Cheapest mechanic in Washington can be yourself

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Ryan Hallock
  • 19th Public Affairs Detachment
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Kahai could have taken his 2008 Chevy Impala to any number of professional mechanics to have his power steering line repaired. Instead, he chose to do it himself at JBLM's Automotive Skills Center and saved around $250.

What was once an old World War II facility, the ASC on Lewis Main houses flat bays at $4 per hour, lift bays at $6 per hour, a body shop, thousands of dollars worth of automotive tools, areas to change your oil and fluids, and much more for the avid and aspiring do-it-yourselfer.

"Out of my pocket, I'm probably going to spend just 12 bucks for using the lift," said Kahai, a firefighter with the 627th Civil Engineer Squadron. "It's really convenient. They give you all the tools you need."

Ray Daniels, the Skills Program Manager at the ASC, said it provides a warm and safe environment for members of the JBLM community to work on their vehicles and only requires a military ID and a vehicle registration with the same name.

"On base, you can't work outside in a parking lot," said Daniels, who is also in charge of the ASC on McChord Field. "If you have an oil spill or something like that, you're in big trouble."

And if you're undertaking a project bigger than your average oil change, such as putting in a new engine, Daniels said the ASC provides indoor storage for $5 per night plus bay fees and outdoor storage for $2 per night. Professional mechanics are available to provide guidance, offer advice, and look up vehicle information, but aren't authorized to work on vehicles.

"A lot of people are embarrassed to ask for help, but you've got to learn somewhere and these (mechanics) are really cool," said Staff Sgt. William Carroll, a squad leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Warrior Transition Battalion.

Like many of the first timers at the ASC, Carroll said now that he knows all of the benefits offered, he's going to be visiting frequently to work on his Ford truck.

"I've got one (spark plug) to change out, that after three hours, I can eventually figure it out," said Carroll. "I just saved myself $380."

Daniels said the ASC is on the list to be renovated and is scheduled to get four new lifts, a new drainage system, and new lighting and wiring throughout the facility.

"Every guy wishes they had all of this inside their garage," Kahai said. "I'm going to start coming here more often."

For more information on the Automotive Skills Center, as well as their hours of operation, they can be reached at 253-967-3728 or visit JBLMmwr.com.