Are you a car enthusiast in Jacksonville, FL, tired of working on your vehicle in a cramped garage or driveway? For many DIY mechanics, the dream of a dedicated workspace with professional equipment remains just that – a dream. Juggling car projects with family space and the inherent dangers of working under a car on jack stands are common frustrations. But what if there was a solution right here in Jacksonville that could elevate your DIY auto repair experience?
Four Jacksonville car lovers, Mike Carralero, Scott Grimme, David Combs, and James Quaranto, recognized this very problem. They envisioned a space where fellow DIYers could access hydraulic lifts and professional-grade tools, transforming their car repair endeavors. This vision materialized into Automotive Lift Rentals USA, Jacksonville’s first rent-by-the-hour garage tailored for the do it yourself auto repair community. Opened on January 15th at 6006 Richard St., this facility is revolutionizing how Jacksonville residents approach car maintenance and repair.
This unique 6,000-square-foot shop boasts 4,000 square feet of garage space, equivalent to about ten standard home garages. It’s equipped with four 9,000-pound hydraulic lifts for most cars and two heavy-duty 11,000-pound lifts for larger vehicles. For those needing workspace without a lift, two workstations are also available at an hourly rate of $10. The affordability and convenience are striking. As car enthusiast Chris Furham noted, “For me it’s a no-brainer to spend $25 versus getting on my back in the driveway and doing the work myself.”
The founders, while passionate about cars, come from diverse professional backgrounds. Combs, previously in car sales, is the only full-time operator, while Grimme is an electrical engineer at JEA, Quaranto is a military veteran, and Carralero is a district manager at Walgreens. Their diverse skills converged to bring this innovative business to Jacksonville. Choosing a central location and retrofitting the Richard Street building was a labor of love, done largely by themselves to manage costs. This DIY spirit is at the heart of their business model, empowering others to undertake their own auto repairs.
For just $25 an hour, customers gain access to a hydraulic lift, an extensive 80-piece tool set, and the Mitchell repair guide – a professional database providing detailed mechanical specifications and step-by-step repair instructions. Specialized tools like engine hoists and transmission jacks are available for a nominal extra charge. Imagine renting a cherry picker for just $5 for the entire day to perform an engine swap – a tool that might cost hundreds to purchase and rarely get used. Even simple tasks like oil changes become easier and cleaner; for a mere $10 disposal fee (plus the cost of your own oil), you can utilize the facility and ensure proper disposal of used oil.
Automotive Lift Rentals USA provides a plethora of resources to support DIY mechanics. Customers are welcome to bring their own tools if preferred. For those who might need a bit of extra help, bringing along a personal mechanic is also permitted. And for those seeking professional guidance, the shop can recommend qualified mechanics within their network. The financial advantages are considerable. Carralero estimates, “You save about 75 percent doing the work here as opposed to going to a repair shop and paying $90 an hour for repairs.”
In today’s digital age, online resources are invaluable for DIY auto repair. Recognizing this, Automotive Lift Rentals USA offers complimentary Wi-Fi, enabling customers to access online repair manuals, videos, and forums directly from their laptops while working on their vehicles. Furthermore, a partnership with Carquest auto parts ensures prompt access to needed components. Parts can be ordered through Automotive Lift Rentals USA and delivered directly to the garage, minimizing downtime. They even accommodate vehicle towing to the shop, offering a complete solution for DIY auto repair projects in Jacksonville.
Safety is paramount at Automotive Lift Rentals USA. Every customer is required to sign an insurance waiver and is provided with safety glasses. David Combs emphasizes their commitment to safety, stating, “We are watching the entire time and double-checking everything. It’s much safer than working in a driveway.” They also provide crucial information often overlooked by home mechanics: vehicle-specific jack point guides, ensuring safe and proper lifting procedures. While the owners cannot perform repairs themselves, they are readily available to offer advice and guidance. Grimme assures, “We will work with customers if they get stuck on a repair or need a part. If we can’t figure out how to do a repair then we haven’t done our jobs.”
For Jacksonville residents passionate about cars and eager to tackle their own auto repairs, Automotive Lift Rentals USA offers an unparalleled opportunity. It’s more than just a garage; it’s a community hub for DIY mechanics, providing the space, tools, resources, and support to confidently handle your auto repair projects. Say goodbye to driveway dilemmas and hello to professional-level DIY auto repair in Jacksonville, FL.
