Mount Sinai Tire hits the road for good after more than 50 years in Miller Place

The founder started the business in 1972 out of a black-and-blue van called “The Bruiser”

Mount Sinai Tire, a Route 25A institution in Miller Place that started out of a battered van nicknamed “The Bruiser,” has closed for good.

The more than 50-year-old business shut its doors earlier this month. “Last Day 10/2” is hand-lettered across its front windows, and a banner above the door reads, “After 50+ years of serving this community, it is time to close our doors.”

A red “Sold” sign from Aliano Real Estate now hangs beside it.

In a heartfelt letter posted on the front door, owner Gary Prechtl said he is retiring from a business he started in 1972 — that for a time went house to house and worked out of a van.

“We called the van ‘The Bruiser’ because it was black and blue and ugly!” the letter reads.

When the Amoco station at the corner of Landing Road and North Country Road became available, he moved the business there. He operated from that spot until buying the shop’s current location on Route 25A.

“Over the years, I have formed many friendships while earning the trust of my customers,” he wrote. “That trust grew through countless referrals to family and friends, and for that, I am truly grateful.”

The letter singles out two longtime fixtures at the shop.

Don Wagner has been with the business since 1977, nearly five decades. The owner credited him with helping “keep us rolling through flat tires, breakdowns and countless repairs over the years.”

His son, Dan Prechtl, has worked alongside him since 2011 and is now pursuing a different career, Gary Prechtl said.

“I am incredibly proud to have had him by my side and grateful for every year we have shared,” the letter says. “I can’t wait to see where the road takes him next.”

‘Put down the tools’

The owner wrote that it’s time to “put down the tools” and spend more time with friends and family, travel, and enjoy the next chapter with Karen, his bride of 50 years.

He also made it clear that he isn’t going anywhere.

“Since I live right here in the community, this isn’t really a goodbye, it’s more of a ‘see you later,’” he wrote. “You’ll probably still run into me around town, and I look forward to it!”

It’s unclear what will become of the property. Please check back with Greater Long Island for updates.

Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters.

_{Top: Brian Harmon/GLI}