🌾 Mow problems: Honda is recalling lawnmowers and pressure washers after nearly 5,000 reports of failures and 38 injuries. That means you if you have a model HRN216 or HRX217K6 lawnmower and/or a GCV170 or GCV200 G5B power washer. Stop using it immediately, then call Honda toll-free at 888‑888‑3139 for a free inspection and repair.
Best ways to charge your phone’s battery
We spend so much on tech that it’s incredibly frustrating when our devices break. A little prevention can go a long way. Here are six checkups to give your tech now to avoid a shocking repair bill later.
Regular maintenance is vital to longevity. Tap or click for my simple action plan to get more years out of your iPhone or Android.
Then, there are the mistakes you make day in and day out. Bad charging habits can shorten or disrupt your smartphone battery life if you aren’t careful.
Don’t rely on knock-off chargers
High-quality chargers have circuits inside of them that switch off when there’s too much power draw. This protects your phone battery from overcharging, breaking, or overheating.
Heat is your battery’s biggest enemy. Some cheap chargers and cables have even led to fire and injuries. Saving money is excellent, but don’t skimp on quality here.
Here’s a list of safe options that will charge your phone safely.
Be careful with power banks
Like with cheap chargers, cheap power banks can ruin your battery over time. Be sure any power bank you use has overcharge protection. If not, you can still use it, but keep an eye out. Once your battery is almost full, unplug it.
It would be best to avoid power banks with quick charge options unless they’re from a reliable brand. Here’s a rule of thumb: Say no if you’ve never heard of it.
Rapid charging can send too much electricity to your phone and cause battery damage. This high voltage could, at the very least, shorten your battery lifespan.
Tap or click for more smart ways to ensure you’re buying gear worth your money.
Bye-bye fireworks? The drones are here
They’re mesmerizing, a little magical and … pretty dangerous. That’s why a handful of cities are going high-tech this year, replacing their Fourth of July fireworks with drone shows.
In California, Lake Tahoe, La Jolla and Ocean Beach are going the drone route this year. The same goes for Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boulder, Colorado. That is not surprising, given how dry those states are. Utah is one of the states most prone to wildfires, with 800 to 1,000 yearly.
293% increase
In e-bike injuries between 2019 and 2022. Scooter injuries were up 88% in that time, too. FYI, injuries from e-bikes are much more likely to lead to a hospital visit than other “micro-mobility” devices like scooters and standard bikes. Just make sure your helmet is MIPS-rated to keep your noggin safe.
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These recalled pickup trucks may have started house fires
Errors during vehicle manufacturing occur, and they can have deadly consequences. When that happens, a manufacturer is usually quick to issue a recall. Tap or click here for details on a recent recall of nearly 500K older Nissans.
Read this before you hop on a rental scooter this summer
Like millions of Americans, you’re probably planning your summer vacation. Don’t forget to take some precautions before you leave town. Tap or click here for five travel tips to keep you safe.
Once you visit an unfamiliar city, you might decide to rent a scooter to get around. Technically known as shared mobility devices, they have become a common sight around tourist areas. Like how bicycle rentals work, you simply swipe your bank card, and a scooter is made available.
1 in 50 knife injuries
Are avocado-related. No kidding, it’s so common doctors call it “avocado hand.” This stat guaced my world. Here’s a tool made for the job.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
200 injuries so far: The FDA has recalled the Tandem Diabetes Care t:connect iOS app. It’s been crashing and relaunching, causing the compatible t:slim X2 insulin pump to shut down prematurely. If you’re affected, update your app to version 2.7.1 or later ASAP.
Watch out: Teens are being arrested for attacking people with gel pellet guns
The video-based social media platform TikTok is regularly the source of viral challenges. Whether it’s hilarious dances, life hacks or an application to be someone’s partner, it is usually good-spirited fun with no ill intent.
Fitbits recalled after reports of third-degree burns
Burning calories is a key to losing weight and staying in shape. However, you should never feel an actual burn when working out. Unfortunately, that is what some Fitbit owners have had to deal with recently.
It wasn’t because they hit the gym too hard or that Fitbit built personal motivators into its smartwatches. But an issue with some batteries led to injuries and a subsequent recall of thousands of gadgets.
Warning: Charging powerbanks sold at Amazon, Best Buy and Target recalled for fire risk
Power banks are handy, whether around the house or on a camping trip. Most are incredibly small and fit into a bag easily. When you aren’t close to a power socket or car charger, a powerbank can be a lifesaver. Tap or click here to see a power bank that can charge three devices simultaneously.
Generators sold at Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco and more recalled for finger amputation and crushing hazards
A portable generator is handy to have around the house when the power goes out or to take on a camping trip for electricity. They should always be used with caution and operated in a manner that won’t harm others.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Whether it is through negligence or not paying attention, many people have been injured while using heavy equipment.
Popular baby rocker recalled after 4 deaths - Share this with friends and family
Before products get released on to the market, they usually go through a stringent testing period. They will only be sold once all the necessary regulatory approvals have been given. But sometimes, things don’t go according to plan, and they get recalled.
Recall warning: Phone charger is a fire risk - Do you own it?
Prices on new tech gadgets can be hard to swallow. After all, who wants to spend thousands of dollars on a new 4K TV or computer?
But if you’re opting for inexpensive tech accessories to cut costs, you could be asking for trouble. Not all accessories are built with the same quality control, and cheap options are often recalled due to safety issues. These phone chargers that were recently recalled due to being fire hazards are just one example.