For 34 years, Don Walker’s Lukoil has been a steady presence for drivers on Grand Avenue.
“We’ve had parents come in with kids in their cars, and now their kids have got their own cars and babies of their own. We’ve been here that long,” Don Walker said with a laugh.
Don said he had worked at other service stations before he and and his wife, Diana, decided to open a station of their own. Before they opened shop at 571 Grand Ave. more than 30 years ago, the lot contained a service station that was closed, Don said. Don Walker’s Lukoil opened under the Mobil brand, before Mobil stations changed to Lukoil a few years ago, he said.
When it was a Mobil station, it was recognized several times with awards for its appearance and cleanliness, Don said. Although Lukoil does not participate in a comparable program, Don said he tries to maintain the same high standard of cleanliness.
In addition to refueling their cars with gas, customers can visit the station for everything from oil changes and alignments to major engine repairs. The station offers a full line of services, which also includes work on parts such as tires, brakes, cooling systems and check engine lights.
The service station takes appointments, but also tries to accommodate customers who experience breakdowns or other emergencies with their vehicles. Don said the station’s staff is generally able to complete work on a vehicle in one day.
Repair services at Don Walker’s Lukoil are covered by the Confidence Plus North American Warranty program through Bumper to Bumper, Don said. This guarantees parts for 1 year or 12,000 miles, he said. Don said the program covers replacement parts and labor at his station, as well as other participating service stations throughout the country.
Another service that the station offers is transportation for customers who need to leave cars for repair. The service station can provide transportation to the driver’s home or workplace, and eventually, back to the station, Diana said.
Don said the business has had a loyal group of customers throughout the years, and customer service has been an important factor.
“I think that’s very important,” he said. “You get to know the people that come in, and we try to be friendly with them and try to treat them more as friends than as customers.”
Don Walker’s Lukoil is located at 571 Grand Ave. in Ewing. The station is open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Repair services are available until 5 p.m. For more information, call (609) 883–8018 or (609) 977–1455.
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