I am trying to compile a list of mechanics secrets. This list will provide time saving diagnostic or parts replacement tips or other car related tips. To avoid copyright infringements, please supply only tips that you have discovered on your own or have learned through fellow mechanics. Any tips taken from copyrighted material should not be submitted.

Anyone that supplies useful information will have this list emailed to them. Just provide your e-mail with your submission.

I will start off with the some of the ones that helped me in the past.

1) When replacing spark plugs that are in difficult places to reach, use a vacuum hose, attach one end of the hose to the spark plug, position the plug at the spark plug orifice and turn the hose. The spark plug will be turned at the other end of the hose which will allow for an easier way to get the plug started and possibly screw it in most of the way. Now all you need to do is struggle with the last few turns using a ratchet and a ton of elbows.

2) I discovered this one last week. I am alone and trying to figure out where the exhaust system is leaking. There is no one around to rev the engine for me while I am inspecting the pipes. I shoved an old rag in the tail pipe and found the leak instantly.

3) When replacing the transmission oil pan, the cork gasket is difficult to keep in place. By placing a few bolts through the oil pan and into the gasket it keeps the gasket lined up. The gasket does not slip out of place when positioning the oil pan.

4) Not a repair tip but a driving one. When looking for a parking space in a large parking lot, find a space that you can pull through to the space attached to it. This way your car is facing forward and you can pull out when you are ready to leave, rather than needing to back out. Backing out is much more susceptible to accidents.

Please help your fellow home mechanic by providing time saving or other car related tips to make car maintenance less frustrating.

I, and I am certain, many visitors to this site will thank you for such helpful information.

I thank you in advance.
Teakstone

I keep track of belt/hose/fluid changes by using a label maker and sticking the label on the frame or plastic covers near the top of the radiator forward of the engine compartment seal. Ready reference and heat won't effect them there.

Here is another one:if you cannot fix it,keep your hands off it.My father's clean up guy has learned this and does this,has my father fix it instead.He tried it once and will never do it again

If you who do your own oil changes and use plastic gloves. After your done force one of the gloves over the old oil filter. This will prevent the old oil from leaking out into the garbage can.

Here's one that I just used to night to find a bad Turn Signal blinker (on my Olds 88).

Turn on the Emergency flasher and use its clicking sound to locate the hazard blinker. Usually the turn signal blinker will be located around the hazard light blinker and many times they will physically resemble each other as well.. In other words, use the hazard blinker to help figure out what the turn signal blinker looks like and where it is located at..

Best Regards,
Stan

For the DIY'er: read all the literature you can find pertaining to the task at hand. When you're not tasked, read all the literature on the make, model, and year of your task vehicle. When you feel you've had enough reading, and there's nothing wrong with the vehicle, grab a dead blow hammer, a pair of tin snips, safety goggles, and crawl into the engine compartment or under the vehicle and break something. Well, scratch the last sentence, but the idea is to learn and accomplish something in our modern, consumer-driven lives...the repair of our costly butt-movers.