Honest Car Advice, No Bull*&@!

From Real Mechanics, Owners and Knuckleheads

Cars Like Teeth Require Regular Maintenance

Ray Magliozzi
12/12/2022

First Step is to Find a Shop Interested in Helping

I have a Kia Forte with about 110,000 miles on it. When it's raining and I am using the air conditioner or defroster -- along with the wipers -- when ...

Tough Call on Replacing Engine of Beloved VW EOS

Should we sink $12,000 into a new engine for our 2016 Volkswagen EOS? It has 95,000 miles on it, and we really enjoy it.

It's OK to Trade in Your Car's Data -- For Now

I just got a "MASSACHUSETTS TELEMATICS RIDER" for my 2022 Honda Insight offering three years of free maintenance in exchange for "If within the three ...

Mechanic Need to Fess About Leaking Transmission

My 2020 Nissan Versa started leaking under the car right after I had the "transmission fluid exchange" service. The dealership mechanic said it was th ...

Car lifted on auto hoist at service station

Avoid the Shears if You Don't Want to Get Fleeced

I have a 2017 Toyota 4Runner with 141,000 miles. I've recently been cycling through preventive maintenance.

Family sedan car on the countryside asphalt road with trees

Non-shocking Fad is More Decorative than Effective

In the late '50s and early '60s, I think I recall seeing cars in southern California with straps hanging down under them, touching the road.

Car wheel brake rusty disc with pads rotor disc and caliper

Squealing, Chirping Means a Sticky Situation

My 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring with 145,000 miles is making noise. It's making an intermittent, low-pitched squealing (more like moaning) sound when ...

1950 Plymouth Deluxe 2 Door Sedan at a local car show

If You Want to Upgrade Battery, Think Bigger

I have a restored 1947 Plymouth Business Coupe. That was the same year I, too, came off the "assembly line."

Free Scans a Great Place to Start for Diagnostics

The "check engine" light in my 2003 T-Bird came on recently. Several of the local auto parts stores advertise they will run the diagnostics for free a ...

Two Car mechanic engineers checking, fixing the car

Cause of Draining Battery with Scientific Method

I have been the sole owner of a 2001 Lexus 300 ES sedan with 149,000 miles. It has been a great car.

A kayak being loaded into Toyota 4 Runner SUV on a lake shore at dusk after paddling session.

Doors are Important Part of Safety Structure

I recently bought a used 2017 Toyota Highlander, mainly because of its size. I need it to haul kayaks to a launch point.

Parts Shortages Causing Nightmares For Drivers

Car Talk sits down with Alex Magliozzi, a frustrated BMW customer who is in the middle of a parts-shortage nightmare.

Swollen Lug Nuts are No Laughing Matter

My wife's car is a very well-maintained 2015 Lincoln MKZ. It has only 34,000 miles on it.

Vehicle's Wiring Issues Won't Go Away

I have a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, and that's a great vehicle for me. It has a rear backup camera with a display on the dash, auto headlights and wind ...

Why Don't All Cars have Transmissions?

I understand that electric motors have full torque from the first spin, and thus do not need a low gear, but don't they waste battery when spinning at ...

Dash with no oil pressure and service engine light on

DIY Until the Check Engine Light Lingers

If you change the mass air flow sensor, do you need to do anything else, or are you good to go?

Give Thanks to Dad for Warming Tip and Memories

Growing up, my dad taught me how to do oil changes, and I've been doing them ever since (40 years now).

Closeup of man pouring antifreeze into car

Treat Windshield Washer Fluid Like Antifreeze

I recently was driving my delivery truck to the convention center in our fair city. I hopped out to speak with the gate guard and discovered that my t ...