The Top Ten
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Before pulling an engine to put a replacement in or to do a total rebuild,start by noting where everything is located. Then TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOGRAPHS of everything in the engine compartment. This is useful for wiring, hoses, and many other engine components. Also, it is good for a faulty memory like mine. (From Jonko Reader Jim B in Spokane, WA)

When checking the auto transmission fluid levels, always use a clean paper towel or tissue, the lint from cotton rags can cause problems if introduced into the oil. (From Jonko reader David Blake)

Overheated in traffic and can't get off the road? If at all possible, turn the heat on full blast with the blower on. Roll down your windows 'cause if your car is hot, chances are you will be too. This will at least allow some of the heat to dissipate before your engine requires more than water. (From Jonko Reader J. Weber)

A good way/ place to hide a spare key is on the mud flaps. Find a non visible spot (up high and towards the middle of the body) on a flap, drill a small hole, attach key with a bolt and wing nut. (via email)

When removing the bulb from a tailight, you can avoid crushing it and cutting your fingers by using a small piece of rubber hose to grip the bulb. Push it gently over the bulb and avoid any problems you might encounter.

If you run into random start-up problems, check your battery and cables. Corroded cables and weak batteries can cause a variety of unique problems.

If you run into trouble with the cruise on your late model vehicle (post-1990), take a second and check your brake lights. A variety of late model vehicles have had the tendency to lose their cruise control when a brake bulb went out. Oftentimes, it can be attributed to the cyclops or the single brake light in the center of the rear of your car.

Random car care/cleaning tip - Never attempt to clean your car windows with Mr. Clean. The ingredients provide for some of the worst streaking I have ever seen. I was unfortunate enough to have a friend pour Mr. Clean into my Windex bottle and I have yet to get my car windows clean.

Alternatively, one of the best things to use when washing your windows is crumpled newspaper and windex... the news paper ink reacts with the windex to get them crystalclear. (From Jonko reader Steven.)

If your car is inexplicably overheating and nothing seems to check out, try looking at your pressure cap. A bad gasket will allow your coolant to boil over into the overflow and possibly cause your car to overheat. (From Frank in Carson,CA).

If you can't break free a tight nut or bolt, try extending your wrench or ratchet with a long hollow pipe. Carefully doing so increases your leverage and makes the problem nut easier to turn. (From Jonko reader Rachel.)

Don't let a voltage spike burn you after you jumpstart your car. Prior to removing the cables turn on your rear defrost and headlightsto minimize the spike that could damage you digital dash or other electrical components.

Installing the wrong lamp in a turn signal or brake light can cause you a host of unusual problems. Watch out for strange blinking patterns, blown fuses, and flickering dash lights.

You can easily hide an extra key to your car behind the license plate by filing out the key hole a bit and placing the screw to the plate through it. When you need to get back in your auto, use a coin to unscrew the plate and access the key.