Hints From Heloise: Are you lit up?

Dear Readers: A letter from a reader about the importance of CHECKING VEHICLE LIGHTS by yourself brought some follow-up comments. Here are a few:

* John in Atlanta says: “If you do not have a second person to inspect the lights, do what I do: Wait until dusk and pull into the parking lot of a glass building (e.g., office building, shopping center, etc.). Use the windows as a mirror to check your lights, turn signals, reverse lights and license-plate lights. Just be careful to keep an eye out for traffic or pedestrians in the parking lot, and be aware of your surroundings.”

* Frances in Arkansas says: “To test your car lights in 10 seconds, get in your car in the closed garage. Turn the ignition switch to the ‘on’ position, but DON’T start the motor. Test the lights to see if the reflection is correct. The taillights will show up on the garage door when you step on the brakes. You do not even need to get out of the car.”

* C.M. in South Carolina says: “If you choose to pay for full service when gassing up your car, don’t be afraid to ask the service attendant to check the lights along with your oil while filling up. If you’re paying extra for the gas, you might as well get the ‘full’ out of the service.”

These are all good hints to use. Thanks! -- Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Susan House of Anchorage, Alaska, sent a photo with her two 6-month-old Boston terrier brothers, Gus and Pete. She lovingly refers to them as “double trouble,” and they are always on squirrel patrol. To view the brothers on patrol, visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on “Pets.” -- Heloise

LINT DISPOSAL

Dear Heloise: I have a tiny laundry room, not large enough for a stand-up trash can. To save time disposing of dryer lint, I keep a small, decorative canvas basket on the shelf above the dryer. Any type of recycled container will work great!

Saves time and those extra steps of disposing of the lint in another room. Love your column and the very useful hints from you and readers — double thanks! -- Pat in Chino Valley, Ariz.

A useful hint, and now a reminder about the lint filter: It’s an extreme fire hazard if not cleaned often. Make it a habit to clean it EVERY TIME. -- Heloise

NO PRESSURE

Dear Heloise: If you don’t like having your feet constricted with heavy covers, then this is for you. A large, inflatable ball is useful for making a little tent for your feet in bed. These balls are so easily slipped into the place you want them. I keep mine by the pillows during the day. At night, it is slipped under the covers and easily slid down to the bottom.

I could not sleep without one. -- Marriam Park, Kilgore, Tex.

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2013, King Features Syndicate