Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts

Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts

From Talking Cars (MP3) by Consumer Reports

March 11, 2026 · 29 min · Season 13 · Episode 497

About this episode

This episode answers audience questions about fuel efficiency, jump starters, timing chains vs. belts, and the best used cars for seniors.

This week, we go through the mailbag and answer audience questions, including: Is driving 55 mph really more fuel-efficient—even in a 10-speed like the Acura TLX? We break down the science behind highway MPG, explain how regenerative braking affects brake light activation in EVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia Niro EV, compare jump-starting with cables vs. lithium battery boosters, dig into timing chain vs. timing belt replacement costs in models like the Honda CR-V, and help you decide whether to buy or lease a Honda Ridgeline. Plus, we highlight the best used cars for easier entry and exit, including the Toyota Crown and Subaru Crosstrek. 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 01:39 - Question #1: Does the old '55 mph is best' rule still work with 10-speed transmissions? 05:51 - Question #2: Can jump-starting hurt electronics—or is a lithium booster safer? 10:08 - Question #3: Timing chain vs. timing belt: why aren't chains standard? 13:36 - Question #4: Does regen…

More episodes of Talking Cars (MP3)

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Talking Cars (MP3) podcast page.