If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated, depending on the problem. A blinking light, or in some cars, a red light instead of a yellow or orange light, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic. In late-model…

First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector Photograph: Simon Hill Other Leak Detectors We Like First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector for $62: This large flood sensor, branded First Alert, works with First Alert or Resideo apps and accessories. It sends push notifications and emails to alert you to any…

At CES 2025, I lost my mind over the Eufy E20. Robot vacuum design has stagnated over the past few years, but this was something I’d never seen before—an adorable robot vacuum that had three functions in one! Run it as a regular robot vacuum to map and pick up your home. When it’s done,…

Consumer Reports’ process goes something like this: Every year, our market analysts identify hundreds of new pieces of outdoor power equipment. We deploy a team of secret shoppers to buy each model we test to ensure that we’re getting the same products you’d find at retail. Even after we test the tools, we’re still not…

Look for a fragrance-free cleanser. Experts say that bar soap and liquid cleansers are fine, but you’ll want to avoid potentially problematic ingredients. “Fragrances are the most frequent cause of allergies, inflammation, and irritation,” according to Lipner. Make a bath more soothing. Adding some bath oil (even olive oil) or colloidal oatmeal to the tub…

With more of us working from home at least part-time, we thought it would be interesting to see how many people still used legacy home office devices. About a quarter of Americans still use a landline phone at home, according to our survey. I still have one myself, but just because my internet bill would…

For the longest time, I struggled with latency when recording audio, or the time it takes for recorded sound to register on the screen. I’d plug in my audio interface to my computer, get all my drums all mic’ed up, and have a hard time getting my stuff to sync up with whatever I was…

Roku is our favorite streaming OS because it has just about every streaming app there is, and the setup is hassle-free. You don’t have to be technologically savvy to figure it out. Roku also isn’t made by one of the major tech companies. Even though it has moved to include home security in its lineup,…

Base layer: A good set of thermals is essential in the fight against cold, especially when you’re working hard. The best fabrics wick away sweat as you heat up, which helps regulate your temperature. Merino wool is the best at this, but also the most expensive. Synthetic fabrics are getting better though, and please avoid…

You either fall into the “it’s just a phone” camp, or you’re someone who meticulously pores over all the new features of a smartphone, stays up to date on all the top devices every year, and feels a sense of pride when you look at your shiny, pricey investment. This is my 10th year of…