Mater and the Ghostlight

Mater, Radiator Springs' ramshackle tow truck with a heart as big as his radiator cap, spends a sunlit day entertaining the town with his favorite scary pranks. He turns the quiet streets into a playground, jumping at shadows and coaxing chuckles from the residents as he tests out harmless frights and goofy gags. The mood shifts after dark when Flo's V8 Café hosts a storytelling session led by the town Sheriff. He spins the legend of the Ghostlight, a local rumor meant to rattle nerves on lonely roads. As the tale unspools, the headlights sweep the desert and the racing crowd hurries home, leaving Mater to face the night with his usual mix of bravado and good-hearted mischief that audiences appreciate widely.

Directed by John Lasseter, this Pixar short expands the Cars universe with Mater's streetwise humor and easygoing charm. It debuted in 2006 as a companion piece to Cars, drawing on the franchise's familiar voice cast and visuals and sound design.

Box office data for this short isn't publicly reported. It circulated as part of Cars related material and is typically shown alongside the feature, rather than as a standalone theatrical hit in theaters for fans of the franchise.

Within the Cars universe the Ghostlight tale and Mater's mischief became a fondly remembered playful Halloween style aside. The short reinforces Radiator Springs lore and shows the franchise's knack for blending humor with gentle scares. Fans recall its breezy humor and Mater's endearing presence.

Critics and audiences generally received the short as a lighthearted extension of Cars, balancing playful pranks with a warm sense of community. It nods to friendship and courage, framing the night as a friendly ride rather than a scary spectacle. Adults notice nostalgia while kids enjoy the humor and heart.