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Professional Auto Repair in Appleton, WI

The Auto Repair Shop Appleton Drivers Have Trusted Since 1952

Auto repair in Appleton, WI, should be straightforward and stress-free. At Matthews Tire, we make it happen with honest diagnostics, transparent pricing and repairs you can count on. Whether you’re hearing a strange noise, seeing a warning light or just due for routine maintenance, our ASE-certified technicians are ready to keep you rolling—no excuses guaranteed.

  • Over 70 years of trusted service in Appleton
  • ASE-certified technicians and dealer-grade diagnostic tools
  • No pushy upselling, just honest diagnostics and quality care
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4.6 average rating | 2230+ reviews
A+ Rating

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Find Our Auto Repair Shop Near You in Appleton West

We’re conveniently located on College Avenue, between North Lynndale Drive and North Bluemound Drive. We're only minutes from the Fox River Mall, and downtown Appleton. Whether you're heading to work or running errands, our Appleton auto repair shop is easy to get to and even easier to work with.

Coming from out of town or traveling on Highway 41? We're located just one mile off the main highway, making us a quick stop for preventive maintenance or a routine oil change.

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Find Our Auto Repair Shop Near You in Appleton East

We're located right off Highway 441 by the Marcus Valley Grand Cinema and the Quality Inn & Suites. This location makes for an easy stop for drivers from Darboy and surrounding neighborhoods.

Coming from out of town or traveling on Highway 441? We’re located just off the highway, with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby. Perfect if you’d rather stay busy while we take care of your vehicle’s oil change or maintenance.

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Customer Testimonials

Hear from our many satisfied customers in Northeast Wisconsin. Learn why so many drivers trust their vehicles, tires and safety on the road with Matthews Tire.

Great experience as always. Been coming here for over 23 years and never disappointed. Extremely thorough and friendly and knowledgeable staff and won’t be going anywhere else for the foreseeable future.

— Ryan Van Dyn Hoven

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Always great service!! Honest and upfront. Been going here for 20 plus years.

— Stephan Reetz

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

They were super helpful and flexible. I was able to squeeze in my appointment for an alignment by just dropping my car off and picking it up later that same day. Great service and a great price! I would recommend them to anyone and will go to them again in the future.

— Matthew Fraley

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

We have been bringing both of our vehicles here for several years. Our son now uses the W. College Ave. Matthews location for both of his vehicles. We know that the team at Matthews is thorough, careful, respectful of our time and money and interested in serving us in the best ways possible. Dave and the team at Matthews do great work, are fun to deal with and take great care of our vehicles. I couldn't recommend them any higher, on any metric that you want to us.

— Tom Dietzler

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Provided timely, quality and friendly service at a price that was attractive compared to our local dealership. Highly recommend working with the team headed by Dave Flunker, Store Manager.

— Rick Detienne

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

I had a rather large service order and everything was completed in a couple days. The loaner vehicle was much appreciated for that time frame. The experience was great and the work was done perfectly. My vehicle probably hasn't driven this well for 60K miles, what a positive difference! Thank you.

— Benjamin Ziemba

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

I have used Matthews Tire for years with all my vehicles. They have always been honest and fair with their pricing and I can trust them to do only what's needed with no unnecessary add ons. Any work is always discussed with me before working on my vehicle.

— Mary Reetz

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Dave Flunker was fantastic in picking up my Saab as the battery was dead in my garage and needed to be replaced. He replaced the battery and returned my vehicle. Great Service. Thank You

— Dennis Gall

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Great service every time! I had a vibration on the highway, Mitch knew right away what to do, they solved that mess and even caught the rear brakes before they started grinding. They sent me a full report with pictures and a plan to keep my truck on track for maintenance. There's nowhere I trust more in Appleton!

— Mark Seawell

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Read more testimonials and hear in-depth customer feedback on the customer stories page.

Customer Stories

Top-Rated Auto Repair in Appleton, WI

Why Appleton Drivers Trust Matthews Tire for Auto Repairs

We’re not just a local repair shop, we’re part of the Appleton community. For over 70 years, we’ve been helping drivers get back on the road quickly.

  • Convenience: We proudly serve the Fox Valley and the surrounding area. You can also find our automotive repair shops in Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Menasha and Waupaca. Plus, with convenient hours Monday through Friday, we’re here for you and all your car repair needs.
  • ASE-certified technicians: Our ASE-certified automotive repair technicians are here to provide exceptional service and keep you rolling, no matter what kind of car you drive. Whether you have a domestic, foreign, vintage, hybrid or luxury vehicle, our technicians are trained and ready to get you back on the road.
  • Honest assessments: If you don’t need a repair, we’ll tell you. If you do, we’ll walk you through what’s wrong and how we’ll fix it.
  • Local know-how: With two Appleton locations, we understand the roads you drive and how they affect your vehicle.

At Matthews Tire, we help Appleton drivers stay safe, save money and get back on the road with confidence.

Friendly Matthews Tire staff assisting customer at the front desk
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5.0 star rating

“I have been doing business here for over 20 years. I have purchased many sets of tires, had brake work and alignments done, and I am sure many other things... What great service! Hats off to Dave and the rest of the Matthews crew!”

— Rick Volkman

Auto Repairs You Can Actually Trust

Matthews Tire in Appleton delivers certified diagnostics, fast turnarounds and fair pricing. Whether it’s your brakes, battery, engine or transmission, our technicians are trained to fix it right the first time and show you exactly what’s going on. Appointments fill fast, get yours scheduled today.

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Common Signs You Need Auto Repair in Appleton, WI

Know When to Call a Certified Technician

Not sure if your vehicle needs service? Several indicators suggest your car needs auto repair. Here are some specific signs and what they might indicate:

  • Dashboard warning lights: A check engine, oil, ABS, battery or other warning light can signal a range of issues. A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem and requires immediate professional attention.

  • Unusual noises: Squealing brakes, engine knocking, grinding, clunking or humming noises can indicate problems with brakes, engine, transmission or other components.

  • Fluid leaks: Oil, coolant, brake or transmission fluid leaking from your car requires immediate attention.

  • Decreased performance: If your car is struggling to accelerate, has reduced power or is experiencing stalling, it may be a sign of engine or transmission problems.

  • Brake problems: Squealing, grinding or a spongy brake pedal are all signs your brakes need attention.

Matthews Tire automotive technician working on an engine repair
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5.0 star rating

“I brought my vehicle in for squeaky brakes and instead of fixing it and charging me, they actually told me that it didn't need repair! Instead of getting a few hundred bucks, they got a customer for life.”

— Paul Wisneski

Meet the People Who Keep Appleton Rolling

At Matthews Tire, we don’t just fix cars, we build relationships. Meet the dedicated experts who lead our Appleton repair shops. Our managers bring decades of experience and a commitment to customer-first service. Everyone is here to make your visit smooth, honest and stress-free.

Craig Keberlein

Appleton West Manager

Craig has been with Matthews Tire since 1997! He began in sales and currently serves as the Appleton East Manager, leading the expert technicians and assisting customers at that location. He is proud to be a part of the Matthews Tire family, stating that “we strive to provide great service at a fair price, and always operate with honesty.”

In his free time, Craig enjoys hunting, fishing, drag racing, off-road trucking and camping. He also serves on the advisory board of the automotive departments at Fox Valley Technical College. He and his wife have two children and live in Neenah.

Visit Craig and his team at our Appleton East auto shop for name-brand tires, expert service, scheduled maintenance and repairs for most passenger cars and light trucks.

Melissa Gerrits-Nicholas

Appleton East Manager

Melissa has been with Matthews Tire since 2007, starting in sales at the Appleton West store and later working at the Green Bay, Menasha and East stores. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served during 9/11, Melissa values the strong sense of community at Matthews Tire. Her role as Appleton East manager provides her with the opportunity to build trust with the team and customers.

Melissa is married with a stepson and a daughter. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, road trips, travel, carpentry projects, remodeling her home, playing darts and reading.

Frequently Asked Auto Repair Questions

Is it necessary to go to the dealership for repairs, or can independent shops provide the same quality service?
Independent repair shops can often provide high-quality service comparable to dealerships, typically at lower costs. Many independent mechanics are ASE-certified and use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts, though the quality of aftermarket parts can vary. Dealerships specialize in brand-specific repairs and have exclusive access to proprietary diagnostic tools and software updates, which can be crucial for newer vehicles or complex repairs. For routine maintenance and many common repairs, independent shops offer comparable expertise. However, for warranty-related services or highly specialized issues, a dealership may be the better choice.
What are the essential maintenance tasks I should regularly perform on my vehicle?

Perform essential vehicle maintenance regularly to ensure longevity and safety. Key tasks include:

  • Oil Changes: Follow manufacturer recommendations, typically between 5,000–10,000 miles for synthetic oils.
  • Tire Maintenance: Check pressure monthly and rotate every 5,000–8,000 miles.
  • Brake Inspection: Regularly inspect brake pads for wear and check brake fluid levels at oil change intervals.
  • Battery Check: Test voltage and clean terminals every 6 months.
  • Fluid Levels: Monitor coolant, transmission, brake and power steering fluids at recommended service intervals.
What should I consider when choosing an auto repair shop?

Choose an auto repair shop by considering these key factors:

  • Certifications: Look for ASE-certified technicians, AAA-approved repair facilities or manufacturer-certified shops for specialized expertise.
  • Reputation: Check online reviews, ratings and word-of-mouth recommendations for consistent service quality.
  • Warranty: Ensure they offer guarantees on parts and labor, typically 12 months/12,000 miles or longer.
  • Pricing: Compare estimates from multiple shops and be cautious of unusually low prices, which may indicate subpar service or hidden fees.
  • Specialization: Choose a shop experienced with your vehicle’s make and model, whether a dealership service center or an independent specialist.
What car problems take the longest to fix?

The longest car repairs include engine rebuilds, transmission replacements and frame repairs.

  • Engine rebuilds can take anywhere from 20–50 hours, depending on the severity of damage and engine type.
  • Transmission replacements typically require 4–15 hours, with complex vehicles (AWD, luxury models) taking longer.
  • Electrical system repairs can be highly time-consuming, especially in modern vehicles with extensive wiring and electronic components.
  • Hybrid battery replacements can take anywhere from 2–8 hours, but diagnosing and recalibrating the hybrid system may extend repair time.
What is the most expensive car problem to repair?

The most expensive car repairs include major powertrain and safety system replacements:

  • Engine replacement: $4,000–$10,000+, with high-performance and luxury models exceeding $15,000+.
  • Transmission replacement: $3,000–$7,000, but high-end CVT, dual-clutch and luxury car transmissions can surpass $8,000+.
  • Hybrid battery replacement: $2,000–$6,000, though some models (e.g., Tesla, luxury hybrids) can exceed $10,000+.
  • Suspension system repairs: Typically $1,000–$5,000+, depending on whether standard or advanced adaptive/air suspension systems need replacing.
  • Airbag system replacement: $1,000–$5,000, but major replacements involving multiple airbags, sensors and dashboard components can exceed $6,000+.
  • Luxury and high-performance vehicles have significantly higher repair costs across all categories.

Prices listed here are for educational purposes only. Contact Matthews Tire for a custom repair quote today.

At what point is it too expensive to repair a car?
A car is too expensive to repair when the cost of repairs exceeds 50% to 75% of its market value. If a repair costs more than the car’s worth or frequent breakdowns increase maintenance expenses, replacement is often a better financial decision. Factors like age, mileage and future reliability also influence this decision.
How close are you to Appleton neighborhoods like Grand Chute or Kimberly for auto repairs?
We’re located right on the edge of Grand Chute, just off West College Avenue and minutes from Fox River Mall and Highway 41. If you’re coming from Kimberly, Darboy, Combined Locks or Harrison, our Appleton East location is just minutes away. We’re located right off Highway 441 by the Marcus Valley Grand Cinema and the Quality Inn & Suites. Whether you’re on the east or west side of Appleton, both locations are easy to reach from anywhere in the Fox Cities.

Experience Auto Excellence

Never settle for subpar, overpriced auto services ever again! The ASE-certified technicians at Matthews Tire are here to bring you world-class service, dealer-level auto parts and unbeatable value on every service.

From tire installations, oil changes and alignments to full-service brake repairs, engine overhauls and more, we’ll keep you rolling.

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