DIY Auto Repair Shops Might Be Making a Comeback
DIY Auto Repair Shops might be making a comeback across the country, offering a glimmer of hope for car enthusiasts and budget-conscious owners alike. Once common, these facilities where individuals can rent lifts and tools to work on their own vehicles are seeing a resurgence, as exemplified by new establishments like CoGarage in El Monte, California, which offers lifts and essential tools for just $45 an hour.
The Return of a Classic Concept
These do-it-yourself (DIY) auto repair shops were once a familiar sight, particularly at military bases worldwide through MWR programs. They operated on a straightforward rental basis: pay an hourly fee, get your car onto a professional lift, and save money by performing your own repairs. This model flourished during a time when high schools commonly offered auto shop classes, empowering individuals with mechanical skills. However, as cars became more complex and shop classes less common, these DIY spaces largely faded away.
As the popular meme quips, “50 years ago the owner’s manual of a car showed you how to adjust the valves. Today it warns you not to drink the contents of the battery.” This shift reflects the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and the diminishing prevalence of DIY repairs. Yet, there’s growing interest in bringing back these hands-on opportunities. Websites like diyshopfinder.com are emerging to help locate such facilities, though currently, only a handful are listed nationwide, from Florida to Texas and Wisconsin to Virginia.
CoGarage owner, JD Veloz
CoGarage: A Modern Take on DIY Repair
CoGarage, located at 4007 Baldwin Ave. in El Monte, California, is a prime example of this promising trend. Owner JD Veloz (“Veloz like fast in Spanish”) opened the shop in January with four two-post lifts and a comprehensive array of tools. Veloz, who worked in various automotive service roles before starting CoGarage, conceived the idea out of his own need for a space to work on his car while living in an apartment.
“We’re trying to get the word out that a garage like this exists to help people out, because you don’t have many options when you want to fix a car, it’s either you do it at home or you take it somewhere to get it repaired,” Veloz explained. Each lift station comes equipped with a toolbox containing nearly every necessary tool, from pliers and hammers to wrenches and sockets. Veloz is committed to acquiring any tool he doesn’t have, anticipating future demand.
Customers like Jackson, Travis, and Nick, who were found renting Lift #4 to weld and install a new muffler on their Toyota exhaust, exemplify the target demographic: individuals eager to save money and gain hands-on experience. Veloz maintains flexibility with pricing, allowing half-hour increments if customers exceed the initial hour.
Building Community and Ensuring Safety
Veloz envisions CoGarage as more than just a rental space; he aims to foster a community for car enthusiasts. “I love it. I meet so many people, and then when people are here and the garage is full, they’ll usually start interacting with each other,” he said. He sees his shop filling a void for car-related social interaction, contrasting it with potentially dangerous street takeovers or limited Cars and Coffee events. To further this goal, Veloz plans purely social events after hours. On Friday, October 3, he is even hosting a drive-in movie showing of Christine, just in time for Halloween.
Safety is paramount at CoGarage. Veloz is the sole individual authorized to set up and operate the lifts, a crucial caveat that ensures proper usage. He also offers advice and counsel to his customers, leveraging his extensive automotive background. Veloz’s long-term plan is to establish similar DIY shops in every major city, a reasonable aspiration given the “shop insurance” available for this specific type of operation. This blend of practical service, community building, and safety measures positions CoGarage as a potential blueprint for the resurgence of DIY auto repair.
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