Consumer Reports’ Guide to Defensive Driving

Look ahead, around, and behind. “It’s important to look where you want to go, scanning both far ahead and right in front of you,” Crossen says. “But don’t forget about what’s going on to the sides and behind you. You should check your rear- and side-view mirrors every 5 to 10 seconds. That can help…

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12 Best Kids Headphones (2025), Hearing Protection and More

Protect Those Headphones Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Even durable headphones are easy to damage. We have lost pairs to folks standing on them, cats and robot vacuums attacking the cables, and chairs rolling over them. I have learned that a stand or holder is worth the investment if it keeps those cans…

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Which iPhone Should You Buy?

If you want Apple’s most budget-friendly option, the iPhone 16e is for you. That model is a refresh of the iPhone SE (2022), which is no longer sold by Apple, with some hardware upgrades. It has a 6.1-inch display that our testers say is excellent quality, with smooth scrolling and crystal-clear images. Ditching the Home…

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Most and Least Reliable Microwave Brands

The most common complaints reported by owners of countertop and over-the-range microwaves were excessive noise, control panel buttons breaking, and uneven heating. Among countertop microwave manufacturers, KitchenAid’s microwaves were four times more likely than other brands to have problems with control panel buttons breaking (14 percent, while the median problem rate for all brands was…

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Best Smartphones of 2025

Our testing shows that you have lots of great options. The top six phones in CR’s ratings are separated by just 1 point in Overall Score. And even the most basic models represent a leap in technology from a decade ago. That means you don’t have to buy the No. 1-rated phone to get a…

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