Is Lucy's car allergic? Find out what's making her Subaru sneeze.

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

I have a 2003 Subaru WRX that has recently been "sneezing" at irregular intervals. The sneezing sound is accompanied by what feels like a loss of power. The sound seems to be coming from the driver's side, under the gas pedal...

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How a few loose bolts caused Robyn a whole lot of driving excitement.

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

The engine on my '97 Pontiac Bonneville FELL OUT while I was driving 55 miles an hour yesterday! Luckily I am fine. Had it happened mere seconds sooner, I would have been in a lake, as my steering and brakes were...

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Will "organic" brake pads really quiet Travis' squealing?

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

What are organic brake pads? A chain shop recommended them, because my current metallic pads have been de-squeaked twice but are still squeaking badly. I said I wanted ceramic pads, but they said to go with "organic" pads. What are...

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Can spinning a wheel in deep snow cause tire damage?

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

Last week my boyfriend and I went backpacking in Montana and woke up to more than a foot of fresh heavy snow. My 2005 FWD Pontiac Vibe got stuck in the parking lot, and we spun the front passenger tire a...

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Will Linda's dad drain the car battery, listening to Car Talk?

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

My father is a HUUUGE fan of your NPR radio show. Every Saturday, he is a devoted listener. At their weekend cottage up north, the reception is sketchy at best. When your show is scheduled to come on, my father...

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Can Tom and Ray help Rebecca fix her Saab... in the Philippines?

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

I took my 2001 Saab 9-5 2.3L Turbo from Minnesota to the PHILIPPINES. This car has always been like a bad boyfriend - he treats me bad, doesn't work when I need him to and takes all my money, but I...

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Today: Tom and Ray share tips for preventing hydroplaning.

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

Ted recently bought a 2005 VW Beetle but is worried its tendency to hydroplane in the rain. He wants to install an aftermarket stability control but Tom and Ray think there are better (and easier) ways to prevent hydroplaning.

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Today: can you safely change a tire with passengers on board?

12.01.2010
in Tom & Ray

I am a Peace Corps volunteer in eastern Madagascar, and somehow I've been able to download you guys in my small bamboo hut in the middle of the rainforest. You two would love the way they keep these ancient old...

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