Full-service auto repair, tires, alignment and diagnostics for all makes and models. There’s nothing this shop can’t do.
Vern Hermes, known around Maquoketa as “Doc Vern,” has been diagnosing and repairing vehicles since he and Brenda opened the shop in 1979. He’s an ASE Certified Master Technician, the top tier of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence program. Earning it means passing a full series of exams across every major vehicle system, and keeping them current.
That experience matters most on difficult jobs: electrical problems, intermittent drivability issues and older vehicles. We pair it with professional-grade equipment so problems are found, not guessed at.
Tires: your local Cooper Tires dealer
Cooper Tires are our technician’s pick, and we carry them for cars, minivans, crossovers, SUVs and pickups. Cooper is an American tire brand founded in Ohio more than 100 years ago, known for long tread life and good value.
Every set is mounted on professional tire changing equipment and balanced on our Hunter Road Force balancer, then finished with a Hunter alignment if your vehicle needs one.
Cars & minivans
Comfortable, long-wearing all-season and touring tires for everyday driving.
Crossovers & SUVs
All-season tires built for family hauling and Iowa weather.
Pickups & work trucks
Highway and all-terrain tires that handle gravel roads, farm lanes and heavy loads.
Full tire service
Road Force balancing, rotations, flat repair and TPMS sensor service and replacement.
Our equipment
We use the same caliber of equipment you’d find at a dealership.
Cars, trucks & SUVs
All makes and models, domestic and import, gas and diesel, from daily drivers to work trucks.
RVs & trailers
Full-service RV repair and utility trailer work.
Classics
Older and collector vehicles, with upholstery under the same roof.
How a repair works here
- Call or stop in. Tell us what the vehicle is doing and when it happens.
- We diagnose it. We test and confirm the cause before recommending a repair.
- We explain it before we fix it. You get the cost up front. Nothing is done without your OK.
- We fix it right. Quality parts, road tested, and we call you when it’s ready.
Our services
A full line of auto repair. If you don’t see it listed, call us.
Diagnostics & drivability
- Check engine light diagnosis
- Computer diagnostics with Snap-on MODIS
- Rough idle, stalling, hesitation and misfires
- Hard starts and no-starts
- Intermittent problems that come and go
Engine
- Tune-ups, spark plugs and ignition
- Fuel system and fuel injection service
- Timing belts and chains
- Belts and hoses
- Gaskets and oil leaks
- Engine repair and replacement
Alignment, tires & balancing
- Four-wheel alignment on a Hunter system
- Road Force balancing
- Tire sales: Cooper and other name brands
- Mounting, rotation and flat repair
- TPMS sensor service
- Vibration and pulling diagnosis
Brakes
- Pads, shoes, rotors and drums
- Calipers, lines and hoses
- ABS diagnosis and repair
- Brake fluid service
- Brake and lamp inspections
Steering & suspension
- Shocks and struts
- Ball joints, tie rods and control arms
- Wheel bearings and hubs
- CV axles and boots
- Power steering repair
Transmission & drivetrain
- Transmission service and repair
- New and rebuilt transmissions
- Clutch replacement
- Differential and transfer case service
- 4WD and AWD systems
- Driveshafts and U-joints
Electrical
- Batteries, starters and alternators
- Charging system testing
- Wiring and short diagnosis
- Lighting, power windows and locks
- Parasitic battery drain
Heating, cooling & A/C
- A/C service, recharge and repair
- Compressors, condensers and leaks
- Heater cores and blower motors
- Radiators, water pumps and thermostats
- Cooling system flushes
Exhaust
- Mufflers and pipes
- Catalytic converters
- Exhaust leaks
Maintenance
- Oil and filter changes
- Fluid services
- Air and cabin filters
- Factory-scheduled maintenance
- Maintenance inspections
RVs, trailers & classics
- Full-service RV repair
- Utility trailer repair
- Classic and collector vehicles
ACDelco parts
As an ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) member shop, we install quality ACDelco parts, the only aftermarket parts line backed by General Motors. ACDelco Gold and Silver parts fit GM vehicles and most other makes and models, and go through GM’s quality approval process.
Most ACDelco Gold parts carry a 24-month, unlimited-mile limited warranty from GM.
- Brake pads, rotors and calipers
- Batteries
- Oil, air and cabin filters
- Spark plugs and ignition parts
- Shocks, struts and steering parts
- Belts, hoses and cooling parts
- Starters and alternators
- Fluids and wiper blades
Damage-free towing
Accident, breakdown, or a car that won’t start in the driveway? We’ll tow it to the shop carefully, without adding to the damage, then diagnose it once it’s here. Call 563-652-2279 during business hours.
Common questions
Do I need an appointment?
Calling ahead is best so we can plan time for your vehicle, but you’re welcome to stop in. For quick questions, just call.
Will you call me before doing any work?
Yes. We diagnose first, explain what we found and what it will cost, and only start once you approve it.
The parts store read my code for free. Why pay for a diagnosis?
A code tells you which system noticed a problem, not what caused it. A misfire code can mean a plug, a coil, an injector, a wiring fault or an engine problem. Diagnosis finds the actual cause, so you don’t pay for parts you didn’t need.
Will having my maintenance done here void my new-car warranty?
No. Federal law lets you have routine maintenance done at the independent shop of your choice without affecting your manufacturer’s warranty. Just keep your receipts.
Do you work on diesels?
Yes. We diagnose, maintain and repair diesel pickups.
Do you do alignments and balancing?
Yes. We have a Hunter alignment system and Road Force balancing. Wheel alignment and tires and balancing.
Do you sell tires?
Yes. We’re a Cooper Tires dealer and can get most other name brands. Every tire is Road Force balanced. See tires.
What parts do you use?
We install quality ACDelco parts, backed by GM, along with other trusted brands when a job calls for it. Ask us about the parts on your estimate any time.
What forms of payment do you take?
Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. We don’t accept American Express.
Schedule service
Call to schedule or ask a question. We’re open Monday through Friday.