#2463: Pardon the Interruption
1Digest
This episode of Car Talk features a variety of callers with car problems and interesting perspectives. The show begins with a discussion about Daylight Savings, where Click and Clack encourage listeners to refuse to set their clocks back, creating mass confusion and potentially preventing the change. Sharon Pretched calls in to defend road readers, arguing that it's a skill she learned from a fellow who could drive with his left knee and read simultaneously. She believes that God watches over those who can multitask while driving. Karris from Redmond, Washington, calls in about her 1984 Chevy Caprice that emits billows of blue smoke when she comes to a stop. Click and Clack diagnose the problem as burning oil and suggest a rebuilt engine, but also offer humorous solutions like changing her wardrobe or using magic pellets. Aaron Katz writes in to analyze a piece of dialogue from a previous Car Talk episode, claiming it expresses existential philosophy. He believes the show is deeply philosophical, despite its surface appearance as a car talk show. Click and Clack present a new puzzler: two girls born of the same parents in Boston, Massachusetts, one is a US citizen and the other is not. They encourage listeners to submit their answers for a chance to win a "second best of Car Talk" CD. Sylvia from Chinley, Arizona, calls in about her 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit convertible that has been experiencing problems since she worked near a uranium mine. She wonders if cars can get thyroid cancer, and Click and Clack humorously diagnose the problem as a plugged-up catalytic converter or a faulty Hall Effect sensor.
Outlines
Car Talk and Daylight Savings
Click and Clack discuss the upcoming end of Daylight Savings and its impact on their lives. They encourage listeners to refuse to set their clocks back, creating mass confusion and potentially preventing the change.
Road Readers and Driving Skills
Sharon Pretched calls in to defend road readers, arguing that it's a skill she learned from a fellow who could drive with his left knee and read simultaneously. She believes that God watches over those who can multitask while driving.
Car Problems and Humorous Solutions
Karris from Redmond, Washington, calls in about her 1984 Chevy Caprice that emits billows of blue smoke when she comes to a stop. Click and Clack diagnose the problem as burning oil and suggest a rebuilt engine, but also offer humorous solutions like changing her wardrobe or using magic pellets.
Car Talk and Existential Philosophy
Aaron Katz writes in to analyze a piece of dialogue from a previous Car Talk episode, claiming it expresses existential philosophy. He believes the show is deeply philosophical, despite its surface appearance as a car talk show.
Keywords
Daylight Savings
The practice of adjusting clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall to make better use of daylight hours. It is a controversial topic, with some arguing for its benefits and others against it.
Road Readers
People who read while driving, often using a book propped up on the steering wheel or in their lap. This practice is considered dangerous and illegal in many places.
Hall Effect Sensor
A device used in electronic ignition systems to detect the position of the crankshaft or camshaft and send a signal to the igniter to create a spark. It is a common component in many cars.
Uranium
A radioactive element found in the Earth's crust. It is used in nuclear power plants and weapons, but can also be harmful to human health.
Catalytic Converter
A device in the exhaust system of a car that converts harmful pollutants into less harmful substances. It can become plugged up over time, leading to engine problems.
Car Talk
A popular radio show hosted by Click and Clack, the Tap with Brothers, that provides humorous and insightful advice on car-related topics.
Q&A
What is the main argument Click and Clack make about Daylight Savings?
They argue that Daylight Savings is a pointless change that only leads to confusion and depression. They encourage listeners to refuse to set their clocks back, creating mass chaos and potentially preventing the change.
What is Sharon's main argument about road readers?
Sharon believes that road reading is a skill that can be learned and that it is not inherently dangerous. She argues that God watches over those who can multitask while driving, and that she has never had an accident while reading and driving.
What is the main problem with Karris's Chevy Caprice?
Karris's car emits billows of blue smoke when she comes to a stop, indicating that she is burning oil. Click and Clack diagnose the problem as a worn-out engine and suggest a rebuilt engine as the solution.
What is Aaron's main point about Car Talk?
Aaron believes that Car Talk is deeply philosophical, despite its surface appearance as a car talk show. He analyzes a piece of dialogue from a previous episode, claiming it expresses existential philosophy.
What is the main problem with Sylvia's Volkswagen Rabbit?
Sylvia's car has been experiencing problems since she worked near a uranium mine. She believes it has thyroid cancer, but Click and Clack diagnose the problem as a plugged-up catalytic converter or a faulty Hall Effect sensor.
Show Notes
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