Brady Knuckles Automotive

Schedule your car for a maintenance check today.

Regular maintenance on your vehicle keeps both you and those around you safe. Vehicle defects were the cause of over 10,000 crashes over the past five years, with brake failures and tire blowouts being the most common.

Get ready for Winter with some new tires. Give us a call today for pricing. We will get you the best tire for your budget!

Brady Knuckles Automotive updated their address.

We have had a lot of rain and minor flooding lately. Driving through deep water increases the risk of damage to your engine, brakes, the air intake, and the electrical system in your vehicle. This increased risk exists even for high profile vehicles. Some of the air intake system could be underneath the vehicle. Six inches of water is enough to hit the bottom of most passenger cars, flooding the exhaust and leaving you immobile. If you cannot walk through water (especially moving water), do not attempt to drive across it.

Is your car ready for Summer? Give us a call today and we can check your AC and make sure you are ready to beat the heat!

We are now doing in-house wheel alignments. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

SPRING CHECK LIST:

Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades

Refill Fluids

Replace Plugs and Batteries

Schedule an Oil Change

Replace Your Cabin Filter

Check Tire Pressure and Look for Tire Wear

Change Air Filters

Air Conditioner - Test it now so you have plenty of time for AC repairs if needed.

With the new year comes a Tune-Up. Keeping your car in optimal running condition is a must. Generally, a tune-up consists of checking the engine for parts that need cleaning, fixing, or replacing. Common areas under inspection include filters, spark plugs, belts and hoses, car fluids, rotors, and distributor caps. Many of these only require a visual inspection or a simple test.
Call us today and schedule a time for us to check your car.

it's a New Year so don't forget to check your oil! Call us today to schedule an Oil Change!

While your kids are home for the Holidays, it's a good time to do some routine maintenance on their car. We can do an oil change, check the fluids and tires and have them safely back on the road before the holidays are over. Call us today and schedule a time to have it looked over. (419) 512-1612

Get ready for winter weather! Whether it is an all-season tire or a winter tire, we can get you on the road safely. Call us today for a quote, (419) 512-1612

Are you ready for the colder weather? Remember now is the time to
-check your tires and replace if needed
-change your oil to protect your engine
-check your radiator and either top it off or flush and replace with new coolant

Call today and we can take care of it all for you!

A very common question I get asked lately.....

Why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air?

The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.

Call and schedule an appointment and we can check it out for you.... 419-512-1612

We will be open Friday, July 3rd.

Whether its older or new, we are here to help you with service you can trust!

We are open and ready to help you! Give us a call today and schedule an appointment for your car or truck!

We are still open and taking calls and appointments to keep your car running.
Thank you to everyone who has shopped local and supported local businesses in the hard time.

Call us today and get a quote for some new tires.
We will balance and mount your new tires and dispose of your old tires.

I know there is a lot going on right now, but I just want to remind everyone that we are still open to service your car or truck. We will take all the necessary precautions to ensure your safety as well as ours and provide fast, reliable service.

Summer will be here soon. Sports car, classic car and hobby car owners, start your engines.

Actually, before you do, you’ll want to follow some simple steps to bring your summer ride out to play after a long winter.

Here’s a checklist of what to do — either on your own or at the shop — if you’ve had your vehicle stored.

Check the battery charge. Make sure battery terminal connections are snug and there’s no corrosion.
Inspect wiring and hoses. Check for rodent damage, cracks and loose connections.
Make sure your oil level is normal. Get an oil change as soon as possible.
Top off air in tires and make sure the tread is intact (no bulges, cracks or balding areas).
Look under the vehicle for signs of fluid leaks.
Have brake pads and shocks examined.
Verify that headlights, brights, taillights and blinkers are operating.
Clear the exhaust pipe, if you plugged it to keep out mice.
Air out the interior.

Under the Hood - If you used a battery tender to maintain proper charge during storage, your battery should be ready to go. Check the tender to be sure the battery is fully charged. If you’ve had the battery hooked up to a cheaper trickle charger, the output voltage may have gone high enough to cause overcharging. This can result in off-gassing and damage if you have a standard wet-cell lead-acid battery. If your vehicle has been sitting for months on end with no recharger at all, your battery may be weak or drained.
Check the charge with an electronic tester. (Les Schwab Tires does two-part battery inspections free, any time.) If it’s low, you’ll need to get it charged. If it’s dead, and you need it replaced, your onboard computer system may need to be reset. Look at the terminals to see if there’s any corrosion from off-gassing/overcharging. You can gently clean any residue off the posts and cable clamps with a solution of water and baking soda and an old toothbrush. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection. Make sure there are no cracks or signs of wear on the cables; jiggle them at the terminals to be sure the connections are snug.

Also look for vermin nests or chewed hoses, belts or cables. Verify air filters are clean. Check the oil dipstick to be sure the level is good enough to last until you can get an oil change. When you get service, have the technician check your spark plugs, cylinders and PCV and fuel filters. Check windshield wiper fluid and coolant and add as necessary.

Tires - Check your air pressure. If it’s low, top it off with a home air compressor, or get to a tire store or filling station first thing and inflate to the pressure indicated on the driver side door placard. Also look at your tread wear and inspect all tires for cracks and bulges. Be sure to look on the sidewalls facing the axles as well as the street side.

Fluids - While you’re looking at the wheels, check under the car for any sign of fluid leaks. Even if you don’t see any, you’ll want to have the transmission, power steering, and brake fluids checked. It’s also time for an oil change. Though your vehicle hasn’t been driven in months, the oil is old and may be contaminated by condensation or acids.

If you neglected to add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before storage, fill up with high-octane gas and add some octane booster.

Brakes & Suspension - When you’re ready to start up, first make sure your tailpipe is clear. Give your vehicle some time to warm up. Let it run for a bit, until you hear a smooth idle, before putting it into gear. Don’t rev the engine.

Before you set out, tap the brake pedal to make sure it feels right. Make your first drive leisurely and listen for unusual noises. Watch the dashboard for any warning lights indicating something needs attention. You may notice some noise while braking at first. This could be caused by rust that's accumulated on the surface of the brake rotor or drum. If the noise is constant or recurring, have your brakes and pads inspected. Don’t ignore it. Be sure to have shocks checked as well.

Then enjoy the summer driving season.

LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IN WINTER CONDITIONS - It’s best to know how to drive in winter conditions before getting on snowy or icy roads. For First time winter drivers, find a safe place to practice stopping, turning, and what to do when you are sliding.Also, learn more about:

- What gear to drive in on snow and ice

- How fast you should drive

- Stopping distance you need between vehicles

- What to do if you start sliding

- Driving uphill or downhill

LEARN WINTER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
It’s important to know what to do before you are in an emergency in case you ever get stuck. If you get stuck in a winter storm while driving:

- Do not leave your car for risk of losing sigh of it

- Do not run your car for long periods of time. Instead, turn it on long enough to stay warm, and then turn it off again to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

- Put your dome lights on to attract attention

How to Properly Store Your Car For the Winter - Everything you need to do to prepare your prized possession for long-term storage.

There are actually a ton of steps that need doing to make sure your car is in top shape come spring. Some of these tips may seem like a hassle, but trust me, they're all worth it.

Add Fuel Stabilizer - We wrote an in-depth step-by-step guide on how to keep your gas from going bad this winter, but here's a reminder. Fuel only lasts around 30 days before it goes bad, so it's essential to use fuel stabilizer if you're thinking about long-term storage.

Do an Oil Change - This one's easy, but no doubt one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long life for your truck (or any vehicle for that matter). Ford recommends you do this every 7,500 miles or six months (whichever comes first) for 2008 model year trucks and newer. For older, higher mileage trucks, always change your oil filter when you change your oil. Be sure to pick up the best oil for your needs. There are dozens of varieties of oil and a wide range of high mileage options tailored to increasing the life of older engines, so be sure to consult your owner's manual to ensure you pick the right viscosity-index for your truck. And then double check before you buy—having to visit the same auto shop twice in the one day for a single item is both embarrassing and waste of time.

It can't hurt to have fresh oil in your engine just before you store it away. This way, once you fire up your car for the first time come spring, it's using clean, untouched lubrication.

Lubricate Important Chassis Points - If you stop using a car for an extended period of time, parts that are supposed to flex and move will become brittle and start to crumble or crack, especially in the cold. It's important to keep these pieces fresh until the next time you hit the road.

Check your Coolant Protection Level - If you don't store your car in a climate-controlled garage, be mindful of how much coolant-to-water mixture is currently in your car. Without the right amount, the water can freeze and expand, causing catastrophic damage to your engine.

Prepare Your Battery - You have three choices when it comes to battery preservation in the winter. Leave it connected, disconnect it, or install battery tenders.

Block off your Exhaust and Intake - Small, cozy places like exhausts and intake boxes are prime real estate for rodents and other sorts of small creatures to thrive during the winter. Save yourself the headache and make sure there's nowhere for the little critters to enter your car.

Wash, Buff, and Wax Your Car - For goodness' sake, don't use dish detergent. It'll hurt your paint. Some people say to steer clear of the wash pad because it's easy to drop, running the risk that you'll get damaging dirt and yard flakes in it. Some people say not to use the wash mitt, either, because the fabric cuff can scratch. My advice: Buy the mitt and flip the cuff inside the cavity. No scratches, no drops. You may dread drying the car because it involves either using Chamois, which are so annoying, or buying a bunch of towels. Instead, use a silicone water blade to pull water off like a squeegee. A single towel will soak up what's left. Once the car's dry, spray a detailing lubricant over a section of the car, and then run the AutoScrub Mitt in circles over it. Wipe dry with another towel, and move to the next section. You only need to use the AutoScrub when the paint's surface feels rough after a wash, so figure on a whole-car scrub only twice a year.
It's never good to leave a car dirty for an extended period of time. Acidic material could be eating away at your paint, while any car covers could rub dirt around the clear coat and make scratches.

Park Your Car on a Tarp - No one likes seeing an oil stain on their garage floor or driveway after a car's been sitting. Putting something under the engine (or any other leaky component) will save you the stress of having to scrub out some dark spots once spring comes around.

Use Desiccant Inside Your Car - Nothing sucks more than getting hit with a musty, moldy smell every time you open your car door. Fix it this winter with a dehumidifier product that sucks moisture out of the air.

Place Your Car On Jack Stands or Chock the Wheels - Parking brakes are known to give out at any time given enough wear, so it's smart to keep your car secure to it doesn't roll away. The simplest way to do that is jack it up in the air, or place a chock in front of the wheel so it can't move.

Use a Car Cover - This one should be obvious, but we're going to mention it anyway. A car cover prevents dust and all sorts of other material from accumulating on your car. If you really want to make sure a car's exterior is protected, use a cover.

Use Rodent Repellant Outside of Your Car - If you have a newer car, chances are it uses at least some soy-based wiring, which is something rodents love to munch on. Keep your car from becoming food this winter by using repellent near the exterior.

KEEP YOUR REAR-WINDOW DEFROSTER IN WORKING ORDER - Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions. That’s why several states have laws stating that all your windows must be clear of condensation and debris. When winterizing your car, check your rear-window defroster before cold weather arrives to be sure it’s working properly.

PACK A WINTER SAFETY KIT
Before heading off on a trip, store common tools and supplies in your car in case of an emergency.
KEEP THE GAS TANK AT LEAST HALF FULL
Fill up often! Keeping gas in the tank is more important in winter than in summer. Why? For one thing, a full tank reduces condensation, which can prevent gas line freeze ups. Not only that, but if you’re ever stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.

Join us Feb 1st for a day full of music and fun. All proceeds go to granting a wish for a terminal ill child. Any amount will help. See you there!

INSTALL WINTER WIPERS AND KEEP WASHER FLUID FULL

These come equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on the blades. Just be sure to remove them when spring rolls around. As winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, keeping them on all the time increases the load on the wiper motor.

Replace your windshield wiper fluid often. A single snowstorm can exhaust a large amount of this fluid, so refill the washer reservoir frequently with windshield wiper fluid formulated for winter conditions. If you’re unsure if your washer fluid is the right formula for low temperatures, add a bottle of washer fluid antifreeze to the reservoir. You’ll find it at most auto parts stores.

CHECK FOR CHANGING TEMPERATURES THAT COULD AFFECT TRACTION
Before going out for a long winter drive, check to see how temperatures may change while you’re out. Changing temperatures can affect both your traction and driving ability if there is a sudden change that you’re not prepared for.
For example, how you should drive in 0° weather is much different than how you can drive in 32° weather. You generally have better traction at 0° than you do at 32° due to surfaces becoming more slippery at these higher winter temperatures.

MAINTAIN TIRE PRESSURE
Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. This means you should check pressure more regularly during winter and refill your tires as needed. Appropriate pressure for your tires can be found on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle owner’s manual.

It's now easier to call Brady Knuckles Automotive.

SWITCH TO WINTER TIRES
It’s possible to use all-season tires in winter conditions however, this won’t offer you the maximum performance you may need in your environment.

If you live in a place that experiences extremely cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you install winter tires when winterizing your car. When the temperature consistently hovers around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction in ice, snow, slush, and even dry pavement.

If you live in an area that doesn’t normally have intense winters, all-season tires should be acceptable. However, if you live somewhere with harsh winters or regularly visit places that do, winter tires are the safest choice for you.

HAVE YOUR CAR SERVICED FOR WINTER CONDITIONS
Before you hit any harsh winter conditions, have your vehicle serviced to prepare it for the challenges winter can pose.

●Battery – Battery power decreases as the temperature drops, meaning that it takes more power to start your car in the winter. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down increases. It is recommended that your auto care provider installs a battery at or above 600 CCA for optimal winter performance.

● Cooling system – It is recommended to maintain a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. Ask your technician what antifreeze should be used for your vehicle and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to prevent against corrosion and potential freezing.

● Brakes – While cold weather doesn’t necessarily hurt your brakes, a thorough inspection can ensure the best performance when driving in winter conditions.

● Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables – These can go bad at any time of year, but if they go bad during the winter, you could be stranded in a very cold place for a very long time.

Call us today to keep your car safe for the rest of the winter months!

New Year means new tires! Call us today and get a quote for some new tires.
We will balance and mount your new tires and dispose of your old tires.

Cold Weather Tip of the Day:

Take advantage of the warmer weather and wash your car. Keeping your car clean in winter makes your car last longer. Wash your car in winter to prevent rust under your car and keep ice off your windshield.

Cold Weather Tip of the Day:

Be prepared.
Put a warm blanket in your car. A good wool blanket is best.
Keep a flash light in your car, check the batteries and be sure it works when you need it most.
Get some road flares so you can be seen at night. The standard incendiary style flares last about 30 minutes a flare. They also make LED flares now that last around 2-4 hours.
It's never a bad idea to keep some HotHands in your car for the winter either.

Cold Weather Tip of the Day:

Check your tire pressure weekly. Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to wear down quickly and lose traction on icy or slippery surfaces. In colder temps, your tires lose a pound of pressure with every 10-degree drop in temp.

As the winter weather heads our way, be sure to stop in and have us check the fluid levels in your car or truck. You don't want to be stranded in the cold ❄️

The snow is coming, be prepared with good tires! Call us today for a quote and be safe this winter season.

Brady Knuckles Automotive updated their business hours.