Consumer Reports articles from May 2008

Consumer Reports archives from May 2008

Making household products safer.(Have You Heard?)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... There's something ghoulish about the term "deadman control," but it's an apt description. Before that safety device was required on walk-behind mowers in 1983, the machines injured some 78,000 people a year. The U.S. Consumer Product...

Top detergents: honey, they shrunk the laundry liquid (and the packaging, too).(Trends)(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2008... Many of the 34 detergents we just tested are "2X" or "3X." That laundry lingo does not mean they're supersized. It means they've been reduced to a half or a third of their former volume yet do the same number of loads per package, usually 20...

New TV type could be wave of the future.(Sony XEL-1)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... When you first saw an LCD or plasma TV, you probably peeked behind the screen and wondered what happened to the rest of the set. You might have the same reaction to the new Sony XEL-1, the first TV to use a new technology called OLED (organic...

3 bras, 3 prices: which is the best deal?(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Twenty-two percent of women in a new CR survey said they always or often regret bra purchases. That's especially annoying when some bras cost more than $100. But does a woman need to pay that much for a well-made bra that fits? We bought three...

Juice jive has consumers seeing cranberry red.(Trends)
May 1, 2008... Lots of you have been fooled by juice you've plucked off store shelves, if reader letters are any indication. A Maryland reader found that an Ocean Spray juice (recently discontinued) labeled "blueberry, pomegranate, and cranberry" listed grape...

Land Rover LR2.(first look)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The Land Rover LR2 is a car-based SUV that shares a platform with the Volvo V70 wagon and S80 sedan, all developed under Ford's ownership. The LR2 is a lot more pleasant to drive than other Land Rovers we've tested, but we have concerns about...

Brownies for neatniks.(CLAIM CHECK)(Duncan Hines Oven Ready Chocolate Fudge Homestyle Brownies and Duncan Hines Family-Style Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The claim. Duncan Hines Oven Ready Chocolate Fudge Homestyle Brownies are sold as a frozen batter that is "ready to bake," the maker says, with "no prep & no clean-up." They're sold in a recyclable tray you pop in the oven. (That doesn't...

Illuminating update on CFLS.(compact fluorescent lamp)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... After thousands of hours, most of the 13- to 15-watt compact fluorescent lights we are testing still work. That's good news, considering that equivalent 60-watt incandescents typically last only 1,000 hours. All of the CFLs qualified for the...

A new focus on plastic ingredient in bottles and cans.(Recalls &Safety Alerts)(bisphenol A)
May 1, 2008... You may never have heard of a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), but odds are it's circulating in your body. It was in 93 percent of 2,517 Americans age 6 and over, tested by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a study that...

Ford expedition/Lincoln navigator.(AUTOMOBILES)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Door handle housing embossment might fracture during normal use. The handle might not return to the fully closed position, and in a side-impact crash the interior door handle might cause door latch to open, increasing risk of injury to...

Evenflo car seats/travel systems.(CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS)(Evenflo Company Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... In a side-impact crash, car seat could separate from its base, risking serious injury or death. Products: 1,000,000 Discovery car seats or travel systems manufactured from 4/05 through 1/08, models 390, 391, 534, and 552. What to do:...

Crafters square hot melt mini glue guns.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Dollar Tree Stores Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Guns can short-circuit, smoke, and catch fire, posing risk of burn and electric shock. Products: 253,000 glue guns sold at Dollar Tree and other dollar stores nationwide from 2/07 through 8/07 for about $1. Dollar Tree has had seven...

Going digital.(Your Letters)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Thanks for your March 2008 article "Are You Set for All-Digital TV?" We have an HDTV and get great reception via antenna. What equipment will we need to record TV shows after the switchover? We don't care to pay for TV service (cable or dish)...

Flight fright.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... Congratulations on your February article "Air Security." However, you failed to mention one important security issue. When reinforced cockpit doors were mandated, the pilots were isolated and depended on an oral report of danger from the crew....

Patient, heal thyself.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... As a pediatrician, I agree that illness prevention is key to health-care reform ("Six Prescriptions for Change," March). And primary-care physicians, we who work intensively to educate patients about illness prevention, are among the most...

Retire right.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... I think you missed the point on item No. 2 of "12 Money Mistakes" (February). The one thing you can't buy is extra time to enjoy life. My wife and I retired early, at age 50. Sure, we took a big hit in the money world, but you would be...

Correction.(Correction notice)
May 1, 2008... Due to a production error, two car models were incorrectly listed in Best &Worst (April). The Honda Civic EX (31 mpg) should have been listed under "Most miles per gallon" for Small Cars. The Chrysler 300C (16 mpg) should have been listed under...

Great everyday products.(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2008... Whether you seek flavorful coffee beans for your morning eye-opener or picnic plates that can stand up to mounds of fried chicken, you'll find them in our roundup of top-performing supermarket products. All were judged excellent or very good...

7 secrets to a perfect lawn and yard.
May 1, 2008... yard gear reports & Ratings LAWN MOWERS page 22 LAWN TRACTORS page 28 ZERO-TURN MOWERS page 28 STRING TRIMMERS page 29 HEDGE TRIMMERS page 29 LEAF BLOWERS page 29 A lush lawn doesn't just make your home look...

Lawn-care services: how they stack up.
May 1, 2008... Promos from national lawn-care services are full of enticing promises. "A Beautiful Lawn can be yours!" says Scotts. "Providing curb appeal for 40 years," states Lawn Doctor. "Our Grass Is Greener," assures TruGreen. The message seems to be...

Best lawn gear top mowers & trimmers.(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2008... Even if mowing isn't your idea of a relaxing afternoon, take heart: Some of the latest mowers and tractors cut time and effort as well as the grass without breaking the bank. Several top trimmers and blowers also help give you a trophy yard for...

How to use the Canada Extra section.(canada extra)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Every month, Canada Extra provides Canadian pricing and availability information about products tested for that issue. The Ratings in this section are based on this month's reports, but they narrow your choices to the products that are sold in...

Lawn mowers.(canada extra)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Nineteen of the 31 tested gas-powered, self-propelled mowers; 3 of the 6 gas-powered push mowers; and 3 of the 8 electric push mowers are available, including 7 of the 8 Quick Pick models [TABLE OMITTED]

Correction.(Correction notice)
May 1, 2008... Our April 2008 report on buying a car in the U.S. incorrectly identified CarQuotes.ca as a provider of CONSUMER REPORTS car price data. In addition, we erroneously listed the Web site as a potential source of price information. According to the...

Refrigerators.(canada extra)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Five of the 13 tested top-freezers, 20 of the 30 bottom-freezers, and 13 of the 34 side-by-sides are available, including 6 of the 12 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

String trimmers.(canada extra)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Five of the 7 gas-powered models and both of the corded electric models are available. [TABLE OMITTED]

Tractors.(canada extra)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Eleven of the 17 tested lawn tractors and 5 of the 10 zero-turn-radius mowers are available, including 6 of the 9 Quick Pick models [TABLE OMITTED]

2004-2006 Chevrolet Optra.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Loss of headlamp low beam or daytime running light (DRL) as a result of melted instrument panel harness connector. Models: 34,140. What to do: Have dealer add direct connection splice clip to low-beam circuit to bypass faulty...

2007-2008 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Coolant overflow from recovery bottle may cause electrical short circuit. Could result in engine compartment fire. Models: 3,700 vehicles with 2.4-litre engine. What to do: Have dealer inspect cooling fan motor connector and install...

2007 cadillac CTS.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Sunroof does not perform properly and can be closed after ignition is turned off and doors are opened. Models: 1,134. What to do: Have dealer install a wire harness.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Safety-belt locking mechanism may not perform properly with older non-LATCH child restraint. Models: 176. What to do: Have dealer replace the rear outboard safety-belt assemblies.

2006-2008 BMW models.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... V8 engine operating in below-freezing temperatures coupled with low humidity may experience electrostatic discharge at fuel rails. Could result in stalled engine and loss of power steering. Models: 2,148 2006-2008 BMW 550i, 2006-2007 BMW...

2002-2008 kawasaki KLR650.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Tightening torque may not have been properly applied to muffler mounting bolts. Muffler could separate from motorcycle, causing injury. Models: 5,298. What to do: Have dealer tighten muffler mounting bolts to proper torque.

2008 Volvo XC70.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Incorrect software was programmed into Safety Restraint System (SRS) control module. Inflatable curtain and side impact air bag may not deploy as intended. May also cause SRS warning lamp to display message "SRS Airbag - Service Urgent." ...

2008 Chrysler models.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Bilingual air-bag visor warning labels may not have been installed. Models: 4,200 2008 Dodge Caliber, 2008 Jeep Compass, 2008 Jeep Patriot. What to do: Dealers will provide labels and installation instructions.

2002-2007 Suzuki motorcycles.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Reflex reflectors fail to comply with requirements. At some angles light output is less than standard. Models: 2,870 2002-2007 Suzuki GZ250, 2004-2007 Suzuki GS500/F. What to do: Have dealer replace reflex reflectors with updated...

2002-2006 Nissan Altima and Sentra.(recalls)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Crank angle sensor may malfunction, causing engine to stall. Models: 40,666 vehicles with 2.5-litre engine. What to do: Have dealer reprogram Electronic Control Module (ECM).

Convertibles.(canada extra)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)
May 1, 2008... All 7 tested convertibles are available in Canada. Within types, in performance order. MAKE & MODEL PRICE RANGE ACCELERATION (SEC.) 0-50 0-100 80-100 500 ...

Printers.(canada extra)(Directory)
May 1, 2008... In previous reports of printers, we've found that most brands we test are sold in Canada. In lieu of a Ratings chart, we list here the brands of printers we tested with the phone numbers and Web sites where you can reach the manufacturers for...

Contact info.(canada extra)(Directory)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... How to reach manufacturers in Canada. Amana 800-843-0304 www.amana.com Ariens 920-756-2141 www.ariens.com Black & Decker 800-567-7188 www.blackanddecker.com Craftsman (Sears) 800-469-4663 ...

Printers: all-in-one: the one for all?(multifunction printers)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2008... More and more households are buying printers that do more than print. Allin-ones, as they are known, let you print, scan, copy, and, often, fax. And many cost no more and take up little more space than a plain printer. [ILLUSTRATION...

Refrigerators: a buyer's market.(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2008... If you've been waiting to replace your refrigerator, this could be the right time to get a good deal. Prices are stable, energy use is about half of what it was in 1990, and stores need to make room for new models. Plus, you'll find more...

10 tips for a healthy heart: the low-drug or no-drug approach.
May 1, 2008... PREVENTION 1 Eat plenty of fiber and good fat. New research suggests that inflammation of the arteries may be as big a risk factor for heart disease as clogging with cholesterol deposits. And a high-fiber diet featuring plenty of...

Friendlier skies: some convertibles are becoming almost practical.(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2008... While convertibles are enjoyable on a sunny day, historically they've been impractical: Their tops were prone to leak and let in a lot of noise. Without the structure of a roof, their bodies tended to quiver and flex. Adding reinforcements to...

Auto service owners prefer independents.(Cars)(independent automobile service stations)
May 1, 2008... Many drivers wonder whether to take their cars to a dealership or to an independent shop for repairs and maintenance. Dealerships tout that they're specialists and trained specifically for a certain brand of car. But independents are generally...

Dental care you can prevent more than cavities.(Health)
May 1, 2008... Watch your mouth," the saying goes, and science is turning up ever more reasons to heed that advice literally. Preventing gum disease (periodontitis), the leading cause of adult tooth loss, is gaining new urgency as research shows that gum...

Savings where to stash your cash now.(Money)
May 1, 2008... With talk of recession in the wind and stock-market turbulence in the headlines almost daily, you may be wondering where, aside from the nearest mattress, to stow your money until the storm passes. Depending on your goal--maximum safety,...

With credit cards, a deal is not a deal.(View point)
May 1, 2008... Dear Credit Card User, You owe us money.We can raise your interest rate just because we feel like it.We can do this even if you have always paid us on time and your credit is still good. We gave you a zero percent interest rate to...

A bulb's life.(then & now)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Lightbulbs were hot when we reported on them in August 1965. The Federal Trade Commission was looking into whether lack of full disclosure on lightbulb labels and in ads might constitute a deceptive or misleading sales practice. Some consumers...