Billy Bob's 50-Cent Habit

RAY: Hi, we're back. You're listening to Car Talk with us, Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, and we're here to discuss cars, car repair and the new Puzzler.

TOM: The new, exciting, scintillating...

RAY: No, I didn't say that.

TOM: Brilliant!

RAY: This was sent in by--recently! I mean, I just received this. Do you know the date on this thing? 5/10/99.

TOM: Holy cow!

RAY: You know, it kind of fell on my desk. It was on the top, and I read it, and I said, "Sounds better than the garbage I was going to use." This was sent in by William Morrison from Midland, MI. Michigan. You ready?

TOM: Yeah.

RAY: Every morning on his way to work, Billy Bob Beaumont stops at the corner gas station and spends $.25 for gas. Every evening on his way home, he stops at the same station and again spends $.25 for gas. He continues this pattern for some months. The amount he spends never varies. Nor does the twice-a-day schedule.

TOM: Really?

RAY: Finally the attendant, who has observed Billy Bob's routine says, "You know, if you'd spend about $10 on a repair, you wouldn't have to stop here so often."

TOM: Yeah.

RAY: What is the simple repair the attendant has in mind? And the hint, which I have to give, is that it has nothing to do with the fuel system.

TOM: Wow! That's beautiful.

Think you know? Drop Ray a note!

[ Car Talk Puzzler ]