#202 Audience Questions; Best AWD Vehicles, Tow Ratings, Unicorn Vehicles

This week it's another all questions episode! We talk about everything from the best all-wheel drive cars for winter commutes, why 4x4 trucks tow less weight than you may think, new car buying advice and we try to locate a 'unicorn' vehicle for $35K. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2 Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2 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 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 SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 1:00 - Question #1: When's the best time of day to check your car's oil level? 2:35 - Question #2: Why aren't all-weather tires more popular? 6:07 - Question #3: Unicorn vehicle for under $35,000? 8:06 - Question #4: What speed does low speed AEB become high speed AEB? 10:31 - Question #5: What does an N/A reliability verdict mean in CR ratings? 12:59 - Question #6: At what point is it better to buy a new truck over a used truck? 15:02 - Question #7: Would you recommend buying a used Lexus ES300h with 100K miles? 16:20 - Question #8: What's the best AWD system for climbing hills in the snow? 19:32 - Question #9: What causes a puff of white exhaust smoke during hard acceleration? 20:50 - Question #10: Why do rear wheel drive vehicles handle better than AWD vehicles? 24:26 - Question #11: Why do 4x4 pickups usually have a lower tow rating than rear wheel drive trucks? 26:12 - Question #12: Should I change my oil every year even if I only drive 1500 miles? 27:38 - Question #13: How does wheel size affect ride an handging? 30:08 - Question #14: Do high RPMs damage a transmission during engine braking? 31:47 - Question #15: Is there a solution for shorter drivers that have trouble with uncomfortable headrests? LINKS ----------------------------------- Don't Bother Following These Car Maintenance Myths: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iHppmhzJdc New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow Standard Safety Gear Makes Early Debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYPMhEqlMBI Lowest-Rated Cars of 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-CjftuQkE4 2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ 2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJeNbqaQAM AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TQdIqFvZo 2015 Subaru WRX Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hksUMXuW3VM 2019 Subaru Forster Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw 2016 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlnxhx4MpCU 2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSAuvdH_oGQ 2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k 2014 Porsche 911 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cj6c-YVos0 2015 Porsche Macan Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7xjRYBc8co