Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts
About this episode
The discussion covers three main automotive topics: the true fuel efficiency of driving speeds in modern cars with advanced transmissions, the safety and convenience of portable lithium jump starters versus traditional jumper cables, and the pros and cons of timing chains versus timing belts in vehicles like Honda CRVs and Pilots. The hosts explain how air resistance impacts fuel economy more than gearing, recommend jump starters for ease and electronic protection, and share personal experiences with timing belt maintenance costs versus timing chain longevity and potential failures.
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 braking trigger the brake lights?
17:54 - Question #5: Keep my Honda Ridgeline or wait for a hybrid version?
21:05 - Question #6: What's the best used car that's easy for seniors to get in and out of?
----------------------------------
Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Jump Starter Test Results
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jump-starters/c37102/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How to Find a Great Mechanic
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-shops/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Brake Lights Can Fail to Provide Fair Warning on Some Electric Vehicles
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How to Make Your Car More Accessible for Aging, Injury, Disability, or Pregnancy
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/how-to-make-your-car-more-accessible-a9092978287/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Acura Tlx
"My 2021 Acura TLX, which I absolutely love, I mean, look at this thing, it doesn't let itself get into 10th gear to its top gear until 62 miles an hour."
The 2021 Acura TLX is a fancy car that can change gears automatically to help it drive smoothly and save gas. It has many gears so it can go fast or slow efficiently.
The 2021 Acura TLX is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its sporty handling and advanced technology features. It comes with a modern multi-speed automatic transmission that manages gear shifts for optimal performance and efficiency.
aerodynamic drag
"No matter what your gearing is, power, any of that kind of stuff, basically the faster you go, you're just fighting air. You're moving air, and air is really heavy. Anyone who's rolled the window down on the highway, stick your hand out the window, and your arm gets blown back, that's that wind resistance. So the faster you go, and it's not linear. It's not like you go a little faster, it gets a little worse. You go a little faster, it gets a lot worse."
Aerodynamic drag is the air pushing against your car when you drive. The faster you go, the harder the air pushes, making your car use more gas.
Aerodynamic drag is the resistance a vehicle faces from air as it moves forward. This resistance increases exponentially with speed, meaning driving faster requires significantly more energy and fuel to overcome air resistance.
wind resistance
""So basically, speed is the thing that is your downfall here, speed and wind resistance.""
Wind resistance is the air pushing against a car when it moves. The faster the car goes, the harder the air pushes back, making the car use more fuel.
Wind resistance, or aerodynamic drag, is the force air exerts against a moving vehicle, which increases with speed and reduces fuel efficiency.
gearing
""But that's not all, like you mentioned, gearing. Cars do have more than three and four speeds now.""
Gearing is how a car changes the way its engine power is used to make the car go faster or slower. Different gears help the car use fuel better or go faster.
Gearing refers to the arrangement and ratios of gears in a vehicle's transmission that determine how engine power is delivered to the wheels. Different gear ratios affect acceleration, top speed, and fuel economy.
10-speed automatic transmission
""Some of these automatics have 10 speeds, and you can't even access them until certain speeds are reached.""
A 10-speed automatic transmission is a type of car gearbox that can change through ten different gears automatically. This helps the car run better and use less fuel.
A 10-speed automatic transmission uses ten different gear ratios to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Modern automatics can shift through many gears smoothly and may lock out certain gears until appropriate speeds are reached.
fuel economy
""You might be going that fast, so now they have gearing to give you the best possible fuel economy at that speed...""
Fuel economy means how far a car can go using a certain amount of gas. A car with good fuel economy uses less gas to go the same distance.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, usually measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Better fuel economy means more miles driven per unit of fuel.
fuel injector
""...where the computer that controls the engine can actually change how long the fuel injector is on, so you could have less RPM but more fuel being used.""
A fuel injector is a part that puts fuel into the engine so the car can run. The car's computer decides how much fuel to use by controlling this part.
A fuel injector is a component that sprays fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. The engine computer controls how long the injector stays open to regulate fuel delivery and optimize performance and efficiency.
RPM
""...so you could have less RPM but more fuel being used.""
RPM means how fast the engine is turning around every minute. It helps show how hard the engine is working.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and measures how fast the engine's crankshaft is spinning. It is a key indicator of engine speed and performance.
throttle
"...if you're halfway down on the throttle, the fuel injectors are still spraying a lot of fuel, even though it's the best possible gear. If you're on the throttle, you're injecting fuel in the engine."
The throttle is like a gas pedal that controls how much fuel the engine uses. Pressing it less helps save fuel and makes your car more efficient.
The throttle controls the amount of air entering the engine, which in turn regulates fuel injection and engine power output. Staying off the throttle or easing it can improve fuel economy by reducing fuel consumption.
electric vehicle (EV)
"Now what about EVs? I was just going to say that as EVs, I mean, they eat up range when you're at the highway speeds there."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity stored in batteries instead of gas. It doesn't make smoke and can be cheaper to drive in some ways.
An electric vehicle (EV) is powered by electric motors using energy stored in batteries instead of internal combustion engines that burn fuel. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and have different efficiency characteristics compared to gasoline cars.
battery pack
"I was just going to say that as EVs, I mean, they eat up range when you're at the highway speeds there. They do. So really they're most efficient for the battery pack when you're going at slow speeds around the city."
The battery pack is like a big rechargeable battery that gives power to the electric car so it can move. How far the car can go depends on how big and good the battery is.
The battery pack in an electric vehicle stores electrical energy used to power the electric motors. Its capacity and efficiency determine the vehicle's driving range and performance.
electric vehicle highway range test
"And when we do our electric vehicle highway range test, we travel at 70. And I would love to do it at like 80, 85, but the lawyers won't let us. I've already asked. So that they, you know, we're set to that 70 because it is pretty reasonable."
This test checks how far an electric car can go on the highway before the battery runs out. It helps people know what to expect when driving long distances.
An electric vehicle highway range test measures how far an EV can travel on a single charge at highway speeds, providing realistic data on driving range under typical conditions.
jump starting
"Recently, I've read that jump starting a car with cables has the potential of damaging in car electronics with the dead battery."
Jump starting means using another car's battery or a special device to help start your car when its battery is dead. If done wrong, it can hurt the car's computer and electronics.
Jump starting is the process of starting a vehicle with a dead battery by using cables connected to another vehicle's battery or an external power source. It can sometimes risk damaging sensitive electronics if not done properly.
battery boost pack with a lithium battery
"Would you recommend using a battery boost pack with a lithium battery that can be hooked up directly to the battery?"
A battery boost pack is a small, portable battery that can help start your car if the battery is dead. It uses a special type of battery called lithium, which lasts a long time but needs to be charged every few months.
A battery boost pack with a lithium battery is a portable device that can jump start a car by connecting directly to the battery. Lithium batteries are lightweight and hold charge well but need periodic recharging.
battery location in modern cars
"Or the car is backed in and you think, oh, the car is dead and maybe I can jump it from opening the hood and then the battery is buried beneath the trunk and we can't get to it."
In many newer cars, the battery isn't easy to find because it's hidden in places like the trunk. This can make it harder to jump start the car.
Modern cars, especially hybrids and electric vehicles, often have their starter batteries located in less accessible places like beneath the trunk or under panels, making jump starting more complicated.
hybrids and EVs starter batteries
"We're especially seeing that with hybrids and even EVs with starter batteries too."
Hybrid and electric cars have special batteries that help start the car and run its systems. These batteries can be tricky to find or reach.
Hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) have starter batteries that power the car's electronics and systems. These batteries can be complex and are sometimes located in unusual places compared to traditional cars.
jump box
"Yeah, and I mean, Rick's correct here that these jump boxes are nice and they do have some technology built in that if you were to connect them backwards, meaning the positive to negative, negative to positive, there's electronics in the box that help protect the vehicle. You can absolutely damage both vehicles if you jump start them incorrectly. So if you're not a mechanic, if you're not mechanically inclined, if you're not comfortable with that, a jump box is definitely the safer solution because of those built-in little bits of basically computer, like there's a computer circuit in there that stops you from causing damage and things like that. And then it is nice because you don't need to flag down a stranger in a parking lot to have them come over and jump start your vehicle, you're just for self-sufficient."
A jump box is a small battery pack that helps start your car if the battery is dead. It’s safer and easier than asking someone else for help.
A jump box is a portable battery device used to jump-start a vehicle without needing another car. It contains electronics to protect against incorrect connections and provides a self-sufficient way to start a dead battery.
lithium ion battery
"And also make sure that you, if you have one that's a lithium ion battery, that's a big lithium ion battery. So if it starts to like bulge or look kind of weird, keep an eye on it, especially if it's sitting outside for long periods of time, if you're in a place with huge temperature changes that can put some stress on it. So just make sure you, you know, because no one wants a lithium ion battery fire. Yeah, they have a good draft. But that is a good point. Like what, you know, it gets cold and all these heat cycles. If you don't maintain that lithium ion battery, it's useless."
A lithium ion battery is a type of battery that stores energy to power devices like jump boxes. They work well but need to be taken care of so they don’t get damaged or catch fire.
Lithium ion batteries are rechargeable batteries commonly used in portable electronics and jump boxes. They are lightweight and have high energy density but require careful maintenance to avoid damage or fire risks.
Honda Crvs
"...ing chains as opposed to timing belts like Honda CRVs? I'm looking to replace my 2007 Honda Pilot LX."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that many people like because it doesn’t need some parts changed as often, like the timing chain inside the engine instead of a belt. This means it can be easier and cheaper to take care of over time.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its reliability and practicality. It uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt, which generally requires less maintenance and reduces long-term ownership costs. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a durable and low-maintenance vehicle.
Honda Pilots
"...of my concerns with high mileage slash low price Honda pilots was the expense of a timing belt and water pump r..."
The Honda Pilot is a bigger SUV that can fit a family comfortably. Older models need some parts inside the engine changed every so often to keep the car running well, so it’s good to know about this before buying one.
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV known for its spacious seating and family-friendly features. Earlier models, like the 2007 version, use a timing belt that requires periodic replacement along with the water pump to avoid engine damage. This maintenance consideration is important for buyers looking at high-mileage or older Pilots.
timing belt
"I would much rather do that timing belt service every 60,000 miles than have a timing chain that's supposed to be lifetime."
The timing belt is like a rubber band inside your car's engine that helps parts move together at the right time. It needs to be changed every so often, usually around 60,000 miles, to keep your car running safely.
A timing belt is a rubber belt that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s) in an internal combustion engine, ensuring the engine's valves open and close at the correct times. It typically requires replacement at regular intervals, such as every 60,000 miles, to prevent failure that can cause severe engine damage.
timing chain
"than have a timing chain that's supposed to be lifetime. And then at 140,000 miles, you have to replace it anyway. You hear that tensioner and a timing chain replacement. That is a big, big job."
The timing chain is a metal chain inside the engine that helps parts move together at the right time. It's supposed to last a long time without needing to be changed, but if it breaks, fixing it can be a big job.
A timing chain is a metal chain that performs the same function as a timing belt, synchronizing the engine's camshaft and crankshaft. It is often marketed as 'lifetime' and typically requires less frequent replacement, but when it does fail or the tensioner wears out, the repair is more complex and costly.
service records
"...if you're not buying it from the original owner, who has the the logbook and or there's the sticker that says, you know, timing belt replaced, you just kind of have to plan for that because you've you've you've you've got that ticking time bomb..."
Service records are papers or logs that show what work has been done on a car, like oil changes or fixing parts. They help you know if the car has been taken care of properly.
Service records are documentation of all maintenance and repairs performed on a vehicle. They help verify that recommended services, like timing belt replacements, have been done, which is important when buying used cars to assess reliability and future maintenance needs.
aftermarket independent shop
"...You don't have to go to the dealership to have a timing belt done. They're pretty straightforward at this point. And there's a lot of independence out there that can totally handle it. And you could probably get it done for about half price as compared to like your OE dealer..."
An aftermarket independent shop is a car repair place that isn't a dealership. They can fix your car and usually charge less money than the dealer.
An aftermarket independent shop is a non-dealer automotive repair facility that can perform maintenance and repairs, often at lower costs than dealerships. They may specialize in certain repairs and can be a cost-effective option for jobs like timing belt or chain replacements.
Hyundai Kona
"Henry from Friendship Heights, Maryland, where I have never almost bought a condo, asks, we have a 2021 Kona electric. I almost always use regenerative braking and my wife mostly doesn't."
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is a small electric SUV that uses a battery for power instead of gas. It can recover energy when slowing down to help the battery last longer.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact electric SUV known for its efficient electric powertrain and practical range. It features regenerative braking which helps recharge the battery during deceleration.
regenerative braking
"I almost always use regenerative braking and my wife mostly doesn't. If regen braking is enabled, do the brake lights come on when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator?"
Regenerative braking helps electric cars save energy when you slow down by turning the motor into a generator that charges the battery. It also means you don't use the regular brakes as much.
Regenerative braking is a system in electric and hybrid vehicles that recovers energy during deceleration by using the electric motor to slow the car and recharge the battery. This process reduces wear on traditional brakes and improves overall efficiency.
Kia
"But a shout out to Hyundai and Kia for actually having those the regen paddles. Yes, that is awesome."
Kia is a company that makes cars, including electric cars that use batteries.
Kia is a South Korean car manufacturer and a sister company to Hyundai. Kia produces electric vehicles and shares technology platforms such as EGMP with Hyundai.
regen paddles
"But a shout out to Hyundai and Kia for actually having those the regen paddles. Yes, that is awesome."
Regen paddles are buttons or levers you can use to make the car slow down more or less and save energy while driving.
Regen paddles are controls, often mounted on the steering wheel or column, that allow drivers to manually adjust the level of regenerative braking in real time. This lets drivers tailor the car's deceleration and energy recovery to their preference.
GM
"I also love the GM cars where you just squeeze it. Yeah, that's a good one."
GM is a big car company in the US that makes electric cars. Some of their cars let you control how much the car slows down by how hard you press the brake.
GM (General Motors) is a major American automotive company that produces electric and hybrid vehicles with regenerative braking systems. Some GM cars feature a unique regenerative braking control where the driver squeezes the brake pedal to increase regen.
Honda Ridgeline
"...lo's sense of humor. The lease of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTLE is up in six months. And I have some decisi..."
The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that drives more like a car, making it easier and more comfortable to use every day. It’s good if you want a truck but don’t need something too rough or big.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unique midsize pickup truck that emphasizes comfort, car-like handling, and innovative features over traditional rugged truck traits. It shares some design cues with the Passport SUV and is popular among those who want a versatile truck for everyday use. Lease and ownership decisions often consider its blend of utility and refinement.
Honda Passport
"...he Ridgeline. It's likely going to look like the passport. And there's also rumors that Honda is going to ..."
The Honda Passport is a bigger SUV that can handle rough roads and is good for families or people who like outdoor activities. It’s made by Honda, so it’s usually dependable and easy to take care of.
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that offers a rugged design and off-road capability while maintaining Honda’s reputation for reliability. It shares some design and mechanical elements with the Ridgeline pickup truck, making it a versatile option for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s often discussed when comparing Honda’s SUV lineup.
Ford Maverick
"but maybe give the Maverick hybrid a try. It's a little it's smaller. You might not have that, you know, if your family grows anymore, that backseat might be a little a little tight for you."
The Ford Maverick hybrid is a small truck that uses both gas and electricity to save fuel. It's smaller than most trucks and good for smaller families.
The Ford Maverick hybrid is a compact pickup truck with a hybrid powertrain offering good fuel economy and a smaller size compared to traditional trucks.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...ments, errands, outings, etc. In my parents 2020 Hyundai Ioniq, but it is painful for my parents and I to get i..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new kind of car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It’s roomy and has cool features, making it a good choice for people who want a clean and quiet ride.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a modern electric SUV praised for its futuristic design, spacious interior, and advanced technology. As an all-electric vehicle, it represents Hyundai’s push into the EV market, offering a practical and eco-friendly option for daily driving. It’s often highlighted for its comfortable ride and fast charging capabilities.
Toyota RAV4
"...ke the Camry are too low, but small SUVs like the RAV4 are too high. I thought maybe an Odyssey or Sien..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that sits higher off the ground than regular cars, which some people like for better views while driving. It’s reliable and good for families or people who want extra space.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and higher ride height compared to sedans like the Camry. It’s a popular choice for those wanting more space and a commanding driving position but sometimes considered too tall by buyers seeking a middle ground. The RAV4 offers a balance of efficiency and utility.
Toyota Camry
"...king to spend 15,000 to $23,000. Sedans like the Camry are too low, but small SUVs like the RAV4 are too..."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that’s comfortable and easy to drive. It’s not very tall like some SUVs, so some people might find it too low, but it’s good if you want a reliable and affordable car.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan well-regarded for its comfort, fuel efficiency, and strong resale value. It’s often discussed as a practical and reliable family car, though some buyers find sedans too low compared to SUVs. The Camry fits well within a moderate budget and offers a smooth driving experience.
Toyota Sienna
"I thought maybe an Odyssey or Sienna might work, but they don't need a vehicle that large."
The Toyota Sienna is a large family car that can carry many people and their things comfortably.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan offering spacious seating and available all-wheel drive, popular among families.
Honda Odyssey
"I thought maybe an Odyssey or Sienna might work, but they don't need a vehicle that large."
The Honda Odyssey is a big car that families use because it has lots of seats and space for people and stuff.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and comfortable ride.
Toyota Crown
"...too low and the RAV4 being too high is, well, the crown, the Toyota crown is right in between there."
The Toyota Crown is a fancy car that’s not too low like some cars and not too tall like some SUVs. It’s comfortable and has nice features for people who want a smooth and stylish ride.
The Toyota Crown is a luxury sedan that balances ride height between low sedans like the Camry and taller SUVs like the RAV4. It offers a premium driving experience with advanced features and comfort, often appealing to buyers wanting something refined but not too high off the ground.
vehicle height
"But then I went into our database and I crunched some numbers and I looked at the height of vehicles. So this I know it's it's more of a proxy of what is high enough for access. But the actual height of the vehicle when you look at a RAV4, it's 67 inches, the Camry is 57 inches."
Vehicle height is how tall a car is from the ground to the top, which can make it easier or harder to get in and out.
Vehicle height refers to the measurement from the ground to the highest point of the car, which affects ease of entry and exit as well as driving position.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...re gonna go run an errand, but sorry, I'm in the Corvette today. You know, that has happened."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and sporty car that looks really cool. People like to drive it when they want something fun and exciting, even just for quick trips.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its powerful performance and distinctive design. It’s often mentioned in conversations about fun, fast cars that stand out during everyday activities. The Corvette combines speed with a sense of style, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.