Maintaining your vehicle can be a daunting task, but for those who prefer a hands-on approach, do it yourself auto repair offers a rewarding and cost-effective solution. If you’re in El Paso, TX, and looking for a place to undertake your own car maintenance or repairs, Fort Bliss MWR Auto Crafts is your ideal destination. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about utilizing the Auto Crafts shop for your do it yourself auto repair needs in El Paso, TX.
Your DIY Auto Repair Shop at Fort Bliss MWR Auto Crafts
Fort Bliss MWR Auto Crafts provides an exceptional do-it-yourself facility for vehicle enthusiasts and budget-conscious car owners. This well-equipped hobby shop is designed to empower you to perform your own auto repairs and maintenance. Featuring eleven bays with lifts, five bays without lifts, and even a pit, the shop offers ample space and resources for a variety of automotive projects. At just $14 per hour, you gain access to a professional-grade workspace to handle your vehicle needs.
Whether you’re tackling routine maintenance tasks or more complex repairs, Auto Crafts has you covered. Hobbyists frequently visit to perform essential services such as oil and filter changes, tire rotations, lubrication, and radiator flushes. For those larger projects that require more time, vehicle storage is conveniently available, allowing you to work at your own pace without pressure.
For tasks that might be a bit more intricate or require specialized expertise, certified mechanics are on hand to provide detailed services. From brake jobs, complete with disk and drum turning, to diagnostics and troubleshooting, you can find support to ensure your repairs are done correctly and safely.
Before you can start wrenching, all Automotive Skills shop patrons are required to attend a brief 30-minute safety class to familiarize themselves with the equipment and safety protocols. This class is a nominal $5 fee and is offered Tuesday through Friday at 9 a.m., excluding training holidays, ensuring everyone using the facility understands safe operating procedures.
Texas State Vehicle Inspections Made Easy at Fort Bliss
Beyond do it yourself auto repair, Fort Bliss Auto Crafts also provides essential services like Texas State Inspections. Understanding the requirements for these inspections is crucial for any vehicle owner in Texas. Inspections are conducted under strict legal guidelines set by the state to ensure vehicle safety and emissions standards are met.
To streamline the inspection process at Fort Bliss, simply sign in upon arrival and wait in the designated area. You have the option to wait with your vehicle or leave it and receive a notification when the inspection is complete, offering flexibility and convenience. While the average inspection takes around 25 minutes, be aware that wait times can increase, particularly at the beginning and end of each month.
To ensure a smooth inspection, come prepared with a valid, non-expired insurance card and double-check that your vehicle’s essential systems are functioning correctly. This includes your horn, lights, and parking brake. Inspect your tires and brakes for good condition and ensure there are no broken lens covers.
It’s important to know that Texas has different inspection requirements based on vehicle age. Vehicles less than 2 years old or more than 25 years old, along with all government vehicles, only require safety tests. Vehicles between 2 and 25 years old will need both safety and emissions tests. By law, inspection personnel are required to affix the inspection sticker to your vehicle immediately after the inspection. For emissions testing, ensure your engine is warmed up for 10-15 minutes prior to the test. If you have out-of-state plates or plan to switch to Texas plates, the inspectors can provide you with the most current information regarding procedures and requirements.
Convenient Vehicle Storage Options
For those undertaking longer do it yourself auto repair projects or simply needing extra vehicle storage, the Auto Crafts POV Storage Lot offers a secure and accessible solution. Reservations for storage can be made directly at the Auto Crafts Center, located at 820 Marshall Road, Tuesday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The storage lot is designed to accommodate a range of vehicle sizes, holding vehicles and trailers up to 50 feet in length. All vehicles stored must be operable or, if not, stored on a trailer. Registration and insurance are mandatory for all vehicles using the storage lot. With 300 spots available, you can choose between uncovered storage at $50 per month or covered storage for $100 per month.
Comprehensive Auto Services and Pricing at a Glance
Fort Bliss Auto Crafts provides a wide array of automotive services beyond the do it yourself bays and state inspections. Here’s a quick look at some of the services and their pricing:
| Services Available | Price |
|---|---|
| Oil Changes | Starting at $55 |
| Radiator Flush | Varies by vehicle and size |
| Alignment | $100 Front, $150 Front and Back |
| Tune-ups | Prices vary per vehicle |
| Brakes | Prices vary per vehicle |
| Flat Tire Repair | $9 (off vehicle, no tires over 20″) |
| Balance only | $15 per tire (passenger cars) |
| Mount and Balance | $25 per tire (passenger cars) |
| SUV, Trucks, 4X4 Tire Balance | $9 per tire |
| 18″-22″ Tire Balance | $15 per tire |
| Rotation Only | $15 (all vehicles) |
| Tire Mount | $5 per tire* |
| *Low profile tire mounts vary in price |
| Texas State Safety and Emissions Testing | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Safety Only | $7.00 (Vehicles 25 years) |
| Safety and Emissions | $18.50 |
| Emissions Only | $11.50 (Out-of-state w/ safety sticker) |
| Shop Labor Rate | $120/hour (Chilton Labor Manual) |
All services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
For residents of El Paso, TX, and especially those at Fort Bliss, the MWR Auto Crafts shop offers an invaluable resource for do it yourself auto repair and vehicle maintenance. From providing the space and tools to perform your own repairs to offering state inspections and vehicle storage, Auto Crafts is your one-stop shop for keeping your vehicle in top condition. Take advantage of these fantastic services and embrace the satisfaction of do it yourself auto repair in El Paso, TX.
