F.A.Q.

We answer your Frequently Asked Questions

First Time Answers:


We charge by the hour, half day, or full day. We also have three 30 minute specials. You can find the pricing for those by clicking here!

We have a 1 hour minimum (except for the specials) and after that first hour time is billed in 5 minute increments.


You can see average savings of 50% or more from what a mechanic would charge. If the repair you plan to do is very labor intensive, the savings are on the higher end as labor can make a repair really expensive, really fast.


When it is 6 hours or less of booked time, you will pay for what you use. If you book more than 6 hours, you will pay for the full amount of time booked if you use less. Example: You book 6 hours and it takes you 3, you will pay for the 3 hours. If you were to book 8 hours and use 2 hours, we would have you pay for the 8 hours.

Why do we make 6 hours the split? Because after 6 hours it becomes difficult to book reservations as many people request 6 hour slots as they like to do a few jobs at one time. Therefore when you book more than 6 hours and use less, we likely had to turn someone away to accommodate your reservation.


We’ve been there too! Everyone has, and we want to help you with this big step that most people aren’t willing to take. We offer free expert advice to anyone who rents a bay from us. We also offer lesson videos on our YouTube Page. You can learn how to do all the standard maintenance called for by your car’s manufacturer and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself!

We also provide access to AllData online auto repair manuals free with each bay rental.

You must be at least 18 or have a parent or guardian present, a valid driver’s license, and vehicle registration for first time garage use. Student IDs are not forms of valid identification.
Like the saying goes, the more the merrier! We want you to bring friends with you, it makes working on your car much more enjoyable! We do ask that you limit to just two friends for a total of no more than 3 people per bay. This prevents bumping elbows within the shop. If you need more help for specific jobs, feel free to get in touch with us and we can accommodate you as needed. We do require your friends to be at least 18 or have a parent or guardian, and a government issued ID (Valid: passport, driver’s license, or a state ID card, military ID. Invalid: school issued ID.)

Reservations are not required but we strongly recommend you make one. If you do not have a reservation, you may drop in and see if there is any availability. Drop–ins may be limited to the type of lift available and may have time constraints as well.

If you do make a reservation, your appointment is between the start and stop time. We will guarantee you the time between those points. You will not be guaranteed any time after the end time unless you request extra time and it is available. Example: You book from 1pm-2pm, we guarantee you that time, but nothing outside of it.

We cannot permit the use of floor jacks as the primary lifting device. Our insurance does not permit it due to liability concerns. If a vehicle must come off the ground, it must be done on a lift.
Please leave Fido at home. The environment is loud and not well suited for a dog.

Most mechanical jobs can be done at Stew’s Self Service Garage! Here’s a list of some examples, but by no means are these the only things you can do.

● Alternator Replacement
● Battery Replacement
● Ball Joint Replacement
● Brake Caliper Replacement
● Brake Pad Replacement
● Oil and Filter Change
● Radiator Replacement
● Serpentine Belt Replacement
● Spark Plugs Replacement
● Starter Replacement
● Strut and Shock Replacement
● Thermostat Replacement
● Timing Belt Replacement
● Transmission Fluid Change
● Water Pump Replacement

About The Garage Answers:


Every bay comes with everything on this list included in your rental fee:

  1. A 450+ piece tool set
  2. Heated space (In the winter, at least 16 feet wide and 25 feet deep)
  3. A 10 foot work bench
  4. Garbage bucket
  5. Waste fluid disposal
  6. Waste part disposal
  7. Specialty tool access
  8. Access to vehicle specific repair guides
  9. Multiple electrical outlets
  10. USB charging ports
  11. 50ft extension cord
  12. A pair of 9mil gloves 
  13. Shop Towels
  14. A shelf above the workstation to keep your phone, tablet, or watch handy but safe
  15. Amazing customer service
  16. And more


The short answer is no.

The longer answer is that we rent bays, not tools. That means you must bring the vehicle in and do the whole job here in our shop. We don’t allow you to come in and just use a couple tools as that is not the service we offer.

Fear not! We assume all of our customers have never used a lift before. When you come in for your first time we show you how to use the lift safely. On subsequent visits we will ask if you know how to use it and if you need a refresher.

Sorry, we do not have a paint booth or alignment equipment. Due to environmental, health regulations, and cleanliness issues, painting or undercoating of any kind is not permitted at Stew’s Self Service Garage. AC work is also not available to be done due to environmental regulations. If you need a paint booth contact Pacific Auto Machine @ 425-226-0930, they rent a paint booth in Renton, WA.

This answer is always ‘yes‘. Working on your own car can be fun, satisfying, nice to your wallet, and easy with the right tools, space, and resources. Here at Stew’s Self Service Garage we strive to make sure you have everything you need to succeed with your auto repair be it your first, or countless, time you have worked on a car.

We have all the tools you need to complete a wide variety of projects on your car. We ask that you leave your tools at home so we don’t have any mix-ups. If you want to use your own tool set, we do allow it, but we will keep the tool box in the bay locked. If you have vehicle specific tools for a project, that is fine. Our goal is to avoid mixing of sockets and wrenches, etc. Please note, the pricing does not change if you use your own tools.

We provide a 450+ piece tool set with every bay rental. We also keep an assortment of specialty tools available in our tool room.

Tools are just part of what you need to do your repair. You might also want some shop towels, parts, or fluids. We either stock it or will order it so it’s here when you arrive!

We can accommodate just about any time period you need. We understand some projects can take days or even weeks. Maybe you don’t need weeks worth of time, but a few days can be a real possibility. We ask that you contact us through our Contact Page for inquiries about longer rentals.

We understand that sometimes projects don’t go according to plan and take longer than expected.  We have several options available such as storing your vehicle inside or outside (some conditions apply) but whatever option you choose must be arranged before closing time. If you want to stay past closing time, below are the details on that.

  1. The after hours rate is $240 per hour.
  2. There are no discounts or hourly specials during the after hours rate.
  3. You will sign an after hours agreement every time you stay past our closing time.
  4. Closing time is 9pm unless otherwise posted.
  5. You will pay and close your current bill by 9pm and a new after hours ticket will be opened.

How can you avoid this?

  1. Know how long your work will take, and if you can’t finish by 15 minutes before closing, start planning to return to finish at another time.
  2. Bring a friend to help! Friends can make things go faster, and be more fun
  3. Ask for advice sooner rather than later. We are here to help answer questions and provide guidance.
  4. Heed the time notices that are given out. Your first warning will come at 8pm, and every 15 minutes after that.
  5. Have the bay completely cleaned up and be approved for check out by 5 minutes before closing time.

It will not be any cheaper. We do not offer A La Carte pricing, the rates stay the same regardless of what you do and do not use in the shop.

It will not be any cheaper. We do not offer A La Carte pricing, the rates stay the same regardless of what you do and do not use in the shop.
  1. There is a $10 per night fee to leave your vehicle in the parking lot.
  2. The first night in the parking lot is free.
  3. Your vehicle can be left in the parking lot for a maximum of 14 days. To reset the 14 day clock the car must be off the premises for at least 24 hours.
  4. At the end of 14 days your vehicle will be towed from our lot. The end of 14 days is 7:30pm the 14th day after your vehicle first went into the parking lot.
If you want to tow your car to our facility, you must have an appointment with a paid deposit. Failure to notify us of your vehicle arriving via tow truck will result in us turning the tow truck away, or impounding your car. Impound fees are typically $400 or more, so please make sure to let us know you will be towing your car in, we don’t want to have to impound it. If you need a towing recommendation, we recommend Trackmode Transport! Their number is: (425) 626-0383 or you can message them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TrackModeTransport/


We do not work on customer cars, especially on Sunday. If you need a mechanic, we recommend calling KD Automotive in Redmond.

We do not have any equipment for changing tires or balancing wheels.

Safety Answers:

We do provide hearing protection and eye protection in each bay for one person. If your group requires more than 1 set of protective gear, we have additional eye and ear protection available, just ask the shop supervisor. We do not require you to wear safety equipment at all times, however you may be instructed by the shop supervisor to use it.
Your kid must be 13 years or older to go into the shop. They must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian. No exceptions.
They will not be allowed in the shop area. Kids will not be allowed to be left anywhere on the premises without supervision by a parent or guardian. We will not supervise your kids for you, no exceptions.
We will gladly show you how to use it. Learning things is fun! Especially learning how to use cool tools.
Contained food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol or marijuana use while using the shop. If you are drinking alcohol anywhere on the premises you will be asked to pack up and leave.
No. Do not contact us in any form or fashion asking this question. You will not get a response.

Ready To Be Your Own Mechanic?

Book your appointment online!

Open 9am to 9pm, closed Wednesdays

Click the button below to get started!

Still Have Questions?

Give us a call (425)-600-4349

Open 9am to 9pm, closed Wednesdays

Last car into garage at 7:30pm