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Avoid Driving With Dried-Out Tires - Car Talk

1 week ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:I recently took my car to a nationally known company to have my tires balanced and rotated. I was told that my tires were nearly 10 years old, and that once they passed that threshold, the company could no longer legally service my tires. Is there some law that I don't know about to back up their claim?
Ornaments Are For Christmas Trees, Not Rearview Mirrors - Car Talk

2 weeks ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:For years, I've had a dog tag chain around the rearview mirror of my cars, a couple of which had paddle shifters on the steering wheel. I recently purchased a new vehicle, and in less than a month, to my surprise, while making a slow right-hand turn, the chain got caught underneath one of the paddles. I was unable to straighten out of my turn and jumped the curb before I yanked the wheel hard enough to break the chain and straighten out my car.
Get Your Beloved Previa To Love You Back - Car Talk

3 weeks ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:I have a 1992 Toyota Previa. I LOVE this little 5-speed minivan. Or, I want to love it. It is such a strong-feeling car! Only 160,000 miles! It's got a lifetime left! But my husband says if we can't figure out why it won't start occasionally, I have to get rid of it! So, OK, it isn't so occasional anymore and it's starting to become a real hassle. Here are the details:The van will ALWAYS cold start.
Rogue Temperature Sensor May Cause In-Car Heat Wave - Car Talk

1 month ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:I drive a 2018 Ford Edge. It's been great. But this past summer, on a 95-degree day where I live in southwest Arkansas, my heater started blasting very hot air. At the same time, the temperature on the car's screen said it was minus 40 degrees outside. I assure you; it wasn't. I couldn't get it to reset and start running the AC again, despite several attempts that day. The next morning, after doing nothing more to fix it, the AC worked fine.
Modern Tires Are Still Vulnerable To Blowouts - Car Talk

1 month ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:I have a question about blowouts. I rented a Dodge Durango for a road trip. Less than two hours of highway driving into my trip, the Dodge's driver-side rear tire blew out. Unfortunately, it was a total failure causing damage to the undercarriage and body around the wheel. Luckily, I maintained control of the car and got us safely to the shoulder. While we were waiting for a tow, I began a discussion with my friends. My thoughts are that today, tire blowouts are not random.
When Faced With A Pricey Estimate, Consider Experimenting - Car Talk

1 month ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer 4.2L. The front differential is shot. I bought it not knowing that. I have talked to shops around my area, and it's going to be around $5,000 to replace, if they can find me one. My question: Can I just remove the front CV axle shafts and drive it? I know I won't have 4WD, but I can live with that. Please let me know. Thanks. -- TravisI have good news for you, Travis: This is the perfect vehicle on which to find out. It's time for an experiment.
Rearview Camera is Very Forward-Thinking - Car Talk

1 month ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:There are times when I feel like my back-up camera would give me a better view of what's behind me than the rearview mirror. I'm not talking about when I back up or park. I'm talking about when I'm driving down the road or the highway. It would be handy to turn the camera on when not in reverse. Any thoughts if this is a good idea and why it's not an option? -- SamYes, it is a good idea, Sam. And I know both General Motors and Toyota happen to agree with you.
Alternators Can't Live Forever Because Of Their Moving Parts - Car Talk

1 month ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:I'm a former mechanic and I have a question for you. Some of your answers refer to alternators that have "died." But as far as I know, you have never written about why they die. I know about bearings and brushes that need to be replaced and mechanical problems like pulleys that wear out, but why do alternators and generators develop electrical problems in their wiring that prevent them from working?
Unlocking The Mystery Of The Unlocking Jeep - Car Talk

2 months ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:My 2017 Jeep Cherokee has remote entry using a key fob. After locking my Jeep with the remote, it unlocks by itself, and the headlights turn on. After a few weeks of this, the lock button on my remote no longer worked. Any idea what could be wrong? There are no service lights on. Thank you. -- JavierI don't know what's wrong, but I would suggest you investigate the simplest thing first, Javier. And that would be your keyless remote, or key fob.
Large 'Puddle' Likely Drowned GMC's Engine - Car Talk

2 months ago | cartalk.com | Ray Magliozzi

Dear Car Talk:So, I drove my GMC Terrain through -- I'm guessing -- like 2 feet of water. Even though it was only 2-feet deep, the splash was so big that water came up over the hood and the engine died. I saw some white smoke. The engine would not restart, so I had it towed home. It makes no sound when I try to start it. So now I'm letting it dry out. Do you think everything will be alright when it dries out? -- LukeNo, I don't. I think you lunched it, Luke.