The Best of Car Talk

NPR

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America's funniest auto mechanics take calls from weary car owners all over the country, and crack wise while they diagnose Dodges and dismiss Diahatsus. You don't have to know anything about cars to love this one hour weekly laugh fest.

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360 episodes

#2501: Here, Kitty Kitty

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

34m
Jan 04
#24105: Mickey the Dunce

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

31m
Dec 31, 2024
#24104: To Porsche or Not to Porsche

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

36m
Dec 28, 2024
#24103: That's the Brakes, Jake

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

35m
Dec 24, 2024
#24102: A Mechanic's Koan

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

38m
Dec 21, 2024
#24101: Unwise Comparisons

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Dec 17, 2024
#24100: Bernsteining the Clutch

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

38m
Dec 14, 2024
#2499: The Dent Doctors

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

33m
Dec 10, 2024
#2498: Hi Dad!

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

39m
Dec 07, 2024
#2497: The Secret Male Handshake

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 Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

36m
Dec 03, 2024
#2496: Do it but Do it Right, OK?

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

34m
Nov 30, 2024
#2495: Drive Thru Auto Repair

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

38m
Nov 26, 2024
#2494: Anyone Want to Buy a Box of Cigars?

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

33m
Nov 23, 2024
#2493: You're Lyin' Pookie!

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

33m
Nov 19, 2024
#2492: A Car for the Zombie Apocalypse

We've noticed that Consumer Reports doesn't have a category for choosing the best vehicle for the upcoming zombie apocalypse. Find out what all the best zombies will be driving on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

38m
Nov 16, 2024
#2491: Whose Car Is It?

Hannah is about to graduate from college and move in with her boyfriend. They will be sharing everything with the possible exception of his car. Should Hannah immediately assert herself and claim some right to use of his car, or should she play the long game here? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Nov 12, 2024
#2490: Yet Another Saab Story

Nat was absolutely beaming as he proudly showed off his new Saab to his soon-to-be inlaws. Beaming that is right up to the moment that it started to roll downhill without a driver. Could Nat possibly have made a worse first impression? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

34m
Nov 09, 2024
#2489: The Burper

Calls about smells, burping and an incident at a topless bar on this all-too-typical edition of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

34m
Nov 05, 2024
#2488: True Master Mechanics

A true 'Master' mechanic is intimately familiar with the intricate workings of innumerable makes and models of cars, right? Yeah, but can they help Emma from Montana figure out which 'thingie' to put the blue liquid into? Let's all find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

36m
Nov 02, 2024
#2487: Leah Returns

A while back, Leah wrote to Click and Clack despairing that while she was succeeding academically in college she had somehow lost her sense of joyful purpose. And, in a parent's worst nightmare, two mechanics who graduated college by the skin of their teeth commenced with the life advice. On this episode of the Best of Car Talk Leah checks in to tell us how she's doing. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

36m
Oct 29, 2024
#2486: Tire Afire

Ann spent a winter day snowboarding in Oregon, but as she and her Saab tried to negotiate the mountain road home she smelled smoke and realized her tire was on fire. Being a risk taker, Ann kept driving. Apres ski with Click and Clack on this episode of The Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

33m
Oct 26, 2024
#2485: Men Really Are from Mars After All

Deb, Donna, Phil and Russell are waiting on hold for car advice, but Click and Clack just have to share a piece of further proof that Men and Women are truly creatures of different planets. All that and a new Puzzler on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Oct 22, 2024
#2484: Blame the Car, Not the Driver

In a curious case of car vs driver, Esther is convinced that her Mercury Sable is to blame for several recent speeding tickets she's received. Traffic court with the dis-honorable Click and Clack presiding on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Oct 19, 2024
#2483: Undiplomatic Channels

Mike from DC is at war with the Swedish embassy. Some diplomat's car has an alarm that goes off several nights a week for long stretches of time -a clear violation of the Geneva Convention's subsection on 'neighborliness'. What decidedly 'undiplomatic' solution will Click and Clack devise in order to end these nightly alarms while also avoiding an international incident? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

36m
Oct 15, 2024
#2482: How Not to Run a Radio Show

Apparently, erstwhile producer Doug Berman does more than nap at his desk all day. The evidence: What happens when he heads out of town for a while leaving the rest of us to figure out how this radio stuff works. Enjoy the mutiny on this week's episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Oct 12, 2024
#2481: That Stupid Little Book!

Rebecca is a recent college grad living at home and getting financial assistance from Dad who's only request is that she jot down absolutely every bit of data having to do with her car in what 'Becca calls a 'stupid little book'. You could cut the family tension with a torch, eh?! Should be fun on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Oct 08, 2024
#2480: Hello, You're on Love Talk

After roughly 20 years of trying(and mostly failing) to help folks with their car problems, Click and Clack decided it was time to diversify and give equally questionable relationship advice, too. How hard could it be? Find out on this special Valentine's Day 'Love Talk' edition of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

44m
Oct 05, 2024
#2479: A Catalytic Converter Repents

Yasmina knows that she has transgressed by letting the sleazy repair shop on her street rip out her car's emissions controls, but will Click and Clack Condone this Catalytic Conversion? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

37m
Oct 01, 2024
#2478: Kickin' Some Pinewood Derby Butt!

Kathy from Oregon is the Den Mom for her son's local Cub Scout troop and she's bound and determined to teach the little guys important lessons about craftwork, sportsmanship and how parents can mess up a good thing by hijacking their kids' fun. Ladies and gentlemen, start your wooden engines and check out this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

38m
Sep 28, 2024
#2477: Holistic Car Care

Did you know that Click and Clack's roots in car care stretch back to 'hippie days' and their 'Hacker's Haven' DIY Garage? Ed was a customer then and remembers a few of the nutty approaches the boys took to educating beginner mechanics. Change your Patchouli oil & filter with us on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy

35m
Sep 24, 2024