Welcome to the Auto Hobby Shop! 

The Auto Hobby Shop offers equipment, tools and working space for self-help maintenance and repair to personal vehicles. We have more than twelve stalls, 6 lifts, 3 major stalls, and 3 minor stalls, available for auto repairs as well as all the standard equipment necessary for the repair work. We now have a new lift for ATVs and Motorcycles for your maintenance needs. Now you can use the lift to perform oil changes, tune ups, brakes or a safety inspection. The lift will handle up to 1000 lbs. These services are available to military and civilians with base access. Long pants are required in the work area and children are not permitted access for safety reasons. We do offer some automobile service work such as brake drum and rotor turning, computerized wheel balancing and AC maintenance. California smog certificate and repair is also available.

DID YOU KNOW?

You must have an AF Form 1454 (Equipment Qualification Card) in order to use the Auto Hobby Shop.
Call 275-AUTO for additional information.

Services and Programs

Civilians are authorized to use all of our services and programs. Stop by and let us give you a tour or call.

Comments or Suggestions

We would like to hear your ideas and comments, please call us at 275-ARTS or 275-2787 Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm or click on ICE to fill out a digital/comment survey card.

Monthly Specials

California Smog Certificate

Saturdays only, first come first serve. Doors open at 9 am and testing begins at 10 am. The last smog test will be given at 5 pm
We are not a smog test center. Price for smog test with no certificate is $30 and for a smog test with certificate $38.25

Car Care Essentials

There is no set time frame when it comes thinking about various driving & road conditions as well as the condition of your vehicle. Whether you’ll be driving cross-country or merely across town, it makes sense to take a few minutes now to assess the condition of your car or truck. A mechanical breakdown in the middle of nowhere is no fun regardless of the time of year, and in some cases can be downright dangerous. Taking the time now to check the condition of your vehicle could be the difference between a hassle-free trip and the vacation from, well… a very hot location.

Windshield Safety

If your windshield has a rock chip or ding at winters end, that damage needs to be repaired before thermal shock causes the minor ding to turn into a major crack. Thermal shock can occur when cold air from the air conditioning blows directly on a windshield that is scalding hot from exposure to the summer sun.

Fluids

Checking fluids is the least expensive and most important preventive maintenance you can do. Oil should be changed frequently (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles) if you haul heavy loads or drive in stop-and-go traffic. Remember to flush your radiator and change your engine coolant every two years. Summer is extremely hard on a cars cooling system, so inspect your radiator for obvious signs of corrosion or leaking. If in doubt, have your mechanic check the radiator core to ensure it is not plugged or at risk of imminent failure. Make sure you also check and fill to recommended levels other fluids integral to your vehicles performance. These fluids include: power steering, transmission, brake, radiator and battery. Don’t forget to top off windshield washer fluid. Every driver knows the importance of windshield washer fluid but sometimes we forget to check until we need it most & and then it’s too late.

Battery and Corroded Cables

Summer heat can wreak havoc on an older battery. The average life of a battery is 3 1/2 years. If your battery is nearing that age or is older, than it’s probably ready to be replaced. Have a mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure your car starts quickly and reliably.

Tires & Rubber Hoses

Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents. Be sure to check your owners manual for the recommended tire pressure, too. Tire pressure is critical in summer, especially when carrying heavy loads. Tire pressure should be checked and air added when the tires are cold (driven a short distance). Remember, tire pressure increases one pound for every 10-degree increase in temperature. If you inflate your tires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall, you risk tire failure from over-inflation, especially if the tire is worn or damaged. If traveling in remote areas, it may even be wise to carry a full-size spare tire instead of a temporary emergency spare, or donut, as they are sometimes called. Temporary emergency spares usually have a 50-to- 100 mile life expectancy, which may be inadequate for long trips. Rubber parts under your hood need maintenance, too. Radiator, heater and vacuum hoses, among others, should be checked for cracks and bulges. Take a roll of duct tape with you on your trip; it can be a life saver in fixing hoses. Also, inspect all belts for damage and splits.

Spark Plugs

Worn or misfiring spark plugs can affect how efficiently a vehicle burns the fuel/air mixture, ultimately affecting engine performance. Worn spark plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions, so have them checked and replaced as needed.

Brakes

Don’t postpone needed brake work. It’s dangerous to drive with poorly performing brakes. Postponing brake service also can cause the cost of overhauling your brake system to skyrocket.

Lights

Check your lights and turn signals for safety’s sake.

Be Prepared

Before you leave on your trip be sure to pack extra radiator coolant, several quarts of oil, safety flares and whatever tools you might need. It is better to be prepared than sorry. If properly maintained, your vehicle will provide years of service with better performance and safety.

We offer monthly classes in brake inspection and safety inspection. Please call 275-AUTO for more information.

Take advantage of Auto Hobby’s Drop Box!

Whether you need your brakes changed, tires rotated, oil change etc., the auto hobby has a drop box available for your convenience. Stop by the day before to fill out a work order. Then, drop your keys in the drop box the next day! The drop box is located outside the Auto Hobby building entrance.

Auto Hobby is open 5 days a week to service your vehicle. We can do minor repairs and maintenance – oil changes, brakes, belts, etc. We also do wheel alingments and smog inspection/certification-Saturdays only. For more information on this great and convenient service, call 275-AUTO (2886).