Vehicle repairs made easy, affordable with Depot Auto Skills Center

23 Jan 2004 | Cpl. Jennifer Brofer Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Whether it is a simple oil change or completely rebuilding a car's engine, the Auto Skills Development Center has everything needed to help get anyone's vehicle up and running.

For a nominal fee of $2 - $3 per hour, active duty and reserve service members, DoD civilians and their family members can access all of the services available at the center, including use of all tools, stalls with lifts and maintenance assistance from mechanic helpers.

"I come in here because I think it's the best hobby shop in the Tri-Command," said Sgt. Ron King, NCOIC of the Depot shooting team, who explained that he has saved thousands of dollars by doing his vehicle repairs himself. "Everything you need to work on a vehicle is pretty much here -- all the tools and equipment, plus they have a knowledgeable staff. I rebuilt my truck in here, and I saved well over $3,000 - $4,000."

According to Ray Cording, manager for the center, the greatest benefit of utilizing the shop is cost savings.

"For you to take a car downtown to get a CV-axle replaced, it would cost you anywhere from $300 - $500," said Cording. "The average axle costs about $70, and you spend less than $6 in here doing it. If you've never done it before, you can change both axles in under two hours."

Customers only need to purchase the part that needs fixing and bring it in to the shop; personnel will provide the rest. The center also provides various services, such as transmission flushes, throttle body cleaning, brakes, injection cleaning and oil changes, said Cording.

"The actual oil change costs about $10.50," he said. "That's a $15 dollar savings off of getting it done out in town."

The center also has vehicle diagnostic equipment with a CD-ROM program for all vehicles from 1983 - present, which allows users to find out how to fix anything on their car with the simple click of a button.

With mechanics readily available to lend a helping hand, even the most inexperienced individuals can make repairs to their vehicle, said Cording.

"Don't be afraid to try it," he said. "Working on a car, with the exception of the electronics, is like a jigsaw puzzle. If you can put a jigsaw puzzle together, you can work on a car. It's just a little bit dirtier. Some people need more assistance than others, and we're here to provide that assistance."

The center is open Monday, Thursday and Friday, noon - 8 p .m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Marine Corps Training and Education Command