by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla is no stranger to being in the news, nor is the company a stranger to recalls of its vehicles. Now, the company’s latest recall in China has made waves in the media. However, is this recall really that big of a deal, or is it just another case of an exaggeration to generate clicks? After all, it wouldn’t be the first time that has happened.

News outlets made a mountain out of a molehill

Many news outlets declared the recall was both huge and yet could not agree on exactly how many vehicles were actually affected. CNN declared that “Tesla hits another bump in the road” and mentioned that the seemingly large scale of the problem is a “black eye”  for Tesla. Furthermore, many news outlets only briefly noted that it was not technically a recall and buried that tidbit under words like “Autopilot issues” and “debacles in China.”

The ‘huge’ Tesla recall is voluntary

According to CleanTechnica, who broke down the recall details, which is not really a recall, it centers around a potential problem where the driver could accidentally activate the active cruise control. Therefore, Tesla is actually just being proactive. It is not a required recall issued by a regulating body, and there have been no cases of this actually happening. Additionally, it is a straightforward fix, just a simple software update that can be done without going into the dealership. 

The software update involves approximately 249,855 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built at the Shanghai facility and approximately 35,665 imported Model 3s. Tesla is planning to contact any customers whose vehicle needs the update. 

Twitter chimed in with thoughts on the Tesla recall

CleanTechnica followed up its original article, illustrating some of the Twitter responses that included a few interesting comparisons and an incredibly brief video demonstrating how to complete the software update for the recall. The video, which lasts just 12 seconds, shows that to get the update, you push the right lever down once, and you will hear a “ding” that indicates the vehicle is in TACC mode. Then you lift the same lever, and you will hear another “ding,” which turns TACC mode off, and you are done. Easy peasy.

Another comment compared it to updates on various apps on your phone. The user stated “62 recalls available” and included a screenshot of various apps, including American Airlines and Audible audiobooks and podcasts. The article pointed out how ludicrous it would be if news outlets reported the brand had a “recall” every time the app needed to be updated. Another user also commented on a new term coined by CNBC, dubbing it a “soft recall,” and the user speculated that “I guess going to a dealership is called a ‘hard recall.'”

It really should not surprise anyone that news outlets exaggerated the issue, most likely to get more clicks. Many people believe that there is no such thing as bad press, and for both Tesla and the different news outlets, that probably holds. Elon Musk, CEO and face of Tesla, seems to thrive on being at the center of news reports, good and bad. Meanwhile, most media sites thrive on clicks and mentions. This is what this article, and the other articles cited, did.  

RELATED: 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid Records Unreal 0-60 MPH Time

The post The ‘Huge’ Tesla Recall Is Really Just a Minor Software Update appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you don’t love cleaning, you might be interested in tips to avoid some chores. One way to bypass a bit of vacuuming and still keep up with home maintenance is to use a robot vacuum cleaner. These little machines do a decent job. And among the most popular is the iRobot Roomba. This robot vacuum brand makes four popular models that have earned excellent Consumer Reports reviews and cost less than $600.

iRobot Roomba is among the best-known robot vacuum brands

Consumer Reports has found that robot vacuum cleaners have improved greatly in the past few years. CR even had to change its tests to make them more difficult. “We’re challenging these bots to work larger, more complex spaces — making sure they don’t snag on your carpet tassels and cables and don’t get stuck in awkward places,” says Susan Booth, who oversees the vacuum testing for Consumer Reports. 

In addition to looking at predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, the new tests evaluate how well the robot vacuums clean different types of flooring surfaces and how well they navigate tight corners. Consumer Reports also examines the data privacy and security for robot vacuums that are connected to the internet.

Though these machines still aren’t as good as upright vacuums, they can be a big help for keeping a home clean. CR’s rankings of robotic vacuums list seven iRobot Roomba models in the top 10. There’s a reason that robot vacuums from this company are popular: They’re great products. But they can also be expensive. So here’s a look at four models that cost less than $600.

iRobot Roomba i3+

The iRobot Roomba i3+ earned an overall score of 72 out of 100 from Consumer Reports. It has an average carpet score of 3 out of 5. This score measures how well the vacuum cleans a medium-pile carpet. It has a bare-floors score of 5 out of 5. This score looks at how well the vacuum cleans laminate flooring. The iRobot Roomba i3+ also earns a perfect 5 for its navigation abilities. It receives a slightly lower 4 out of 5 for predicted reliability.

This vacuum has one side brush and a self-emptying docking station. It also has Wi-Fi/cellular connectivity. It’s great at cleaning along edges and picking up pet hair. It’s also very quiet. However, it has a relatively small dirt bin, and it sometimes scatters debris, Consumer Reports warns. This vacuum also earned Consumer Reports’ “Recommended” label. It’s priced between $549 and $599.99.

iRobot Roomba i3

The iRobot Roomba i3 also earned an overall score of 72. This model has the same scores as the i3+. Consumer Reports didn’t test this model but expects it to function the same as the i3+. It works the same way but doesn’t have the self-emptying docking station. CR also recommends this model, it costs only $349 to $399.99.

iRobot Roomba 960

The iRobot Roomba 960 has an overall score of 71 from Consumer Reports. It matches the i3 and i3+ with a perfect 5 in both bare floors and navigation. But it performs even better on carpeting, receiving a 4. It also earned a 4 in predicted reliability.

The 960 has one side brush and Wi-Fi/Cellular connectivity. It adapts easily to various floor surfaces, says Consumer Reports, but it is slightly taller than some models and might not fit under all furniture. Again, this vacuum snagged Consumer Reports’s “Recommended” distinction. It retails for $484 to $499.99.

iRobot Roomba e5

Last, the iRobot Roomba e5 has an overall score of 70. It earned a 5 in bare floors and 4 in carpet, navigation, and predicted reliability.

It has one side brush plus Wi-Fi/cellular connectivity. A big perk is that this model is super-quiet. However, it also has a small dirt bin, Consumer Reports says. Overall, though, the Roomba e5 is a deal, priced between $297 and $349.99. CR even labels it a “Best Buy.”

So, for less than $600, you can keep up with floor cleaning without running the vacuum yourself. iRobot offers several excellent Roomba models.

RELATED: 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2021 According to Consumer Reports

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