For those in Salt Lake City passionate about cars and keen on saving money, a novel concept is transforming the landscape of auto repair. Inspired by military service centers that empower personnel to fix their own vehicles, Wrench-it Center is pioneering the do-it-yourself (DIY) auto repair movement in Salt Lake City, offering a fully-equipped garage for enthusiasts and budget-conscious individuals alike.
Zachary Anderegg, the founder, drew from his experiences in the Marine Corps to create a space that addresses a common frustration. “Many people, myself included, enjoy working on their cars,” Anderegg explains. “However, the hassle of clearing out your home garage, dealing with limited space, and lacking the right tools often turns a potentially satisfying task into a cumbersome chore.” Wrench-it Center provides the perfect antidote to these DIY dilemmas.
Located conveniently in Salt Lake City, Wrench-it Center boasts a spacious, climate-controlled facility featuring 40 bays designed to accommodate virtually any auto repair task. For an hourly rate ranging from $12 to $18, customers gain access to a dedicated bay and a comprehensive 200-piece toolset. Beyond the standard tools, specialized equipment such as tire machines, transmission jacks, and engine hoists are available for rent at nominal hourly rates, enabling even complex repairs to be tackled in a DIY setting. Adding to the convenience, Wrench-it Center allows customers to order parts at cost, delivered directly to the facility, further amplifying the savings and streamlining the repair process.
The financial benefits of DIY auto repair at Wrench-it Center are substantial. “Customers can save anywhere from 50 to 80 percent on repair costs compared to traditional auto shops,” Anderegg states. While Wrench-it Center focuses on mechanical repairs and general maintenance, offering services excluding specialized work like alignments and bodywork (though minor body repair equipment is under consideration), the scope of DIY possibilities remains vast. The center caters to a broad spectrum of DIYers, from those with seasoned mechanical skills to novices. To support customers with varying levels of experience, Wrench-it Center provides complimentary online access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair instructions for a wide array of vehicles.
The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of Wrench-it Center have already resonated with Salt Lake City residents. One BMW owner, facing a $1,200 quote for a seemingly minor repair, turned to Wrench-it Center. Despite lacking prior mechanical experience, the BMW owner utilized the center’s online resources and completed the repair themselves over a couple of days, spending approximately $600 – half the initial estimate. Similarly, Mike Jeppson from Provo, an experienced DIYer, sought refuge at Wrench-it Center during winter to undertake an engine swap on a newly acquired pickup truck. “Working in my gravel driveway in winter is far from ideal,” Jeppson noted. “Wrench-it Center offered a clean, indoor space with concrete floors – a perfect solution.” Jeppson estimates saving around $1,400 by performing the engine swap himself at Wrench-it Center, turning a potentially costly vehicle purchase into a financially sound decision.
In an economy where saving money is paramount, Wrench-it Center’s concept of affordable, DIY auto repair is gaining traction in Salt Lake City. Anderegg envisions Wrench-it Center as more than just a business; he sees it as a resource empowering individuals to take control of their car maintenance and repair while fostering a community of DIY enthusiasts. “We provide virtually everything a moderately mechanically inclined person needs,” Anderegg concludes. “Eighty to ninety percent of car repairs can be confidently performed right here.” For residents of Salt Lake City seeking a cost-effective and empowering approach to car maintenance, Wrench-it Center is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for do it yourself auto repair.
