#271 Best Time to Buy a Used Car, Radar vs. Camera-Based Safety Sensors, and More

We touch on a number of topics this week, including if a used Subaru Ascent is a good replacement for an Audi A4, why your infotainment system might not play nice with your Apple iPhone or Android phone, the right way to tie down an object to your roof, and how Consumer Reports headlight testing differs from that of IIHS. We also discuss routine maintenance that is unique to EVs, why an automatic emergency braking system might give a driver false positives, how car designs might be affected with a move to "skateboard" or modular architectures, using a child seat with an inflatable seat belt, and why you might not be able to tow a hybrid vehicle behind your RV.

 

 

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SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - Question #1: Is a Subaru Ascent a good replacement for an Audi A4?

06:02 - Question #2: Which automatic emergency braking system works best: camera-based or radar?

9:34 - Question #3: Why are there connectivity issues between phones and car infotainment systems?

11:46 - Question #4: What is the proper way to secure cargo to a car’s roof?

14:22 - Question #5: What is the difference between CR’s and IIHS’ headlight test?

17:23 - Question #6: What are the required maintenance items from the latest EVs?

20:08 - Question #7: Why does the forward-collision warning activate when there is nothing on the road?

22:50 - Question #8: What common parts are shared between “modular architectures” or “shared platform” on vehicles?

25:14 - Question #9: Is it potentially dangerous to install a forward facing child seat using an inflatable seat belt?

27:14 - Question #10: What small car is best suited for flat towing with a RV?

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive

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

 

Self-Driving System Ranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA

 

The Myth of the “Self-Driving” Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpHdq7S65Io

 

How to Transport a Christmas Tree Safely

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/how-to-transport-a-christmas-tree-safely/

 

Headlight Testing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOr0gqWYIu8

 

Headlight Cleaning Tips

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

 

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

Consumer Reports’ Car Reliability FAQ

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-faq/

 

How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/how-to-avoid-common-car-seat-installation-mistakes/

 

Autos Tips: Child-Seat Installation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4UvS9Ob1Y

 

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Car?

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/is-now-the-right-time-to-buy-a-car/

 

How to Buy Your First New or Used Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-your-first-new-or-used-car/

 

Tips for Buying a New Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XR-_rhLzeY

 

Tips for Buying a Used Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cGStXBAwFg

 

 

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