DEAR HELOISE: My windshield has been streaky for a while, and I assumed I just needed to wash my car. My father told me I needed to replace my windshield-wiper blades. He was right! Still learning from Dad.

– No Name, No Shame, via email

DEAR NO NAME: Your father was right! Wiper blades work best for about six months to a year, depending on several variables. Even if your car sits in the driveway and isn't driven, exposure to heat, sunlight, weather and dirt can cause wipers to harden, crack or tear. Ruined wipers can leave a windshield streaked, which is a big safety hazard, especially in bad weather.

April, known as National Car Care Month (sponsored by the Car Care Council, www.carcare.org), is the perfect time to check the condition of your wipers.

Check them for tears. Just lift the wiper a little and run your finger along the edge to feel for nicks, tears, etc. To extend the life of your wipers, clean them during your checks using a clean cloth (microfiber is my favorite) that you wet with window cleaner, then rinse with water.

DEAR HELOISE: I have six grown children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Consequently, I have received many gifts in my lifetime.

However, the greatest gift I have ever received is probably the least-expensive one of all. I received a fairly large jar with a lid on it, and a handwritten label stuck on the front, titled "Mom's Memories." My children write notes and secretly slide them in the jar anytime they visit. The notes are things they remember about growing up, things that were instrumental in their lives. Really heartwarming!

– F.M.G. In Arkansas

DEAR F.M.G.: A heart hint that sings and lifts your spirits! Love it!

DEAR HELOISE: When removing dryer lint, press it into a ball and tie with string or ribbon. Leave enough to tie to a tree, limb or bush. Birds and other wild animals use the lint to make nests, which keep their young warm.

I use different-colored ribbons, which gives an attractive appearance to my garden.

– Wanda S. In Texas

DEAR WANDA:What a sweet hint! Another hint is to comb the hair from a hairbrush and leave it outside for birds to use.

DEAR HELOISE: Whenever I stack glasses or cups together, I put sheets of paper towels in between them. I cut the sheets in four. I pop a square on top of the glass, set the next glass in the first and continue stacking. When I use the glasses or cups, I save the sheets and use them again when I put the glasses away.

– Karen P. In Florida

DEAR READERS: Day-to-day tasks like putting in contacts, taking pills and putting in earrings all can lead to one thing: something lost down the drain! Put a washcloth, swatch of nylon net or tissue over the drain to catch anything that might "go down the drain," never to be seen again!

Send a great hint to Heloise, P.O. 79500, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

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