Consumer Reports articles from September 2008

Consumer Reports archives from September 2008

Home truths: know before you buy.(Have You Heard?)
September 1, 2008... You can't get more direct than this e-mail we received from Maria Rosenfeld of Miami: "I'm a first-time home buyer and need help on getting started. I don't know how to buy a home. What are the steps I need to follow?" Even if you've been...

Rub-a-dub-dub: what's best for the tub?(Trends)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Before you buy a shower cleaner, decide what type of cleaner you are. Are you a daily scrubber, or do you wait a week or two between wipedowns? In general, our tests revealed that most trigger sprays and pumps can prevent scum and mildew if...

Some expired foods stay on shelves.(Trends)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Sure, you check the sell-by date before buying milk, but many other products might also be past their prime. That's what we found when we sent seven mystery shoppers to look for expired food in 31 supermarkets and supercenters in Connecticut,...

Honda runs on natural gas.(Trends)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Natural gas burns far cleaner than gasoline, costs about half as much per gallon equivalent, and is abundant in the U.S. and Canada. So we were eager to test the natural-gas-powered Honda Civic GX NGV, which is sold by some Honda dealers in...

Does PedEgg smooth rough feet?(CLAIM CHECK)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The claim. The PedEgg foot file will remove calluses and dead skin to "make your feet feel smooth and healthy with NO MESS!" Powdery filings collect in a little compartment. Cost: about $10. (That might include extras such as buffing pads and...

Fruits and vegetables: when to buy organic.(Trends)
September 1, 2008... In 2006, Americans spent $16.7 billion on organic foods, often fruits and vegetables. Because "organic" can mean "pricey," it makes sense to focus on buying organic versions of produce that is most likely to harbor pesticide residues when grown...

Gotcha! subscription offers.(Trends)
September 1, 2008... If you've received an offer like the one above, take heed. Although the front bears the name of a magazine, and it might look like an invoice, the back identifies its source: "an independent magazine clearinghouse agent" that does "not...

3D gets a C-.(Trends)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Like fuel-efficient cars and hip-hugging jeans, 3D is "in" again. 3D flicks such as "Meet the Robinsons" and "U2 3D" have drawn crowds to theaters, and Disney plans to step up its 3D releases starting later this year. Now TV makers are...

Doughnut doings.(Trends)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The good. Our tests show that Boston cream doughnuts from Krispy Kreme, Dunkin' Donuts, and Tim Hortons, and glazed doughnuts from those chains and Starbucks are free of trans fat, as the chains claim. The bad. A single doughnut still has...

More mileage.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... I'm amazed that in "Save at the Pump," July 2008, you left out the one thing that can make a major difference: a major tuneup from an excellent mechanic. That one investment has boosted my 1997 Honda Civic's mileage to well over 30 mpg (mostly...

Points of view.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... I was just considering the Discover Open Road card when I read "Points Mania" (July 2008) and realized that the 5 percent return is only on the first $100 spent per month, and you must spend $3,000 to get a 1 percent rebate on other purchases....

Costly mistakes.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... The July 2008 article "Too Much Treatment?" says that Medicare will stop paying for most treatment of bedsores, hospital infections, and other problems caused by hospital treatment of the patient. This is to stop hospitals from making money...

Thrills and Chills.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2008... The "Cheap Chills" report (July 2008) did not discuss when ceiling fans should blow down vs. up. Many fans have a switch for this purpose, but I don't know the advantage of either setting. HOWARD ARMFIELD MIDDLEBURG, VA When it's warm, run...

Correction.(Correction notice)
September 1, 2008... In "Cheap Chills" (July 2008) we should have said that Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent bulbs produce about 75 percent less heat than incandescents.

Faulty tire valve stems could cause blowouts.(Recalls & Safety Alerts)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Tech International of Johnstown, Ohio, has issued two recalls of Chinese-made rubber tire valve stems, linked to a fatal rollover of an SUV in Orlando, Fla., last year. The valve stem is a rubber tube with a metal valve used to inflate the tire...

Recalled grill might still pose risk, even with fix.(Recalls & Safety Alerts)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... A retrofit kit to fix a problematic gas grill might still leave owners at risk, our follow-up tests show. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The kit is a stainless-steel baffle that is placed inside at the bottom of the fire-box on the Broil King...

Crafters square mini glue guns.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Glue guns can short-circuit and pose risk of fire. Products: 470,000 hot melt mini glue guns sold at Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks, Only One $1, and Deal$ stores from 12/07 through 3/08 for $1. Product number is...

Topsy-Turvy Deluxe tomato planters.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Legs on bottom of planters can detach when planter is moved or becomes unbalanced. Products: 82,000 Topsy-Turvy Deluxe tomato planters with stand (items M16702 and M17499) sold on QVC TV programs, Web site, Studio, and employee and retail...

Hewlett-Packard fax machines.(ELECTRONICS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... An internal electrical component failure can cause machine to overheat, posing risk of burn or fire. Products: 367,000 Hewlett-Packard fax 1010 and 1010xi machines sold at electronic, computer, and camera stores nationwide, and at Web...

Jardine cribs.(CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Wooden crib slats and spindles can break, creating a gap and risk of entrapment and strangulation for children in the crib. Products: 320,000 cribs sold at various baby supply stores from 1/02 through 5/08 for $150 to $450. There have been...

How did you sleep last night?; Not so well, according to half of those we asked in a sweeping survey of the nation's sleeping habits.(Survey)
September 1, 2008... Trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and awakening too early afflict a lot of Americans these days. Fifty percent of those we asked about their most recent night of sleep reported those problems, and for many, they occur...

Using noise for a good night's sleep.(Sound machines)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2008... Sound machines, which can make you feel like you're in a forest or at the beach, worked almost as well as drugs at putting survey respondents to sleep. We put three models at three price points to the test. A group of panelists who said...

Nine myths about sleep.(Dream on)
September 1, 2008... Getting one hour less sleep per night than needed won't affect you. REALITY Getting even slightly less sleep can leave you feeling less energetic, hinder your ability to think properly and respond quickly, affect cardiovascular health, and...

Techniques that work best.(Survey)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Counting sheep. Taking pills. Changing your diet. There are as many treatments for insomnia as there are causes. To gauge the effectiveness of the most commonly used tactics, we analyzed the experiences of 2,021 problem sleepers and...

Buying, selling, remodeling: how to protect yourself in today's rocky real-estate market.
September 1, 2008... Earlier this year, there were glimmers of a silver lining in the cloud that hangs over the U.S. housing market, when existing home sales rose a bit in February and May and new home sales did the same in April. The rest of the cloud remains...

Protect yourself online: the biggest threats & the best solutions.
September 1, 2008... Several major Internet risks--spam, spyware, and virus infections--have declined significantly over the past few years, our new State of the Net survey has found. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But Internet threats are still of great concern,...

7 online blunders: these common mistakes can ruin your computer or invite identity theft.
September 1, 2008... 1 ASSUMING YOUR SECURITY SOFTWARE IS PROTECTING YOU Security software is fully effective only when activated and frequently updated. (Most products can update automatically.) To update most commercial software products, you must pay an...

ID leaks: a surprising source is your government at work.(CR INVESTIGATES)
September 1, 2008... When Joe Protain got a traffic ticket near Cincinnati in 2006, his penalty was far greater than the $150 fine he paid for speeding. Protain, a 36-year-old surgeon now living in Warren, Ohio, discovered last year that traffic-court records...

Security software: freeware vs. pay suites.(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2008... New computers almost always come loaded with the trial version of a software suite designed to thwart spam, viruses, and spyware. But our new tests show that not all suites deliver enough protection to justify paying $50 or more for continued...

How to use the Canada Extra section.(Canada Extra)(Brief article)
September 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...

Security suites.(Canada Extra)(Table)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Report, page 33; Ratings, page 34 Several of the suites can be purchased by telephone or in stores. All can be purchased online. Prices have been omitted because they vary based on suite package. [TABLE OMITTED]

Computers.(Canada Extra)(Website list)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Report, page 37; Ratings, pages 39, 41 In previous reports of computers, we've found that most brands we test are sold in Canada. In lieu of a Ratings chart, we list here the brands of computers we tested with phone numbers and Web sites...

Blood-glucose meters.(Canada Extra)(Buyers guide)(Table)
September 1, 2008... Report, page 47; Ratings, page 49 Eleven of the 13 tested meters are available, including 3 of the 4 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Canada Extra on the Web.(Canada Extra)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Canada Extra information can be found on ConsumerReports.org, our Web site, along with the current issue of the magazine and more. The address is www.ConsumerReports.org. Once there, click on the "Canada Extra" link on the opening screen. There...

2008 Nissan models.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Tire placard overstates actual weight capacity. Excessive loading might result in poor vehicle handling, which could cause a crash. Models: 61 vehicles. What to do: Owners will be given updated labels and installation instructions.

2008 Land Rover LR2.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Sunroof guide rails on left- or right-hand side could fail, causing sunroof to bind, twist, or detach from the operating mechanism. Models: 1,528 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer install retention inserts to both sides of glass panel...

1992-2003 Ford models.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Wiring harness that's not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity has been inadvertently installed during a service recall. Fuse will not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground. That could result in a...

2006-2007 Ford models.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Vehicles with 5.4L engine might have intermittent localized material buildup in fuel rail cross-over hose, which might weaken the hose. Over time, a fuel leak might develop and cause a fire. Models: 2,191 2006-2007 E150, E250, E350; 2007...

2007-2008 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Door handle housing might fracture, prohibiting handle to fully close. Door latch might open during crash. Models: 3,750 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer replace the interior side door handle springs.

2008 Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Front control module might have been manufactured incorrectly. Engine might stall while driving or might not start. Windshield wipers might become inoperative. Engine stalling could result in a crash. Models: 60 vehicles. What to do:...

2008 Audi TT.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... C-pillar trim cover clips do not provide adequate retention on certain vehicles. If rear pyrotechnic safety belt is deployed, C-pillar might become detached and result in personal injury. Models: 102 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer...

2008 Infiniti EX35 and 2009 Nissan Murano.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... If vehicle battery is discharged and voltage in electrical system drops due to incorrect software programming, the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) might not activate the air bag. Failure of air bag to inflate during a crash could increase a...

2008 Porsche Cayenne.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Vehicles with V6 engine might have fuel line that comes in contact with the rear engine compartment cover. Over time, that can cause chaffing and might result in a fuel leak. Models: 392 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer inspect and...

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... On certain motorcycles, taillight might fail. Models: 156 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer replace taillight bulb.

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 and Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... On certain motorcycles, pivot pin for latches that secure saddlebags might break if force is applied. That creates the possibility of a crash. Models: 380 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer replace saddlebag latch assembly.

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 and Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... On certain motorcycles, rear carrier platform could break if accessory luggage system is installed and passenger leans against it. Carrier platform and luggage system could become detached from the vehicle, which might cause a crash. ...

2007-2008 Mitsubishi Outlander.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Vehicles without power seat option might have unused harness connector for power seat feature on floorboard underneath the carpeting. If a vehicle occupant has a sufficient amount of snow mixed with road salt on his feet, the mixture might soak...

2002-2007 GM models.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Daytime running lamp (DRL) resistor might crack and result in loss of DRL illumination. Models: 78,592 2005-2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 2006 Pontiac Torrent, 2002-2007 Saturn Vue vehicles. What to do: Have dealer replace the resistor until...

2004-2005 Acura TL.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Water might enter windshield wiper motor breather port and can result in corrosion inside the motor housing. Windshield wiper motor might become inoperative. Models: 10,090 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer perform repairs.

2004-2008 Acura TL.(recalls)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Prolonged high underhood temperatures might cause power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely. Power steering fluid might leak onto hot catalytic converter and generate smoke, and possibly lead to underhood fire. Models: 19,065...

SUVs.(Canada Extra)(Buyers guide)(Table)
September 1, 2008... Report, page 54; Ratings, page 55 All of the tested SUVs and the tested wagon are available in Canada. In performance order. ACCELERATION (SEC.) MAKE & PRICE 0-50 0-100 80-100 500 MODEL...

Contact info.(Canada Extra)(Directory)
September 1, 2008... How to reach manufacturers in Canada Accu-Chek 800-363-7949 www.accu-chek.ca Ascensia Bayer 800-268-7200 www.ascensia.ca Avira www.avira.com BitDefender 954-776-6262 www.bitdefender.com CA...

Best computers: laptops shrink, and so do desktops.(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2008... Computers are going lean, mean, and green, with space-saving profiles, more efficient chips and operating systems, and environmentally friendly designs. They're also increasingly security-conscious, offering features designed to keep your...

Lead & radon test kits challenging choices.(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2008... Professional inspections of your home for lead paint and radon can cost hundreds of dollars. That's why you'll find $30 do-it-yourself kits in many home centers and hardware stores. Our tests of 18 kits confirm that some are a good first step,...

Self-test kits: accuracy is important.(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2008... Our tests of top-selling automatic blood-pressure monitors and blood-glucose meters found big differences in accuracy and consistency. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No one should settle for less than high-scoring...

Your heart leg pain can signal trouble.(CR Health)
September 1, 2008... Have you ever had the pulses in your feet checked by a doctor? You should, especially if you experience pain in your calf muscles when you walk. By feeling for your foot pulses, a doctor can detect whether blood is flowing freely in your...

Credit scores which ones do lenders use?(CR Money)
September 1, 2008... When your teenager gets his or her SAT scores, you know that the same numbers are sent to colleges. And companies that sell credit scores claim lenders use these numbers to decide whether to lend you money and at what interest rate. Equifax,...

Neighbor wars keeping the peace.(CR Home)
September 1, 2008... Just about anything can spark a border war. Consider the California man who is suing his neighbors because their towering redwoods block the sunlight from his solar panels. But the following five problems illustrate the most likely flash...

Downsized SUVs: we test more economical alternatives to larger sport utilities.(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2008... Large and luxury SUVs might be languishing on dealership lots, but smaller and car-based SUVs are continuing to sell. Those smaller vehicles are often good alternatives to the larger models; they have better fuel economy and still deliver the...

Hospitals will have to pay for their mistakes.(View point)
September 1, 2008... In 2004, the very hospitals where Dorothy Etheridge picked up infections and a bed sore were reimbursed by Medicare for the extra care she needed to recover from them. Etheridge, 73, a retired mental-healthcare worker from New Hampshire, had a...

That guzzling sound.(then & now)(Image)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... In our November 1992 cover report, we called sport-utility vehicles "upwardly mobile descendants of the cranky World War II Jeep." They accounted for one in 13 new vehicles sold in 1991. SUVs "were once the province of park rangers," we added,...

Sleepless near Seattle.(Glitches)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2008... A reader snapped this amusing pair of signs from his boat in an Everett, Wash., marina. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Lost in translation.(Glitches)(Image)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Good. No one likes a pessimistic, boastful confection. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

A mortgage for mice?(Glitches)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Countrywide has been under scrutiny lately for making questionable home loans, so an Illinois reader was a bit surprised to find that the company was eager to refinance his post office box. "I don't even own my post office box," he writes. "I...

Ooey-gooey.(Glitches)(Image)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... We asked Greenbrier International, distributor of this made-in-China product, why anyone would heed the message on the flip side of the pack, but no one got back to us. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Watch your language.(Glitches)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Speaking of language foibles, there are a couple in the ad for this book (though not in the book itself): It's pronounced lan-yap, and "bouillon" has two o's. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]