Car Talk: Car's Confidence Issues, Car Buying Advice, and Weird Noises

Car Confidence and Mechanical Quirks

• 🚗 Kristin's car developed a peculiar habit of stalling after a near-accident, leading to speculation that the car might be "scared" of traffic.
• 💡 A similar issue was diagnosed in a Ford Taurus where a broken motor mount caused the engine to shift, pulling on a wiring harness and leading to intermittent misfires during acceleration.
• 🛠️ The proposed fix involves a mechanic yanking on wires while the engine is running to replicate the issue and identify broken connections.

Car Buying and Maintenance Dilemmas

• 🤔 Tom is considering a $1,000 repair for a 1984 Subaru GL10 with rusted wheel wells for his granddaughter's cross-country trip, raising concerns about structural integrity and overall value.
• ⚠️ The advice given is to thoroughly inspect the undercarriage for rust, as structural integrity is crucial for safety in case of an accident, and cosmetic repairs might not be worth the cost.
• 🚗 Nancy is deciding between a Honda Odyssey and a Subaru Outback for transporting her large dog, Sable, to Cape Cod, with the Outback offering 4WD but potentially less space.
• ❓ Melissa's husband is using washers on aftermarket rims for her 1990 Subaru station wagon to make them fit, a practice discouraged due to reduced thread engagement and potential safety risks.

Diagnosing Car Noises

• 👂 Dave reported a groaning noise from his 1989 Isuzu Trooper when braking and turning slowly, suspected to be from a suspension component like a dry bushing or spring mount.
• 🔧 The suggested diagnostic method involves having a heavy person compress the car's suspension at a specific corner while someone checks underneath for the source of the noise.
• 💨 Charlotte is hearing a gurgling noise from her dashboard, likely due to air in the cooling system, possibly from recent work on the radiator or water pump.
• 🌡️ The gurgling noise, especially when the heater is off, indicates low coolant levels or trapped air in the heater core, and checking the coolant level when the engine is cold is recommended.