Airmen and families offered free automotive inspections Published June 3, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Daniel De Silva 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, general purpose NCO-in-charge LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Twelve technicians from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight are taking time to provide Airmen and their families with free automobile inspections. Vehicle maintenance technicians are inspecting vehicles June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Auto Skills Center, Bldg. 656, to help Airmen and their families put their minds at ease when it comes to the safety of their automobiles. The free vehicle inspections include, but are not limited to checking lights, fluids, brake systems, tires, exhaust, seat belts and other related safety items. The same inspection at a local automotive repair shop would cost around $19.95 plus tax. The inspection will allow Airmen and their families to bring in their vehicles to undergo a 25-point safety inspection. Several of the inspecting technicians are Automotive Service Excellence certified, to include one Master Certified Technician, and will provide written documentation listing problems with your vehicle, if any, said Master Sgt. Brian Huffman, 19th LRS vehicle fleet manager. "During the 10- to 15-minute inspection, we will be available to answer questions and give repair options to Airmen and their families," said Staff Sgt. Zachary Wymore, who headed the project. "Although we will not perform maintenance or repairs on the vehicles, for legal purposes, we will give them the information they need to feel comfortable taking their vehicle to a repair shop and know what needs to be fixed." "Peace of mind is important when it comes to vehicle repairs," said Sergeant Huffman, "because prople are always on guard when it comes to trusting repair shops. Since this is a non-profit service done by our own Airmen, you know you can trust the findings." Knowing what's wrong with a vehicle prior to taking it to a repair shop could potentially cut down on repair costs. Plus, since the service is provided under the Wingman concept, customers can trust the quality of work. "The idea of a fair assessment before going downtown makes you feel comfortable - like you know how to handle your business," said Sergeant Wymore. "You have the ammunition to say, 'This is what's wrong; how much will it cost to fix it?'" No appointments are necessary. Technicians will be working on a first-come, first-serve basis from two of the auto skill's stalls.