Do As I Say, Not As I Do, the MM Lessons Learned Thread

[G.Irish]

I was just thinking about random lessons learned awhile back and had compiled them into a list. Many of these I've learned the hard way, but occassionally I've learned from someone else's misfortune. What are some of your school of hard knocks lessons?

• Dial it back further than you think you need to when driving other people's stuff.
  
  
• Don't try to do what Pete can do.
  
  
• Cold tires will fuck you. In a car cold tires are a footnote. On a bike cold tires may be the start of the worst (or last) day of your life.
  
  
• Use a torque wrench and anti-seize. Anti-seize those nuts.
  
  
• The track may be dry, but if the grass is wet you will be screwed if you leave the track. Adjust your level of aggression accordingly.
  
  
• Buy a factory service manual. Read through to the last step before you get started on a job you're unfamiliar with.
  
  
• Take the brake fluid reservoir off before you try to push the piston back into the caliper.
  
  
• Ratcheting closed end wrenches are worth it. Take care in using them in tight spots, you can ratchet your wrench into being stuck that way.
  
  
• AWD helps you go, but it doesn't help you stop, nor does it help you turn in most cases.
  
  
• Upgrade your brakes before you significantly upgrade your suspension or engine.
  
  
• Don't buy anything from Harbor Freight that you have to put together. If you must, allot more time than you'd think to deal with quality control issues.
  
  
• Before you do a motorcycle track day, do a motorcycle track school. Your motorcycle (and your body) will last longer that way.
  
  
• Do not buy rusty piles from Northern states. The time you spend smashing your knuckles dealing with seized bolts is not worth it.
  
  
• Do a compression test when you're buying a used performance vehicle. Sure it takes time, but it could save you a shit ton of money and hassle. Exception: Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S
  
  
• You will not get any loving from girls asking you to fix their car. Demand compensation in food or alcohol for your troubles.
  
  
• He who shares a beer, gains a mechanic. Wait till said mechanic is sober though.
  
  
• Wrenching and beer are a great way to spend a day, but they are also a great way to not get done what you intended to. Drink Red Bull (without vodka, Chan) or coffee instead.