Digest

This episode of Car Talk starts with Tom and Ray discussing tax tips for charitable deductions, specifically regarding the value of promotional items received in exchange for donations. They then tackle a listener's problem with a diplomatic car's alarm going off repeatedly. The episode continues with a revisit of a previous puzzler about a car that wouldn't start after being parked for a few days, revealing the solution to be the under-hood light draining the battery due to the car being parked on an incline. Tom and Ray then humorously present a fake charity for pilots, followed by a new puzzler about a Volvo with brake issues, which turns out to be related to the type of gas being used. Finally, Kathy from Tualatin, Oregon calls in about her son's Pinewood Derby car, asking for advice on where to place the weights for maximum advantage. Tom and Ray discuss the physics involved, with Tom arguing that weight placement is crucial for keeping the car on the track.

Outlines

00:00:29

Car Talk: Tax Tips, Diplomatic Dilemmas, and Car Puzzlers

Tom and Ray discuss tax tips for charitable deductions, a diplomatic car alarm dilemma, and revisit a previous puzzler about a car that wouldn't start after being parked for a few days.

00:24:00

Car Talk: Pilot Charity, Volvo Puzzler, and Pinewood Derby Physics

Tom and Ray humorously present a fake charity for pilots, introduce a new puzzler about a Volvo with brake issues, and discuss the physics of weight placement in a Pinewood Derby car.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the rule regarding charitable deductions when you receive something in return for your donation?

  You must subtract the actual value of the gift from your donation amount. For example, if you donate $100 and receive a bag worth $10, you can only deduct $90.

• Why is weight placement important in a Pinewood Derby car?

  Weight placement helps to keep the car's wheels in contact with the track, reducing friction and allowing the car to go straight. It's not about kinetic energy, but about maintaining stability and control.

• How can you disable a car alarm that keeps going off without having access to the battery?

  You can try to disconnect or sever one of the main cables running from the battery to the engine block. However, this is illegal and may not be effective if the car has multiple cables.

Show Notes