Shop available to mechanics of all skill levels Published July 3, 2008 By Becky Pillifant Services Marketing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Is your car or truck running sluggish? Are you a weekend mechanic or do you just want to learn how to keep expensive vehicle repair bills down? Come by the Auto Hobby Shop located in Bldg. 6002 at the corner of Arnold and McNarney. The shop has 10 stalls, three lifts, oil changing racks, two maintenance racks for patrons to work on brakes and tire rotations and a tool crib filled with tools. People are always saying that if you routinely keep up the minor maintenance on your vehicles you can save on expensive repair bills. And, a well-tuned car or truck can get better gas mileage. All auto shop services and programs are open to Tinker Department of Defense civilian employees, active duty members, reservists, retired military and their dependents and permanent base contractors. The shop is a haven for self-help projects and gives patron's a chance to maintain and repair their vehicles. Shop hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. It is closed Sundays, Mondays and federal holidays. "A lot of people with different skill levels like to work on their vehicles at our shop," said Jeff Schoenberger, automotive mechanic. "Sometimes our patrons find themselves with a tougher job than anticipated and we are here to provide technical advice and help. This is good place to learn and share information with each other. I learn something new every day." The shop also has a parts washer, engine hoists, code reader that reads engine codes, Mitchell's on demand, sand blasting equipment, battery charger and a motor cycle lift. A recycling receptacle is also available to patrons who change their oil and antifreeze at the shop. "I enjoy making upgrades to my car here. They have the tools and equipment that is needed to do the job right," said Senior Airman Dennis Martinez, 33rd Combat Communications Squadron. A free automotive safety course is offered at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. This course qualifies patrons to use the shop equipment. For those who don't have the time to do their own maintenance an appointment can be made for alignments, tire rotation, tire balancing, brake replacement, drum turning, battery charging, oil changes and air conditioner service. Additional services include transmission system service, radiator system service, fuel system service and engine oil flush. To make an appointment for any of these services, call 734-5616. Members First Plus receives a 10 percent discount at the auto hobby shop when showing their club card. A small retail shop has oil and car filters for most domestic and foreign cars. A two bay 24/seven coin operated car wash with novelties, vacuum and carpet shampooer is located on the north side of the building. The Auto Mart resale lot is located in the parking lot south of the Base gas station. Tinker personnel wanting to park their vehicle at the auto mart to sell must first visit the Auto Shop. The following information is needed to place a vehicle at the auto mart: title or registration, base identification card and a credit card number. Cost is $5 for seven days. A locked vehicle program to assist driver who have locked themselves out of their vehicle while on base is offered through the auto shop.