Blog

Camping season is just around the corner. We can’t wait! But, before packing up and heading out on the open road, there are a few reminders, recommendations, and safety points to consider. Just a little bit of time and effort will go a long way in keeping your family safe, your tow-vehicle running smoothly, and your camper in tip-top condition. To bring you tips straight from a local industry expert, our team met up with Mike Gajewski, Owner of King’s Campers in Wausau, WI. We recorded the in...

All successful relationships require clear communication, and your relationship with your automotive professional is no different! Without a good sense of communication, it is easy for confusion, misunderstandings and frustration to occur...things you definitely want to avoid in an auto shop. But don’t worry, our team of automotive industry veterans has tips to help you speak easily and effectively with your auto service specialist. Read on (and listen to the podcast episode at AllAboutTheCar...

Dashboards have been around as long as vehicles have been on the road. In fact, the term “dashboard” dates back to horse and buggy days! The first dashboards were wooden slabs placed on the front of carriages. They were positioned between the horse and the passengers, and acted as a barrier for dirt and debris. There’s no doubt dashboards have evolved a lot over the years. The panels found in today’s cars are full of gauges, controls, lights, and buttons that help you become a more informe...

Here in Wisconsin, we get all the seasons. That's no exaggeration! As far as driving goes, though, there are really only two seasons: road construction and winter. No exaggeration there, either. Contrary to the hopes of most, winter comes around every year. And, after months of warm temperatures and mild weather, it can be easy to forget how to handle those slick wintry conditions. Everyone -- no matter how experienced -- needs to adjust their mindset and driving habits to stay safe on the roa...

Emergency roadside breakdowns are never something you plan for. Even so, it is critical to be prepared - a breakdown can happen to any driver at any time. Should you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, it’s important to know how to handle yourself and your car. The good news? Just a little bit of preparation can go a long way in addressing a roadside breakdown quickly and safely. Don’t forget to listen to the latest podcast from All About The Car for additional information! Vehicle ...

Wisconsin winters are not something to take lightly…especially when it comes to travel. Here at Hartje Tire & Service, we want you and your family to be as safe as possible this winter, so we’ve put together a few tips to help you successfully navigate the soon-to-be icy roads and freezing temperatures.     First off, make sure you’ve got an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should contain things that would help you in a variety of car-related situations, such as sliding off the road, fin...

Even though the holiday season is here, the last thing you want is your vehicle’s dashboard to light up like a Christmas tree. Although dashboard warning lights have a reputation of bearing bad news, they’re really just your vehicle’s way of communicating with you. In fact, they’re often the first sign your car needs service. As a driver, it’s important to be able to “speak the language” so you can understand the needs of your vehicle. This will help you catch issues while they’re smal...

Performing routine maintenance on your vehicle is a necessary part of automotive ownership. When you keep up with maintenance at recommended intervals, you can prevent many issues from occurring as well as catch small things before they become bigger (and more costly) problems. While maintenance is vital for the health of your vehicle, it’s also really easy to overlook. Read on (and listen to the new podcast at AllAboutTheCarPodcast.com) for tips from automotive industry professionals to help...

The holiday season will be here before you know it. But, before the hustle and bustle begins, we invite you and your child to help spread a little extra cheer in our communities this year. How? By participating in our annual Holiday Coloring Contest! We’re excited to kick off the 2020 Holiday Coloring Contest. At Hartje Tire & Service (and our sister company, Schierl Tire & Service) giving back to local communities is one of our favorite things to do. That’s why we absolutely love this time o...

Your car’s tires are a huge part of your driving experience and a crucial component of the safe performance of your vehicle. Tires are the car's connection to the road. They help you to accelerate, brake, and keep your car under control. A good set of tires can make the difference between a safe, smooth ride and a dangerous vehicle on the road. On the other hand, bad tires can wear out the car and reduce gas mileage by requiring more effort to do its job. Faulty tires can also cause other prob...