This week we dive into audience questions and cover what you can do when an electric-vehicle's battery runs out on the road; why rearranging second row seats is a safety risk; how always driving in four-wheel drive can damage your vehicle; and tips on what to do when deer cross the road. — SHOW NOTES: 1:04 - Question #1: What can you do if an EV runs out of power while driving? 5:35 - Question #2: How many miles does the average windshield last? 8:57 - Question #3: Can you reconfigure the second row seats in the 2022 Kia Carnival and is it safe? 14:58 - Question #4: In inclement weather, can you drive in 4WD all the time? 16:07 - Question #5: What are some tips to avoid deer in the road? 17:52 - Question #6 - Should you use fuel stabilizer to prolong fuel life in the ICE engine of a plug-in hybrid? 22:26 - Question #7: Is it time to raise the speed limits on highways? — LINKS: Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge: consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-can-go-more-than-250-miles-on-a-full-charge-a2189661367/ First Drive: 2022 Kia Carnival Delivers on Comfort and Practicality: https://www.consumerreports.org/minivans/2022-kia-carnival-review-a1152822932/ How It Works: 2WD vs. AWD vs. 4WD: https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/2wd-vs-awd-vs-4wd-a5663578720/ How to Avoid a Deer Strike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIuuuZqhOTM UN Global Road Safety Week: https://www.unroadsafetyweek.org/en/home

#323 EV Range Anxiety; Are Swivel Seats Safe?

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For decades, Consumer Reports has been at the forefront of advocating for automotive safety, collaborating closely with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to continually elevate safety standards in cars.  In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the IIHS auto crash test facility in central Virginia. Our experts talk with David Aylor, the Vice President of Active Safety at IIHS, discussing the significance of crash safety and detailing the collaborative efforts between IIHS and Consumer Reports in advancing automotive safety standards.   SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:49 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 01:04 - Side Impact Crash Test 02:21 - How CR incorporates IIHS Data into the rating 03:16 - What is Car Safety 04:42 - Crash Avoidance Systems 07:25 - What is HLDI 08:47 - How CR and IIHS are raising the bar for car safety 10:05 - How our work benefits consumers 10:41 - IIHS ratings 12:05 - Understanding CR’s safety ratings 13:04 - Difference between IIHS and NHTSA 13:53 - How we are all working together for the consumer 15:08 - Looking forward     ----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT   Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Behind the Scenes at the IIHS Crash Lab

Our experts share their first impressions of the 2024 Tesla Model 3. For 2024, the Model 3 gets a major freshening with updated styling, acoustic glass for all of the windows, an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, and a softer ride. While these are all good changes, we also talk about how the controls and updated blind spot warning system leave us wanting more. We also answer audience questions about the lack of van-like vehicles on the market and which safety systems we'd design for future vehicles. For more information on the Tesla Model 3:  https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-3/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT  Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT  ---------------------------------------------- SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 1:16 - Tesla redesign vs. refresh 2:39 - First impressions 3:45 - 2024 Model 3 updates 8:26 - Regenerative braking 12:58 - New features/controls we’re on the fence about 22:14 - Features we still like 23:30 - Tesla Supercharger layoffs 24:41 - Why we bought the Full Self-Driving capability 27:03 - CR/Tesla Histroy 30:46 - Question 1: Where did all the vans go? 35:43 - Question 2: What vehicle safety system would you design?  ---------------------------------------------- LINKS: First Drive: Refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Improves Upon Its Winning Formula:  https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-tesla-model-3-review-a1206367267/ Automakers Move to a Common Plug Standard to Allow Their EVs to Use Tesla Superchargers:  https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-superchargers-open-to-other-evs-what-to-know-a9262067544/ Best Bike Racks:  https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/best-bike-racks-a8073136271/ How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack:  https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/how-to-choose-and-use-the-right-bike-rack-a1180679643/  ---------------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team! We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/ Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6  ---------------------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

2024 Tesla Model 3

The redesigned 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offers noticeable improvements throughout the truck. We share our first impressions of this midsized pickup truck, exploring its modern convenience features, off-road prowess, improved ride quality, and evaluating if the redesign truly paid off. Additionally, we debate regarding the impact of Toyota's renowned reliability on its overall greatness, and provide insights on combating excessive tire wear in EVs.   More info on the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/2023-chevrolet-colorado-review-a6426754407?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - First Impressions: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 02:01 - How it Drives 03:25 - The Size 07:17 - Safety Features 09:01 - Controls 10:24 - Small Trucks Demand 12:58 - Question #1:Do rear-wheel drive EVs require snow tires for winter driving, and are there EV models with reduced tire wear impact? 18:28 - Question #2: Would Toyotas still be as great without their stellar reliability?     ----------------------------------   First Drive: Redesigned 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Is Improved Throughout https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/2023-chevrolet-colorado-review-a6426754407/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   2023 Chevrolet Colorado https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/colorado/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Face-Off: Chevrolet Colorado vs. Ford Ranger https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/chevrolet-colorado-vs-ford-ranger-compact-pickup-truck-review-a8869698832/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   SUV or Pickup: Which to Choose? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/suv-or-pickup-which-to-choose-a6547142065/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT     ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     ----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

In this supersized episode, we share our very unusual experience purchasing, receiving, and driving our 2023 Fisker Ocean Ultra; there are so many twists and turns to this story, we can’t summarize them here, you’ll just have to listen to the entire wild experience! We also answer audience questions about how to store an EV for long periods of time, and the best car for road trips: the Ford Maverick, Subaru Forester, or Toyota Camry.   More info on the 2023 Fisker Ocean here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-review-a2735159415/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Our Fisker Ocean 01:53 - Buying & Delivery Experience 06:19 - Issue with the Ocean 09:16 - Payment 09:53 - Driving Experience 10:46 - Software Versions 12:19 - Customer Service 14:41 - Experiencing The Car 21:12 - Missing Safety Features 23:02 - Features we liked 23:43 - Range & Charging 27:49 - Regenerative Braking 31:25 - Controls 33:34 - ABS Issue 34:59 - Cabin 37:09 - SDV - Software Defined Vehicle 39:18 - State of Fisker 43:26 - Price Drop 45:06 - The Paint 47:50 - Inventory 51:37 - Consumer Take Aways 54:22 - Question #1: What is the best way to store an electric vehicle  for a long period of time? 57:34 - Question #2: What is the best car for road trips: the Ford Maverick, Subaru Forester, or Toyota Camry?     ----------------------------------   First Drive: 2023 Fisker Ocean Electric SUV Proves to Be Unfinished Business https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-review-a2735159415/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   2023 Fisker Ocean https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fisker/ocean/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT     ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     ----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

The Crazy Saga of Our Fisker Ocean

Are less expensive cars cool again? The prevalence of cars real people can afford is one of the trends we noticed at the 2024 New York Auto Show. We looked closely at the new Nissan Kicks, Subaru Forester, Honda Prologue, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and many more. Our experts also share their favorite car/trend/feature from the show floor.    See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Universal Appeal 02:07 - 2025 Toyota Camry 03:30 - 2025 Kia K4 04:09 - 2025 Subaru Forester 05:10 - Manufacturer’s Presence 06:24 - EVs 09:22 - Volkswagen ID.Buzz 10:59 - Race Cars 12:32 - Pet Ownership, Mobility & Accessibility Appeal 15:47 - Color Trend 16:53 - 2025 Nissan Kicks 17:43 - 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage     ----------------------------------   Preview: Redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks Grows Slightly, Gains AWD https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-nissan-kicks-review-a9588794667/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: Redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry Goes Hybrid-Only, With AWD Available on All Trims https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/2025-toyota-camry-hybrid-review-a1114602128/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: 2025 Subaru Forester Boasts Brawny Styling, More Tech, and a Quiet Cabin https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-subaru-forester-review-a4022375572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: 2024 Honda Prologue Electric Vehicle Is Sensible and Roomy https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-honda-prologue-review-a8015429336/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Electric Minivan Offers AWD and Nostalgia https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/volkswagen-id-buzz-minivan-review-a4884016168/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT     ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     ----------------------------------- To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT   Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

#323 EV Range Anxiety; Are Swivel Seats Safe?

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