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Buyer Beware

Whether you're addicted to the savings on eBay, Craigslist or yard sales, there are some things you should think twice about before buying used. "You can get great buys -- just make sure they're safe," says eBay PowerSeller and author Lynn Dralle. "The bottom line is: Do your research." Items of top concern include:

• Baby cribs. "People hold on to baby stuff because it's sentimental," says Dralle. The problem? By the time some parents decide to sell items such as cribs or car seats at a tag sale, they may be dangerously outdated. Older baby cribs can be harmful or fatal to infants because their slats are more than 2 3/8 inches apart, which is enough space to trap a baby's head. Get more details at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website (cpsc.gov). Search for "Crib Information Center."
• Vintage appliances. Cloth cords are a red flag that small appliances -- think lamps and toasters -- should be rewired before they can be used safely. "If it's a collectible only -- like a 1930s Toastmaster toaster that recently sold for $250 -- and won't be plugged in, then go ahead and buy it," Dralle says. Otherwise, have it rewired by an electrician or buy new.
• Bike helmets. You can't tell by looking at a used helmet if it's been in a serious crash or fall. If it has, the American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org) says it may not provide adequate protection in another accident.
• Window blinds. The cords on some blinds pose a risk of strangulation to children. Before you hit the "buy" button, go to cpsc.gov and search by brand name to check for recalls.

I Can See Clearly Now

Car owners should replace windshield wipers every six months to a year, experts suggest, because Mother Nature damages and warps them. In between changes, remove dirt buildup or bug residue by wiping the rubber blades with a damp cloth.

How do you know if your wipers are due for a change? Simple: If they stutter and skip across the glass or fail to clear wide swatches, they're not only annoying but dangerous. An oil change shop can replace your wipers, but it's also an easy job for a do-it-yourselfer. Often, only the wiper's rubber insert needs to be replaced, which may cost less than $10. If the metal arms are damaged or corroded, replace them too.

Road Safety Pop Quiz

How long are the dashed lines painted on U.S. streets and highways? A recent study at The Ohio State University reveals that many drivers think they're just 2 feet long, when in fact they're commonly at least 10 feet long. That's a good reminder that our perspective on distance -- how far away another vehicle or object is -- may be skewed when we're driving.

Clean Up Your (Home) Act

Tackle these three often-overlooked spring cleaning tasks now to extend the life of your appliances, stay safe and save on electricity.

Vacuum refrigerator coils. "When those coils get dirty, it takes a lot more energy to cool your fridge," says David Tamny, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. How dirty can they get? "You have dust bunnies under your bed. It's like that under a fridge." Grab your owner's manual and a vacuum cleaner or coil-cleaning brush.

Clean dryer ducts. Even if you're methodical about removing lint from the screen after every load, you still may have buildup that can strain the motor or cause a fire. Turn on the dryer, then head outside to make sure the exterior vent is opening and allowing air to escape. If it's not, the duct may be blocked. If the duct to your dryer is short (1 to 3 feet), you can clean it with a vent brush. Otherwise, hire a professional.

Replace dirty furnace/AC filters. Inexpensive filters (around $1) should be changed at least monthly; high-quality filters ($30 and up) may last a year. If your home isn't cooling properly or you see ice building up on your air conditioner when you test it this spring, a dirty filter may be the problem.

Thieves Love GPS

What's not to love about portable GPS units? They make getting lost (almost) a thing of the past. Unfortunately, they're easy to nab and resell. In fact, thieves are stealing more navigation systems than once-popular air bags and stereos, says the Insurance Information Institute. It's not enough to hide your GPS in the car if the dashboard or windshield mount is in plain sight. Crooks look for clues that a GPS is likely stashed nearby.