Since 1985, Capitol Tire and Service has been a trusted name in Madison, WI. Founded by Paul, a racing enthusiast, the shop began as an extension of his passion for high-performance vehicles.
Capitol Tire and Service has been a fixture in the Madison, WI community since 1985. Paul, a car racing enthusiast passionate about high-performance vehicles, originally opened the shop. Paul opened Capitol Tire as an extension of his hobby – he was an avid racer who competed in midget cars.
After Paul’s injury in a racing accident in 1989, which left him paralyzed, Sean Short and Steve Larson, two of his employees, kept the business running.
In 1998, Bert Fuller joined the team as an employee. Over time, Sean and Bert became business partners, with Bert eventually buying out Sean’s share in 2023. Bert is now the proud owner of Capitol Tire, continuing the shop’s legacy of excellent customer service.
What sets Capitol Tire apart is our commitment to staying on the cutting edge of automotive technology and providing honest, transparent service.
We have an extensive library of over 800 hours of training videos and subscribe to technical support hotlines for all major vehicle manufacturers. This allows our ASE-certified technicians to diagnose and fix even the most complex vehicle issues.
As Bert explains, “Anytime we have trouble with a dissatisfied client, it is always a lack of communication. And we’re working with complicated ideas and technologies. It doesn’t always go well. It isn’t always straightforward.” But the team at Capitol Tire is dedicated to working through those challenges.
Beyond fixing cars, we strive to build lasting relationships with our customers. Many families have been coming to Capitol Tire for generations, with three generations sometimes visiting on the same day.
We love seeing these familiar faces in our comfortable lobby, catching up and helping however we can—whether that’s providing a ride to work, a loaner car, or just a friendly ear.
For example, Bert recalls a time when a customer’s husband medically could not drive. He told her “I’m here to help you whether it’s for car repair or not. In a week, if you need a ride to and from the grocery store or a lift to a medical appointment, let me know. I want this to be a relationship that’s beneficial for both of us.”
That’s the personal, above-and-beyond service you can expect at Capitol Tire. We’re not just mechanics - we’re trusted partners who want to make your life easier however we can.
Our team is the heart of Capitol Tire. We carefully vet each new hire, looking for people passionate about the industry and dedicated to going above and beyond for our customers.
We hold regular meetings to stay aligned with goals, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure everyone feels professionally supported. Many of our technicians have been with us for over a decade.
Looking to the future, we’re excited to continue evolving with the rapid changes in automotive technology. Bert aims to maintain Capitol Tire’s reputation as a trusted, community-focused shop that delivers exceptional service. No matter the future, we will keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly.