×

Take a pass on premium gas?

Dear Heloise: I am so confused! I have been buying premium gas for my car, but I just watched a news report that stated many of us are using premium gas when we could be using regular. I really don’t want to waste money, so what do I do? — Lisa O., via email

Yes, regular gas is fine for most vehicles, yet many of us are paying for premium. The difference can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in gas costs. The Federal Trade Commission tells you to check your owners manual, and use regular gas unless specifically told in the manual to use premium. There really is no benefit to using the higher octane unless you have “engine knock,” which is a weird rattling or pinging sound that just doesn’t sound right. Using higher-octane gas should eliminate this unwanted noise. — Heloise

CERTAIN RETURN

Dear Heloise: I own a small retail store, and we often get canes left behind, hanging on our front counter. We almost never hear back from the owner, so they stay in our store for months on end, hoping the owner will call or come back, but it rarely happens. Some of these canes look expensive.

A great hint for cane users is to put your name and phone number somewhere on your cane. A quick call, and you can have your cane back in a jiff. — A Retail Owner, via email

TRAP HAIR

Dear Heloise: I have several large shower stalls in my house. To keep hair from clogging the drain, I place a large, round piece of plastic canvas over the drains. Plastic canvas can be found at craft stores, and it comes in sheets and shapes. I purchase the large, round shape and use it. It is the perfect size to cover the drain, but the holes are big enough for water to quickly drain through. It also weighs enough that it does not float away. Hair is easily removed from it. I have never had a clogged shower drain! — Debbie in Omaha, Neb.

STORAGE CONTAINERS

Dear Heloise: I buy cleaning wipes in the plastic container for multiple cleaning jobs around the house. Once the containers are empty, I use them to store plastic grocery bags or produce bags. These containers are easily stored under cabinets or on shelves. I have them in different rooms in the house, and even one in the garage! — Mindy T., Hammond, Ind.

TREE STAND

Dear Heloise: Rather than having the hassle of putting your natural Christmas tree on a stand, put the stand on the tree before you untie it from the roof of your car. Tighten it up later when it’s upright and in position. — J.H., Wolcott, Conn.

THANK-YOU NOTES

Dear Heloise: For years, I’ve stuffed a small pack of thank-you notes in my grandchildren’s Christmas stockings. They’re teenagers now and still write notes acknowledging birthdays, graduations, Christmas gifts, etc. — Therese in Maine

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(at)Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

——

Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today