Auto shop service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  This base has a variety of different shops that can help Airmen accomplish different tasks, whether it is getting items at low-cost, free house-hold items or even some do-it-your-yourself mechanics at the Auto Hobby Shop.

The mission of the Auto Hobby Shop is to provide customers high quality, convenient and comprehensive auto repair at low cost. 

The Auto Hobby Shop provides all the tools needed for Airmen who want to work on their vehicle with a stall fee of $9 an hour. They also provide on-site recycling of oil, transmission fluid and anti-freeze at no cost. The shop also has a working mechanic that can assist with different services on vehicles.

"We have a wide variety of services that we provided here," said Christy Lingenfelter, 325th Force Support Squadron Skills Development Center manager. "Some of them include wheel mounting and balancing, tire alignments, brake repair, coolant system repair, transmission work and oil changes. We also have a certified paint booth and if you have a tough welding job, we have a welding room with a vehicle lift."

Joe Fiveash, Tom Gilmore and Dan Pope are all Automotive Service Excellence certified mechanics who work at the shop and can help walk Airmen through just about any repair and provide the necessary tools and guidance on getting the job done, said Lingenfelter.

"The best thing about the shop is that you can work on your own vehicle and save a bunch of money," said Pope. "There is the expertise of the employees here who are ASE certified and can actually tell you what is wrong with your car, how to fix your car and what the cost is going to be."

Apart from providing these services, the shop also provides an 'Auto Care Basics' class.

"For new and seasoned drivers who want to know specifics about their vehicles they can take the class for only $10," said Lingenfelter. "Spare tire location, Vin number location, how to check your fluids, hoses, belts, battery connections, windshield wiper wear and tear and overall tire pressure and condition, are just some of the subjects that are covered in the class."

Across the Air Force a number of Auto Hobby Shops have closed due to budget cuts in recent years, and in order to keep the Auto Hobby Shop open here, it needs to generate enough revenue. Luckily the shop still remains open.

"We have proven that with competitive pricing and a strong loyal customer base, we can continue to provide unique skill development opportunities," said Lingenfelter.  "We pride ourselves in going above and beyond in providing outstanding customer service. I love hearing from our customers that we have the best customer service and an outstanding staff."

The Auto Hobby Shop is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For any questions regarding prices and more information call them at (850) 283-4542.