EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
The Auto Hobby Shop, located on Eglin's east side next to the fitness track, does full-service and minor car repairs, tune-ups and is a do-it-yourself area for mechanics.  It is part of the base's recreation and leisure programs.

"Air Force auto hobby shops have a long history of providing eligible patrons the opportunity to save money by doing some or all of their own vehicle maintenance," said Herb Sikes, 96th Force Support Squadron community services flight chief.

Among the services and repairs the shop's mechanics perform include:  oil changes; air conditioner service; complete brake jobs; mounting and balance of most-size tires; serpentine belts; alternators; struts; shocks; and coolant drain and fill.

The shop's diagnostic equipment includes: a trouble code reader; battery testing and charging; and the latest version of ALLDATA (for parts reference and diagrams) to assist staff in helping customers get a job done themselves, or for them to do it.

Sikes said the shop also offers all the tools, lifts, and equipment necessary for anyone to do a repair job themselves.  A motorcycle lift is also available.

Customers may also hire one of the shop's mechanics to do the work, he added.

"Our staff provides hands-on assistance for the do-it-yourself customers to help get them through a project," Sikes said. "We are glad to be able to provide the service for the Eglin community."

The shop provides free oil changes to eligible spouses of active duty service members who are deployed or on remote assignment, Sikes said.  Eligible members can get an oil change certificate from the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

For Laura Walmsley-Williams, a 96th FSS financial management specialist, the shop's convenient location, customer service and extensive repair knowledge has made her a steady patron for more than 10 years.

"I have all my regular vehicle maintenance done at the Auto Hobby Shop," she said.  "The staff is always willing to go the extra mile to help with present or recurring problems, whether it's a slow tire leak, a freon leak, or interior lights that won't turn off."

Tina Hurtado, an Outdoor Recreation assistant, has been a shop regular since 2006.  She recounted an experience where they took care of an issue she didn't know about.

"I recently had my tires rotated and an oil change there," she said.  "They also checked my air conditioner and discovered it was not blowing very cold.  They advised me of the problem, hooked my car up to the diagnostic machine, added freon to it and now it's working great.  I didn't ask them to check my air conditioner.  They went beyond what I had asked them to do."

A do-it-yourself car wash with vacuums is located next to the shop.

The Auto Hobby Shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, call 882-2484.