3936 N 6th St, Wausau, WI 54403 Mon–Thu 10–6 · Fri 10–5 · Sat 10–3
Family & U.S. Navy veteran owned since 2008

Mechanics
that care.

Honest, friendly car and truck repair in Wausau. We take the time to explain what your vehicle needs — and what it doesn't — so you can drive a safe, dependable, long-lasting car.

Call (715) 298-2420 Request an appointment
Grandpa's Garage logo: a vintage blue pickup in front of a red moon
4.8 ★ 29 Google reviews
Since 1997 Full-time turning wrenches
2 generations Grandpa & grandson Nathan
0 Repair records sold to Carfax
What we fix

Bumper-to-bumper service for cars and trucks

Not sure we handle it? Give us a call. We'll talk through your concern and build a plan together.

Scheduled maintenance

Oil changes, fluids, filters and factory-interval service to keep small issues small.

Tires

Sales, mounting, rotation and honest advice on real winter traction for Wausau roads.

Brakes, steering & suspension

Pads, rotors, lines, ball joints, shocks and struts — the under-car work that keeps you safe.

Alignments & exhaust

Straight tracking, even tire wear and quiet, leak-free exhaust systems.

Electrical & diagnostics

Check-engine lights, batteries, alternators and computer-system troubleshooting.

Keys & module programming

Car and truck key programming plus dealer-level computer flashing — no dealer trip needed.

Engine & drivetrain

Engine repair, transmissions, axles and driveline work, done carefully and explained clearly.

Cooling system & A/C

Radiators, water pumps, hoses, heater cores and air conditioning service.

Runs funny? Makes a new noise? Bring it in — we'll figure it out.

Talk to a mechanic
Why Wausau drivers stay

Small-shop care. Dealer-level know-how.

We explain before we fix

No rushing and no upsell. We'll walk you through what's wrong, what can wait and what it will cost — before any work starts.

No more trips to the dealer

With our own programming equipment, we haven't sent a car to the dealer for non-warranty work since. You get dealer capability at local-shop prices.

Your records stay yours

You paid for the repair, so you own that information. We never share your personal or vehicle data with Carfax or anyone else.

We'll show you how

Want to check your own oil, fluids or tire pressure? Ask — Grandpa or Nathan will gladly show you the ropes.

[Photo: Grandpa & Nathan in the shop]

9½ years, U.S. Navy. USS Chancellorsville and USS Oldendorf, two Persian Gulf deployments in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Our story

Named by a two-year-old. Built to last a generation.

Grandpa has been fixing cars since 1994, full time since 1997, after nearly a decade in the Navy — much of it at sea and three years teaching maintenance of the Mk 41 missile launching system. In 2008 he opened his own shop, and his grandson Nathan, then just two years old, picked the name.

Today Nathan works alongside him after school and on weekends. He's already pulled three transmissions and helped with an engine swap — starting with the transmission his own first car needed before he could drive it. The plan is for Nathan to take over the shop one day.

We believe relationships are the best way to run a business. So we don't rush the work or the conversation. We want to know you — and your car.

Reviews

4.8 stars from our neighbors

Read all 29 on Google
★★★★★
“Not looking to make a buck or take you for more than what's necessary. They do reputable, solid work and will explain to you what's going on.”
Brooklynn R. · Google review
★★★★★
“All the auto parts places said it was the evap system… he did a diagnostic, found the computer needed to be reset, and now everything runs great.”
Todd F. · Google review
★★★★★
“Repairs done quickly, with quality parts and at a reasonable price… really, what more can you ask for?”
Laura J. · Google review
Notes from the garage

Tips for a safe, dependable, long-lasting car

Winter

Is your car ready for winter?

Get the battery tested before the cold hits. Pack a blanket, shovel, cat litter, boots, flashlight, scraper, flares and a phone charger. And make sure your wipers aren't frozen to the glass before you turn them on.

Tires

How old is too old?

Current guidance says six years from the date of manufacture, regardless of tread. Cold Wausau mornings drop tire pressure too — check it against the label in your driver's door often.

Rust

Road salt is evil

Once salt hits the roads, wash your car regularly — underneath too. Most scrapped vehicles go because corrosion made the structure unsafe, not because the engine quit.

Fuel

Why we recommend Top Tier gas

Top Tier fuels carry more detergent, helping keep injectors and intake valves clean. Look for the label at the pump, or find a station at toptiergas.com.

Electronics

Why does my car need a "flash"?

Like your phone, your car's computers get software updates that fix issues and improve diagnostics. New modules and new keys often need programming, too — we do it in-house.

Listen up

What is that new sound?

A new whine, clunk or rattle is often the first warning. Have it checked early — it can save you from a breakdown, an accident or a much bigger bill.

Visit the garage

On North 6th Street, just south of Edgewood Road

Address 3936 N 6th St
Wausau, WI 54403
Get directions →
Request an appointment online
Hours
Monday – Thursday10am – 6pm
Friday10am – 5pm
Saturday10am – 3pm
SundayClosed
Broken down?

We recommend NCap Towing — very nice people — at (715) 571-4948. Think it's drivable? Call us first and we'll get you in quick.