Tire Buying Advice, All-Season vs All-Weather, and the Best Time to Buy New Tires
Consumer Reports tests dozens of tire models every year across all types of weather and road conditions. Our expert evaluations cover key performance factors like grip, handling, braking, comfort, and tread life. In this episode, we explain everything you need to know before buying new tires—when to replace them, how to choose the best tires, and whether electric vehicles need special tires. You’ll learn how climate and driving style affect tire performance, and get insider insight into how our engineers test tires for safety and durability. We’ll also answer your top tire questions, from whether small rocks in the tread really matter to how all-wheel drive impacts winter traction. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:36 - When to Buy Tires 02:29 - How to Inspect Tires 04:10 - All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires 08:47 - EV Tires 12:19 - Best Tire Shopping Advice 17:36 - How CR Works With Tire Manufacturers 18:31 - How We Test and Rate Tires 23:15 - 2026 Tire Top Picks 24:31 - What Are We Testing Next? 26:54 - Question #1: Do small rocks lodged in tire treads affect performance? 29:52 - Question #2: How do AWD systems affect tire performance? ---------------------------------- CR Tire Ratings https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Top Pick Tires: The Best Car, SUV, and Truck Tires https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/top-pick-tires-best-car-suv-truck-tires-a5778937779/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best All-Weather Tires https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Tire Brands of 2026 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-tire-brands-a2990346660/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Car Tires of 2026 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-car-tires-of-the-year-a1101679070/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best SUV and Truck Tires if 2026 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best All-Season Tires https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-season-tires-a9794563815/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Winter/Snow Tires https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most and Least Satisfying Tire Retailers https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tire-stores/most-and-least-satisfying-tire-retailers-a8618669903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT How to Save Money When Buying Tires https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tire-buying-maintenance/how-to-save-money-when-buying-replacement-tires-a6799675738/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT How to Read a Tire Sidewall https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/#how-to-read-a-tire-sidewall-and-what-can-it-tell-me/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT When to Replace Your Tires https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Do Electric Vehicles Need Special Tires? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/do-electric-vehicles-need-special-tires-a4689725362/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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33:18
2025 Toyota 4Runner
This week, we share our impressions of the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Now in its sixth generation, the 4Runner retains its body-on-frame platform, preserving its rugged off-road identity while introducing some modern updates. We break down what Toyota got right—like easier access and more comfortable seating—as well as where the redesign falls short. Plus, we answer audience questions about vehicle drive modes and which manufacturers make the best physical controls. Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.consumerreports.org/jointalkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YTT4?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Talking Cars Archive: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEW=YSOCIAL_YT 2025 Toyota 4Runner: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/4runner/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT First Drive: 2025 Toyota 4Runner: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-toyota-4runner-review-a3128307508/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Toyota 4Runner by Generation: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/4runner/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Toyota Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: Does Eco Mode Really Save Gas?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES: 0:00: Intro 0:18: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Overview 1:29: What we love about the 4Runner 11:49: What we dislike about the 4Runner 22:56: Audience questions 23:17: Question #1: What does the Econ drive mode actually do? 26:22: Question #2: Which vehicles have easy-to-use controls? Will we ever see full voice-activated controls?
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2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Our experts share their first impressions of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. We break down Volkswagen’s latest improvements, explore how the Tiguan stacks up in the crowded compact SUV segment, and explain why its redesign gives it a more refined, “grown-up” feel. Plus, we answer your questions about airbag deployment and recommend the best vehicle for a tall, traveling hockey family. Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES: 0:00: Intro 0:24: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Overview 2:15: First Impressions 9:28: Volkswagen reliability 12:12: Pricing and competing vehicles 14:51: Question #1: Do airbags deploy if a driver is pressing the horn? 19:51: Question #2: What’s the best vehicle for a growing family of six?
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2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
This week, we discuss the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. This sleek, futuristic-looking three-row electric vehicle shares its basic technology and design with the Kia EV9. We cover the similarities and differences between the two vehicles, share our driving experiences, and lament (once again) the use case of electronic door handles. We also answer questions about fuel savings on hybrid vehicles and the longevity of plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries. Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES: 0:00: Intro 0:17: Hyundai Ioniq 9 overview 5:26: EV Charging 7:50: Interior, controls, and cabin storage 16:50: Access 21:57: Regenerative braking 26:22: Driving impressions 29:27: Safety systems 33:50: Hyundai Ionia 9 vs. Kia EV9 37:35: Question #1: Is buying a hybrid still a better choice than a non-hybrid? 42:50: Question #2: Does daily charging degrade a PHEV battery quicker?
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2026 Tesla Model Y
This week, we share our first impressions of the updated 2026 Tesla Model Y. A smoother ride, upgraded interior, and quieter cabin are just some of the improvements in this refreshed all-electric SUV—but it's not without quirks. We break down its performance on our test track, the challenges with Tesla’s delivery process, and our concerns about the vehicle’s controls and so-called “Full Self-Driving” system. We also answer your questions about roomy, comfortable gas or hybrid alternatives with modern safety features, and explain how Consumer Reports buys and tests vehicles—including whether we pay MSRP. More info on the 2026 Tesla Model Y here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-y/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:36 - Overview: 2026 Tesla Model Y 02:49 - Buying Process 08:34 - Driving Dynamics 10:01 - Visibility 11:04 - Ride Comfort 12:07 - Access 15:29 - Controls 18:58 - FSD “Full Self-Driving” 25:02 - Infotainment System 27:54 - Build Quality 30:06 - Safety Features 34:17 - Final Thoughts 37:25 - Question #1: Is CR quoting the MSRP price when publishing the price paid for the vehicle? 40:03 - Question #2: what is a roomy, comfortable gas or hybrid alternative with modern safety features under 50K? ---------------------------------- First Drive: The Freshened Tesla Model Y Includes Improvements but Keeps Some Warts https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-tesla-model-y-review-a4126153571/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: The Best Tire for Teslas and Other Electric Vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/tested-best-tires-for-teslas-and-other-electric-vehicles-a6379613635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Electric Cars of 2025, According to Consumer Reports’ Tests https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-electric-vehicles-from-consumer-reports-tests-a3759669425/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Electric Vehicles With the Longest Range https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-with-the-longest-range-a2189661367/?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
Netherlands