Motormouth: Do I need premium gas?
S.G., Highland Park, Illinois
A: Your engine will be fine. Knock sensors will see to that. Sure, you may lose a bit of fuel economy with regular, but do the math against the cost of premium. According to Gas Buddy, gasoline prices average $3.40 per gallon in Illinois. The average difference between regular and premium is usually around 15%.
Q: I have a 2018 Honda Accord with a 1.5-liter engine. I have been using synthetic oil since the car was new and change it every 5,000 miles. The car has 60,000 miles on it. Can I extend the oil change time using the maintenance minder percentage indicator?
B.B., Easton, Pennsylvania
A: Yes, you may. Car makers set up their maintenance intervals carefully. That said, I like to over-maintain, but just by a little. When the oil change monitor says 30%, I get ready to change my oil soon.
Q: I am the owner of an Infiniti l35 purchased by me in 2004 with 23,000 miles and I love this car. Is my car considered "antique," and do I still need the city of Chicago and state of Illinois stickers? I drive a couple of times a week to get groceries.
H.B., Chicago
A: Cars qualify for antique plates if they are older than 25 years and basically stock- no mods. The tags must be renewed every five years. You still need a Chicago city sticker if your car is your daily driver.
Q: I have a 2014 Toyota Highlander with 48,000 miles. The brakes/rotors were replaced at 40,000 miles. They squeal in reverse and sometimes in drive. A shop said they could not find a problem. The car is garaged and is driven in town only a few times per week. What could cause the squeal?
T.J., Chicago
A: Light surface rust can form on the brake rotors of cars that are not regularly driven. The problem is worse with high humidity and near the shore. Apply the brakes a few times when you first head out and the noise will likely stop … until the next time.
Q: I have been meaning to ask what my car is doing when it makes a buzzing sound at night. Today it made that sound at about 10 p.m. My car is a 2017 Toyota Highlander, and I do not have any known problems with it and so I have assumed that this buzzing is normal.
D.S., Addison, Illinois
A: Yes, the buzzing is normal. About five hours after the car is parked, the evaporate emissions system does a self-check.
Q: Have you ever heard of anyone jumping a dead battery with the car used for the jump not started?
B.F., Virginia Beach, Virginia
A: Yes, I have. The donor car doesn't have to be running, but it helps if it is.
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Trump and Newsom have made competing claims about California gas prices. We checked the facts.
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This 3-Row SUV Blends Reliability With Everyday Practicality
If you need a family SUV that will keep running smoothly for years, few three-row options have a stronger track record than this one. Blending dependable performance with smart practicality, it's become a go-to for drivers who prioritize long-term peace of mind. This SUV delivers a roomy interior, user-friendly tech, and fuel-efficient engine options, all backed by a reputation for lasting reliability. Whether you're hauling kids, cargo, or both, its versatile layout and proven dependability make it a standout in a crowded segment. While rivals might offer flashier styling or more aggressive powertrains, this three-row SUV wins over families with its quiet confidence and worry-free ownership. If you're looking for a daily driver that's as durable as it is practical, this is one of the safest bets on the road today. 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Toyota does sweeten the deal by covering your first two years of maintenance on the house, though. Toyota Equips the Highlander With a Comfortable and Spacious Interior Three-row mid-size SUVs are among the most popular vehicles for families, and it isn't hard to see why. The Highlander is an exceptionally versatile SUV, with plenty of room for up to eight passengers. It may not be the most exciting, nor the flashiest option on the market, but Toyota focuses on functionality, which they deliver in spades in the 2025 Highlander. Interior Dimensions and Comfort Depending on its configuration, the Highlander has seating for up to eight. Opting for the optional second-row captain's chairs reduces capacity down to seven. Those in the first and second row are spoiled, with tons of room to stretch out and relax. The third row is a little tighter, with it only really being suitable for children. If you want more room in the way back seats, we'd suggest the Grand Highlander. 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There are plenty of features to keep the family connected and entertained on journeys, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also have access to SiriusXM satellite radio and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. As well as the many USB ports throughout the cabin, most trims come with a wireless smartphone charging pad. Base models get a six-speaker sound system, but you can upgrade to an 11-speaker premium JBL system instead. You Don't Have To Climb the Trim Ladder Very Far To Find Good Value A lot of modern automakers reel you in with low starting prices. However, it is often the case that to find a model with the features that you actually want, you have to skip a couple trim levels and shell out a lot more cash. This isn't the case with the 2025 Highlander, though, with Toyota ensuring that even the most affordable models offer plenty of value. 2025 Trims and Pricing The 2025 Highlander starts at just above $40,000, which is pretty standard for a three-row mid-size SUV. Most of its competitors sit in the same price bracket. For the 2025 model year, Toyota has made some changes to help improve the value proposition of their crossover. This includes adding all-wheel drive as standard on the XSE and Platinum models. All hybrid models also come standard with all-wheel drive now. Whether you're looking for a hybrid or a gas-only model, we think that the XLE represents the best value. It is a relatively small jump in price over the base model, but it comes with a ton of equipment to justify its higher price. Things like second-row captain's chairs, heated seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the option of upgrading the audio system all make it worth it. If you're willing to spend more upfront for savings later, we'd also suggest going with the hybrid over the gas-only model. Performance Specifications You can either go with the turbocharged gas-only Highlander, or one equipped with a naturally aspirated hybrid setup. While the gas-only model may entice you with higher power figures, the reality is that both accelerate at pretty similar rates. In either guise, the Highlander is reasonably peppy, and you're never going to feel like you can't keep up. Toyota's mid-size SUV is not a particularly exciting vehicle to drive. While the traditional automatic and turbocharged engine might be alluring to some, it doesn't result in a much more entertaining experience than the hybrid with the CVT. Both models do, however, deliver a pretty smooth and comfortable ride, which is more important in a family car in our opinion. The hybrid is more expensive upfront, but will save you plenty on gas in the long run.
