Auto Skills Center Fort Meade in
Fort Meade (MD)

The shop is great, for sure. Plenty of tools are at your disposable. However, a certain employee there will ruin your whole vibe. He gets MAD easily at the slightest of things! I've been going for quite a time, and he always seem's pissy; if not at me, other people... He sorta just stares at you when you first check in for a bay, no friendly gestures. Nothing. When asking for availability if there are no bays. He'll look at you like you're stupid. You'll have to force him to say something, at which point you can finally give him your phone number and they'll call you. Negative out of the way, there are some very kind workers there that are happy to help you. No complaints whatsoever with them. Some missing equipment here and there, which is fine. I tend to bring my own tools anyway. Air impact wrench works wonders. And lifts work great on my lowered car. Introductory safety class was short and sweet with a kind old fellow. All in all, nice shop but please just treat people with respect.

No alignments, no tire work, staff treats you like an idiot. Staff is probably in their 80's and should retire. Takes them 20 minutes to walk across the bay.

I have to say that what Gabriel Garcia said is "spot on". Get the orientation class. Having your car on a lift cannot be beat. There are a HUGE amount of tools that are provided (at each bay) with many more available to be checked out. I love that they handle the disposal of waste engine oil and oil filters. Bring your own cooler full of water/gatorade/whatever (no alcohol!). It can be hot there in the summer. This place is a wonderful resource for anyone that wants to and can maintain their own car and not have to pay current commercial rates. Anyone would be lucky to be able to use this location.

Amazing place to work on a car specially if you are military and you have access to this facility. This is one of a kind in the area as most other bases, like JBAB and Andrews, don't have theirs open. Make sure to attend the mandatory safety class prior to starting your project. Also have to pay per hour you are there so keep that in mind when starting a project, so you bring all the supplies you need.

Great place for base personnel to get car maintenance. Edit: 9 Jun 2025 - It is even though the DOD decided you can't do any maintenance on any EV even regular fluid maintenance, without even a waiver to sign. This is not against the Shop itself; still a great place!

This is a nice shop for DIY projects and just doing regular maintenance on your car. I go here every so often to work on my car oil changes , brakes, etc. Cheap as well. The reviews on Joe is very much true he is mean and nasty for no reason. I like to go here to do my own work on my vehicle. It is very concerning when i walk in and he's yelling at somebody then getting snappy with me because i asked for another lift instead of the drive on one. I wasn't just there just for a oil change i was also looking at some back sequential lights i installed to my car's taillight system so i needed some space. i just stood on the lift and maneuvered around it. So its basically go and deal with the BS shop would be so much better if Joe wasn't there!!!! Unprofessional.

Has to the worst Auto Skills Centers out of the 5 I've used around the world. I can't blame them for being understaffed but try not to be condescending to customers. Joe is awful, just a real piece of work to deal with. You want a tool from him, you have to explain exactly what you're doing and receive his approval first. Tom on the other hand, great genuine guy who wants to help you on your project. Only place I've ever had to PAY MONEY to get a shop card. I'm not sure what is up with that. Sure it's only $5, but when I asked why, I was told this is how it's always been. With the lack of staff comes the lack of equipment use. There are NO tire services allowed and you are unable to "test" or show proficiency on the tire machines in order to use them. Due to the shortage of staffing, this policy should be changed. Bottom line - It's still a skills center and it has the tools you need if you know how to do the job you're doing.

You cannot use this place unless you take their safety class on a Friday. It's useless for normal people who have been using these places for years. So basically there are no auto hobby shops in the DC area. All of them are closed. Please tell me I'm wrong.

I had an unpleasant experience with Tom and Joe, who came across as unnecessarily rude and dismissive. When I borrowed tools, Joe was particularly condescending, ridiculing me with insults and delaying assistance. It's disappointing to see this shift in behavior compared to the old Joe and Sgt. Major, who ran this place with professionalism and respect. The current atmosphere made me feel unwelcome and on edge, so I hurried to complete my task and leave. I hope they reconsider how they treat others to improve the overall experience.

Joe is extremely extremely rude. Can’t ask him any questions , he will have a really bad attitude. If he doesn’t like your question, he will let you know that it’s a stupid question. Really poor work ethic. Tom, the best worker I’ve ever met. Tom is super kind and helpful. He has no problem assisting you and giving advice. Super friendly, approachable, and knowledgable. Facility is nice and has the necessary tools.

The auto skills manager Joe Zirelli is terrible at customer service. He walks around with a serious attitude. I am a veteran and I live on Fort Meade. My children should have access to places as well. He did not allow my sons (one is 24 and a mechanic) to use the shop services. His attitude needs adjustments. Not what veterans or military members and their family needs.

Go to this place, if you have no other choice. I went there to do an oil change and transmission fluid change. I hadn’t been to this place in a while. when I asked simple questions like is there a toolbox at the bay that I was assigned, the guy gave me an answer with an attitude. I Then proceeded to ask him if the impact wrenches were also part of the box instead of telling me yes he told me with an attitude to go check the toolbox. Also, you now have to pay for rags I don’t know how that makes sense for an auto hobby shop. Also, also, the air hoses are half the size normal air hoses that you expect in an auto hobby shop. It is the strangest thing. I can understand the fact That there are cost constraints and you may have to provide half an air hose for an impact wrench, but I don’t understand the attitude from the staff. All of the bases around Maryland are closing their auto hobby shops. These guys are lucky to have jobs and to give attitudes to the soldiers, sailors and marines at Fort Meade is just uncalled for.

If you have a CIV/MIL CAC, this is a great place to do car maintenance. You need the safety training--check the website for updated hours for the safety briefings. They are super busy on Saturdays, but Friday afternoons are typically pretty open.

There are only about three, 4 post car lifts, and the asymmetrical car lifts take up the rest of the garage. Just know this before you come. There's a safety class that you must go through on Friday @ 1230 & 1800 that costs $5. It takes about an hour, and then you'll be on your way. There weren't many employees there at the time that I went, so you might need help from other customers to ground guide your vehicle in or out. Not many clean rags to pass around because I had to go in the used rags bin. Wipe down your funnel before use, and the tools are clean.

This place needs more tools. There seems to be a shortage of tools at the work bays. I spent more time waiting to ask for a missing tool and waiting for the shop workers to find the tools, than actually working on my car. That seems a bit extreme, and I have to agree, but I hope you get the picture. The younger and taller, of the two older gentlemen, who work at the shop was extremely rude and very sarcastic, but I am starting to understand that is the norm for life long residents of this area. I hope the labor shortage of the COVID era changes soon and this Auto Skillshop brings on board employees who enjoy their work, and like to interact with the Fort Meade community.

It's always great to work on my car at the skills center. They have a plethora of tools and the staff is always there to walk you through if you need assistance. Recommend to all eligible patrons that enjoy working on their car or truck.

Great spot to fix your car, unfortunately you have to have access to Ft Meade to use the facility. This is by far one of the largest hobby shops I have seen. Lots of different services you can take advantage of, whether you need an alignment or rebuild your engine, the staff has what you need to do the job. Every bay has their own set of base level tools and the staff has even more specialized tools in their area. The staff are knowledgeable and always walking up and down to make sure everyone is safe or if anyone needs help. You have to take a safety class before you can start working which are at set times. So make sure you plan ahead as I have seen several people who are car guys get denied until they take the class which is essentially watching a 20 min video from the 1980s on shop safety.

DIYers Paradise! Tom is the best. He knows his stuff. The garage is equipped with everything you need, from airing-up your tires to rebuilding an engine or transmission. SAVE thousands and learn more about the service and repair of your ride in the bargain. Most lifts are $12/hour. Tire, wheel alignment, and welding services are available for a fee. My 30-year-old Previa van will live for another thirty, thanks to Auto Skills!

So glad this is still around and operating theyre closing them everywhere. Tom was amazing in running the place damn near alone at his age with little to no hiccups. He had help from several folks and they were awesome giving their time and patience as well.. use each other if you can.. I had several guys help me when I asked for it. Felt the love. So yeah very busy place...little pricey if you remember the old school prices lol, but what isn't high prices these days and still better than having it close. Bring your patience when you go. Tools are good, numerous and variety is there but not always great. Bring anything you have if you need it just easier.. stay present if you can for the line for lifts or keep checking in. The wait list can get hairy since Tom is overwhelmed running the place alone. They have several types of lifts and just a couple were broken.. they have other major work equipment for alignments and tire work you can do on your own but with the limited staff good luck.. Love this place i could get used to be a regular. Wish I lived closer almost an hour away.

My experience was good. I needed to change my oil and opted to do it myself. The staff was very helpful and tolerable to my repetitive questions on cleaning up and where to find things. The tools are well taken care, but be careful you might be missing a few tools in the toolbox you are provided. I brought some so it wasn't an issue but the staff will provide if you need something. The place gets stupid busy, so be early or you won't have a spot.

Regularly work on my car here most weekends, saves me tons of money. Tool selection is amazing and even if you don't have the tool you need at your toolbox in your bay, they usually have it behind the counter if you ask. Always willing to give advice or help if you need it but leave you alone if you know what you're doing. Great environment, friendly people, cheap. Definitely recommend!

Always an awesome experience working on your car and the Auto Skills Center is the place to do it. Learn new skills, save money, and enjoy yourself... safely. The staff are helpful and others working on their vehicles can assist you too. I recommend. Thanks Army!

Love this place since I save so much money working on the car on my own. It’s always busy but Bob and the team is always helpful. Also, saves a lot of money working on your car versus taking it to the shop that continuously asks for more repair so they can take your money. Weekend is definitely busy and sometimes the wait is about 30 minutes, but it’s worth the wait!

They have all the tools and expertise you'll need. Friendly and helpful or they will leave you alone to DIY, but safetly.

I have used this facility over a dozen times over the last 20 years, and i have consistently found the facility and tools to be fully sufficient for every job I've attempted, and the staff to be EXCELLENT!!!! Most recently I replaced a catalytic converter, and the shop foreman- Bob- was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He checked in on our progress frequently, and at a couple of critical points he literally jumped in and provided recommendations and a second set of hands, allowing us to successfully complete our job. Highest praise for the staff and facility!!

Bob Martin is the Shop Foreman and he runs this place with gusto, pride, is super knowledgeable, always willing to help you, often jumping in himself. Everyone is super friendly. The rates can't be beat. Shop is clean, and lifts/equipment are in good order. I love this place. Has saved me from doing work on the floor on my back and thousands in repair bills.

Outstanding place to work on your vehicle. They have a very friendly and helpful staff. This year alone my family saved over $1200 in auto repairs.