The Royal Air Force Lakenheath Car Care Center is now closed as of October 1st, but the Liberty Wing is ensuring that personnel continue to have access to the automotive parts and services they require. This guide explains where to find Aafes Car Parts and vehicle maintenance solutions on base following this change.
The closure of the Car Care Center is part of an effort to streamline services and reinvest resources back into the community. According to Larry Salgado, AAFES General Manager, the Car Care Center had been operating at a loss for the past eight years, diverting funds that could be used for morale, welfare, and recreation programs for Airmen. This change mirrors a similar adjustment at RAF Mildenhall, where the car care center also recently closed, with parts moving to the BXtra and services handled by the auto skills center.
For those accustomed to purchasing aafes car parts at the Car Care Center, the good news is that automotive merchandise has been relocated to the RAF Lakenheath Shoppette in Building 650, conveniently located next to the bowling alley. This expanded automotive section within the Shoppette features a staffed service counter. Here, customers can not only browse a selection of automotive products but also directly order tires, batteries, and a wide range of other aafes car parts. Importantly, the Shoppette can source parts from both the United States and the United Kingdom, providing flexibility and access to a broader inventory to meet diverse vehicle needs. Furthermore, propane tank refills are still available 24/7 at the gas station adjacent to the Shoppette, ensuring continued convenience for those requiring this service.
In addition to the relocated aafes car parts, vehicle servicing needs can still be readily addressed on base at the 48th Force Support Squadron Auto Skills Center. Bill Ripley, AAFES Retail Business Manager, confirmed that the Auto Skills Center will maintain its current service bay operations and the range of automotive services offered to the RAF Lakenheath community. These services include essential maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups. The Auto Skills Center is also prepared to handle an anticipated increase in demand as a result of the Car Care Center closure, ensuring that service availability remains robust for all personnel.
Addressing concerns about existing commitments, Ripley stated that pre-existing tire service agreements will be reviewed and managed fairly on a case-by-case basis. Battery warranties will continue to be honored at the Shoppette, providing peace of mind for customers.
AAFES emphasizes that these changes are designed to enhance overall service efficiency and financial responsibility without diminishing support for the RAF Lakenheath community. While the Car Care Center has closed, the combination of the expanded aafes car parts selection at the Shoppette and the continued operation of the Auto Skills Center ensures that Liberty Wing personnel have readily available solutions for their vehicle maintenance and repair needs on base. The relocation of parts to the Shoppette aims to provide a more sustainable and financially sound approach to delivering aafes car parts and related automotive products to the RAF Lakenheath community.
