Car Talk: Home of Click & Clack and Car Advice

Jump Starts Can Be More Complicated in Newer Cars

Ray Magliozzi
9/23/2021

Woman in the middle of a snowy road with a broken car

A World Without Gas Caps is Here

In a recent column, you talked about how a vehicle's emissions system monitors itself for leaks. And that if a gas cap is loose and lets vapors escape ...

Two cars collided with the owners beside it

Better Options in Aftermarket Warning Systems

I have a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck. It is in great condition and has low miles. I would like to install (or have installed) one of the latest ...

Aerosol Flat Fixers Should Be Used as Last Resort

We were on vacation and got a flat tire that was caused by a screw. A good Samaritan saw our dilemma and offered us a can of aerosol flat fixer and ai ...

Car Talk Doubles Down on Podcasting

Car Talk switches to twice-weekly podcast offerings in October!

For Phantom Car Issues, Check the 'Pending Codes'

I have a 2004 Saturn Vue with a Honda V-6 engine and 150,000 miles. I bought the car with 54,000 miles on it.

Electric Vehicles Will Lessen But Not Road Noises

I was wondering how much traffic noise comes from engines and how much from tires on pavement? My house is near an urban expressway.

Close up image of a windshield and steering wheel

Shiny Dashboards - Common Plague of Newer Cars

Toyota recently had a recall on Toyota Camrys for melting dashboards. I did not respond to the recall, because my car did not have this problem.

Don't Reinvent Wheel, Overpay for Cosmetic Issue

I own a 2005 Honda CR-V with 125,425 miles. It's in good shape. The worst feature on the car right now is rusted wheels.

Internet Can Be a Useful Tool for Every Mechanic

My 2007 Honda Ridgeline has 123,000 miles on it. For over a year, I've been trying to get a small oil leak repaired.

Taillights Cheap, Effective Safety Enhancement

We have occasional days of poor visibility -- be it fog, rain, snow or just that half-light we get at dusk and dawn. During these times, I have follow ...

Pilgrim's Car Reflects Progress in Cleaner Energy

I was out for my biweekly run, and I saw that one of my neighbors had parked some wheeled conveyance in his driveway that I didn't recognize. It had n ...

Retiring Teacher Wants Zero Frills for First Car

I'm nearing the age of retirement from public school teaching. I've enjoyed reading your column for years, as it has been helpful in teaching me how t ...

Cold-Start Rattle on Ford EcoBoost Engine

I'm driving a 2018 Ford F150 with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine. About six months ago, at around 25,000 miles, it developed a cold-start rattle.

Clicking, Pinging Can Help Diagnose Starting Issue

I have a 2006 Ford Fusion that is working well, except for a periodic starting issue. Every now and then, when I turn the key, I hear a metallic "ping ...

Inadequate Rebuild is More Than a Seating Issue

I recently had my old, 327 Chevrolet engine completely rebuilt. The motor has around 700 miles on it since the rebuild and is burning almost a quart o ...