Ford has transformed the nation's best-selling pickup truck into a quick and capable EV. We share our first impressions of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and discuss its prodigious power, swift acceleration, strong towing capability, and impressive electric range. We also talk about whether the new Lighting is a truck for the new, greener era. Plus, we help an audience member with some tire-buying advice and explain the importance of changing out your car's summer tires when the weather starts getting frigid.

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

15:06 - Question: At what temperature should you change your car’s summer tires for all-season?

 

 

 

----------------------------------  

Smokin’ Fast 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Ushers in a New Era of EV Pickup Trucks

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-review-a4084273266/

 

Which EVs Qualify for the New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit? It’s Complicated

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-qualify-for-new-ev-tax-credit-a9310530660/

 

2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-rivian-r1t-electric-pickup-truck-review-a3029848158/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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://www.CR.org/join

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

With the cold season just around the corner, we share vital tips on preparing your vehicle for driving in wintry conditions, including checking and maintaining the proper tire pressure, the state of your car's battery charge, and topping off appropriate fluids. Also, we inspire a young mechanical engineering student with personal stories of how we advanced in our own automotive careers and give advice regarding future opportunities. And we welcome a special guest to the show this week, Consumer Reports' President and CEO Marta Tellado, as she shares the insights and inspiration contained in her new book, "Buyer Aware," available in stores on September 20th.

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Preparing Your Car For The Winter Season

10:02 - Question: What career opportunities are available for a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry?

16:44 - Special Guest: Consumer Reports’  President and CEO Marta Tellado

 

 

 

----------------------------------  

Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLtakpDFGtU

 

6 Safety Sensors to Clean on Your Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDpdorEOeUc

 

Essential Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

 

Prep Your Car for Winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g

 

Safe Winter Driving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svc0BCK8ToM

 

If You have to Drive in the Winter, Follow These 9 Safety Steps

https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/if-you-have-to-drive-in-winter-follow-these-safety-steps-a7843645782/

 

What to Pack in a Car Emergency Kit for Your Holiday Road Trips

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-car-emergency-kits-for-winter-holiday-road-trips/

 

Buyer Aware

https://buyeraware.consumerreports.org/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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://www.CR.org/join

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Is Buick Enclave the hidden gem of the large 3-row SUV world? With a resume that includes simple controls, a comfortable ride, and a responsive non-turbo powertrain, there's a case to be made that it deserves serious consideration. We discuss the recent updates to its steering wheel controls, gear selector, and infotainment system for the 2022 model year, and how it performs against competitors like the Infiniti QX60, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Acura MDX, and Hyundai Palisade. Also, what happens when you try to turn off a vehicle while driving? Does it make a difference if it's a traditional key, or a push button start? After being asked the question from a member of our audience, our experts head out onto our test track to find out!

 

 

-----------------------------------

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

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Buick Enclave

15:51 - Question: What happens when you try to turn off a vehicle while driving?

 

 

 

----------------------------------  

2022 Buick Enclave

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buick/enclave/2022/overview/

 

2018 Buick Enclave Review: Room for Improvement

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2018-buick-enclave-review-room-for-improvement/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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://www.CR.org/join

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a sporty, driver-focused luxury sedan, relying on its aggressive, low-slung exterior and improved powertrain to stand out against rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Genesis G70. We share our first impressions of our C300 test car, discussing its handling, redesigned interior, problematic controls, and why you might want to skip the AMG sport suspension option. We also share insight into CR's testing protocols, and why we might sometimes disagree with car evaluations from other mainstream publications.

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - First Impressions: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300

18:38 - Question: Why are there discrepancies in review results between CR and other mainstream publications?

 

 

 

----------------------------------  

New 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is a Standout, With a Few Drawbacks

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sedans/2022-mercedes-benz-c-class-review-a1057221647/

 

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/2022/overview/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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://www.CR.org/join

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Bike racks are a lot like cars, with new styles and brands available to consumers each year. And while we love cars at CR, we're also avid cycling enthusiasts, and recently performed evaluations on hitch-mounted bike racks, as well as pickup-truck tailgate pads, from brands like Kuat, Yakima, Thule, Bell, Allen, and Race Face. We discuss which ones performed best, how they compare to roof and trunk mounted racks, and what to look for if you need to transport an electric bike (e-bike).

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

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

 

 

 

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - Our biking background.

03:47 - Bike rack evaluations  

20:37 - Question: If continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) provide so many benefits to a vehicle, why are they so reviled by many?

 

 

 

----------------------------------  

Best Bike Racks

https://www.consumerreports.org/bike-racks-carriers/best-bike-racks-a8073136271/

 

How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack

https://www.consumerreports.org/bike-racks-carriers/how-to-choose-and-use-the-right-bike-rack-a1180679643/

 

How Bike Racks Affect a Car’s Fuel Economy

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-bike-racks-affect-car-fuel-economy/

 

How Rooftop Carriers Affect Fuel Economy for Cars and SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-rooftop-carriers-affect-fuel-economy/

 

Best Electric Bikes From Consumer Reports’ Test

https://www.consumerreports.org/electric-bikes/best-electric-bikes-e-bike-review-a2596703950/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ