By HELOISE

Syndicated columnist

Dear Heloise: More drivers notice cars that only have one working headlight. Years ago, fixing a headlight meant buying a bulb, unscrewing it and replacing it in minutes. Today, many vehicles require the removal of panels or bumper parts to access the bulb. Several friends recently complained about high repair costs. A mechanic explained that new assemblies are more complex, and labor can take one to two hours.

So, if a headlight burns out, check the owner’s manual first. Some cars allow for simple bulb changes, which saves money. If not, always request a repair estimate to avoid surprises. — Connie Butler, in Blair, Nebraska

Freezer waste

Dear Heloise: Buying large packages of meat can save money, but dividing everything into freezer portions can take time and energy. Instead of doing it all at once, try spreading the task out over several days.

When I return from shopping, I look at the “use by” or “freeze by” dates on the packages and write them on my household calendar. Then, a day or two before these dates arrive, I take a few minutes to break larger packages into smaller portions for the freezer. I keep one package out for immediate meals and wrap the rest tightly in freezer bags.

This method prevents the rush of trying to portion out everything at once and helps to ensure that nothing spoils before it gets frozen. Planning like this also keeps the freezer organized and helps rotate food so that older items get used first. — Dawn, via email

Stray cats

Dear Heloise: Animal lovers may want to help strays, but bringing a stray cat inside may cause problems for both you and the animal. A stray cat may bite or scratch you if they become frightened, spread infections like cat-scratch disease, or carry fleas, parasites and diseases such as rabies if they’re unvaccinated. Even a friendly stray might mark their territory or scratch furniture.

A better option is to call animal control or a humane society. The humane society can capture the cat, check its health, provide shots, and spay or neuter it. Then someone can adopt the cat into a safe home. This protects both people and pets. — Anne M., in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Smart appliances

Dear Heloise: Many people praise energy-efficient appliances, but some find that the new technology doesn’t always work as expected. Modern washing machines use sensors to set water levels and cycles. This saves energy, but some loads still come out with detergent residue or aren’t fully clean.

So, this means that you should adjust your washer’s settings. Use a larger load or an extra-rinse cycle to remove detergent and improve cleaning. Experiment to find what works for your laundry. Clean clothes and energy efficiency matter! Know your machine’s features and use manual controls when needed. — Sarah, via email

Drive safe

Dear Readers: Schools will be letting out soon, so be sure to drive safely, especially in neighborhoods and school zones. Some children go back to the playgrounds near schools to use slides, swings and more during the summer break. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column. Copyright 2026 by King Features Syndicate Inc.