from CBS' 60 minutes has tracked us down! But, wait: It turns out that ol' Morley just wanted to defend the most indefensible of automobile makers: the French! Morley's folly on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

In auto repair, as in all great endeavors, little is gained without sacrifice(preferably, someone else's). Click and Clack cajole a couple of car owners to join their merry band of car-wrecking-brothers on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

When all hope seems to be lost for humanity we can still rely on practical jokes to keep us going. Feel the Schadenfreude on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

Kerry has a pothole in the alley behind her house that is so big the locals have named it, "The Pit of Despair". When the weather has been dry, her Honda CRX can climb down into, across and back out of it ok, but after a few days of heavy rain it can be rough seas in the ol' Pit. We're gonna need a bigger boat on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Norm works for the Post Office and he often has to drive over a mountain pass during big snowstorms at night in order to get to work. And he's constantly slapping at his moving windshield wipers to de-ice them while he's barreling down the road. Is there a better way? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Wendy's Honda fogs up every time she and her hubby are driving together. Do they need some 'alone time' in a more private space? Or is hubby a one-man-moisture-front? Meteoroligists Click and Clack make a few forecasts on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Mike is busy getting his sailboat ready for a 2000 nautical mile journey across the Pacific but he's already sprung a leak on his way to the dock! His Jeep Cherokee keeps losing radiator caps and he can't figure out where they are ending up. 'Hoist the mainsail' and get ready for the jibber jabber on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

Kate's car is on it's last legs and she's a little miffed at her boyfriend Aaron who needs to be driven around everywhere because he drives like a klutz. And to make things even worse, they live in different states! Will Click and Clack tell Kate to trade in the car, Aaron or both? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Michelle is a local lass who's ticked off at her hubby something awful! Can Click and Clack calm Michelle down enough to catch the guy a break?! There isn't a letter 'R' in the vicinity of this episode of the Best of Cah Tahk! Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

Our show usually starts with some sort of car problem posed by a caller, but where it goes from there is anybody's guess. On this episode of the Best of Car Talk Tommy provides us with a nice recipe for Braciole. Buon Apetito! Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Elsa learned to drive as a 15-year-old but she's been bumming rides around Iowa City ever since. Now she's 70 and she thinks she can just hop back behind the wheel and it'll all come back to her. Will Click and Clack have enough time to warn Elsa's neighbors to stay inside for a few weeks while she tests her theory? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

A year ago Steve jumped in his Acura and moved to Chicago, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a new girl and a new career. He called us too late for help with the girl and the career, but can Click and Clack help him hold onto the car at least? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Rich from Wisconsin knows that his Chevy Citation isn't the greatest, but he thinks it'll be more fun if he chops off the top and makes it into a convertible with his new grinding tool. Should he or shouldn't he, and why shouldn't he? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

We all have that one work colleague that's a lot of fun but maybe doesn't pull his weight around the office and gets on your nerves once in a while. Well, what if the 'office' was an NPR radio show and 'the colleague' was your brother? How bad would that be? Find out on this episode of The Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Patricia lives 3 hours from civilization in Montana and a local Buffalo has taken to hanging around her Subaru. If she can make it past Bill the Buffalo, the car also has a lousy habit of not starting. Should she throw a saddle on Bill the Buffalo instead? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

Click and Clack are so practiced at repairing marital relations damaged by spousal stupidity that they sometimes know things before they know 'em, if you know what we mean. If you don't, then check out this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Kate was carefully recreating her $200 Honda's clutch noise when Ray confessed that he had dozed off somewhere between 'Hello You're on Car Talk" and "Hi, I'm Kate." Apparently it's siesta time on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

Despite their reputation as knuckleheads, mechanics have to deal with hundreds of different makes and models in their work, as opposed to, say, MDs who have only one make and two models to learn. How hard can medicine be? 'Let the malpractice begin!' on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

On this episode of the Best of Car Talk we meet one of our most memorable (and whacko) callers: Dave from Bemidji. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

Cheryl thinks her brother is nuts. Click and Clack can relate, but will they agree with Cheryl that replacing his broken fuel tank with a couple of jugs in the trunk is proof? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Janet has a big birthday coming up and she needs to give herself something really big to help her cope. Click and Clack help Janet choose between a new face or a new car on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2025

George is a teacher calling from Berkeley, California with two problems. His Honda is acting up and so are the first graders in his classroom. Click and Clack meet their intellectual matches on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

The composure and patience required to teach a teenager to drive is matched only by that teenager's ability to handle the occasional parental freakout without driving onto the sidewalk. Can Click and Clack help Christine help her Mom just. chill. out already?!?! Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

Should Lee take the advice of a retired mechanic friend and 'rinse' the inside of his engine with kerosene between oil changes? A mechanical hygiene lesson on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

The list of innovations that Car Talk has brought to the 'radio call-in' genre is long: unpreparedness, lack of focus and a unique inability to take anything seriously top the list. On this episode of the Best of Car Talk we discuss 'proper attire'. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2025

Ray has theories. None of them are sound, but they all sound good. Find out all about Ray's 'Hungry Water' fallacy on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Julia is worried that her Dad's retirement project of replacing the engine in his heap of a GMC Suburban is going to strain her parents' relationship. Click and Clack disagree and think that Dad's hobby is going to be just what Mom wants, too. Huh? Find out why on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2025

James, great friend that he is, has offered to drive his buddy's Lexus for him for a few years until his friend returns from Amsterdam. What a guy! But is this the best thing for the Lexus? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

Sandra the cheapskate, Ron the classmate, Holly Golightly and the Durango Kid(and more) all take turns trying to stump our chumps on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2025

Which endeavor is more futile: Explaining to your 16 year old son that he doesn't need his own car, or attempting to convince Siri that vegetarianism is bad? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

Chris and her family were a few hours into their car trip when her hubby noticed that the engine was starting to overheat. He insisted on turning the car's heat on and, whoa nelly- it got hot in there. What was hubby thinking? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2025

Tim got a free used car from his mother but the ac doesn't work and Click and Clack told him to send Ma the repair bill. And boy is Tim's mom not happy about that. A particularly fraught 'Stump the Chumps' on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

Ed is in Hawaii 'living it up like Wayne Newton!' but there's trouble in paradise in the form of some cats who like to spray his car -and not with sunscreen. Click and Clack strongly consider making a housecall on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

Fortunately, when car trouble arises there are among us many who can avert automotive disaster by dint of their knowledge and decisive action. But what about those rare occasions when it isn't in your interest to fix something? Meet 'Mickey the Dunce' on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Are you a hopelessly romantic go-getter with a lot of cash to throw away on expensive car repairs? Then have we got a car for YOU on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2024

Harvey from New Mexico was puzzled by a freeway sign he drove past that said something about a 'jake brake'. Who is this 'Jake' and why does he get a break? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

A koan is a paradoxical statement that tries to make sense of ambiguity. Sort of like, "The Best of Car Talk". Hear one of our favorite mechanics' koan all the way from Alabama on this episode. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2024

When you've been married as many times as Tommy has, spousal strife becomes a kind of 'lingua franca' in some helpful and some not so helpful ways. Evidence for the latter case on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

Alexander's dad loved convertibles and dove them with style. Since dad was Leonard Bernstein does it really matter that he had it all wrong? Click and Clack take on a great American composer(and lose!) on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2024

Linzee was watching in disbelief as the last hailstones bounced off her now-dimpled new car when a second plague of low-cost, mobile Dent Doctors swarmed into town promising a quick fix. Should she or shouldn't she? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

Christy melted the engine in her Dad's car years ago when she was a new driver. It's been gnawing at her all these years that she never came clean about it. Click and Clack mediate on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2024

When Pam went to pick up her car at the dealership the guys at the service counter seemed to leap to her husband's defense when she suggested that he had wrecked her car. Is there a secret society of men and cars? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

Therese wants to know if her kids ruined their car by sticking sidewalk chalk up into the tailpipe. Click and Clack chide the kids for not knowing how to properly plug up a car's exhaust to make it inoperable. We're nurturing the next generation of juvenile dlinquents on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2024

Is there anything more depressing than the customer waiting room at your local repair shop? Well, Sarah has found a repair place that will fix her Nissan while she waits -in her car! The view from the top of the auto lift on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

It's a family affair on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. It all starts when Click and Clack's mother, Lizzie, bends their ears about smoking too many cigars, and it doesn't end until their sister, Luba, gives each of them a well-earned dope slap, too. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2024

Theresa's husband is from jolly old England and he's insisting that they buy an expensive Land Rover for their move from Dallas to Ohio. Click and Clack suss it out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024