HELPFuL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I took my car in for some repair work when I heard a knocking sound. The first garage told me I needed an oil change, new air filter and several more items for a total of $1,200. I OPINION was floored! I took the car to a second garage, and they said my oil was fine and that my air filter was only five months HELOISE

old and did not need changing. The knocking sound was repaired for less than $70.

I’m furious that someone tried to charge me for work I did not need to have done. My car is only three years old and was bought new, so I thought $1,200 was rather high for repairs.

Why do so many businesses try to take advantage of women? Clearly I’m not a mechanic and neither are any of the women I know, so I guess some places think we’re easy pickings. Needless to say, the 80/20 rule applies here. If you like something, you will probably tell 20% of the people you know. If you don’t like it, you’ll tell everyone you know. If businesses want to stay in business, the best way is to offer honest, reliable service. — Margaret K.,

Orlando, Fla. DEAR READER: You can always report a business to the Better Business Bureau. If they get enough complaints, they can investigate the situation. I’m sorry to say, price gouging happens, especially for those who need to depend on others for knowledge that they don’t have. You did the right thing by getting a second opinion, and thankfully got a better deal.

DEAR HELOISE: With more people traveling now, I have some hints to make their trip a little safer.

Always do your homework before you go. Check the travel advisory at the U.S. Department of State’s website (travel. state.gov). Always leave an itinerary and hotel information with family and friends. Don’t take expensive jewelry and don’t flash large sums of money. If you find yourself in trouble that you cannot handle, contact the closest U.S. Embassy.

— Drake W., Alexandria, Va. DEAR READER: That’s very good advice. I would also recommend that if you take medication, be sure it’s in a prescription bottle with your doctor’s name on it. Write down the name and number of the U.S. Embassy and store it with your passport or wallet. Make sure your passport is current. If you apply for a new one, it can take six to eight weeks to arrive.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email