Inside CR

In May, CR found the distance it took the Tesla Model 3 to come to a stop was longer than that of any other car tested by our experts in recent memory. It isn't unusual for CR testers to spot a problem with a product already on the market. Nor is it unusual for a company to vow to make a timely fix. What was unusual was the way Tesla resolved the problem so quickly: by beaming an over-the-air update to drivers across the country.

When we re-tested the Model 3, we found the braking distance improved by nearly  20 feet, which made it competitive with other vehicles in its class. As a result the Overall Score increased sufficiently to allow CR to recommend the Tesla Model 3.

This was the first time that we had seen an automaker improve the dynamic performance of one of its models remotely—but we know that it won't be long before remote updates become the new normal for a host of common products beyond smartphones and computers. Technology will soon make it possible for everything from washing machines to medical equipment to be improved, repaired, and safe-guarded with the click of a button from thousands of miles away.

CR will continue to work with consumers to respond to new technology, insisting that companies are transparent about how they use technology to ensure safety, privacy, and fairness.

How do you regain control of a car skidding on a rain-slicked road? What are the top tips for maintaining your privacy without giving up your ability to do what you want online? Is there a right way to load a dishwasher that'll give you cleaner dishes?

Starting on October 6, a new 30-minute network TV show will answer these questions and many more each Saturday morning. With host Jack Rico and our CR testers, you'll have a look into how we use our extensive testing labs to help you make informed decisions, whether that involves your next purchase or how to prepare for a major storm heading your way.

Jack, whose natural curiosity kick-starts the conversation, will cover many popular topics from healthy foods, washing machines, and TVs to autos and tires. He'll take you to CR's Auto Test Center in Colchester, Conn., to talk with our experts there and take a spin or two around the track. This show will give consumers trusted information to tackle life's everyday challenges. You can start following Consumer 101 on the show's official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

New CR tests discovered measurable levels of the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, and/or lead in 50 popular packaged baby foods—some at significant levels of concern. These contaminants are often the product of human activity such as smelting and pesticide application and can have significant negative health consequences for everyone, but especially for kids and infants. These can include bladder, lung, and skin cancer, and type 2 diabetes. And, in children, heavy metal exposure can lead to serious cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and lowered IQ.

The Federal Drug Administration has not set limits for the presence of these metals in children's foods, despite known risks. However, CR's experts have developed an assessment to show the number of daily servings of each of the foods that, over time, pose a risk. The results serve as both a warning to parents (paired with safer food options for their kids), and a motivator to the federal government to take action. Go here to find a list showing the number of servings per day that is safe for a child and to find other dietary options. As a nonprofit organization, CR relies on contributing members like you to make food safety testing like this possible. Thank you!

Why did you join CR?
I joined CR as part of the tire test team based on my experience. But my work at CR also allowed me to focus on testing overall vehicle performance. For the first time in my career, I was able to see the car as a whole. In my previous jobs, I was testing one component of the car, but never the whole package. The comprehensiveness of CR's tests was super appealing.

What has changed most in automotive testing since you arrived at CR?
I think the best and biggest changes are in vehicle safety. Cars can now do so much more to help someone avoid a crash or better protect them if they're in one. When I started at CR, cars only had frontal airbags. Now side and curtain airbags are nearly universal. CR was always a big proponent of airbags. Our testing was also critical in identifying the benefits of electronic stability control for controlling a car in a skid or when it's out of control and now every new vehicle has it.

What are the most important safety features in new cars?
The two that have shown the most benefits at preventing rear-end collisions are forward-collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB). Forward-collision warning alerts you if you are approaching a car too quickly or aren't paying close enough attention. If you don't react, automatic emergency braking will apply the brakes, preventing the crash or at least reducing your speed so the impact isn't as severe. We think these two features should be on all cars, and we award points in our Overall Score for vehicles where they are standard.

How are donor contributions put to work at the ATC?
Some of the test equipment we need to keep our testing current can be quite expensive. Donations have helped us get some of them. A great example is the foam target car we use for testing automatic emergency braking. A donation helped us buy it, which has enabled us to evaluate that important safety feature.

What's new at CR's ATC?
We recently needed to get additional electric vehicle chargers because more electric vehicles are coming to market. We've also added lane markings on the track. It doesn't sound exciting, but they are important when evaluating semi-autonomous vehicles that are designed to help drivers maintain speed and keep them in their lane. Most exciting though is that we have broken ground on a new building that will house our tire and child seat testing. It will give us more space, greater efficiency, and a safer work environment.

What's the most fun part of your job?
My favorite part is having a balance—I get to rate autos and develop good stories that will help consumers, and I get to be out driving the cars on the road or the track. My colleagues and I are lucky to be able to do both.