Auto Club

Auto Club

• Fees

  Shop Fees:

  • Bay Rentals: $20/Hr
  • Lot Rentals (Outside work): $7.50/Hr
  • Lot Repair - Removed as it was covered under Lot Rentals
  • MIG Welder/Torch: $20/Hr
  • Shop Supplies: $5/hr

  Parking Fees: 

  • Monthly Parking: $40/Hr  

  *(Vehicles can only be at the facility up to 6 months)

  Tires:

  • Mount/Dismount/Balance: 7.5 per tire
  • Hole Plug/Flat Repair: $20 per hole
  •  Install R and R: $80 for whole set. 
     
• Frequently Asked Questions
  Who is the club for?
  The club is great for anyone interested in working on their own vehicle – from vehicle enthusiasts to those just want to maintain the family vehicle and learn some new skills along the way. Even if you don’t know much about vehicle maintenance, we’d love to have you at the club and help you learn;
  
  Our goal is to connect like-minded people, help members learn new skills, and share our passion for vehicles. It’s great when we get to help members save money on repairs and maintenance.
  
  How to register / qualify for the club?
  To register visit Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC) or the Naden Athletic Centre (NAC) and fill out forms which cover contact info, vehicle info, and a little info about us;
  Depending on how you serve DND or the Government of Canada, you qualify for different membership categories:

  • Active and retired CAF, reservists, active foreign service military members, and their dependants, may apply as “Regular” members ($40/yr);
  • Staff of DND, PSP, MFRC, DRDC, DCC, RCMP (including those in receipt of a pension or annuity),  honorary Colonel/Capt(N) and Lt Col./Cdr, and their dependants, may apply for “Ordinary” membership ($56/yr);
  • DFO, Coast Guard, CRD municipal police, and other government agencies may apply for an “Associate*” membership ($72/yr);
  • Civilians with referral from an active club member, and in possession of specialized skills that may be of assistance to the club or are otherwise willing to assist the club, may be considered for an “Associate*” membership.

  *Associate memberships must be sponsored by a club member with a valid membership, and approved by the executive committee prior to registration. Contact us for more info.
  
  Do I require any qualifications or equipment?
  You require no qualifications to join the club. Just an enthusiasm for automobiles and a willingness to help out are all this required. You don’t even need a vehicle, though it is recommended to make the most of your club experience;
  
  It is recommended to have basic mechanical knowledge and possess some basic hand tools to save your time when working at the workshop.
  
  Make sure to read our by-laws to be aware of club rules and common courtesies, which will help you be a better club member. They pertain primarily to shop conduct.
  
  What happens after I register? Will someone call or email me?
  Once registered, we will include you on periodic emails regarding club events, and changes to operating hours.
  
  Our email is cfbesqautoclub@gmail.com if you want to contact the executive committee
  You can book time to use work bays at the club by calling (250) 480-0191 during operating hours.
  You can also reach us via Facebook, at “CFB Esquimalt Auto Club”
  .
  What are your operating hours?
  The workshop is open Mon, Thu and Fri 1800–2200, and Sat/Sun 0900-1700.
  
  How do I get access to the workshop?
  A custodian is on duty during operating hours. Call ahead to book a work bay.
  
  What jobs can I complete at the workshop?
  Whatever your skill level and courage will allow. We’re equipped to help you with a wide range of maintenances ranging from basic check-ups to engine replacement. If you’re unsure, we can try put you in touch with another member that has experience in your project;
  
  Common maintenance that will save you money are oil and tire changes, brakes, suspension work, engine diagnostics, and exhaust work. If you have the skill, you can save thousands on engine and transmission replacements. Some members have completely rebuilt their cars at the club!
  
  There are numerous fees we charge for use of the shop, which allows us to pay our custodians, expand our tool collection, and fund events. The full list of up-to-date fees can be found in the “Shop Fees Schedule”, but the most commons ones are: Bay rental ($15/hr); Shop Supply Fee ($5.00/visit); Parking (starting at $25/month).
  
  What tools does the club have?
  We have over 200 different tools and equipment to help you complete almost any standard automotive repair job you might need to do. Our key features are the three 9000lb vehicle hoists, tire machine and balancer, MIG welder, oxy/acetylene torch, hydraulic press, and custodians to help keep you safe;
  
  We don’t have equipment for wheel alignments, engine machining, sandblasting, painting, and some vehicle model specific hand tools. Make sure to call ahead and ask the custodian if you’re not sure if we’ll have the tool you’ll need. If we don’t have a tool you need, contact the executive so we can look into buying it.
  
  What if I don’t know how to do any vehicle maintenance?
  No worries! We have enthusiastic members who are more than willing to help teach the basics of vehicle maintenance and have you along for more complicated stuff.
• Workshop

  How To Conduct Work

  Club Members are expected to call ahead during business hours to reserve a workspace and briefly describe their project so the custodian can advise them of club capabilities and policies before they arrive. Drop-ins are accepted if there is space available, though sometimes we’re booked up weeks in advance. We accept only credit/debit for payment and do not handle cash. If you live in your vehicle, make sure you have back-up accommodation just in case.
  
  Once you’re at the shop, talk to the custodian and sign in. You’ll be assigned a workspace where you can begin your work. You’ll be briefed on safety and the equipment available to you, and you can start getting set up with tools and laying out your equipment. Use this time to ask questions regarding equipment use and instruction if you’re unfamiliar.
  
  Be sure to wear clothing that is ok getting dirty! Steel Toed Footwear is also required on the footprint.
  
  Check your workspace to ensure it’s in a clean and acceptable condition, as you’re responsible to leave it as you found it. Once your vehicle is in the workspace, you’re on the clock. If you’re waiting for the custodian to get you a tool, discuss with them and note how long you’re waiting so you’re not paying undue fees. We don’t want to discourage members assisting each other, so if you’ve spent significant time helping out instead of doing your own project make sure to discuss it with the custodian.

  Pay-Per-Use Equipment

  Some equipment have a consumable cost or custodian time requirement and therefore incur an extra fee for their use. The welders, oxy-acetylene torch, and tire machine/balancer are in this group. See the fee schedule for more info on usage fees.

  Waste Disposal

  
  There are some types of waste we can take for you, and others that are up to you to dispose of.
  
  We take typical waste (paper, cardboard, plastic, etc), tires, scrap metal, waste petroleum, oils, and lubricants, used oil filters, and oily rags. We do not currently accept coolant, propane tanks, or scrap vehicles.

  Wrapping Up

  The clock stops once you’ve indicated that you’ve completed your project or the when you’re given notice that the shop will be closing for the day, but you’re not allowed to depart until you’ve cleaned your workstation and the custodian has inspected. You will not be charged for the time you spend cleaning up and returning tools.
  
  Without exception, customers are to pay before they leave for the day, even if you will be returning to complete your project the next day. Prior to closing, spend the last 30 minutes cleaning, organizing, and arranging to pay up. Vehicles are not to remain in the workshop after hours without explicit permission from the custodian. Do your best to ensure your vehicle can be removed by the end of the day. This way, if you are delayed or unable to come back the next day, you won’t be holding up a bay (and also getting charged for it!).

  Vehicle Storage

  Parking is a valuable resource and may not be available. Parking is paid for a month at a time, and at the time you store your vehicle. We have sheltered storage for an extra fee, subject to availability. Refer to the fee schedule for more info on parking fees. If your vehicle will be remaining on the lot, even if just for one night, you are to complete a “Vehicle Storage Agreement” form and provide a copy of valid insurance for the vehicle. If you will be embarking on a longer project, discuss with the custodian on your timeline before you start your project.
  
  Oh no, your project didn’t go as planned and now your vehicle is no longer drivable. We see this time and time again, and luckily for you, the first week of storage is free if you were using the shop. We try to ensure there is always a spot available in case of this. Ensure a copy of your receipt is kept with your storage agreement form. If your vehicle remains for more than 5 business days you will be charged a whole month of parking the next time you’re in BEFORE you begin work.

  Shop Etiquette

  Be courteous and helpful to other members and the custodians. Make the workshop an inviting place to hang out and do work
  Clean up messes, garbage, and spills promptly. 
  If you break or damage a tool or equipment don’t hide or cover it up. Bring up discovered defects as soon as you find them. We understand that things break, but we can’t do anything about it if we don’t know about it!
  Show up for your reservation on time. Every minute you’re late is a minute a fellow club member could be doing their project instead. You will be charged for the time you are late if someone is waiting.
  If your project is taking longer than you anticipated, make sure the person reserving after you is notified. We all understand projects can take longer than anticipated for many reasons, but it sucks to find out after driving to the shop.