Dear Tom and Ray:

My husband likes to drive with the windows open instead of using the air conditioner. He claims the outside fresh air keeps him from getting sleepy. We are about to go on a trip, and I would like your opinion on this, since the noise from the outside air really gets to me. What's your advice? -- Irene

Tom: Separate cars.

Ray: This is one of the truly age-old husband-wife disputes. It can be traced back to around the same time wives started complaining that their husbands never helped out around the cave.

Tom: It's a tough one, Irene. I feel the same way that your husband feels. That stiff, varying breeze of fresh air on my face keeps me awake, too. And it does a much better job than the air conditioner. But my wife hates it. And just like you, it's not the temperature or the breeze so much as the noise.

Ray: And as far as I know, no one's ever come up with a good, practical solution to this problem. I mean, we can suggest several impractical solutions:

Tom: You can buy a limo with the glass window between the front and back seats. Then he can stay up front with both windows open and you can sit in the back with the air conditioner, mini bar, television and maybe a boyfriend!

Ray: Or you can go to your local farm-supply outlet and buy a cattle prod. That ought to keep him awake, huh?

Tom: I think the only reasonable solution is to compromise. You can share the driving responsibilities, and when he's driving, the window can be open or partially open. When you're driving, the window stays closed.

Ray: Or if you don't drive, Irene, drive with the windows closed, but stop every so often and get some fresh air. Or let him drive for a while with the windows open before closing them again.

Tom: I know that's not perfect, but until someone comes up with a better solution, that's the best we can do.

Ray: Do you have a better idea for Irene? Write to us in care of this paper, or e-mail us by visiting our web site at http://cartalk.com.

Spending a little money now on "preventive maintenance" can save you big bucks down the road. Find out how by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1997 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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