Dear Heloise: I check the tire pressure on my spare tire once a year. It is a donut, and the recommended PSI is 60. After a year, it usually drops to the mid-50s. As an aside, I mentioned this to my brother, and he said that he never checks his spare tire’s pressure. So, he did, and it was 15!

Also, after playing golf with my grandson, I asked him about this practice, and he also said he never checked his. We checked it, and it was 10.5! Please encourage your readers to do this simple task. Thank you. — Rick Nelson, via email

MAYONNAISE

SPREADING

Dear Heloise: One of my pet peeves is spreading mayonnaise on a sandwich for lunchtime. Invariably, mayonnaise gets messy when scooping it out of the tall container, especially when the mayo is at the bottom.

I now use a long, iced tea spoon for making sandwiches. You can control the amount of mayonnaise (either a lot or a little) and, using the other side of the spoon, spread it evenly over the bread.

When done, if the mayonnaise comes in a plastic container, you can tap on the side of the container, then rinse it with hot water to clean it quickly. No more messy knives to clean! — Jack Stevenson, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

TOOTHBRUSH

TECHNIQUES

Dear Heloise: After visiting my dental hygienist for my yearly cleaning and being complimented on my excellent oral health and lack of issues for a senior, I told her my secret. I use a plaque rinse, then floss and brush after each meal. I chew sugarless gum when I can’t brush after dining out.

Another secret of mine is closing my eyes while performing dental care, eliminating any angst while looking in the mirror and affording full focus on my technique. I don’t brush too hard and cover all areas of my teeth and gums, along with proper flossing that covers both sides of my gum crevices.

Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue after your 2-minute brushing routine to reduce halitosis! — E.K., Dana Point, California

PUSHING CARTS HELPS WITH VERTIGO

Dear Heloise: I read the question from Frank A., in Ventura, California, about men being inconsiderate by not helping women with heavy carts and other things. My wife has some vertigo and likes to push the cart for stability. On the other hand, if there are heavy bags, I will take them myself — if she lets me. — Bob, Santa Clarita, California

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.