Auto Hobby Center provides top service for less

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Often, Airmen and their families travel to off-base mechanics to seek assistance with vehicle maintenance, but they might not know a shop exists right here at Ellsworth Air Force Base to help them get back on the road.

The Auto Hobby Center, located at 2750 George Dr., provides customer-driven services from qualified mechanics to assist with vehicle care needs.

"Supporting the Ellsworth community and helping them save money is our main priority," said Dave Roney, 28th Force Support Squadron Auto Hobby Center manager. "If you like your car, you have to take care of it. If regular maintenance isn't performed, your car isn't going to last."

The shop provides a wide range of services to customers such as oil changes, replacing breaks, tune-ups and inspections.

The Auto Hobby shop comes equipped with seven bays, five lifts and a full line of tools available for self repairs. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those who have no prior automotive repair experience and would like to learn, the shop offers one-on-one training classes by appointment. From there, the mechanic can teach customers how to perform operations like changing their oil or brakes.

"At the shop, you can do self-help on your personal vehicles if you are capable," said Roney. "If you need any assistance, we can lead you in the right direction."

Roney added that the shop has two certified mechanics on staff who can work on vehicles if customers prefer.

"I enjoy doing this kind of work," said Richard Backus, 28th FSS Auto Hobby Center mechanic. "I get a sense of accomplishment when I finish a job and help someone out."

The Auto Hobby Shop is available to active duty members, retirees and dependants.
"I think the shop is a great tool for the Ellsworth community, it's really great to provide a place for people to take their car instead of taking it all the way downtown," Roney said.

For more information on services available or to schedule an appointment, call the Auto Hobby Center at (605) 385-2900.