Talking Cars 532: We Answer Questions on AWD, Reliability, Tires, and More

Main theme: The podcast panel digs deep into the ol’ Consumer Reports mailbag to answer a host of questions, ranging from data privacy to long-term car storage to the methodology behind Consumer Reports’ predicted reliability ratings. 

Audience questions: 
• Are there any automakers that aren’t quietly selling your driving data behind your back?
• Why does my Subaru Outback perform so much better in the snow than my Tesla Model Y AWD?
• What procedures does Consumer Reports follow for its 2,000-mile new-car break-in period before testing begins?
• What type of vehicle—EV, ICE, or hybrid—would be best for four- to five-month storage in a non-air-conditioned garage in the Southwest?
• I’m confused by Consumer Reports’ predicted reliability ratings for EVs. Very few EVs are rated at above-average reliability. Why would anyone want a vehicle that isn’t above-average?
• I’ve heard it mentioned on Talking Cars that smaller wheels often deliver a better ride than larger wheels and tires. If this is true, would the average driver notice? And do you give up some handling capabilities with the smaller wheels?