Auto repair enthusiasts across Camp Pendleton now have two locations available to perform low cost repairs on personally owned vehicles.

The Auto Skills Centers, located on Mainside and the 52 Area encourage all service members, their families and Department of Defense employees to rediscover the automotive maintenance and repair industries.

The high cost of repair work on cars makes auto hobby shops important in an economic sense, according to Navy Marine Corps (NAVMC) 2786. The car is usually the one major possession enlisted Marines have and take pride in, stated the Department of the Navy’s official Auto Hobby Shop Guide.

"Of all the activities offered by Marine Corps Community Service, few are as heavily used by enlisted Marines as the auto hobby shop," said Alga Hollin, assistant manager, Mainside Auto Skills Center, Camp Pendleton.

Not only does the Auto Hobby Shop have all the necessary tools, they are also armed with a knowledgeable staff of mechanics who Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] are Automotive Service Excellence certified.

Vehicles are also important to service members as a source of independence, and allow them to go places and do things without having to depend on someone else for transportation, said Hollin, a certified automotive professional.

All patrons are reminded that Auto Skills Center personnel are not liable for any damage to vehicle or vehicle parts. Owner assumes all risk associated with requested work.

As a safety precaution, children under the age of 13 are prohibited from the shop. Sandals and open-toed shoes are also not allowed in work areas.

Base residents are also encouraged to recycle oil waste, used car batteries and excess antifreeze at either auto skills center location.

For additional information regarding the auto repair facilities on base, or for the hours of operation, call either one of the two shops. Interested residents can call the Mainside location at (760) 725-5963 and the 52 Area facilities at (760) 763-0668.