News Channel 9: Consumer Reports

Best Buy Gas Grills

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:11:00 GMT

More and more people are eating out less and less. Grilling can be a great way to mix up the menu. Consumer Reports just tested grills and has some inexpensive ones to recommend, as well as ways to keep your grill going longer.

With a little extra effort, you can enjoy your grill for years to come. Along with cleaning the grill after every use, you want to make sure you periodically check for gas leaks.

An easy way to do that is to mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water, then spray the mixture along the hose and over connections. If you get any bubbling, that means you have a gas leak. You either need to replace the hose or tighten the connections. But if you're looking for a new grill, there are a number of ways to save.

First—you'll see plenty of grills out there with extra-large cooking areas. But do you really need that? For the occasional large gathering, instead of buying a huge grill you might want to cook in batches. Another money-saver—skip options you'll never use. If you don't need a rotisserie burner or a side burner, save your money.

Consumer Reports' tests found several grills that cook as well as ones that cost twice as much. The Kenmore model 16641 is a Best Buy at $350. And the Char-Broil Commercial Series model 463247009 is also a Best Buy, at $300. Both grills can handle high temperatures without excessive flare-up and can turn out great-tasting steaks, chicken, and fish.

Another way you can extend the life of your grill—replace the parts. Burners, the most commonly replaced gas grill part, are available at home centers or directly from manufacturers. The Char-Broil grill that Consumer Reports recommends comes with a lifetime warranty on its burners.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

So-So Celebrity Knives

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Consumer Reports' testers tried out 49 knife sets, which included anywhere from 3 to 20 pieces. The sets ranged from $50 to almost $600. Included in the tests some from TV celebrities such as Paula Deen, Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, and Rachael Ray.

To check for cutting performance of chef's knives, testers chopped carrots, onions, and celery. Testers cut potatoes with the smaller paring knives. And they sliced salami with slicers, which have long narrow blades that are great for cutting meats.

So how did the famous chefs' knives size up? None of the celebrity knife sets tested was in the top 10 of the ratings. The Martha Stewart was down at the bottom and the Paula Deen didn't fare much better.

When all the tests were done, the eight-piece Ginsu Chikara knife set sliced its way to a Best Buy with its excellent cutting performance. It costs $100. For less money, the $60 Chicago Cutlery Metropolitan set did very good cutting. It's also an eight-piece set. You can order the Chicago Cutlery Metropolitan set online through the company's Web site.

When buying knives, Consumer Reports says it's always a good idea to hold it in your hand to make sure it feels comfortable and balanced. Textured-plastic, rubber, or bare-wood handles provide the best grip for wet hands.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Super Sunscreen

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:12:00 GMT

Most people know that sunscreen’s important when heading outdoors, but almost a third say they never use it—even when they’re in the sun for more than 4 hours! That’s according to Consumer Reports, which just tested sunscreens to find those that offer the best protection.

Testers applied sunscreen to people’s skin at an independent lab. After waiting at least 15 minutes, they exposed the skin to UVA or UVB radiation.

All of the sunscreens offered good to excellent UVB protection. That’s known as the SPF. The SPF, or sun protection factor, tells you how much sun you can handle before burning, compared with wearing no sunscreen at all. Consumer Reports recommends an SPF of at least 30.

And it’s important to reapply sunscreen after you swim or work up a sweat—and as a general rule, every 2 hours.

When it came to UVA rays, tests showed one of the lotions was just fair—Banana Boat Kids’ Tear Free, with an SPF of 50.

But another lotion also marketed for kids did well: Coppertone’s Water Babies, and adults can use it too.

If you prefer spray, save money by getting Target’s Up and Up Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray with an SPF of 30. It was the least expensive sunscreen tested.

And whether you spray sunscreen on or rub it in, use a generous amount.

A word about skin cancer—Consumer Reports says don’t rely on sunscreen alone for protection. Take other precautions such as wearing a hat and tightly woven clothing. And remember the best protection: Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Gas Saving Scooters

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Scooters are an inexpensive way to get around town. In addition to being fun, they're great on gas. In its tests, Consumer Reports found that scooters deliver 55 to 70 mpg around town. But they can only go about 50 mph. That means they're not allowed on many highways and it could be difficult to keep up with traffic. Even on the streets, it's pretty intimidating riding alongside faster, larger vehicles.

Safety is an important consideration. Road imperfections and varying surface conditions that you don't notice in a car can be hazardous on a scooter. Even the smallest car gives you some level of protection, while a scooter leaves you completely exposed. Nonetheless, fluctuating fuel prices and a tough economy have sent sales of scooters through the roof. Sales are more than 10 times higher than a decade ago.

Consumer Reports tested six scooters: three entry-level models with 50 cc engines and three others with 125 to 150 cc engines. The prices range from $1,000 to $4,400.

When all the tests were done, the $3,300 Vespa LX-50 and the Kymco People 150 cc scooter for $2,800 were best in their class. Each has a smooth engine and rides comfortably.

Consumer Reports says that you always want to wear protective gear on a scooter—ideally gear that's brightly colored to make you more visible. Also avoid traveling in bad weather. And if you're a new rider, Consumer Reports says to get some professional training. It's available through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at msf-usa.org/.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Kindle Vs Sony Reader

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Electronic book readers are catching on. Some say they're going to revolutionize the way the world reads. Amazon's Kindle and Sony's Reader are the two biggest sellers. Consumer Reports ran a side-by-side comparison.

With the Kindle 2, the type is crisp and you can easily change the size. Turning the page is about as fast as turning the page on a real book, and if you get tired of reading, the Kindle will read to you.

The Kindle is surprisingly simple to use. No computer is needed. You connect wirelessly to Amazon's huge collection of e-book titles, pick the book you want, and it downloads directly to the Kindle in less than a minute. There's no connection charge. A bestseller costs about $10.

As for the Sony Reader—the newest one has the same screen size as the Kindle and costs about the same, around $350. Sony's bookstore has fewer titles, but you do get easy access to Google's library of free classics.

But with the Sony, there are a lot more steps. You have to install software on your computer, then download the book, and then you have to transfer it with a USB cord. For e-readers on the go, Consumer Reports says the wireless Kindle is a lot easier to use.

Amazon is planning to introduce a new Kindle—the DX—this summer. The company says it will have a bigger screen than the Kindle 2, and that it's designed for people to read newspapers easily. It'll have a bigger price too—$489. Consumer Reports will be checking it out as soon as it's available.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Best Netbooks

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

The smallest laptop computers have usually been the most costly. Now, in the nick of time for cash-strapped consumers, even smaller netbooks are coming to the rescue, with even lower prices.

The typical netbook weighs about 3 pounds, has a 9- to 10-inch screen, and costs $300 to $400. But which ones truly rate? Consumer Reports tested six netbooks to find out. All of them performed well enough at Web surfing and e-mail, but there are some major differences in areas such as ergonomics and battery life.

Testers top-rated a 10-inch Samsung NC10-14GB, which has a 160GB hard drive and an impressive 7-hour battery life, and offers the fewest compromises. But at $450 it was the most expensive netbook tested.

Looking to spend less? Consumer Reports recommends two that go for around $350. The 10-inch Acer Aspire One AOD-150-1165 has a long battery life but the keyboard is a little cramped. On the flip side, the 10-inch Asus Eee PC 1000H has a roomier keyboard but a shorter battery life.

Regardless of the model you choose, none has a built-in DVD or CD drive, and forget about demanding tasks such as 3D gaming or video-editing. For those you'll need a full-powered machine.

The key to finding happiness with a netbook is deciding which compromises you can live with, in order to get the benefits of a truly tiny laptop.

When you're shopping for a netbook, Consumer Reports says be aware that they tend to work best as a second computer, in addition to a home- or business-based system.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Luscious Light Ice Cream

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Sales of ice cream are expected to top $4 billion this year. That's a lot of scoops. But what if you want to cut back on calories? Consumer Reports just pitted several full-fat ice creams against their lighter versions to see how they compare.

Consumer Reports taste-tested three favorite flavors—the light versions as well as the full fat. Included: Ben & Jerry's Phish Food, Breyers Butter Pecan, and Edy's (called Dreyer's west of the Rocky Mountains) Mint Chocolate Chip.

Consumer Reports also evaluated Häagen-Dazs coffee ice cream and Häagen-Dazs Five, its new, reduced-fat counterpart.

Technically, the Häagen-Dazs Five isn't a light ice cream because in order to qualify for that label, it has to have a third fewer calories or half the fat of the full-fat version. But it does have a third less fat than the regular Häagen-Dazs.

As for the taste—testers were impressed. Häagen-Dazs Five is even denser and creamier than the regular version!

And the three light ice creams impressed testers as well. They weren't exactly the same as the regular versions, but the testers said all three were quite tasty and flavorful.

If you're trying to count calories, Consumer Reports says your two best light bets are Breyers and Edy's/Dreyer's. Edy's/Dreyer's Slow Churned Mint Chocolate Chip was minty with lots of delicious chocolate chips. While it was a little gummy overall, it was still very good.

The Breyers Light ice cream was even better. Testers said the Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Butter Pecan is sweeter and tastes more buttery than the regular version.

Sweeter yet—both of those ice creams cost less than half as much as the Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's.

Consumer Reports says the claim "light" can be a little confusing. Among the light ice creams, testers found a difference of as much as 90 calories per serving. So if you're trying to lose weight, always check the nutrition information before you buy.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Pitfalls Of Buying Hearing Aids

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Do you find it hard to hear conversations in restaurants? Or are you always asking people to repeat themselves? You might very well need a hearing aid. But Consumer Reports finds that might be easier said than done.

Consumer Reports had a dozen volunteers purchase pairs of hearing aids to assess the shopping experience. Hearing aids can be expensive—one pair cost more than $6,000. And it turns out that getting the right hearing aid for your needs is no easy matter. Two-thirds of the 48 hearing aids were not adjusted properly for their wearers. In addition, a lot of shoppers didn't get information on features that could have helped their hearing aids' performance.

There are all sorts of hearing aids to choose from. And Consumer Reports says no one hearing aid is good for everyone.

Your first step is to find a person and place to prescribe and fit your hearing aids. Ideally that's an ear doctor's office, which usually employs audiologists. Be sure to check out these options.

Consumer Reports says when shopping for a hearing aid, discuss your lifestyle.

Ask about a telecoil if you talk a lot on the telephone.
Consider a directional microphone, which helps people hear in noisy environments.
And find out about digital noise reduction, which helps reduce annoying background noise.

When you pick up your hearing aids, it's critical that they're fitting properly. You need to have several tests done. And one that's crucial is the real-ear test. That test measures the match between your hearing loss and the response of your hearing aid.

Consumer Reports says whenever buying a hearing aid, always be sure to get a money-back guarantee. And don't forget to practice using a new hearing aid before you take it home. For instance, you want to try using the controls and changing the batteries. CLICK HERE to find a complete list of questions to ask before buying a hearing aid.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Dangerous Cribs Caution

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Consumer Reports says there are lots of problems with cribs—especially ones with drop sides. The problem is that the hardware on drop-side cribs can fail, and that can open up a dangerous gap in which a child can get his head entrapped and possibly be strangled.

Problems with drop sides have lead to the recent recalls of more than a 1.5 million Delta cribs and more than 1 million Simplicity cribs. Toys "R" Us has announced it will no longer order drop-side cribs.

At this point, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of some 4 million cribs. You can check whether your crib is one of them by going to www.cpsc.gov/cribs.html.

With so many cribs being recalled, it's all the more important that consumers don't buy secondhand cribs.

Consumer Reports says instead parents should get a new, stationary-side crib with sides that don't drop. A good choice is the Ikea Leksvik. It's a Consumer Reports Best Buy at $160. And it rated excellent for safety.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

It Pays To Negotiate... Especially Now

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

People are cutting back on lots of purchases these days. But if there's something you've got to buy, Consumer Reports says get ready to negotiate. In fact, there's never been a better time to haggle over everything from electronics and clothes to furniture—even medical bills.

Consumer Reports says your approach is critical. Demanding a discount will get you nowhere. And trying to work a deal in front of other customers is a bad idea, too. You want to find the person in charge, be polite, and be discreet.

Consumer Reports' special publication, Rebuild Your Finances, says in order to negotiate the best deal, you've got to do your homework. Check the Web for the best prices and gather up sales flyers, newspaper ads, and circulars to take to the store. If you have proof that an item is being sold for less elsewhere, ask the store to match it. But if you can't get a break on price, ask for free shipping, delivery, or installation.

Another opportunity to haggle—floor models at furniture and appliance stores. Electronics stores, too. Consumer Reports finds that more than 90 percent of those who've asked for a discount in the last few years got it on at least one purchase.

Also keep an eye out for minor flaws. For example, a bag was priced at $20 was sold for $3 because there was a rip in the lining. And paying with cash is another way to sweeten the deal.

Consumer Reports says timing can make a big difference in snagging a good deal. Try at the end of the month when salespeople are trying to meet their quotas. And don't forget to ask about upcoming sales. Even ask whether a salesperson can set something aside for you until the sale.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Great Promo Codes & Coupon Savings

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:11:00 GMT

Coupon fraud is on the rise, according to the National Grocers Association. To avoid a fake, Consumer Reports says check the coupon expiration date to make sure it hasn't been altered. Consumer Reports ShopSmart has identified great places to get coupons.

Good sites include Coupons.com, SmartSource.com, and CoolSavings.com. ShopSmart says to always check on the first day of the month, that's when they usually load the new coupons.

To print the coupons, you will have to download special software. ShopSmart advises printing the whole page so that the store manager can see that it's from a legitimate source.

And for more supermarket savings, before you head to the store check for sales online at MyGroceryDeals.com. You can compare coupons at your favorite supermarkets and decide where to shop that week, and maybe even plan your menus around what's on sale.

ShopSmart says before you head out to shop, it also pays to go to the store's Web site and look for discounts. These days, even outlet stores have coupons you can print out.

You can even get coupons on the go, says ShopSmart, if you have an Internet-enabled cell phone. Sign up at Cellfire.com. And whenever you log on, coupons will be downloaded right to your phone to show at the store.

When you shop online, you're often asked for a promotional code. Don't have one? ShopSmart says, "No problem!" It's easy to find promotion codes online. Just go to Google, and type in the words "promotion code" and the name of the Web site where you're shopping. You can often find a code to enter.

You can get more money-saving tips at: www.shopsmartmag.org.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Health Insurance For College Grads

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Having a child graduate from college is a big milestone. But it's a harsh reality that once grown children are out of school, they often lose their health coverage. How can you avoid a potentially dangerous gap in coverage? Consumer Reports has some tips for families.

Best, of course, is getting a job with benefits. If no job materializes, check whether your child is eligible to stay on your health plan for up to three years under the federal COBRA program. It's the best option in terms of protection, says Consumer Reports. You'll have the same comprehensive coverage you always had, including prescription drugs and dental. But most importantly, if you have a pre-existing condition, it will be covered even when you change policies down the road. The major drawback: COBRA is expensive, averaging $400 a month.

Consumer Reports says to check with your insurance company to see whether there is a grace period after college graduation, or whether you have to sign up right away for COBRA or new insurance.

If COBRA is not an option, you can purchase an individual plan. EHealthInsurance.com is an excellent Web site where you can compare prices and benefits. The most important thing is to make sure you are covered in case of a major medical disaster.

Don't be sucked in by a low premium. In those plans, office visits to your primary doctor might not be covered. Prescription drugs and other basics might not be covered either.

Consumer Reports says graduates should also stay away from a third option—temporary insurance. If anything serious happens, the company does not have to renew, and it will be hard to find coverage anywhere else.

Consumer Reports has come up with a list of seven things to watch out for before you sign up for health insurance. Go to www.consumerreports.org/health/insurance/health-insurance/7-signs-that-the-plan-is-junk/health-insurance-7-signs-the-plan-is-junk.htm.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Eating Out For Less

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

With the economic downturn, people have really cut back on eating out. So plenty of restaurant chains are offering exceptional values these days, in an effort to keep customers coming in. But it doesn't matter how good the deals are if the food isn't good.

Consumer Reports surveyed subscribers about more than 150,000 visits to 101 restaurants. Twenty-one chains received the highest marks for food, with steakhouses generally the priciest category.

In a steak taste-off, Consumer Reports found that Morton's has an excellent strip steak for $53 that bested the rest. But consider Outback, which has a very good strip steak for $22. The strip steaks at Applebee's, for $18, and Friday's, for $17, were OK, too.

But be careful how much lower you go. None of the $9.99 "value" sirloins tested at Applebee's, Outback, and Friday's were anywhere near as flavorful and tender as their pricier counterparts.

Consumer Reports says there are plenty of other ways to save money, starting with going online. You can sign up for e-mail alerts from favorite restaurants, and find freebees. For example, Legal Seafood recently offered a free pound of shrimp cocktail. You can also join frequent dining programs at places such as Friday's and get a free appetizer or dessert. Or consider eating at the bar, where food can be cheaper. Getting food to go, rather than sitting down in a restaurant, can also be a way to stretch your dollars. For one, you don't have the cost of a tip.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Lawn Mowers For Less

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Your lawn mower's on its last leg—but you don't have much green for a new one? Don't despair! Consumer Reports tested 50 mowers and finds that you don't have to pay top dollar to get a good one.

Every mower is rated for its ability to cut in several modes—side discharge, mulching, and bagging. Good mowers disperse clippings evenly, not in big clumps.

If you want to mow your lawn at a budget price, two bare-bones push-mowers—one from Ariens #961360006 and the other from Yard Machines #11A-54MY—did a good job for the money. Both mowers feature overhead valve engines that run more cleanly and efficiently than traditional mower engines, and each one costs $200. But if you like using side discharge for clippings, those mowers are only fair.

Willing to spend more money? For better performance and less effort, the self-propelled $320 Toro Recycler #20330 did a very good job overall.

All three mowers are sold at Home Depot. If you have a smaller yard to mow, Consumer Reports named a $240 electric mower from Black & Decker a Best Buy. It's model MM875. Like many electric mowers, it has a power cord you have to maneuver around while mowing.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Summer Toy Test

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:12:00 GMT

Summer's coming and the name of the game is getting your kids outside to play. Summer toys can help. Consumer Reports. brought in young experts—age 6 to 13—to test half a dozen summer toys.

Prices ranged from $10 for the Flip N Flyer Gyroscopic Flying Disc to the pricey $100 Razor RipRider Trike.

The Crayola Sidewalk Paint Airbrush for $10 looked fun at first. But in the end, it didn't draw any fans. Testers said it runs out of paint really fast, takes a while to work, and half the time the airbrush pen didn't work.

The Smart Lab Blast-off Rocket Racer for ages 7 and up makes it look like building a rocket would be fun, but it was complicated for the kids to get it to work properly. Consumer Reports found even the adults had a tough time.

The riding toys got lots of play time. But the $70 PlaSmart PlasmaCar couldn't keep up. And it wasn't the fault of the testers because the toy's age range is 3 to 103.

So which toy had the biggest fun factor? The $100 Razor RipRider 360 Caster Trike was the biggest hit of the bunch. It has caster wheels that allow it to do spins and it was a favorite for most of the kids.

But for much less, the Nerf Big Bad Bow for $19 also got a lot of play. It comes with three soft foam arrows and it was a real hit.

Another inexpensive option that the kids enjoyed was the Stellar Toys Flip N Flyer Gyroscopic Flying Disk. It's designed for children ages 7and up and costs $10.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Sizing Up Work-At-Home Offers

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

In a bad economy, you might be tempted to try and make extra money at home. Countless work-at-home Web sites claim you can earn thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. But be wary. The Federal Trade Commission has gone after hundreds of work-at-home schemes in recent years. Consumer Reports looked at several current offers and can tell you what kinds to avoid.

For instance, maybe you're handy and would like to assemble flies for fly-fishing or other products at home. Gone Fish'n Tackle Company promises to pay 50 cents per fly. But Consumer Reports says here's the catch: After you pay for the materials from Gone Fish'n, you'd have to tie more than 30 flies an hour just to make minimum wage. A longtime fisherman says that even with his experience, he couldn't tie that many good flies in an hour, and certainly not all day long.

Another site—MyEasyHomeJob.com—promises to teach you how to make as much as $350,000 a year stuffing envelopes and mailing company circulars. Consumer Reports paid $67 for access to a Web site that tells you how to place ads and ensnare other people in get-rich-quick schemes.

Then there's Google Money Tree, which is not affiliated with the Google search engine. It claims its free CD will tell you an "amazing secret" of selling on the Internet. The information isn't very helpful and if you don't cancel within a week, the company will charge your credit card $72 a month for access to its Web site.

Consumer Reports says that before you sign up for any offer, check with the Better Business Bureau at: www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews. It gave all three of those companies a big "F."

Consumer Reports contacted all three companies, but only Gone Fish'n responded. A spokesperson says dissatisfied customers can get a full refund on the fly-tying kit within 45 days of purchase.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Don't Count On Used Car Reports

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:09:00 GMT

Many used-car buyers rely on vehicle-history reports from companies such as Carfax to see whether a vehicle has been in a wreck. But a Consumer Reports investigation finds those services are far from foolproof.

Consumer Reports located dozens of wrecked vehicles advertised online, most of which later came up with clean records.

For example, a 2007 Acura MDX that was dramatically damaged came up as having no accident or damage on the Carfax report. None of the other car-history reports Consumer Reports checked revealed the accident either, including AutoCheck. It gave the vehicle a score of 89 out of 100.

Consumer Reports says one reason the services miss accidents is that they depend on the accident being reported to an insurance company. That doesn't always happen.

Despite those findings, Consumer Reports says checking car-history reports is still worth it for what they can tell you. And check several because one can miss what another picks up.

In addition to Carfax and AutoCheck, consult the free or inexpensive services—VinCheck, at nicb.org, and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information Systems, at nmvtis.gov.

But no matter what the reports say, Consumer Reports says nothing replaces having a used car inspected by an independent mechanic and checking it out thoroughly yourself.

In light of Consumer Reports' investigation, Carfax says it will begin looking at online advertisements for wrecked vehicles to see whether it is possible to include that information in its reports.

For more on how to protect yourself when you buy a used car, go to www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-buying-advice/guide-to-used-car-buying/narrow-your-choices/pros-and-cons-of-buying-used/index.htm.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Save On Laundry Detergents

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Companies spend more than $300 million a year advertising laundry detergents. Tide is even employing the star power of a TV celebrity these days.

Project Runway's Tim Gunn is touting Tide's latest edition—Tide Total Care. He claims even after 30 washes Tide Total Care keeps clothes looking like new.

Consumer Reports wanted to see whether Tide Total Care delivered on its promise, so testers washed three brand new cotton dresses like this one 30 times—one in Tide Total Care, another in All Small & Mighty, and another in 2X Ultra Tide for Coldwater.

Consumer Reports then compared the new dress to the washed ones. The dress washed with All faded compared with the dress washed with Tide Total Care. But the dress washed in 2X Ultra Tide for Coldwater looks about the same as the Tide Total Care dress and it costs about half as much! And in Consumer Reports' stain-removal tests, the cheaper 2X Ultra Tide for Coldwater did a better job.

In the end, Consumer Reports named two Best Buys that will tear through tough stains and save you some money, too.

For conventional top-loading washers, try 2X Ultra Tide for Coldwater.
For high-efficiency front-loaders, Consumer Reports recommends Ultra Cheer Colorguard 2X concentrated.

To save more money, wash your laundry in cold water instead of warm. With a traditional top-loader, Consumer Reports says that can reduce your energy costs by $60 a year.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Frequent-Flyer Mile Strategy

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

Starting in July, some airlines will start charging you when you use frequent-flyer miles to upgrade a ticket—in some cases up to $500! And if you're using your miles to book a free flight, Consumer Reports says, not so fast! Sometimes you're better off paying cash.

Consumer Reports crunched the numbers and found it's a waste to use your miles on certain flights. It's only really worth it on flights that cost $300 or more.

Unfortunately, taking a trip with frequent-flyer miles is still a real challenge. According to Webflyer.com, travelers are most likely to have success redeeming miles with Midwest Airlines, at 69 percent, followed by US Airways, at 67 percent.

In order to get the flight you want, Consumer Reports says book early and have flexible travel dates. And if you don't have enough miles to travel, most airlines allow family and friends to transfer miles to one another. But that can cost you, so be sure to check the airlines' rules. And what happens to your miles if the airline goes bankrupt? Consumer Reports says that with a major carrier, your frequent-flyer program will probably be bought by another major airline and you won't lose your miles. So it usually makes sense to join the big carriers' programs.

If you want to get a seat on a domestic flight without worrying about blackout dates or getting bumped, you can use twice the usual miles. But that option makes sense only if the airfare is over $600.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

Protect Your Ears!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:10:00 GMT

When you think of premature aging, no doubt wrinkles come to mind—but how about your aging ears? There's serious cause for concern. An estimated 30 million Americans have hearing loss. And one reason is noise.

Consider a daily routine where you go to the gym in the morning, eat lunch at a noisy restaurant, and then mow your lawn. That can add up and do damage over time. Kids listening to MP3 players are particularly vulnerable. An estimated 15 percent of American teenagers are showing early signs of hearing loss, which is very disconcerting. One reason is the tendency that people have to crank MP3 players really loud to drown out ambient noise.

You can find out just how noisy things are at: www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/july-2009/health/hearing-aids/protect-your-ears-from-noise/hearing-aids-protect-your-ears.htm.

To protect your ears, Consumer Reports says some MP3 players have a volume limiter that you can set with a password. Otherwise, keep your MP3 player well below maximum volume. And consider ear protection.

Inexpensive foam earplugs that you can buy at any drugstore are highly effective at blocking unwanted noise. But inserting them properly is key. You have to roll the earplug in your hands. Then, pulling up the top of your ear, slide the earplug in. Using simple earplugs like those can significantly reduce your risk of hearing damage.

Consumer Reports' tests show noise-canceling headphones and insert-type earbuds can also be helpful. They help block out the background noise that causes people to raise volumes too high.

For insert-type headphones, consider Panasonic model RP-HC55, which rated tops in Consumer Reports tests for noise canceling. It costs $65.

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