JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
"Do it yourself" ... at the Andrews Auto Hobby Shop, it's easier and cheaper than you think.
Like most automotive care centers, the staff at Auto Hobby Shop can take care of basic automotive needs. Unlike most centers though, the Auto Hobby Shop's 16-car bay is also available to customers for their personal use.
The Auto Hobby Shop has the ability to perform a variety of basic car-care, said Kimberly Branch, Auto Hobby Shop lead mechanic. However, the Auto Hobby Shop is mostly here to help customers learn about the car they drive, so they can eventually perform regular automotive maintenance themselves, and therefore, save the customer money.
For a set price per hour, a customer can have his or her car serviced entirely by a certified Auto Hobby Shop technician, but if a customer wishes to perform automotive care themselves, or with limited assistance, the customer can do so, at a lower price. Customers who perform car-care themselves are also given full use of the shop's parts and tools while they work, at no extra cost.
The Auto Hobby Shop understands the differing needs of its customers as well.
If the shop doesn't have a tool a customer needs, they'll find one a customer can use, said Mr. Branch. If the shop doesn't have an automobile part a customer needs, the shop can help locate what is needed too.
The shop's bay also includes six car lifts. Each lift is available for customer use during one-on-one appointments. During appointments, customers receive specialized attention pertaining to their individual car and can learn how to eventually perform regular automotive maintenance on their own.
Another program the Auto Hobby Shop offers is called "Because We Care." Through this program, the Airman and Family Readiness Center here, along with the Auto Hobby Shop, provide customers, who have deployed spouses, with free oil changes. Vouchers for free oil changes can be obtained through the AFRC.
The Andrews Auto Skill Center, or Auto Hobby Shop, is located at 1236 Menoher Dr., next to the Outdoor Recreation Center.
The Auto Hobby Shop is closed every Sunday, Monday and federal holiday. The Auto Hobby Shop is open Tuesday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Auto Hobby Shop is not a state inspection agency.
For further assistance, or to schedule a one-on-one appointment for your vehicle, call 301-981-3917.