We answer your questions about the state of self-driving systems, why most cars don’t come with full-sized spare tires, the best family-friendly road trip vehicle, and all-season vs. winter tires
By Mike Quincy
Main theme: This week, the podcast panel opens the mailbag to answer your questions about what’s going on with self-driving systems, the travails of changing a flat tire, cruising long distances with a full car, and whether or not to spring for winter tires when the flakes start to fall.
Audience questions
• Which car companies offer the best self-driving systems?
• Why does it seem as if most new vehicles just come with a tire mobility kit instead of a spare tire? (See “Some Newer Cars Are Missing a Spare Tire.”)
• What vehicle would you choose for a long trip that had to transport the whole family?
• I have to commute to my job even during the snowiest days. Is it worth putting on all-weather tires, or just sticking with the stock all-season tires?
• I just bought a used 2023 Honda Ridgeline and didn’t get the usual explanation from a salesperson about how everything works. What would be your recommendation as to how to go about getting best acquainted with all the bells and whistles in my car?
‘Talking Cars’ panelists (from left): Mike Quincy, Steve Elek, and Jeff Bartlett.
Photo: Consumer Reports
How to Listen to the Podcast
Talking Cars episodes are available through Apple Podcasts (audio or video), Spotify, YouTube, and on CR.org/video.
Engage in the Talking Cars community.
Recent Podcast Episodes
• Driving the Lexus ES Electric Sedan, episode 518
• Driving the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, episode 517
• Is Your Car Getting a ‘Kill Switch’ in 2027?, episode 516
• Why Are Cars Turning Into Smartphones?, episode 515
• Driving the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, episode 514
Have a Question?
Send a text or video message to TalkingCars@iCloud.com. Please include your first name and where you’re from. If we feature it in a future episode, we’ll send you an exclusive Auto Test Center T-shirt!
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