Car Talk

09/04/2026

How about a collection of really average cars?
https://monkeylink.co/440385

Rare Classic Cars & Automotive History is a channel for true car people who love and miss what were once mainstream, domestic (GM, Ford, Mopar, AMC) cars. People who don’t want just a high-level understanding of a classic car, but really desire to know the details, odd facts, how the car stacked u...

09/03/2026

Dear Car Talk:
I have always heard that a car engine suffers the most wear and tear during startup. We just got a Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the gas engine starts and stops many times during every trip. Is this going to lead to excessive wear on the engine? -- Randy

Read Ray's response: https://monkeylink.co/e28a0b

09/01/2026

Anne donated a 2012 Subaru Outback to WUSF Public Media through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program. Thank you, Anne!

"302,000 plus miles, countless hours of NPR. Our faithful car, named “Esmeralda,” is going to NPR car heaven this week. We can’t think of a better way or a more pressing time to help fund NPR. We raised our boys in that car while NPR played on thousands of road trips - you don’t get to 300,000 miles without some major hauls. In addition to our kids, we have had seven dogs, six cats, many friends, family, endless laughs and many inflection moments happen in Esmeralda. She will be missed, but may her legacy be a blessing to NPR."

Learn more about the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program: https://monkeylink.co/e8f83a

08/30/2026

They can fix your car and consider the big questions.

Thanks, Alex, for the photo!

08/28/2026

Dear Car Talk:
The cruise control on my 2010 Kia Soul Sport no longer activates when I press the on and off button. The car has 193,000 miles on it.
I'd appreciate a diagnosis and a suggestion for how to fix it. -- Gene

Read our response: https://monkeylink.co/bfe8f7

08/26/2026

"The Queen of Country had a long-standing love affair with a car brand, and one particular gold sedan became a favorite that she kept for more than a decade.

Under its hood was a V8 engine, while the cabin offered the kind of old-school American luxury that made the car a perfect match for Parton’s larger-than-life personality.

And despite having access to some seriously extravagant cars, she ultimately held onto this particular model for years."

While the world mourns the late, great Dolly Parton, we commend her commitment to the humble American classic she drove for a decade

08/25/2026

As Phil noted in his message when he shared this gem, "If they can't fix your car, they can appeal to the spiritual realm." That's a full-service operation.

08/23/2026

The Best of Car Talk #2666: The Spidermobile
Heather’s Honda was stolen, and shortly after its recovery, she noticed the car was infested with dozens of black widow spiders. Ugh! While you’re trying hard not to imagine the little critters crawling up YOUR pantleg while you drive. Listen now: https://monkeylink.co/935f1d

08/21/2026

The person who owns this must have really long legs.

08/20/2026

Your vehicle’s alternator is a critical component that maintains the charge of the battery. When your alternator begins to fail, you may have a few hours of driving time left before you begin to notice. One thing's for sure: if your alternator fails, you will need to have it replaced. The cost to replace an alternator can run from around $600 to as much as $1,500. Learn more: How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Alternator - Car Talk https://monkeylink.co/e1ccb4

Car Talk takes a look at what an alternator is and how much it truly costs to fix it.