The value of the VIN
Dear Readers: In the market for a used vehicle? It’s smart to do your homework. Learn everything you can about the make and model of the car you’re interested in, of course, but there’s something else you should check when you find a car you like: the VIN.
“VIN” is “vehicle identification number,” 17 characters that can give you a wealth of information, like whether the car has been totaled in an accident or natural disaster (like a flood), or if it’s been reported stolen.
Unscrupulous people can refurbish cars that have been totaled and resell them. This is illegal, because it is not safe. And stolen vehicles, of course, cannot be resold.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free VIN check service at www.NICB.org. You also can call 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422). This is one way to protect yourself and be a responsible consumer. — Heloise
LETTER OF LAUGHTER
Dear Heloise: Regarding the hint in February about where to hold the steering wheel when driving, the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock hand position versus the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock one is very confusing to current young student drivers. They have spent their entire lives looking at digital clocks! — Diane E., Springfield, Ill.
SLIM SHOES
Dear Heloise: I enjoy your column. I’ve not been able to find house slippers because I wear a 9 Slim, or AAA, and no one makes these anymore, just Narrow, Medium or Wide.
I also need to have the left heel built up, which complicates my problem! I hope you or a reader might know of a resource. — Marilyn B., San Angelo, Texas
Marilyn, so sorry for your struggle. Contact a shoe-repair business. They should provide you with guidance, and they may know of specialty retailers who will guarantee you a good fit for your house slippers. Readers, any other hints for Marilyn? — Heloise
NEW ROLE FOR CAPS
Dear Heloise: I save every cap on hair spray cans because I have so many uses for them. My biggest use is on my dressing table to hold upside-down lotions, in the shower for shampoo bottles, and on the dresser for any kind of small bottle, like an eyeliner bottle. This makes it easier to clean by just sliding the caps from one side to the other. I use one in the kitchen miscellaneous drawer to hold paper clips and keep the drawer tidy. — Carmelina M., via email
Great repurposing hint! — Heloise
HS HICCUP HELPER
Dear Heloise: I use what I consider the best and easiest method for stopping hiccups. I got this from a teacher when I was a sophomore in high school in 1950, and it has been successful for me ever since.
I try to focus on something while taking deep, slow breaths. Usually three or fewer breaths and the hiccups have disappeared! — Lee D., Watertown, Wis.
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.