Monday, February 19, 2007
Dear Readers: If you are going to rent a car, there are a few hints that could save you some time and a lot of headaches!
It seems like everyone is in a hurry and no one wants to waste time if it can be avoided. Here are several hints from people in the car-rental business that will help you have better and faster service. So, before you make that call or check online to rent a vehicle, get ready to make a list of important information you'll need to know:
The specific location. Large cities have several sites, so know which one you'll need. If you are flying in, you might want the location closest to the airport.
Your identification number if you are a frequent renter.
Dates and times for picking up and dropping off the vehicle.
What size car you want and whether you want one that is "no smoking."
Any association, auto-club or senior-citizen discount, as well as frequent-flier memberships or coupons. If in doubt, it doesn't hurt to ask -- it could save you some bucks! Also, make sure you take any card, coupon or code that has been used for your rental with you when you pick up the car.
Have a credit card ready. Most car-rental agencies don't accept debit cards or cash. Heloise
Fast facts
Other uses for wire bread ties from Pam Pipal of Billings, Mont.:
Strip and use the wire to fill in for the screw you lost on your eyeglass frames.
Great for hanging ornaments or for use in floral arrangements.
A stripped bread tie works fantastic as a needle threader.
Twist several paper-coated ties together to bind poultry legs for roasting.
Dear Heloise: I am allergic to dust mites, and I have to use my vacuum cleaner to dust the house. I have found that using a cheap, plastic comb is terrific for removing lint and various fibers from the roller brush on the vacuum. You can use either end as needed, and the combs are inexpensive to replace. Lisa Williams, Jefferson City, Tenn.
Dear Heloise: I use a glob of white typewriter correction fluid on the top side of my cell-phone charger plugs. This way, I don't have to look at the little connectors to see which way the plug fits into the phone; I just look for the white dot and plug it in. B. Howard, San Clemente, Calif.
Sound off
Dear Heloise: My pet peeve is buttons that come off almost immediately after I purchase a garment. Honestly, it's almost enough to make me stop buying anything with buttons on it. It's been my experience that the purchase price of the garment is no indication of whether the buttons are sewed on well. Pamela Parker, Houston
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