Tag: myths
44 Posts

Aug 23, 2016
'Magic' Oil Plug Comprised Mostly of Snake Oil
Did a $5 widget sold in the 1950's actually keep oil clean, or did it just clean out wallets?

Jan 21, 2016
Gas Myths: How Close to Empty is it Safe to Get?
Today: It used to be that we were told to keep our gas tanks at least half-full to prevent water condensation. Is this still true?

Jan 19, 2016
Mechanic vs. Manual: When's the Right Time to Change Fluids?
Leroy can't get a straight answer on when to change the transmission fluids in his older cars. Can Car Talk set the record straight?

Dec 24, 2015
Do Gas Stations Ever Thin Gas With Water?
Today: Car Talk tackles a gas station myth for Julie.
Oct 14, 2015
Busting Thieves By Putting Your Key in the Freezer: Boooogus!
We got an email from Marianne giving us the business for suggesting thieves can't read the code from your keyless entry remote and open your car door.

Oct 08, 2015
True or False: It's OK to Start Car With Accessories Turned On
Dear Car Talk: Is it harmful to start the car if the air conditioner, radio, etc., have been left in the "on" position?

Aug 19, 2015
Solar Cars? Very Cool, but Still a Pipe Dream
Who wouldn't want a zero-emission greenmobile powered by the sun's rays? But the sad fact is that the panels don't generate enough energy.

Apr 16, 2013
An Emergency Brake By Any Other Name . . .
Today: Tom and Ray try to enlighten Todd, an emergency brake over-user, about the error of his ways. Find out why it's not a great idea to use this brake for regular stopping, and why it's really called the "parking brake", right here.

Sep 21, 2012
Corroded Fuel Lines and Other Urban Legends
Joshua's driving instructor warned him that leaving a car unstarted for more than two weeks could corrode the fuel lines. Now Joshua's worried about all those new cars parked at dealerships across the country. Tom and Ray explain why car dealers don't bother to employ a staff person to start up each car in the lot once every few weeks.

Aug 21, 2012
Today: Manual Transmission Myths Debunked
When Nina was learning to drive, her dear old dad advised her to always buy manual transmissions. But now, Nina's tired of all that shifting. Does she have Tom and Ray's blessing to go automatic?