Sheep who love Car Talk.
Ashleigh Turner Mobile, Alabama - 1998 Mazda Protege
A possible suspension/steering question. There's a knocking noise turning left or right after she comes to a complete stop. It increases in speed as the wheel spins faster. It's getting louder and louder. Probably a bad axle/ CV joint. She may need two axles. Outside chance that something else is wrong with the front end, so get it checked out, especially because she's driving 1 1/2 hours to see her boyfriend every week.
Rudy Scott Walla Walla, Washington - 1998 Mercury Sable
An engine oil question. His oil light comes on regularly when he's 4 and 1/2 quarts down. His mechanic can't find leak. Got oil change, and the engine smokes. Hasn't changed the oil in over a year. Probably a leaking valve cover gasket, but also has engine wear from oil not being changed. Change oil, new filter, several additives, and hope for the best.
Jennifer Gonzales Portland, Oregon - 1996 Dodge Neon
A wiper motor/wipers/electrical question. Wiper fluid doesn't come out, but the tank is full. Just buzzes. It's been this way for five years, wondering if she can fix it herself. Probably the motor, which is in the windshield wiper bottle. Liquid probably froze and killed the pump. Needs to buy a new washer pump, or get one from a recycler. She can try it herself? The worst that can happen is the repair doesn't work.
Michael Collins Monroe, North Carolina - 1993 Ford Escort
A transmission question. In "drive", it doesn't want to go. In low, it will go, but you have to shift it into "drive" while driving. Transmission fluid level is good, but the fluid looks brownish. He's never changed the fluid. It's probably too late. The clutch is probably burning up. Try a machine that changes all the transmission fluid, so it gets everything. Worth a try, hope for the best. To change the clutch is over $1,000.
Jennifer Boswell Van Nuys, - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
A dump/salvage question. The car is a lemon, and she's sick of it. Can she sell sell certain parts, then take it to a field and let people whack at it for fun? Guys tell her it's a bad --suggest she hold a contest and give it away. She did, gave it to a needy family--Correct Answer.
Aaron Donaldson Eugene, Oregon - Chrysler
A suspension/exhaust question. The rear end rattles and clunks. It sounds like something's loose in the trunk. Loud, "bada bada bada" metal sound. Only happens when he's idling. Sometimes doesn't happen. Could be a loose shock absorber. Get under the car and take a look, feel around for loose components.
Martie Ripson East Greenwich, New York - 2005 Subaru Outback
A suspension/belt/engine/brakes question. The car chirps like a cricket. Her husband honestly thought there was a cricket trapped in the car. If you turn the wheel or brake it stops. Brake rotors were just replaced. Probably a sticky caliper that needs to be fixed. Take it back to the shop. Could also be the wear indicator.
Jake Klein St Louis, Missouri - 2008 Honda Civic
A transmission question. In "D" on a hill, the car will roll backwards. His last car didn't do this. Is it normal? Yes. Creeping forward in an automatic is wasting gas. Rolling backwards is a bit more energy efficient.
Lindsay Franger San Diego, California - 1985 Nissan Pickup
An engine question. The engine sputters and shimmies for up to 30 seconds after she shuts off. Dieseling, caused by incomplete combustion in the carburetor, resulting in carbon build-up. Could try higher-octane fuel, or spray in water while the engine is running, which will blow out some of the carbon.