Car Talk

04/22/2025

Dear Car Talk:
I need your advice. I have a 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L with a V6 engine. I've changed the oil and serviced the vehicle regularly. During the last few months, I've noticed that the engine is a little louder and not as smooth on the highway as it used to be. Read more, including Ray's response: Two Paths To Resolving Odyssey's Engine Mount Issue - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/6CZx4

04/18/2025

The Best of Car Talk, Show #2530: The Pit of Despair
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. Listen now: https://ecs.page.link/CUFct
Photo by Richard Howard

04/17/2025

At Car Talk, we love Subarus. Your author has owned four, including two generations of Outback, and Car Talk's managing editor owns two Outbacks right now. Based on our many posts, we know that the Car Talk Community also loves Subaru, so we jumped at the chance to bring our readers an overview and preview of the new-for-2026 Outback and Outback Wilderness. Learn more: https://ecs.page.link/TNpT1
Image of 2026 Outback courtesy of Subaru
Subaru of America, Inc.

04/16/2025

If you live where the air hurts your face for parts of the year, you likely have an intimate understanding of the convenience of remote car starters. Starting your vehicle and letting it warm up from inside your home is a blessing that cannot be underestimated when it’s cold, wet, and gross outside (we’re looking at you, Massachusetts). On the flip side, using a remote starter to cool down your car's interior on a blazing hot day can literally be a breath of fresh air. Read more: Best Remote Car Starters - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/zbyXz

Car Talk researchers and expert mechanics weigh in on the best remote car starters for your vehicle, how much it will cost, and how to make the best-informed decision for your car.

04/15/2025

Fine. I don't know how to fark anyway.

04/14/2025

Dear Car Talk:
I recently took my car to a nationally known company to have my tires balanced and rotated. I was told that my tires were nearly 10 years old, and that once they passed that threshold, the company could no longer legally service my tires.

Is there some law that I don't know about to back up their claim? We all know that materials break down and glue doesn't last forever, but 10 years seems like a short time, especially with recent advances in technology and materials in tire production. -- Ron

Read Ray's response: Avoid Driving With Dried-Out Tires - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/Ck41o

04/11/2025

Best of Car Talk, show #2528: Mister Humidity
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? Listen now: https://ecs.page.link/CUFct

04/10/2025

The Trump Administration’s tariffs on goods, raw materials and imported vehicles went into effect recently… Or were they reversed?? Wait, what day is it? Okay, whatever the state of tariffs when you read this article, what it means for the automotive industry is sure to be confusing. Read more: Today’s New Car Market - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/2dVfi

Car Talk experts take a closer look at the new car market, the used car market and how these can be affected by tariffs and disruptions in the industry.

04/10/2025

Janet donated a 2005 Volvo V70 to Public Radio East through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program. Thank you, Janet!

"I loved this car! I have another newer Volvo. My husband can pump gas, which is about it with his knowledge of cars. I have been a long-time watcher of PBS on TV and radio. Thought you would be the best to donate my car to!"

Learn more about the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program: NPR Car Donation https://ecs.page.link/bB2Sw

04/09/2025

No lies detected.

04/08/2025

Dear Car Talk:
For years, I've had a dog tag chain around the rearview mirror of my cars, a couple of which had paddle shifters on the steering wheel. I recently purchased a new vehicle, and in less than a month, to my surprise, while making a slow right-hand turn, the chain got caught underneath one of the paddles. I was unable to straighten out of my turn and jumped the curb before I yanked the wheel hard enough to break the chain and straighten out my car. Read more, including Ray's response: Ornaments Are For Christmas Trees, Not Rearview Mirrors - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/WkhP7

For years, I've had a dog tag chain around the rearview mirror of my cars, a couple of which had paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

04/06/2025

The Best of Car Talk, show #2527: Thar She Blows!
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. Listen now: Our Show https://ecs.page.link/CUFct

04/04/2025

What about you? Have you had to deal with parasitic battery drain?
Solving Parasitic Battery Drain - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/L682S

Car Talk researchers and expert mechanics weigh in on vehicle battery drain, what it is, why it happens, and how to fix it to get your vehicle back on the road.

04/03/2025

Only the finest for the pups.

04/02/2025

Dear Car Talk:
I have a 1992 Toyota Previa. I LOVE this little 5-speed minivan. Or, I want to love it. It is such a strong-feeling car! Only 160,000 miles! It's got a lifetime left! But my husband says if we can't figure out why it won't start occasionally, I have to get rid of it! Read more, including Ray's response: Get Your Beloved Previa To Love You Back - Car Talk https://ecs.page.link/NZMFi

I have a 1992 Toyota Previa. I LOVE this little 5-speed minivan. Or, I want to love it. It is such a strong-feeling car!

04/01/2025

03/28/2025

Show #2524; Cooking with Tommy
Our show usually starts with some sort of car problem posed by a caller, but where it goes from there is anybody’s guess. Listen now: https://ecs.page.link/CUFct

03/27/2025

Caprielle donated her 2007 Kia Sedona to WSHU Public Radio through the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program. Thank you, Caprielle, for !

Learn more about the Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program and how you can support your local NPR station: Caprielle's 2007 Kia Sedona https://ecs.page.link/ZbxKE