Hartford, WI — Bob’s Main Street Auto & Towing has officially purchased Westside Auto Center, 820 W. Sumner Street, in Hartford, WI, marking a new chapter for a shop that has been part of the Hartford automotive landscape for decades.
“After 42 years of dedicated service to the Hartford area, Westside is beginning a new chapter — and we’re honored to carry on the legacy,” the owners of Bob’s Main Street Auto & Towing shared in a statement.
To Westside’s longtime customers, the message is simple and reassuring: the people you know are still here.
“Most of the familiar faces are still here, still turning the wrenches,” said shop manager Gary Mayer. “I worked for the previous owner for five years at the old shop, and when this building was built, I’ve been here ever since. I’ve been here 30 years.”
Westside Auto Center has operated at its current location since 2000.
“This was a field when we moved out here,” Mayer said. “The only neighbor we had was what’s now Take 5 Oil Change; it had a different name back then. The community really grew around us.”
Today, the shop operates with 14 bays and 10 lifts, typically servicing 10 to 15 vehicles a day. Customers come from Hartford, Slinger, Rubicon, and surrounding communities.
“We’re general service,” Mayer said. “Engines, transmissions, brakes, tires, pretty much anything you need — except bodywork and heavy-duty diesel. We do maintenance on diesels, just not the big stuff.”
Generations of families have relied on the shop over the years, something Mayer said is both humbling and motivating.
“We’ve serviced multiple generations,” he said. “Some of our older customers have passed on, and now we’re taking care of their sons and their grandsons. That says a lot.”
According to Mayer, what keeps people coming back hasn’t changed with ownership.
“Friendly service, good service, and fixing it right the first time,” he said. “That’s what people like. We’ve just been around forever, and we try to do the best we can.”
Westside Auto Center offers towing through Bob’s Main Street Auto & Towing, as well as loaner vehicles for customers during repairs. The shop is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and remains closed on Saturdays.
For customers considering the transition, Mayer has a straightforward invitation.
“Bring it in and we’ll do the best we can for you,” he said. “Just give us a chance.”
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 262-673-2322.
