DIY car projects range from simple maintenance to more in-depth repairs or upgrades, depending on the person's skill levels. Some people may be limited in what they can do for a car project by the skills they possess as well as the tools to which they have access. Engine work, for example, can be quite difficult and will require specialty tools, while a DIY car project such as changing the oil can be quite simple and requires little in the way of tools. Installing radios or CD players are other projects that are fairly easy and require few or no specialty tools.
Changing the oil is perhaps the most common DIY car project done by car owners. It is not difficult, but a trip to the auto parts store will be necessary, as will some knowledge of the process. The car owner will need to find out how much oil he or she needs, as well as what type of oil. This information can often be found in the car owner's manual. It is a good idea to change the air filter when doing an oil change, and changing the oil filter is essential. The car owner will need an oil pan to complete this DIY car project, as well as the right size wrench to loosen the oil drain plug.
Installing new radios or CD players is not necessarily a difficult DIY car project, but it will require a bit of research to find out which wires need to be connected to the wires already in the vehicle. It is also very important to disconnect the car battery before working on any electrical systems in the automobile. An aftermarket stereo or CD player can usually be installed fairly easily and with minimal tools. Wire connectors will be necessary to properly complete the job, as will wire strippers and cutters.
Rotating the tires is an important DIY car project that helps prevent excessive or uneven wear on the tires. It will require three to four jack stands to get the automobile up off the ground, since all four tires will need to come off. This process can be done with two jacks, though the process can be more difficult this way. A professional hydraulic lift is the easiest way to complete this job, though it may be difficult to access such equipment without paying significant rental fees at an automobile garage.