We don’t sell cars...
Our success depends entirely on making sure you’re happy with the car you own. That means providing service and repair options that are practical, efficient and fair priced.
As European import car specialists we have the professional training, special tools and top quality replacement parts to insure expert care for your car.
We service European imports all day, every day, for over 34 years. We know the trouble spots, the procedures and upgrades that make owning and maintaining your car much more enjoyable.
Join thousands of other Central Iowan’s who trust Beckley’s to keep their cars safe, comfortable and long lasting.
Shuttle Service
If you need a ride home or to work we can help. Our first downtown shuttle leaves at 7:45 AM and our first suburban shuttle leaves at 8:10. Our service advisors can help you with transportation arrangements.
After hours drop-off & pick-up
We have a covered drop-off and pickup area with an after hours key drop box for your convenience.
Oil Change Service
We all know a regular oil change makes your car last longer. It's also one of the few times a year a qualified technician can inspect it to save you unexpected problems.
A benefit of getting your oil changed at Beckley's is our 30 point written safety inspection. An ASE certified technician, experienced with your type of car, performs a thorough 30 point inspection including your car’s brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights, fluids, etc. Our specialists know what to look for and how to respond to anything out of the ordinary. The results and any needs are noted and a written report is attached to your invoice.
And, so your car looks as good as it runs, every car we service receives a hand wash (weather permitting) and a vacuum.
Ed Harris said, "A benefit not available at the quick lubes; "I can get a quick oil change anywhere. When I get my car back, I want to know that my brakes and tires and everything else are safe for me and my family
"How often should I change my oil?"
With the advent of synthetic oils and cleaner engines, manufacturers have promoted extended oil change intervals. Some up to 15,000 miles! To see how this affects your car see: " How often should I change my oil? "
Factory Scheduled Maintenance and Major Service
A major service replaces filters, fluids, belts, sometimes spark plugs and other items that wear out or get consumed as you drive. It also scans your car’s computers for any pending problems. Manufacturers commonly recommend this at 30,000 mile intervals.
Here the idea is to prepare your car to operate reliably until the next service without breakdown or performance problems. An inspection worksheet, specific to your make of car, is followed by the technician. Any needs are noted as "suggested" or "required". The guidelines for these recommendations have been developed by MAP, the Motorist Assurance Program
We understand it's your car and your choice about how it gets fixed. Our job as automotive professionals is to provide you with all the accurate information you need to make an informed decision about your repair options. We will always provide the time necessary to explain all your options and answer any questions you have regarding the safe repair and maintenance of your car.
"My Car Is Maintenance Free?"
"This car is virtually maintenance free", boasts the new car salesman. And he’s right, sort of…In the last few years, with cleaner engines and better lubricants, manufacturers have been extending service intervals so not much is required during the warranty period. In fact, many new cars come with Free Maintenance during this period – a basic oil change or two. The fact is, almost all new cars will last the first 30-50,000 miles without any attention. Then you begin to pay for all the neglect. Components like engines, transmissions, pumps and hydraulic units can commonly last 200,000 miles with proper care. Without this care you can need a new car in half that time. Good for the salesman, bad for you.
Tires & Wheel Alignment
When your tires are balanced and your wheels aligned correctly, your car glides down the road. No pulling, shakes or vibrations that make your coffee jiggle and your hands shake. Maybe not Walmart shopping cart but annoying and completely avoidable.
Tire and alignment service is some of our favorite work because the results are so noticeable.
Proper alignment means all wheels pointing the same direction. Improper alignment creates two problems, but you’ll notice only one from behind the wheel. Your car will pull to one side or you’ll have a crooked steering wheel. The other problem is premature tire wear. Unfortunately this is typically discovered after the damage is done.
If your car’s wheel alignment is off just 1/8 of an inch, it’s like dragging a tire sideways 3 miles for every 1000 miles you drive!
That’s why alignment is critical to long tire life.
We offer a four wheel alignment test with a printout on any car for only $34.95. In minutes we can determine if your wheels are tracking straight and insure you get the longest life from your tires. If adjustments are required you’ll receive an estimate to correct the problem. Don’t wait until your tire tread is scrubbed away. We recommend this quick check annually on all cars.
When it’s time for tires we sell Michelin, Continental, BF Goodrich and most other major brands. The difference between an excellent tire and a cut-rate tire is only few dollars. Don’t scrimp here. Put a budget tire on your Audi or BMW, now it drives like a budget car. The tire you choose will affect the way your car rides, handles and stops every mile you drive for years.
We have the latest in tire handling and alignment equipment and technicians who really know how to use them. If you have tire or alignment questions, call us. This is one of our favorite topics.
Battery Alternator Starter
Batteries have more power for their size these days but they still don’t last forever. Anything more than three or four year Iowa winters is a bonus. What has changed is the demands placed on your battery. Heated seats, high powered headlights, concert quality sound systems all make your battery work harder. To keep up, alternators have become much more powerful.
Any time a battery fails we test to see if faults in your car - a short circuit or under performing alternator - led to an early demise. A new battery installed in a faulty car won’t fix your problem. We have the most sophisticated test equipment to ensure these components are doing their job as designed.
We stock Interstate and AC Delco batteries. They have the power and performance to ensure quick starts and long life. Plus they fit right. That’s critical now that batteries are often located in the trunk or under the rear seat. Trying to fit the wrong battery can lead to rattles, short circuits or acid leaks. Definitely expensive problems.
We are an Authorized Bosch Service Center and use genuine Bosch starters and alternators on all European makes. They come with a two year parts and labor warranty and are original equipment on most European cars. Bosch also has a complete line of starters and alternators for Domestic and Asian cars, with the same outstanding warranty, fit and performance.
Brake Systems including Anti-Lock
Nobody likes to pay too much and discount brakes may seem like a good idea. The trouble is a wrong choice here and you’ll live with the squealing, uneven stopping and black dust on your shiny wheels for thousands of miles. The brake pads, brake discs and hydraulic components we install all meet or exceed new car specifications. The result is brakes that last longer, perform better and don’t cover your wheels with that nasty black soot.
Our technicians are experts in anti-lock brake technology. Bosch was the originator of Anti-Lock technology for today’s cars. As an Authorized Bosch Service Center, we have the training, tools and experience to keep this most important safety feature in tip-top shape, ready to protect you from skids and loss of steering.
Check Engine Lights & Engine Performance
Also known as the "Check Wallet Light". Fitted to all 1995 and later cars, this warning light is connected to computers that monitor hundreds of systems on your car. Its illumination could signal an emission system fault (air pollution), overheating or even a loose gas cap. A blinking light while you drive means a problem exists that could potentially damage your car and you should stop driving immediately and call for help.
Your European car is powered by fuel injection, electronic and emission systems developed and manufactured by the Robert Bosch company. We are Central Iowa’s authorized service center for Bosch automotive systems and we have the tools and know-how to service and repair these systems better than anyone else.
Your car’s computers are pretty smart. They can report if a problem occurs… often before the driver senses a problem. But they can’t always pinpoint the cause or the faulty part. It’s like a fire alarm in a high rise. It reports there’s a fire…but not what started it.
Your car’s computers are pretty smart. They can report if a problem occurs… often before the driver senses a problem. But they can’t always pinpoint the cause or the faulty part. It’s like a fire alarm in a high rise. It reports there’s a fire…but not what started it.
We can’t tell you what it will cost to fix the problem until we determine the cause. Here we do set a limit of $125 for the first step. Sometimes that’s enough to fix the car, sometimes not. But you won’t pay more than that without a report and your permission to proceed.
The quickest and least expensive way to handle a check engine light is an expert that can identify the fault correctly and repair it without a lot of guesswork.
That’s us. Call us when you have the need.
Fluid Service & Leaks
A spot on the ground where you park is unmistakable. A fluid is leaking and needs attention. We have solutions for that. But there’s more to automotive fluids than simply keeping them contained. To prevent premature wear and failure the manufacturer recommends replacing the fluids for systems such as brakes, transmission, coolant and all-wheel drive units. And, the replacement specifications for European imports is often much higher than standard performance cars. Use the wrong fluid and failure often occurs. We always use the proper fluids for your car and know exactly how to service them. Another benefit of our specialized service.
Air Conditioning & Heating
Your Automatic Climate Control is one of the most complex systems on your car. It incorporates refrigeration, heating and loads of electronics. Here’s an area other shops won’t touch and often shouldn’t. There’s a lot of money wasted on well intentioned guesses. We have the training and experience to get to the root of climate control problems quickly and efficiently. Which of course saves you money and frustration. Call us first with your heating & cooling problems.
Diesel Engine Service
Nearly half the cars in Europe are diesels and most of those are powered by Bosch diesel fuel injection. As Central Iowa’s authorized service center for Bosch passenger car diesels we have the tools and know-how to help you get the most from these high efficiency engines.
Electrical Troubleshooting
Factory Scheduled Maintenance and Major Service
Here’s where a car owner can waste a lot of money on a goose chase by a well meaning technician. We’d love to tell you what it will cost before we start but, of course, that’s not possible. So we set a limit of $125 for the first step. Sometimes we can fix the problem for less than this. Sometimes it will take more. But we won’t exceed that amount without a progress report and your permission to continue.
What I can tell you is we’re European car specialists and we have over 30 years successful experience tracking down elusive electrical problems on these cars. That will certainly make it less painful.
Detailing & Paintless Dent Removal
Tim is our in-house detail expert extraordinaire. He loves his work and takes nearly all day to complete one car. The charge is $200 for most projects. That’s a good deal. We employ a paintless dent expert that’s just as meticulous. He refinishes scratched wheels too. They have both performed their magic on cars I own. I can’t say enough good about them.