DEAR READERS: Today's sound off concerns new cars that do not include a spare tire.
"DEAR HELOISE: When shopping for a new car, most people don't bother to check to see if there is a spare tire included with the sale, but in fact, many new cars do not include this item anymore.
"Some cars have an inflator kit included, but this won't help for serious tire damage, only for tread puncture. Some higher-priced cars come with run-flat tires, which will operate for limited miles after puncture. Neither of these options works as well as a spare tire.
"If you insist on getting a spare tire, some dealers will sell you a kit, which includes a tire, a jack and a lug wrench. It will cost you between $150 and $300, in addition to the purchase price of the car."
-- Fred J. in Detroit
DEAR READERS: Other uses for paper clips:
• Clip reminders to a calendar or in a journal.
• Use to clip bags closed.
• Use to hold up a hem in a pinch.
• Let children make necklaces or bracelets with them.
DEAR HELOISE: I recently had a laptop computer that was stolen at an airport. When I bought a replacement, I had a GPS tracking device installed so I could track down my computer if it disappeared again. Some computers have tracking software installed at the manufacturing plant, but if yours doesn't have it, I highly recommend getting software tracking for your laptop.
-- Jim Y., Pocatello, Idaho
DEAR HELOISE: How often should I be watering my plants?
-- Phyllis T., Erie, Pa.
DEAR READER: Thump the pot or container, and if it sounds hollow, it probably needs water. If it doesn't sound hollow, it probably has water. Most plants do not need a lot of water unless they are outside, but indoor plants should be watered at least once a week.
DEAR HELOISE: I'm tired of dragging a measuring cup to the laundromat; I've lost about four so far. Got any hints to help me?
-- Morgan D.,
Boulder City, Nev.
DEAR READER: Try a plastic yogurt cup (an 8-ounce container), and use that to measure your laundry soap. If that container gets lost, it's not a big deal.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
ActiveStyle on 07/23/2018