Listen in as automotive industry veterans Rob Hoffman and Bryan Call, along with Guest Bill Schierl, discuss the proper steps to take when preparing your car for summer driving. Click the Listen link below to hear the podcast, read the blog and view additional resources, or read the full episode transcription at the Read It link below. You can also find All About The Car episodes wherever you stream podcasts!

Whether you’re moving furniture, hauling lumber, or clearing brush from the back yard, utility trailers sure can come in handy. But, when towing a utility trailer, there are many safety precautions to keep in mind. In this episode of All About The Car, you’ll hear tips and tricks from automotive industry veterans to help you tow a utility trailer effectively and safely.

During those hot Wisconsin summer days, the air conditioning in your car can be a real lifesaver. In fact, with over 99% of cars today equipped with A/C, it’s hard to imagine driving without this “cool” convenience! In this episode, the team discusses the inner workings of the automotive air conditioning system, details troubling signs to watch for, describes A/C service needs, and more! When you’re armed with knowledge about automotive air conditioning, you can rest assured you’ll be riding comfortably in a cool car all summer long.

TPMS stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”. This feature, created with safety in mind, helps to alert you when the pressure in one or more of your tires falls outside the optimal range. Although this system is a fairly recent addition to vehicles, TPMS comes in different styles with varying features and maintenance needs. But, one thing is constant: added safety and peace of mind on the road. In this episode, experienced automotive veterans discuss little-known aspects of the tire pressure monitoring system. Listen below for tips to help you get the most out of your vehicles’ TMPS.

Maintaining proper wheel alignment is important for the heath of all vehicles. Not only does it promote better handling and prolong the life of your tires, but wheel alignment is an investment that can save you from costly repairs down the road. In this episode, our team of auto industry veterans discusses the benefits of wheel alignment, lists indicators of misalignment, outlines what you can expect at an alignment appointment and more. Listen Here for tips, tricks, and little-known facts to help you become a better-informed Wisconsin driver!

Have your tires seen better days? Are you worried about safe winter driving? If so, you may be in the market for a new set of tires. But, how can you be sure? Listen Here for telltale signs, tips, and considerations to keep in mind when buying a new set of tires.

So, you’re ready to buy your next set of tires. How can you be sure you’re finding the best deals and tire options for your vehicle? In this episode, hear from our team of automotive industry veterans as they discuss the tire-buying process. Learn how to find credible information online, select the right tread features, and get the best tire installation package to meet your needs. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to take care of your tire investment for years to come. Listen Here!

Oil changes: almost every automobiles needs ‘em. If you’re like most, you know oil changes need to be done regularly. But why? What does motor oil do, what kind do you need, and what happens if you don’t change your oil? Listen Here for helpful knowledge and advice from auto industry veterans.

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 easy to overlook. Listen Here for tips from automotive industry professionals to help you stay on top of routine maintenance and protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle.

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 small so you can avoid larger problems down the road. So, let’s talk dashboard warning lights - Listen Here!

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. Listen Here for tips and advice from automotive industry veterans!

Need to jump start your car, but not sure where to start? Listen Here for tried-and-true tips from our experienced automotive team. We’ll explain everything you need to know to jump start your vehicle properly and safely!

After months of warm temperatures and mild weather, it can be easy to forget how to handle the slick conditions that accompany winters in Wisconsin. Everyone -- no matter how experienced -- needs to adjust their mindset and driving habits to stay safe on the road as the temperature drops. Listen Here for safe winter driving tips from our team of automotive industry veterans!

Think of your vehicle's dashboard as a communication center. For your safety and the health of your car, it is important to pay attention to the dashboard and understand what it’s telling you. Listen Here for helpful tips from out team of automotive industry veterans to help you better decipher your vehicle's dashboard!

There's no doubt about it - talking with your Automotive Technician isn't always easy. Confusing terms, technical definitions and auto shop lingo can make it feel like your speaking two different languages! But don't worry, we're here to help. Listen Here for tips to make your next conversation at the auto shop comfortable and informative.

Camping season is just around the corner. Before packing up and heading out on the open road, there are a few 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. Listen Here for advice from our team of automotive industry veterans with special guest Mike Gajewski of King's Campers!

If you drive a vehicle, chances are you'll experience a flat tire at one time or another. It's important to be prepared so you know how to handle the situation (and save money) if you find yourself with a flat! How common are flat tires, what is the biggest cause of leaky tires in Wisconsin, and what steps are involved in the proper tire repair process? Listen Here for little-known facts about tire repair from our team of automotive industry veterans!

There’s no doubt about it: purchasing a vehicle is a huge task. There’s plenty of things to consider, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help discuss the proper car buying process, our team sat down with Jason Kindler of Badger State Auto Brokers located in Wausau, Wisconsin. This topic is nothing new to Jason – he helps people find the perfect vehicle every day! So, what’s his professional advice for buying a used car? Listen in to hear all about it!

Pets are part of the family! When it comes to traveling with your fur baby, safety is a top priority. To bring you some top-notch animal-loving expertise, our team sat down with Sherri, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Portage County, and Dolores, former Board President and volunteer. Listen Here for helpful tips to keep your four-legged friend happy and safe on the road!

Our All About The Car Podcast Team had the pleasure of sitting down with Adam Greuel, Guitarist and Vocalist, and Lynn Salzman, Tour Manager of the band Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Discover what it's like to be in a band and learn how the group keeps themselves – and their vehicle – in good shape while touring! Plus, listen in for a private performance by Adam, crazy stories on the road, advice to new musicians and more. Listen Here!

When it comes to car insurance, where do you start? How can you be sure you’re getting the best policy for you, your family, and your vehicle? Our All About The Car Podcast Team sat down with Nick Arnoldy and Cory Hoffmann of Marshfield Insurance to get the details. Listen Here for expert advice and tried-and-true tips to make car insurance simple!

Tires are everywhere. From your truck to the wheelbarrow in your shed to the golf cart at the country club, it’s safe to say that tires help us every day in many ways. With so many uses and applications, tires have become more specialized than ever before. In Wisconsin, specialty tires are used for travel, industrial machinery, lawncare, recreation and more. Let’s hit the road and explore the many different tires found right here in the Midwest...Listen Here!

All vehicles need routine maintenance to keep them in great condition. No surprise there! But, what about food trucks? What specialized equipment do they require, and what goes into running a successful mobile catering business? Our All About The Car Podcast Team traveled to Wausau, WI to meet Chumpot, the owner of Hanuman Express. The team got the inside scoop on the growth of the food truck business, the origins of Hanuman Express, food truck maintenance AND sampled delicious dishes from the Hanuman Express menu. Listen Here!

Tires have changed as the paths we travel on have evolved. From the first rubber bicycle tires to high end racing tires, tire manufacturers continue to invent new ways to improve modern modes of transportation. Listen Here!

Tailgating is a beloved American pastime that brings communities together and satisfies the need for comradery through a shared allegiance to a team or event, good food, great friends and maybe a drink or two. Join the All About The Car Podcast team in this week’s episode where they talk about one of their favorite topics and take a trip to Lambeau Field! Listen Here!

With over 33,000 tire retailers in the U.S., you can buy tires from just about anywhere from a variety of different business types. Each option offers a different purchase and service experience. This week, on the All About The Car Podcast, Rob, Bryan and Bill discuss the considerations to keep in mind when your are investing in a new set of tires. Listen Here!

Winter travel in Wisconsin comes with a variety of challenges. Road maintenance and vehicle safety features have been developed to make travel safer in areas affected by heavy snow and winter conditions. Join the All About The Car Podcast team in this week’s episode where they share some helpful information that can help you prepare for a safe ride this winter. Listen here!

This week on All About The Car, the team is on-site at Gamber-Johnson's world headquarters in Stevens Point, WI. Gamber-Johnson is a leading worldwide supplier of electronic mounting systems for installing special technology in vehicles used by law enforcement, military, emergency crews and other industries that operate in extreme situations. Their Wisconsin-made products are designed for reliability in rugged situations. Gamber-Johnson's mission is clear: “support technology to help save the world!” Listen here!

Tune in to All About the Car to learn more about autobody and collision repair from an industry expert! Chris from Art's Auto Body in Marshfield, WI shares all the details involved in auto body repair including what technology is used, training opportunities and what happens behind the scenes with insurance claims. Listen here!

On this episode of All About The Car, we go on location at the Portage County Highway Department to speak to Highway Commisioner Nathan Check. Nathan shares what it takes to maintain our Wisconsin roads through the winter and how to remain safe while sharing the road with plow trucks. Listen here!

On this episode of All About The Car, join Rob and Bill as they chat with longtime Associates, Doug Eichten and Dennis Adamski, about what it was like in the early days of Schierl Tire & Service. Listen here!

During this All About The Car episode, we talk to Brian Elza from Stevens Point Brewery and local historian, John Harry. Stevens Point Brewery is part of the rich history of Stevens Point, Wisconsin – to the point that he brewery even pre-dates the incorporation of the city by a year! Listen here!

On this episode of All About The Car, Scott Ferguson from National Auto Parts Association (NAPA) joins us. Scott helps shed some light on what it takes to succeed as the largest parts distributor in the world and how to meet the needs of such a diverse group of customers. Buckle up and join us for the ride! Listen here!

Car wash facilities have come a long way since the Automatic Laundry car wash was opened in Detroit in 1914! Tommy’s Express brings us into the future and many miles away from manual washes. The All About The Car podcast team visits General Manager Corey Heinz on location at Tommy’s Express in Weston, WI. Listen here!

On this episode of All About The Car, join Rob and Bryan as they chat with longtime Associates, Doug Eichten and Dennis Adamski, about what it was like to launch the Commercial/Farm division of Schierl Tire & Service. Listen here!

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 information-packed conversation in this All About The Car Podcast episode, so be sure to give it a listen here!

Join the All About The Car team at the Iola Car Show grounds to talk to Joe and Larry about what makes the Iola Car Show unique. There's something for everyone at this show! Listen here!

This week on All About The Car, the team chats about air conditioning with Jodi – Team Leader at the Schierl Tire & Service in Marshfield. Learn all about this magical feature that keeps your cool on summer road trips when you listen here. Listen here!

Did you know an estimated 60% of roadside breakdowns are due to tire issues? What if getting a flat was no longer something you had to worry about? What if we told you that not all tires have to be filled with air? Listen here!

Countless innovations have come out of the automotive industry and car companies have been quick to jump on tech trends that originated in other industries. Chrysler is no exception. In fact, they have committed to producing only electric vehicles by 2028. The All About The Car podcast team recently visited Owner Shannon Grewe at Colby Chrysler Center in Colby, WI to chat about the advancements in recent history that have increased the level of safety and comfort of our vehicles. We also learn about what is next on the horizon. Listen here!

On this episode of All About The Car, the podcast team welcomes back John Harry, Executive Director of the Portage County Historical Society. John previously joined us to share all he knows about the Stevens Point Brewery and how it had a part in shaping our hometown. This time, we visit John onsite at Heritage Park in Plover, WI to talk about the automotive history of the county. Buckle up and join us for a ride through history! Listen here!

The Portage County Sheriff’s office was established in 1842. It is currently made up of 120 professionals and partners with city/village police, state patrol, the DNR, university police and over 2 dozen fire and EMS agencies. Multiple divisions make up the office – Patrol, County Jail, Communications Center, Emergency Management, and Ambulance. Sheriff Lukas oversees it all and he joins us to discuss ways we can stay safe on the road in a variety of situations. Listen here!

Conventional petroleum-based oil. Synthetic oil. Synthetic blend. What is the best choice for your vehicle? Listen here!

On this episode of All About The Car, we speak to Certified Motor Vehicle Safety Specialist, Tom Senecal. Tom and the team lead us through the history and major changes in the trucking industry. Tom answers our questions about some confusing areas of commercial and recreational driving. Listen here!

How is ethanol made? What is the economic impact of increased ethanol production? Does it reduce the amount of corn available for food and animal feed? Find out in this fascinating episode of All About The Car with Bob Welch, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Biofuels Association. Listen here!

Commercial cranberry harvesting in Wisconsin goes back to 1860. The All About The Car team met with Mary Brazeau-Brown of Honestly Cranberry LLC and Glacial Lake Cranberries to talk about her family’s history with cranberries and what farming and production look like for them today. Listen here!

Certified driving instructor and owner of Life On The Road Driver Education, Chuck Scott, joins us to discuss recent changes in Wisconsin’s driver education program on this episode of All About The Car. What does the driver education program look like today? Listen here!

Transporting milk is a crucial part of the link between producers and processors. On this episode of All About The Car, the podcast team is joined by Nancy Dick from Nancy Dick Trucking out of Medford, WI. Our Team Leader, Jamie, from the Medford Schierl Tire & Service location also joins us. We talk about how the milk hauling industry has changed in Wisconsin and what it takes to keep dairy trucks on the road. Listen here!

Since the beginning of cars, the thrill of auto racing has been a part of our culture. Auto racing was initially inspired by moonshine runners during Prohibition. Bootleggers would modify their cars to hit top speeds, evading police while carrying illegal alcohol cross country.

Child car seats were invented as early as the 1930s. They were primarily used so your child could see out the window. These child seats were homemade out of materials like gunny sacks that were strapped to the seat. It wasn’t until the 1960s that safety features were engineered into child seats.

Founded in 1996 and officially opening in 1998, Central Waters Brewing Co. has grown from a small brand based in Junction City, WI to a household name. Co-owners Anello Mollica and Paul Graham join us to talk about where Central Waters started and where they are going. Listen below!

On this episode of All About The Car, we visit Randy Worzalla at Greeneway RV in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Randy shares details you should consider when purchasing a camper and tells a few fun stories along the way. Listen here or wherever you stream podcasts!

The first dashboard warning lights were developed by the Hudson Motor Company in the 1930s. They were initially dubbed the “idiot light.” Really. Because they only turned on right before or right after a major breakdown.

Distilling is a complex process dating back to the 12th century. In the United States, before prohibition, there were over 2,000 distilleries coast to coast. During prohibition, that number dropped to six. Not 6,000. Just six. And that was only because whiskey was thought to have some medicinal properties (and some will argue this is still the case).

Drive anywhere in Wisconsin and you’re likely to pass a lot of farmland. We grow all sorts of stuff here, from produce to trees to cows. But back in the 1800s, Wisconsin was known for fur trade and mining – specifically lead! The only reason farming started was that trappers, miners, and their families needed to farm to eat. Back then almost 5,000 farms were founded in Wisconsin per year! Things went well, and today Wisconsin’s top crops include corn (mostly for feed), ginseng, cranberries, snap beans, and potatoes.

In this episode of All About the Car, we dove into the fascinating world of tires, from selecting the best tires for your needs to maintaining them to ensure longevity. Whether you need new tires, maintenance, or advice on tire care, Schierl Tire & Auto Service has you covered. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you make the best tire choices and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Tune in to the podcast for more great tips and information and visit Schierl Tire & Auto Service for all your tire-related and automotive service needs.

One of the most recognizable vehicles on the road is the bright red (and sometimes yellow) fire truck! These specialized trucks are designed to have all the equipment needed to fight fires safely, quickly, and effectively. In this episode of All About the Car, we visit the Wausau Fire Department to talk with Fire Chief Bob Barteck. We’ll talk about what it takes to keep these trucks in top shape, as well as a little taste of what it’s like to be a fire fighter.

In this episode of All About the Car, Rob, Bryan, and Bill join Gregg, the director of marketing for the Amherst school system. Recording on location just outside of Amherst, WI, they talk about the newly renovated Heartland Farms Field behind Amherst High School and what it means to the high school, the students, and families in the Amherst area.

Zach Serwe is the Director of Business Operations for the Wausau Cyclones Hockey at the Marathon Park Ice Arena. He originally started in Sports Marketing for a baseball team before he got into hockey. Zach was so wonderful in hosting Rob, Bryan, and Bill at the Cyclones Hockey arena. The origins of ice hockey have been traced back to a variety of stick and ball games popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

For this episode of All About the Car, Rob, Bryan, and Bill joined Ray at M&J Marine, just off Highway 39 in Kronenwetter, to talk about all things boat! So why would an automotive service center and tire specialist like Schierl Tire & Service want to talk about vehicles that don’t have tires? Well first of all, it’s one of the most impressive marine stores we've ever seen. Secondly, we're going to find out more about what it takes to own, transport, maintain, and pilot your own boat in Wisconsin.

We’re sure when you think “college food” one of two things happens: either your brain fills up with fiberglass trays loaded with the most basic food service fare available, or you consider leaving campus to hit Culver’s or something. But what if we told you campus food can now follow you…and that you’d welcome the experience?

In the previous, All About the Car episode featuring Hey Schierl Tire, we discussed the importance of your tires. But let's not forget the mechanical side of our cars and trucks. As with any mechanical operation, maintenance and occasional repair is needed to achieve reliable service. So, let's dig into some of the most frequently asked maintenance questions that have come our way!

We hear a lot about renewable energy these days – electric vehicles, solar power, and wind power. But apart from catching buzzwords on the news, we don’t usually hear more about what people are really talking about. How is this energy renewable? Who is using it, why has it become a talking point, and most importantly: who do we talk to in order to learn the answers to all of these questions? Well, we found just the right organization to clear up the facts and spent an enlightening hour talking to Nick Hylla of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, or as the locals say, the MREA.

The Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI has been around for over 100 years, operating under its current name for the past 35 years, so it knows a little bit about keeping up with the times. We sat down with Shawn, Kelsey, Brad, and Iain to talk a little bit about the history of this amazing technical school, and a lot about their automotive program. We are All About the Car, after all!

As our global population continues to grow, you might guess that the amount of waste we produce also grows - and you're right! The quantity of waste that we produce today is in fact unprecedented. Responsible waste management has become increasingly more important to aid in assuring a green future for generations to come. With that in mind, we met Amanda, from the Portage County Solid Waste Department to dig into what they do.

People talk about water a lot. That seems a little excessive for something that literally falls from the sky, but as one of (if not the) main elements responsible for life itself, water is important! A community without safe drinking water suffers health issues and added hardship. Farms literally wither up when rainfall is scarce. We should talk about water, but how deep does this well go? We did a deep dive with Sam from Maher Water Care to talk a little about their history in the community, and a lot about how water works!

With millions affected by cancer annually, Cattails Place is committed to creating a welcoming environment where patients can find comfort and community, knowing that they are not alone in their battle against cancer. We sat down with Chief Development Officer Terry Wilczek and Program Director Jana Schmitz from Cattails Place to get the story behind an amazing facility that provides free lodging for cancer patients and their families who have travelled far from home for treatment at the Marshfield Clinic.

The origins of winter sports in Wisconsin can be traced back to the early 20th century when Scandinavian immigrants brought their love of skiing and other winter activities to the region. They introduced the local population to cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and other winter sports that were popular in their homelands. Luckily, Wisconsin has plenty of winter to go around!