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Check tires

3 min read

Dear Readers: If you own an automobile and drive more than just a few miles daily, when was the last time you checked the tires? Many readers know that the tires on a vehicle are important for getting to and from places, but may not know how important tires are in keeping you safe.

A favorite topic to complain about is potholes. I know, boring! I agree. However, there probably are millions of these devilish little (and very BIG) holes in roads all over the United States. The odds of you encountering a few are, well, let’s just say it’s a good bet you will bump, bump and, hopefully, trump on most drives. Here are some things to keep in mind to limit damage to tires and vehicle:

n Tires need to be inflated to the correct pressure in order to perform safely.

n Keep an eye on the road ahead of you so you can try to avoid a pothole or at least do your best to minimize the damage caused by having to drive over one.

n A wet road can hide a pothole, small or large, so don’t just zip along. If you can’t avoid driving over one, slowing down will help prevent major damage.

Oh yes, and lastly, your tires will last longer! Saves money! — Heloise

Crime numbers

Dear Heloise: Remind your readers to check the Internet for crime statistics in the area if they are looking for a new home. Also check the statistics for your current home. — Caroline in Santa Ana, Calif.

There is a lot of information on the Internet that is useful! Can’t get to a computer? Call your police station or the reference desk at your library, and they can help you. Think safe, play safe, be safe. — Heloise

Done in the sun

Dear Heloise: A surefire way to get food spots and stains out of fabrics is simple: Wet the item and lay it out in bright sunshine for two hours. Works for me 100 percent of the time, even on tablecloths! — Bon in Omaha, Neb.

Bon, this is a good “older” hint that may or may not work today. Many white fabrics today are manufactured with an optical brightener that can turn yellow with too much exposure to bright light. And Mother Nature, with her bright sunlight, can fade colors also. Just ask anyone who has a home near a beach. Blue cushions on chairs that sit outside fade over time. BIG-TIME, too! — Heloise

Zipper tip

Dear Heloise: The zipper on my pants is difficult to pull up. I fasten a small, stainless-steel pin to the pull tab. This makes it easier to pull up. Also, with cosmetics bags, I fasten a key ring to the zipper tab. Easier to open and close. — Barbara in Bluefield, W.Va.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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