For all the warnings on today's modern vehicles, why don't cars have an alert that a headlight or taillight is out? In the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with a Max powertrain, is there risk of the hybrid battery depleting when carrying a large payload? And if it seems like your EV tires wear much faster than you'd expect, you're not alone. We give expert insight into these questions, as well as the availability of active head restraints, a replacement vehicle for an Audi A3 convertible, and if the days of the local gas station are numbered.

How CR Tests Headlights: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/car-safety/6060466527001/headlight-testing/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Early Review: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-review-a7963942236/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

When to Replace Your Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/car-care/6258106759001/when-to-replace-your-tires/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Audi A3 Road Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/audi/a3/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

EVs vs. Gasoline: Which is Right for Your Life: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Subscribe to Talking Cars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consumerreports/podcasts

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

:47 - are gas stations in danger of disappearing?

6:20 - why do EV tires seem to wear out so fast?

12:34 - why is there no head light/tail light out warning?

17:50 - are active head restraints still available on new cars?

21:07 - what's a good replacement for a 2015 Audi A3 convertible?

28:00 - what happens if you drain the hybrid battery on a Toyota Grand Highlander Max while towing a heavy load uphill?