CONSUMER REPORTS

Consumer Reports’ experts put their ear to the ground to find out what the safest methods are for removing earwax.

If you have old computers, printers, cellphones and other electronics gathering dust, there are easy ways to sell, donate or recycle it.

Humidifiers and air purifiers can help make the air inside our homes more comfortable, but they can also create issues if they aren’t cared for properly. Consumer Reports cleaning pros offer maintenance advice.

If the past two years have you feeling more stressed out and anxious, some wellness products may help your mental and physical health.

If you’ve ever used a fake name when signing up for a new service online as a way to protect yourself, that doesn’t really prevent companies from tracking you. Using an alternative or fake email address is an easy and more effective way, according to Consumer Reports.

That smell you get when you open a new mattress is often the chemicals used to manufacture it. You can buy a mattress with fewer chemicals if you know what to look for.

If you find yourself under the weather and stuck at home, Consumer Reports has some great options to help you pass the time while you get better.

If a new year means a new commitment to fitness, the right gear may help. Consumer Reports offers suggestions on highly-rated products that won't pull a muscle in your wallet.

According to a Consumer Reports survey, nearly 80% of United States shoppers would rather...

Consumer Reports just tested a number of sheet pans to find out which ones cook the best and clean up the easiest.

Every year, many people whose homes are damaged by storms begin the sometimes confusing process of filing insurance claims. Consumer Reports offers some tips that may help you with this process.

The coronavirus pandemic has given phone scammers yet another opportunity to use robocalls to prey on consumers. But some new laws have been enacted to help put a stop to all those annoying calls.

Whether new or old, one thing is the same: TVs need to be properly anchored or mounted. Consumer Reports explains why and is offering safety steps to avoid a TV tragedy.

Whether you're cooking for the holidays or just looking to simplify your kitchen, Consumer Reports says a Dutch oven or a cast iron skillet can pretty much do it all.

With mortgage rates still at historic lows, refinancing can save a home owner hundreds of dollars a month. So, why aren't more people doing it?

if you're still wrapping up your holiday shopping, here are some ideas to help you get cooking.

Consumer Reports testers tried out some of the top brands and reveal their favorites, just in time for holiday gifting.

if you're worried your presents won't reach their destination in time or you're just out of idea, here are some experiential gifts that are out of the box and always in stock.

Holiday gift baskets full of goodies are fun to give and to receive. Consumer Reports ordered baskets from five popular companies to see exactly what was delivered.

As shoppers swipe and click their way to record holiday spending, cashback apps can put money back in pockets.

Consumer Reports has some tips to keep your food safe and your fridge organized for the holidays.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have come and gone, but there are still some sales awaiting holiday shoppers. Consumer Reports tracks prices of many of its top-rated products and found some gift ideas on discount right now.

The mistake was discovered two days later, during a routine bandage change.

You have to act fast to protect your belongings and your home from a potentially dangerous mold outbreak.

Whether you heat with gas, electric or oil, Consumer Reports reveals some money-saving tips to help you reduce a high heating bill.

It's the season for giving. Unfortunately, it's also the season for taking as porch pirates scout out homes and steal packages. These products can help keep an eye on your home and deliveries.

Consumer Reports ranked most reliable vehicles and brands you can buy. Tesla came in next to last thanks to subpar scores from its SUVs.

A good chef's knife is a home cook's best friend. Consumer Reports put several to the test to help you find one to fit your hand and your budget.

Lexus, Mazda and Toyota topped the 2021 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Report, while Jeep, Tesla, and Lincoln ranked in the bottom three.

Car battery prices have been rising over the past decade. Consumer Reports investigates reasons for the price hike and suggests some ways to save.

A new Consumer Reports investigation might have you thinking twice before clicking to get your score.

Shipping delays and supply chain issues mean shopping will look slightly different this year because the sales have already started.

You could be adding more than flavor when you add some spices and herbs into your cooking, a Consumer Reports investigation found. Their tests revealed various levels of heavy metals in some popular herbs and spices.

November is traditionally one of the best months to find deals, but many hot products are in short supply or more expensive than usual.

Consumer Reports shares some insider tips on keeping a kitchen workhorse — the microwave oven — up and running smoothly.

The holiday hustle is on. If supply chain issues and microchip shortages have you stressed and worried you won't be able to find what you want, some smooth moves can ease your mind and to-do list.

Fall is the perfect time to make those necessary home fixes that may have slipped through the cracks over the summer but should definitely be addressed before winter. Not sure where to begin? Consumer Reports reveals the fall chores you can’t afford to ignore.

Seat belts save lives, but safety experts say it's important for pregnant women to wear them correctly to protect the fetus in case of a crash.

Despite supply chain disruptions, there are still some November deals as long as you shop early, according to Consumer Reports shopping experts.

New, tougher side-impact crash tests proved a challenge for 19 out of 20 small SUVs tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Only one of the bunch earned a “good" rating.

Just in time for chilly mornings, Consumer Reports tests space heaters for fire safety and warmth.

Consumer Reports reveals a few simple tips to save money if you need a new fob.

Before you rant and complain on a company's social media page, Consumer Reports says there is a best way to do it to get results.

A solid pair of wireless headphones and your favorite tunes can keep you going when you work out. Consumer Reports has three recommendations, including one as low as $40.

Sales of home workout equipment has soared during the pandemic, and some of it is pretty pricey. Consumer Reports recommends some gear that's easier on the budget.

Disabling your home's smoke detector because it chirps or falsely goes off when you're making dinner is a risky move. Consumer Reports explains what to do about the most common triggers and what kind of detector offers the best protection for your family.

A lot of people shop dollar stores for the low prices and convenience, but are they really getting a deal?

When it comes to buying a mattress you have a lot of choices. Foam or firm? Plush or gel? Consumer Reports put several to the test and offers some recommendations.

Here’s how to keep paint fresh, when to throw it out, and how to do that safely.

Here are some easy ways to find and fight those funky odors in your home.

Laptops, tablets, and cellphones may be everywhere, but desktop computers offer some advantages for people working from home.

As the calendar turns to October, it’s time to break out the pumpkin spice lattes and rake in some savings on products for the home.

While a whole-house generator model can be very expensive, Consumer Reports says there’s a less pricey option to power just the essentials.

Online-only banks are popular alternatives to traditional banks, offering services like no overdraft fees and early-pay options. However, getting hold of someone to help you may be more difficult than you think.

If you're trying to keep your car running longer, proper maintenance is key. Consumer Reports breaks down when you should go to the dealer, an independent mechanic or roll up your sleeves.

More than 60 percent of adults say they prefer to sleep on their side, at least for part of the night. To make sure we have it right for the majority of sleepers, we run extensive tests on mattre...

Utility bills typically shoot up this time of year, as homeowners crank up their central air conditioning. To keep costs down, you might try to skimp on the AC—but that can create squabbles in th...

TOWN SQUARE | Your credit report — and credit score — can make the difference between a loan approval or denial and the interest you pay on your loan.

Service providers use their lock on neighborhoods — and a lack of rules — to take advantage of us. Here’s how to spot their tricks.

In May, Tesla announced it would no longer include radar sensors in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made for customers in North America on or after April 27.

Before you try to take out a mortgage or a car loan, check your credit report. It may have a mistake that could cost you.

For many of us this past year, our backyards took on a profoundly important role. In the era of social distancing, yards were transformed into outdoor oases, and even now, there are no signs that...

Over the past months, with folks working and studying at home, homeowners began to appreciate their central air conditioning systems more than ever. In fact, 14 percent of the members we surveyed...

Advocacy group Consumer Reports has linked the products, which were not previously regulated, to at least 106 infant deaths.

Drivers naturally become concerned about reliability as a car ages, because the risk of inconvenience and unexpected expenses rises while the miles rack up. Most modern cars can make it to 200,00...

Consumer Reports’ tough tests continue to find that some laundry detergents clean only slightly better than water—and that some washers use lots of water yet leave clothes dirty and dingy. Some d...

Consumer Reports and IIHS are taking away top safety endorsements from Tesla, after the company's move from radar to vision-based driver assistance systems.

Two key groups that offer automobile safety ratings are yanking their top endorsements from some Tesla vehicles because the company has stopped using radar on its safety systems. Consumer Reports pulled its “Top Pick” status for Tesla's Model 3 and Y vehicles built after April 27, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety plans to remove the vehicles' “Top Safety Pick Plus” designation. The U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is no longer giving the Models 3 and Y check marks on its website for having forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and emergency brake support.

When you start a weight-loss plan, adopting simple strategies that have been shown to work can help set you up for success. One such tactic is using an accurate bathroom scale to help you track y...

A common concern with cars as they age is dependability—not only that they may not get you to work one day but also that a catastrophic failure could cost thousands of dollars. Major problems are...

Shortages spurred by the pandemic have made used cars more expensive.

Getting exercise through walking is as easy as lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement or trail. Doing so is a safe way to get a workout without needing a gym, and it can boost your ment...

Consumer Reports said Thursday that in testing this week it found it could "easily" get a 2020 Tesla Model Y to drive "even with no one in the driver's seat."

Mazda just topped Consumer Reports' annual ranking of the most reliable automotive brands for the first time. BMW, Subaru, Porsche and Honda rounded out the top five spots on the Consumer Reports 2021 Brand Report Card, which was released Thursday. To determine the rankings, Consumer Reports buys vehicles anonymously from dealerships for road testing. Genesis fell 13 places this year "due to declining predicted reliability among its models," Consumer Reports said. Consumer Reports noted that the brand's redesigned sport utility vehicles, the Aviator and Corsair, performed well in road tests but had "much below average reliability."

Baby food from several of the country's largest manufacturers are "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, according to a disturbing new government report. The report, released Thursday morning, says those baby foods have "significant levels" of substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. But one thing Kerner and her husband Bryan, who is a doctor, never worried about was whether the baby food contained toxic metals. The report says "baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels" of "toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury." Several said they are part of the Baby Food Council, a group formed with the goal of voluntarily reducing heavy metals in baby foods.

Baby food from several of the country's largest manufacturers are "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, according to a disturbing new government report. The report, released Thursday morning, says those baby foods have "significant levels" of substances including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. But one thing Kerner and her husband Bryan, who is a doctor, never worried about was whether the baby food contained toxic metals. The report says "baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels" of "toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury." Several said they are part of the Baby Food Council, a group formed with the goal of voluntarily reducing heavy metals in baby foods.

Microwave ovens will soon have a new safety feature that is long overdue: child-resistant doors. Doctors in pediatric emergency rooms and burn units have long known microwaves to be a fairly common cause of young children getting scalded. It may be that most families attributed the injuries to the hot spills rather than the microwave itself. While pleased that the new standard is coming into play, Quinlan cautions parents and other caregivers to maintain their vigilance. "We think of stoves as getting hot, but we never think of microwaves as getting hot," the doctor added.

Brand new Tesla Model S cars sit on front of a Tesla showroom on August 2, 2017 in Corte Madera, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesConsumer Reports is no longer recommending Tesla's Model S and is panning the reliability of the new Model Y. The Consumer Reports' annual Auto Reliability Survey, released Thursday, also dropped a Toyota brand from No. Consumer Reports in 2015 ranked the Model S as its top-rated vehicle ever. Of the 26 brands ranked in the Consumer Reports reliability survey, Japanese automakers fared the best.

A steering wheel light bar and cluster icons indicates the status of Super Cruise™ and will prompt the driver to return their attention to the road ahead if the system detects driver attention has turned away from the road too long. General Motors' Super Cruise system topped Consumer Reports testing of assisted driving technology, leaving Tesla's Autopilot "a distant second," the consumer research nonprofit reported Wednesday. Super Cruise on a Cadillac CT6 sedan scored 69 out of 100 points in Consumer Reports' testing. Tesla's Autopilot on a Model Y was second at 57, followed by Ford Motor's Co-pilot 360 system at 52 and Audi's Pre-sense at 48. Consumer Reports evaluated 17 systems as part of its testing.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The airline industry could run into turbulence on Capitol Hill next week as a U.S. Congressional panel tackles passenger complaints about unpleasant airline experiences, holding a hearing that will include budget airline Spirit Airlines Inc (SAVE.N) and passenger advocates. FILE PHOTO: A Spirit Airlines Airbuys A320-200 airplane sits at a gate at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois October 2, 2014. Airlines have shrunk the average space between seats and seat width over the last decade to pack more passengers on planes. U.S. airlines revenue from baggage and reservation change fees increased from $5.7 billion in 2010 to $7.6 billion in 2018. Unlike other large airlines, Spirit also charges for bottled water and soft drinks, but their base fares are often significantly cheaper than rivals.

Overall, Tesla climbed eight spots to rank 11th out of 33 auto brands, according to Consumer Reports. In addition, the Consumer Reports auto team made the Model 3 a "Top Pick" among vehicles with a sticker price between $45,000 and $55,000. "We saw a marked improvement in reliability in both the Tesla Model 3 and the Model S," said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports. Noticeably better quality in the new Model 3 cars helped Tesla show the biggest improvement among automakers in Consumer Reports' latest brand rankings. In addition, the Consumer Reports auto team tests dozens of new vehicles at the firm's test track in Connecticut.

SAN ANTONIO - Many of us exercise and diet to stay healthy, and millions are spending billions of dollars on supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and even botanicals like turmeric or ginger. While many people assume that supplements are safe, a Consumer Reports investigation reveals thats not always the case. Manufacturers of supplements arent required to demonstrate to the government that their products are effective or even safe before they are sold. The bottom line is that there isnt enough evidence to show how safe or effective many of these supplements are. Load up on superfoods like dark, leafy greens, raspberries, blackberries, and broccoli, which are all good sources of vitamin C.All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More than 5 million inclined infant sleepers have been recalled. The CPSC commissioned an independent study that concluded none of the inclined sleep products the team tested is safe for infant sleep. Current infant inclined sleepers on the market typically have up to a 30-degree incline. The CPSC has also proposed new rules for infant sleepers that would effectively eliminate all infant inclined sleepers from the market. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SAN ANTONIO - Months after the recall of millions of popular infant inclined sleep products, Consumer Reports is sounding the alarm about another type of childrens sleep products the in-bed infant sleeper. Consumer Reports said it found major safety issues with infant in-bed sleeper products like the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Infant Sleeper, Dock-ATot and SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper. Their investigation found at least a dozen infant deaths linked to in-bed sleepers similar to those between 2012 and 2018. Unlike cribs, bassinets, play yards and bedside sleepers, in-bed sleepers are not required to meet any federal safety standards related to infant sleep. Consumer Reports urges parents to stop using inclined sleepers or any sleep products, including in-bed sleepers, that do not meet federal safety requirements related to infant sleep.

Now is the time to shop for a lawn care service. But before you commit to spending hundreds of dollars a month, CR says take a look around your yard to get an idea about what you need from a lawn care service. Do the employees have formal training or experience in lawn care? A reputable lawn care company can give your lawn a health checkup and create a customized plan for your property. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Consumer Reports shares some tips on how to find the right lawn care service. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

SAN ANTONIO - As little ghouls and goblins head out for Halloween fun, Consumer Reports cautions parents that those puffy or bulky costumes may not be a safe fit for youngsters car seats. We dont want to wear puffy costumes underneath our car seat harness because doing so can add additional room to the harness in the event of a crash, said Emily Thomas, CR car seat expert. Consumer Reports advice is to have your children change into their costumes after arriving at your destination. If your child is a little older and plans to go trick-or-treating, make sure he or she can see and be seen. Children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

As little ghouls and goblins head out for Halloween fun, Consumer Reports cautions parents that those puffy or bulky costumes may not be a safe fit for youngsters' car seats. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

Months after the recall of millions of popular infant inclined sleep products, Consumer Reports is sounding the alarm about another type of children's sleep products the in-bed infant sleeper. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

Years of research have demonstrated that a healthy diet can help cut the risk of illnesses, including diabetes and some cancers. "The healthy bacteria in your digestive system produce neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help control your mood. Calvo said yogurt is great to eat because it contains probiotics, a good bacteria. Garlic, leeks, onions and asparagus are known to feed good bacteria. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SAN ANTONIO - Just when you've figured out how to use emojis, Apple's latest operating system offers even more animated ways to communicate, as well as new camera and privacy features. The iOS 13 offers customizable memojis, which are animated emojis that you can personalize to look like you with braces, piercings, hairstyles and more. More Consumer Reports stories on KSAT.com:Fall driving: Avoid hitting a deerIs it safe for infants to sleep in car seats? The new system also offers randomly generated dummy email addresses. If you don't like the idea of apps tracking your every move, the new iOS also offers location tracking limits.

With fewer hours of daylight, its harder for drivers to see them, which is one reason insurance claims for deer strikes spike in the fall. So what can you do to avoid hitting a deer? Some drivers use aftermarket devices on their front bumpers called deer whistles to help prevent collisions with deer. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

SAN ANTONIO - It's a creepy feeling when it appears your cellphone has been listening in on your conversations. While it may seem that way, Consumer Reports said that's probably not what's happening. Fowler said your phone has much more efficient ways for companies to figure out what you're interested in without recording your conversations. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising.

It's a creepy feeling when it appears your cellphone has been listening in on your conversations. While it may seem that way, Consumer Reports said that's probably not what's happening. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

A new survey by Consumer Reports says 36% of prospective car buyers would consider a plug-in electric vehicle for their next new car. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

A new survey by Consumer Reports says 36% of prospective car buyers would consider a plug-in electric vehicle for their next new car. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

SAN ANTONIO - Electric cars are still far outnumbered by their gasoline-powered cousins, but they're becoming more common and more affordable. A new survey by Consumer Reports says 36% of prospective car buyers would consider a plug-in electric vehicle for their next new car. Consumer Reports says overall, consumers will save on maintenance and fuel over a comparable gas-powered car. And about those tax credits - most electric vehicles also qualify for a 75-hundred-dollar federal tax credit, in addition to some local and state credits. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More Consumer Reports stories on KSAT.com:Are plant milks healthier choices than cow's milk? After testing, Consumer Reports named the iPhone 11 Pro Max its highest-rated smartphone. The iPhone 11 Pro came in second. The 11 Pro Max starts at $1,100, and the 11 Pro starts at $1,000. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More than half of plant-milk buyers in a Consumer Reports survey said they think those milks are healthier than cow's milk. If you want to replace cow's milk with a plant milk, CR suggested starting with soy, which is closest to cow's milk nutritionally. "Soy milk has about the same amount of protein (as cow's milk) or more. Almond milk is the most popular plant milk. It has slightly less protein than soy milk or cow's milk.

The food experts at Consumer Reports found the healthy frozen foods that are actually worth the freezer space. CR says to look for high-quality whole-foods you can use as ingredients to make quick, healthy meals. Frozen veggies are also a great way to get the produce you love, no matter what the season. And buying frozen foods is also a money saver! All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2019 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.