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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488 episodes

#2622: Starting from Stupid

Tony has a Saab story for us that involves losing coolant -and, possibly, brain cells, too. The fact that he called Click and Clack should indicate how far gone Tony is already, but find out for yourself on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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
Mar 17
#2621: Worst Car of the Millenium

At the end of the last millenium there were plenty of motorheads proclaiming this Ferrari or that Maserati as the ‘Best Car Ever’, but only two guys were willing to figure out which were the worst cars ever made. That’s right, our masters of mediocrity pull no punches on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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
Mar 14
#2620: Hubby's Fuelishness

Whitney lives in the New Hampshire mountains with her cheapskate hubby who insists on driving the cars bone dry before refueling them. And while this practice does bring a little extra excitement to a quick drive to town, is it bad for the car? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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
Mar 10
#2619: Teens and Cars

Linda is a lovely lady from the land of nice; Minnesota. As lovely as she is, however, Linda has to contend with her three teenagers, one of whom wrecked their minivan. Can Click and Clack convince Linda to put away those Midwest manners long enough to extract a confession from one of the little cretins? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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
Mar 07
#2618: Who, What or How but Never All Three

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that position and momentum cannot simultaneously be known. Click and Clack’s uncertainty principle is that they may be able to figure out ‘Why’ or ‘What’ and sometimes ‘How’ your car has broken down, but never all three at once(because that’s too much work).  Lots of uncertainty on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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
Mar 03
#2617: Definitely Not OK

What’s worse: a screaming clutch, an oil leak, an engine fire or a Tommy Puzzler? You be the judge on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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
Feb 28
#2616: Non-traditional Repair Materials

On past shows we’ve discussed repairs using a variety of ‘improvised’ materials such as underwear waistbands, road signs and extra virgin olive oil. Add to that list the humble and perpetual Pop Tart. Gather ‘round the toaster for 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
Feb 24
#2615: 'Relaxed Fit' Comes for Cars

Raconteur and friend of the show, Daniel Pinkwater has been on a lifelong quest for the perfect car. His is a quest not motivated by horsepower or design so much as the need to find a vehicle that he can get his ‘substantial’ frame in and out of without the use of lubricants. How effective is WD-40 when used as an antiperspirant? 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
Feb 21
#2614: The Sludgehammer

Bernardo needs to get the crud out of his engine, but he can’t afford an expensive trip to his mechanic. Could a can of miracle goo from the auto parts store possibly be the answer? Enter, ‘The Sludgehammer’ 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
Feb 17
#2613: Plague-proofing Your Car

Rain is an aptly named woman from Florida who is currently battling at least two biblical plagues attempting to take over her Acura. Since Charlton Heston isn’t available to help, she called Clickus and Clackus the Chariotsmiths instead. Will miracles ensue? 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
Feb 14
#2612: Monotasking

Leave it to a couple of mechanics to make the case for doing only one thing at a time. A defense of ‘Monotasking’ 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
Feb 10
#2611: Hey, Mr. Spaceman

Back in the day, local baseball hero for the Red Sox, Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee took some of his bonus money and bought himself an old BMW that he still has and it’s giving him trouble. Can Click and Clack help Bill get the Bimmer started in exchange for tips on how to throw a better curveball? 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
Feb 07
#2610: Runaway Inflation

Pete from Nashville is really worried about inflation. Not the kind that hurts your wallet, but the kind that takes your head off. He’s suffering from ‘lasticophobia’. Is filling up your tires to the point of explosion a reasonable worry? Our overinflated hosts generate some hot air on the topic during 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
Feb 03
#2609: Rum Runner Jim

Jim is a rum distributor in Florida who’s having trouble with his boat engine. Probably needs to squeeze a few more horsepower out of it in order to evade the Coast Guard! Click and Clack the bootleggers try to help 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
Jan 31
#2608: Where Engines Never Warm Up

A lot of cars don’t like operating in the cold of a normal winter and Matt and his Delorean are having a tough go of it… at the South Pole. ‘Penguin in the tailpipe?’ Perhaps. 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
Jan 27
#2607: House Call

David lives practically around the corner from The Good News Garage and he’s found a mechanic who not only has customers bring their cars to his house, but he makes them dinner, too! The customer service gauntlet has been officially thrown down 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
Jan 24
#2606: A Blended Car Family

Nan just married her new guy and moved into his house but her car isn’t welcome. Hubby has an Audi and ‘his baby’ -a Triumph TR6 taking up both spaces in the two-car garage and he thinks that Nan should keep her’s in the driveway. Will Click and Clack suggest hubby join his cars in the garage, too? 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
Jan 20
#2605: The Family That Parks Together

Al and his brother are about to come to blows… over parking. He wants to know if it’s possible to navigate into a parking space that you can’t back out of, and Click and Clack want to use this opportunity to settle an old score 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
Jan 17
#2604: The Whoop Tube

Lee’s Lincoln Town Car feels like it wants to brake on it’s own when cruising down the highway. His mechanic decided that it’s a problem with the “Whoop Tube”. Click and Clack and the rest of us hoping to find out what the heck a “Whoop Tube” is on this very 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
Jan 13
#2603: Back to Nature

Holy ‘Mutual of Omaha’, Marlin Perkins! Spiders and Cats and cell phone calls from the top of a California Redwood 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

32m
Jan 10
#2602: Lincoln Logs or a Lincoln Continental?

Charlotte and her husband have woven a tangled web, indeed. They just adopted four kids between 10 and 6 years old and the little darlings are getting into everything! Charlotte wonders if they should buy a junk car for her little mechanics to while away their young days taking it apart in the driveway. Click and Clack relive their youth 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
Jan 06
#2601: Customer to Dealer Incentive

Leslie’s family was about to upgrade in more ways than one. They were on the prowl for a minivan when Leslie, 9 months pregnant, had a sudden, urgent need to make a very memorable impression on everyone at the local Chrysler dealership parking lot. Was the birth of their daughter sufficient downpayment on a new ride or did she have to make her case to the service manager, too? 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
Jan 03
#25104: Dang Skippy

A merry melange of motor maladies on this end of the year 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 30, 2025
#25103: Bryology Anyone?

Typically when arbiting marital car disputes, it helps to know what each spouse does for a living. Lawyers, for instance, are always right because lawyers can sue radio hosts. Physicists and other scientists are usually wrong because they’re know-it-alls. And then there are Bryologists -whatever they do. Click and Clack are just as clueless as the rest of us, so let’s all find out together 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
Dec 27, 2025
"What a Sled!" A Holiday Car Talk Bonus

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 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

12m
Dec 25, 2025
#25102: Happy Camper

Katie is a hiker and camper but she called the least ‘outdoorsy’ guys possible to find out if it’s safe to pour her old camp stove fuel into her car’s gas tank. Click and Clack the Wilderness Brothers ‘break camp’(and a few other things) 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 23, 2025
#25101: Diana's Dodge Biohazard

Diana’s dyin’ to ditch her Dodge unless our dummies can decode her dilemma: a smell so bad that it almost defies description. Hold your nose and open your ears for 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 20, 2025
#25100: Parts and Labor

Eric has a modest proposal: Shouldn’t the cost of the $4 part that his mechanic is replacing on his car also bear some resemblance to the cost of the labor to do the job? Afraid not, piston puss! How would mechanics ever pay for their boats if that were the case? Click and Clack expound upon various schemes- uh, theories!.. 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 16, 2025
#2599: The Lincoln Lawyer

Bruce’s son is a lawyer in Orlando, Florida who, like most of the other lawyers in the area,  drives a Lincoln Town Car. Except this one is not really helping his image. Instead of looking stylish and high class, paint is falling off in sheets leaving Bruce wondering whether repainting it would even work. Grab a brush or a can of spray paint 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

37m
Dec 13, 2025
#2598: The Not-So-Itsy-Bitsy Spider

Gina was tooling along a local country road when an humongous spider descended in front of her eyes and into her lap. She doesn’t have any questions about removing stains from upholstery but there is the matter of the hedges and lawn furniture she wiped out as she careened down the embankment towards the waterfront. Brace for impact 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

35m
Dec 09, 2025