Auto Skills Center offers basic auto maintenance course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing
Sheppard's auto skills center started a class Aug. 14 to teach basic car care to new car owners and drivers just starting to wander into the world of self maintenance. 

Car Care 101 focuses on the basics of routine maintenance and proper preventative care. 

"We want to teach the simple tasks to someone that has no idea what they are doing," said Scott Ficken, a mechanic at the auto skills center and primary instructor of the course. 

"All we can do is teach the basic skills a person needs to do simple tasks like checking tire pressure, oil levels, windshield wiper fluid, coolant and other maintenance skills," he said. 

He said the class teaches students to make the owner's manual their best friend as well. It isn't enough to just learn the task but also the knowledge of where the information regarding that task is. 

Jim Stewart, manager of the auto skills center, emphasized that the class is for those who have little to no understanding of a vehicle. 

The class covers tire care, spark plug maintenance, air filter quality, electrical connections, oil level and cleanliness, transmission fluid, coolant levels, and windshield wiper fluid. Sheppard members can bring their vehicle and ask questions specifically pertaining to the vehicle and the knowledgeable staff will help figure out the answer. 

The class will be held the second Friday of every month at the auto skills center and the cost is $15 per class. 

Mr. Ficken said those who wondered if their vehicle's tire pressure is low or have questions about funny engine noises should come to the class and gain the how-to information that is offered in the class. 

You can contact the auto skills center to sign up for the class at 940-676-4110.