Turning wrenches

Senior Airman Nate Koehler from 352nd Maintenance Squadron tightens the Air intake pipe into the throttle body of his car at the RAF Mildenhall Auto Hobby Shop August 13, 2008. The shop has four trained mechanics to perform repairs or show people how to work on their own vehicles.(U.S Air Force photo by Airman First Class Brad Smith)

Turning wrenches

Senior Airman Nate Koehler from the 352nd Maintenance Squadron tightens the Air intake pipe into the throttle body on his car at the RAF Mildenhall Auto hobby shop August 13, 2008. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Brad Smith)

Turning wrenches

Nick Turmaime, a mechanic at the RAF Mildenhall Auto Hobby Shop, inspects a brake carrier Aug. 13, 2008. The Auto hobby shop is a facility where Team Mildenhall is provided utilities to fix their vehicles. The shop also provides the choice of having professional mechanics inspect or repair vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Brad Smith)

Feature -- Auto Hobby Shop offers options for car care needs

Published Aug. 28, 2008
By Staff Reports
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- When it comes to working on cars, there are plenty of people who are more than willing to open a checkbook and leave the work to the professionals. But, there are also enthusiasts who love turning wrenches and doing their own work.

The RAF Mildenhall Auto Hobby Shop offers both sets of people what they want and need.

Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, the staff at the shop is available to help members of Team Mildenhall take care of their automotive needs.

The shop is located in Building 240, tucked neatly beside the 100th Air Refueling Wing Headquarters Building. The shop contains eight lift bays and one flat bay, and offers the only tow truck service on base.

The shop also has four trained mechanics to perform repairs or show people how to work on their own vehicles. And, for those who like to keep low profile tires on their cars, the shop offers a full-function, tire-fitting service.

The shop can also perform tire alignments and air conditioning work.

Labor cost is $60 per hour, or for the shade-tree mechanic, bays can be rented for $5 per hour. The shop includes a small parts store for basic vehicle repair, but can special order parts for European vehicles and usually has them available within four hours.

Editor's note: For more information, call DSN 238-2480.