Any consistent reader of the Consumer Reports blog knows that when buying test cars, we try to do nearly all of the research and interaction with the salesperson(s) online. And while most domestic and Asian brands work well this way, it’s harder when buying German cars. Why is this? What we’ve found is there are fewer German cars sitting on dealer lots from which to choose. Their purchase... 

With the summer driving season right around the corner, the arrival of spring makes a great time for a quick spare tire check up. A few minutes now could save you from kicking off vacation or a weekend road trip stuck by the side of the road with a useless spare, or one that can’t be removed because the hardware securing it is rusted. All tires lose pressure over time, which is why we recommend... 

Motorcyclists face a variety of dangers, but when it comes to the common practice of lane-splitting—the practice of riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic—riders feel most threatened by drivers not looking in their mirrors and distracted drivers, according to a recent survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). Both these concerns were reported by at least... 

With long charge times and charging stations few and far between, government agencies, Google, and others have gone to great lengths to maintain lists of every charging station in America and make it available via smart phones. But EV drivers have another story. With different charging networks proliferating, some EV drivers we met this week at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles... 

The Waze app packs a lot of information in at an enticing price—free. It combines turn-by-turn navigation, traffic delay information (with causes and backup lengths), locations of radar traps, and the ability for users to socialize their location, mood, and on-the-road observations with other Wazeophiles. But that’s the problem. While turn-by-turn guidance and information about delays... 

A recall for GLX 501C motorcycle helmets made by Galaxy Helmets in Irwindale, Calif., has been issued by the U.S. Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A small number of extra large sized Galaxy helmets failed to meet government impact standards and might not adequately protect motorcycle riders in the event of a crash. NHTSA and safety advocates such as Consumer Reports remind two-wheeled riders... 

We’re heading into the busy summer travel season and if a road trip is in your getaway plans, a used SUV may be a good choice to fit the family and gear. As we have been reminded by our recent tests, new SUVs can be pricey. To make shopping easier, we have identified some of the best used deals on small and midsized SUVs. Buying a used car has many benefits. Most important is that the original... 

Even with their low cost of ownership, some have speculated that the electric car movement is being driven more by regulations than by consumer demand. Specifically, they’re referring to regulations in the state of California that demand major automakers sell a set number of “zero emissions” (i.e. electric or fuel-cell) cars in the state. Each of the biggest six automakers that sells... 

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and if a new car is on the wish list, there are many choices from which to select the perfect one. Whether she is a mother with young children or teens, has an outdoorsy or sporty personality, or an empty nester dreaming of retirement, we have test-based recommendations on good, safe, and reliable new cars. New moms All mothers naturally place a priority... 

How much do you hate going to a gas station? Would plugging your car in every night be even more of a pain? Or would it become a simple routine, much like plugging in your cell phone at night? Those are some of the main questions electric car advocates are asking this week at EVS26, the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. The answers, of course, depend on what you’re selling....