The Best of Car Talk

Follow The Best of Car Talk
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

America's funniest auto mechanics take calls from weary car owners all over the country, and crack wise while they diagnose Dodges and dismiss Diahatsus. You don't have to know anything about cars to love this one hour weekly laugh fest.

NPR


    • May 10, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 433 EPISODES

    4.7 from 15,681 ratings Listeners of The Best of Car Talk that love the show mention: car talk, click and clack, cartalk, puzzlers, love car, car repair, tom and ray, rip tom, thank you apple, talk episodes, npr show, snorts, car advice, repairs, interest in cars, i'll be back, ha ha ha ha ha, way to waste, chortles, i'm 13.


    Ivy Insights

    The Car Talk podcast is a nostalgic and relevant show that continues to bring laughter and joy to its listeners. It is a dose of humor and car talk that can cure anyone's blues. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the show, it remains just as funny and entertaining.

    One of the best aspects of The Car Talk podcast is the dynamic between hosts Ray and the late Tom. Their banter and witty remarks make for an enjoyable listening experience. Their humor is timeless, and even though the show discusses cars, it has a universal appeal beyond automotive enthusiasts. The advice given on the show may be about old cars, but the way they approach each topic with common sense, good humor, and kindness is what makes it stand out.

    Sadly, one of the worst aspects of The Car Talk podcast is that it has been truncated into 30-minute episodes. Many fans miss the full hour format as it allowed for a more immersive experience with all the familiar Car Talk rhythms intact. Trimming down the shows removes some of the charm and removes potential nuggets that different listeners may find enjoyable.

    In conclusion, The Car Talk podcast holds a special place in many people's hearts. It brings back fond memories for loyal listeners who have been tuning in for years. While there may be some drawbacks to the current format, such as shorter episodes, the humor and wisdom shared by Ray and Tom continue to resonate with audiences. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking for some lighthearted entertainment during these crazy times, The Car Talk podcast remains a beloved choice that never fails to bring laughter and joy.



    More podcasts from NPR

    Search for episodes from The Best of Car Talk with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Best of Car Talk

    #2537: The Bro

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 35:57


    Nancy's hubby has finally gone too far with his car gadget hobby. He's constantly taking an oversized undergarment on and off the front of his Acura. Click and Clack attempt to lift and separate the various underlying issues on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2536: The Felix Unger Noise

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 35:54


    Car noises can be tricky things to describe. Paula's Ford is making an annoying, whiny, nasal sound that reminds our odd couple of hosts of another 'Odd Couple' from the past. Check out this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    car car talk felix unger
    #2535: How to Stack Your Sled Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 34:30


    Liz is a Maine-iac who is looking for a new vehicle for her and her 23 sled dogs that'll get them to frozen parts unknown. Can Click and Clack come up with a car that all 24 of them can fit in, or at least one light enough for the doggies to pull? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2534: Uncle Know it All

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 35:29


    Scott has an ex-aerospace industry relative who's affectionately referred to as 'Uncle Know-it-all' and has been telling Scott that he's driving his car all wrong. Can Click and Clack land this one safely? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2533: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Jalopy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 37:18


    The jig is up! Morley Safer from CBS' 60 minutes has tracked us down! But, wait: It turns out that ol' Morley just wanted to defend the most indefensible of automobile makers: the French! Morley's folly on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2532: We Few, We Happy Few

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 34:48


    In auto repair, as in all great endeavors, little is gained without sacrifice(preferably, someone else's). Click and Clack cajole a couple of car owners to join their merry band of car-wrecking-brothers on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2531: Practical Jokes Will Save Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 34:57


    When all hope seems to be lost for humanity we can still rely on practical jokes to keep us going. Feel the Schadenfreude on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2530: The Pit of Despair

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 34:21


    Kerry has a pothole in the alley behind her house that is so big the locals have named it, "The Pit of Despair". When the weather has been dry, her Honda CRX can climb down into, across and back out of it ok, but after a few days of heavy rain it can be rough seas in the ol' Pit. We're gonna need a bigger boat on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2529: Slappin' It

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 39:20


    Norm works for the Post Office and he often has to drive over a mountain pass during big snowstorms at night in order to get to work. And he's constantly slapping at his moving windshield wipers to de-ice them while he's barreling down the road. Is there a better way? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2528: Mister Humidity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 37:05


    Wendy's Honda fogs up every time she and her hubby are driving together. Do they need some 'alone time' in a more private space? Or is hubby a one-man-moisture-front? Meteoroligists Click and Clack make a few forecasts on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2527: Thar She Blows!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 35:03


    Mike is busy getting his sailboat ready for a 2000 nautical mile journey across the Pacific but he's already sprung a leak on his way to the dock! His Jeep Cherokee keeps losing radiator caps and he can't figure out where they are ending up. 'Hoist the mainsail' and get ready for the jibber jabber on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2526: Geographically Undesirable

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 38:02


    Kate's car is on it's last legs and she's a little miffed at her boyfriend Aaron who needs to be driven around everywhere because he drives like a klutz. And to make things even worse, they live in different states! Will Click and Clack tell Kate to trade in the car, Aaron or both? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2525: My Scum-Sucking Husband Wrecked My Car!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 36:17


    Michelle is a local lass who's ticked off at her hubby something awful! Can Click and Clack calm Michelle down enough to catch the guy a break?! There isn't a letter 'R' in the vicinity of this episode of the Best of Cah Tahk!Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2524: Cooking with Tommy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 38:48


    Our show usually starts with some sort of car problem posed by a caller, but where it goes from there is anybody's guess. On this episode of the Best of Car Talk Tommy provides us with a nice recipe for Braciole. Buon Apetito!Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2523: Born Again Driver

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 39:12


    Elsa learned to drive as a 15-year-old but she's been bumming rides around Iowa City ever since. Now she's 70 and she thinks she can just hop back behind the wheel and it'll all come back to her. Will Click and Clack have enough time to warn Elsa's neighbors to stay inside for a few weeks while she tests her theory? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2522: Lovable Loser

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 38:40


    A year ago Steve jumped in his Acura and moved to Chicago, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a new girl and a new career. He called us too late for help with the girl and the career, but can Click and Clack help him hold onto the car at least? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2521: How to Make Your Car a Little Less Lousy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 35:40


    Rich from Wisconsin knows that his Chevy Citation isn't the greatest, but he thinks it'll be more fun if he chops off the top and makes it into a convertible with his new grinding tool. Should he or shouldn't he, and why shouldn't he? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2520: Derision of Labor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 33:30


    We all have that one work colleague that's a lot of fun but maybe doesn't pull his weight around the office and gets on your nerves once in a while. Well, what if the 'office' was an NPR radio show and 'the colleague' was your brother? How bad would that be? Find out on this episode of The Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2519: Click and Clack's Wild Kingdom

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 36:23


    Patricia lives 3 hours from civilization in Montana and a local Buffalo has taken to hanging around her Subaru. If she can make it past Bill the Buffalo, the car also has a lousy habit of not starting. Should she throw a saddle on Bill the Buffalo instead? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2518: You Guys are GOOD!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 34:19


    Click and Clack are so practiced at repairing marital relations damaged by spousal stupidity that they sometimes know things before they know 'em, if you know what we mean. If you don't, then check out this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2517: A Laser-like Focus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 38:16


    Kate was carefully recreating her $200 Honda's clutch noise when Ray confessed that he had dozed off somewhere between 'Hello You're on Car Talk" and "Hi, I'm Kate." Apparently it's siesta time on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2516: The Doctors Will See You Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 35:06


    Despite their reputation as knuckleheads, mechanics have to deal with hundreds of different makes and models in their work, as opposed to, say, MDs who have only one make and two models to learn. How hard can medicine be? 'Let the malpractice begin!' on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2515: Dave from Bemidji

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 39:55


    On this episode of the Best of Car Talk we meet one of our most memorable (and whacko) callers: Dave from Bemidji. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2514: Tanks a Lot!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 38:25


    Cheryl thinks her brother is nuts. Click and Clack can relate, but will they agree with Cheryl that replacing his broken fuel tank with a couple of jugs in the trunk is proof? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2513: Janet's Midlife Miata

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 33:39


    Janet has a big birthday coming up and she needs to give herself something really big to help her cope. Click and Clack help Janet choose between a new face or a new car on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2512: Click and Clack Get Schooled

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 34:42


    George is a teacher calling from Berkeley, California with two problems. His Honda is acting up and so are the first graders in his classroom. Click and Clack meet their intellectual matches on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2511: Mom's Freaking Out Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 36:54


    The composure and patience required to teach a teenager to drive is matched only by that teenager's ability to handle the occasional parental freakout without driving onto the sidewalk. Can Click and Clack help Christine help her Mom just. chill. out already?!?! Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2510: Sounds Good, but...

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 36:47


    Should Lee take the advice of a retired mechanic friend and 'rinse' the inside of his engine with kerosene between oil changes? A mechanical hygiene lesson on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2509: Undressed for Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 34:06


    The list of innovations that Car Talk has brought to the 'radio call-in' genre is long: unpreparedness, lack of focus and a unique inability to take anything seriously top the list. On this episode of the Best of Car Talk we discuss 'proper attire'. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2508: Hungry Water Anyone?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 33:48


    Ray has theories. None of them are sound, but they all sound good. Find out all about Ray's 'Hungry Water' fallacy on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2507: Mom's Dream Scenario

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 37:04


    Julia is worried that her Dad's retirement project of replacing the engine in his heap of a GMC Suburban is going to strain her parents' relationship. Click and Clack disagree and think that Dad's hobby is going to be just what Mom wants, too. Huh? Find out why on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2506: A Friend Indeed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 34:38


    James, great friend that he is, has offered to drive his buddy's Lexus for him for a few years until his friend returns from Amsterdam. What a guy! But is this the best thing for the Lexus? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2505: You.Are.A.Cheapskate.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 36:42


    Sandra the cheapskate, Ron the classmate, Holly Golightly and the Durango Kid(and more) all take turns trying to stump our chumps on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2504: Exercises in Futility

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 34:16


    Which endeavor is more futile: Explaining to your 16 year old son that he doesn't need his own car, or attempting to convince Siri that vegetarianism is bad? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2503: It's Gettin' Hot in Here!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 32:39


    Chris and her family were a few hours into their car trip when her hubby noticed that the engine was starting to overheat. He insisted on turning the car's heat on and, whoa nelly- it got hot in there. What was hubby thinking? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2502: Stick Ma with the Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 38:16


    Tim got a free used car from his mother but the ac doesn't work and Click and Clack told him to send Ma the repair bill. And boy is Tim's mom not happy about that. A particularly fraught 'Stump the Chumps' on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #2501: Here, Kitty Kitty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 34:37


    Ed is in Hawaii 'living it up like Wayne Newton!' but there's trouble in paradise in the form of some cats who like to spray his car -and not with sunscreen. Click and Clack strongly consider making a housecall on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #24105: Mickey the Dunce

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 31:45


    Fortunately, when car trouble arises there are among us many who can avert automotive disaster by dint of their knowledge and decisive action. But what about those rare occasions when it isn't in your interest to fix something? Meet 'Mickey the Dunce' on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #24104: To Porsche or Not to Porsche

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 36:44


    Are you a hopelessly romantic go-getter with a lot of cash to throw away on expensive car repairs? Then have we got a car for YOU on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #24103: That's the Brakes, Jake

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 35:23


    Harvey from New Mexico was puzzled by a freeway sign he drove past that said something about a 'jake brake'. Who is this 'Jake' and why does he get a break? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #24102: A Mechanic's Koan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 38:02


    A koan is a paradoxical statement that tries to make sense of ambiguity. Sort of like, "The Best of Car Talk". Hear one of our favorite mechanics' koan all the way from Alabama on this episode.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    #24101: Unwise Comparisons

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 37:18


    When you've been married as many times as Tommy has, spousal strife becomes a kind of 'lingua franca' in some helpful and some not so helpful ways. Evidence for the latter case on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalkLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Claim The Best of Car Talk

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel