The Brahler philosophy states, "At Brahler, we don't bonus our staff on what they sell because we do not want something sold to our customers that they don't need." And mile after mile, the Brahler Tire & Auto Center has been keeping families safely on the road for over 30 years. So after 30 years in the business of auto service, Dave Brahler’s goals remain simple. He wants customers to leave his store after having a pleasant experience, content with the service they received and with the intention of returning. Such longevity in a competitive business doesn’t come without hard work and commitment. Brahler says the company motto has always been “a family serving the community.” They provide a positive atmosphere for employees and clients, charge a fair price and perform professional work.

In 1971, Jim Brahler converted an old Marathon station at the corner of 6th and Laurel into a tire center, selling car and small truck tires. He had two employees and three bays to work from. By 1974, he had expanded to large truck tires, retreading and service. He also added three bays to the existing location. In 1979, he bought property at the corner of 6th and Spruce, added three more new employees, and began specializing in heavy duty truck tires and opened what would be the first of six Oil & Lube Centers in Springfield continuing to grow in property and employees by the new millenium. They grew from a small tire store to a full-service automotive facility and the Brahler name is now known throughout central Illinois.

In 1987, the Brahlers built their 2nd Lube Center at 1557 Wabash, adding four employees. In 1989, a 3rd Lube Center opened at 7th & N. Grand, adding four employees. Also in 1989, the Brahler family purchased property at the corner of 5th & Laurel, built four service bays, expanding the Tire & Auto Center, which added more warehousing space and additional parking for it's patrons. Three additional employees were also added in 1989.

In 1992, the Brahler family purchased the property on 6th Street for their Main Office Department. This property linked the Tire & Auto Center with the location's Lube Center, adding much more parking area and combined both facilities with a Home Office location. In 1993, the Brahlers constructed their 4th Lube Center location (252 S. Dirksen Parkway) and added five employees. In 1995 a 5th Lube Center location was added (1031 W. Jefferson) adding five employees at that location.

And most recently, in 2001, the 6th Lube Center location was added (1950 North Dirksen Parkway) adding five employees at that location.

Dave Brahler believes the key to his family’s business success is as simple as doing what the customer requests. “We professionally diagnose the problem, install or correct the problem at the agreed price and back it up with a good warranty. We take a family approach to business, not the franchise method. Our customers are literally our neighbors and community members. I think that philosophy comes through in our quality product and competent staff who serve the customers to complete satisfaction.”