The Tuning Spot, Columbia

The eight workstations at The Tuning Spot hum with the staccato clicks of socket wrenches and the soprano whine of air tools. Industrious figures crane their necks beneath a scissor lift and slip under rides in flat bays. The industrious workers aren’t licensed mechanics, though— they are the cars’ owners, learning to baby their own rides in the 7,000-square-foot DIY garage.

Burgeoning technicians gather together in the bustling shop, discussing issues with timing belts and fuzzy dice that only ever come up snake eyes. A team of experienced mechanics stands by, ready to jump in and assist. ALLDATA, an online database of repair tips and specs, also aids students as they learn to care for rides without expensive trips to mechanics.