Automobile maintenance tasks that are easily done at home

If you take pride in your work and would like to save some money, here are some automobile maintenance tasks that people can perform on her or his own.

No specialized tools are required, and most tasks take less than an hour.

1. Tire rotation - use the spare tire when rotating the tires according to the automobile's instruction manual. The wrench for the lug nuts is in the trunk of the vehicle. While it would be nice to have a torque wrench, it isn't so necessary to check the torque with a precision instrument. The spare tire included wrench is usually close to 30cm (1'). Put your body weight into the wrench when torquing the nuts. It will be ample. My vehicle requires 130N-m (96ft-lbs) of torque on the lug nuts. 
2. Check tire pressure - It makes a difference for vehicle handling, fuel economy and tire wear. The tire pressure is on a label in the frame of the driver side door. Check the pressure when cold/not recently driven. A pen style pressure gauge is about $2.
3. Change light bulbs - if you shop on Ebay.ca or aliexpress.com the prices are significantly cheaper than what you would pay at the local retailer. LED bulb replacements may cause issues unless there is a load resistor.
4. Change windshield wipers. Read the instructions on the package.
5. Check Engine Codes - There are number of free Windows software packages. For Android, use Torque (free version also available). A USB or Bluetooth ELM327 code reader cost about $10. The OBD2 port is left to the driver's side below the dash.
6. Oil and filter change - unless it is going to cost less than $20, it only takes a half an hour to change the oil on a vehicle. Filters are about $5 and the oil can be as low as $1.50 a litre. Unless you live in a very cold climate, stick to conventional oil. Synthetic oils have lower viscosity at lower temperatures than conventional, but do not last any longer.  A filter wrench is about $5, a kitty litter pan is $2, a funnel $2 and the socket or wrench for a drain plug is most likely in your tool kit. 
7. Change the brake pads and rotors - Front disc brakes do not requires any special tools. The rear brakes may require a compression tool that twists and pushes the caliper closed. Drum brakes are a little more difficult, but take much longer to wear out and need replacement. Note: I would suggest to change your brake fluid every couple years to prevent line corrosion, however from personal experience, brake bleeders can be a pain. In the rust belt, where it isn't cold enough that road salt is effective, the bleeders are often ceased, even when protected with rubber boots.
8. Transmission fluid flush and filter change -Simple tools such as a socket wrench, a pair of pliers and funnel are necessary.
9. Air filter replacement - The cabin filter is also easily changed. 
10. Replace the battery - Batteries should last about 5 years if your alternator is operating properly. Heavy corrosion around the terminals is not a good sign. Check to find if there are power draws from accessories, chargers, remote starters etc. I have had some success in reviving a dead battery with a desulphator. I use the CLEN model.
11. Coolant/Antifreeze filter and flush - every 2 to 5 years. To be performed when engine is cool. Wear gloves, goggles, raise car, place bucket under radiator pet cock. Clean any spills as it is very toxic to animals.
12. Change fuel filter - Disconnect pump(open filler hole then remove the fuse or disconnect the pump. Start the engine til it dies), depressurize the line, and swap the filter. The vehicle needs to be raised. 
13. Change Power Steering Fluid  - Use a turkey baster and the appropriate fluid. Here is a testimony of the effects of changing power steering fluid.
14. Rustproofing  - methyl alcohol, paraffin (wax/candles), and a little bit of non detergent oil. Mix and put in a spray bottle. More details here : http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2043211
15. Prime ball joints, sway bars or rod ends with grease - A grease gun is only about $10. Grease, $4 a tube. 
16. Fuel injector cleaners - not necessary unless in extreme conditions - most modern fuels already have the additives for fuel injection cleaning, fuel stabilizing, gas line anti-freeze etc. 
17. Lubricate door, trunk and hood joints/hinges - Lithium grease spray does a great job.  
18. Unmount/Mount Tires and Balance - Deflate tire then break the bead with a wood clamp by compressing the tire. It will release the bead from the rim. You can then use a pry bar to break the remainder of the bead off the rim. Mount - in a similar fashion, you may need to use water, dish soap or a water based lubricant to get the new tire on the rim. Balance - use about 110g of air powered ballistic projectile ammunition (eg. Airsoft BB - .20g 6mm)  Pour beads into the tire before the inflating the tire through the edge of the bead at the rim. Inflate the tire with a compressor.

You may also like to check the following links for more details 

http://oemys-performance.com/ttindex.htm

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2011/05/16/11-car-maintenance-tasks-you-can-do-yourself

http://lifehacker.com/5868374/the-car-repairs-you-can-seriously-do-yourself-despite-your-abilities

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/home-garden/automobiles.html