By Jacquelyn Pillsbury
Some 10 years ago, Alban “Al” Ushtelenca, owner of Trenton Auto & Tire Center, bought the auto repair shop located at 150 Santicon Drive in Ewing.
Although the location, which is visible from Route 29, had sat vacant for decades, he believed it was the perfect place to open his first auto repair business.
Unfortunately, upon purchasing the site Ushtelenca discovered there were many environmental issues, including soil contamination, left over from the former owners of the location. As a result, it took him nearly 10 years to open for business.
“We fought tooth and nail to open this place. We love this area. We have a lot of friends in this neighborhood,” Ushtelenca said.
Ushtelenca finally opened Trenton Tire & Auto Center in May 2014.
“We kept a lot of the old features, and modernized” all of the equipment.
According to Ushtelenca, his business is a one-stop shop for all of your automotive problems. The mechanics can handle everything from alignments and brakes to oil changes, tires, and tune ups. They also have trained mechanics on site to handle most automotive needs.
Ushtelenca has worked in the automotive repair business for more than 20 years. He is an independent, family-run business owner. The auto repair station team includes his father, Gino, and his two friends, Kenny Hunt, the performance tire specialist, and Jason Stephenson, the office manager.
Ushtelenca said he is thrilled to be working with all of them, especially his father, who with about 40 years in the business, “is a little more knowledgeable in some areas than I am.”
The father and son team are from New York and currently reverse commute to the business from the city.
Despite the long commute, Ushtelenca said he loves having a business in Ewing. “When I came up here to look at the place I liked the location, and the area. It is a prime location with plenty of traffic and a great neighborhood.”
While the renovations took place, Ushtelenca continued to work in the automotive business in New York. Prior to that, he worked at stations in Basking Ridge and Clinton. He built a strong reputation with Goodyear Tires, and was thrilled when Goodyear agreed allow them to become one of their retail stores.
“We are honored to be a Goodyear retail store,” he said.
Overall, they carry between 300 and 500 styles of tires, including Goodyear, Dunlop and Kelly. “When you purchase four Goodyear tires, customers receive a free tire alignment,” said Ushtelenca. Other specials include a $19.99 oil change on most cars and light trucks.
The also do full repairs on cars and provide a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on their work.
Ushtelenca prides himself on being “big on customer service. It is all about being comfortable when you are in here” having them work on your vehicle. “Everyone who comes in here for their first experience always leaves happy,” Ushtelenca said.
In addition to car repairs, Trenton Auto & Tire’s other services include being an authorized U-Haul retail location. They also perform car inspections through the Carco Group for insurance companies for when people purchase previously owned cars.
Trenton Auto & Tire Center offers free pick up concierge service where they will pick you up and drop you off in the local area, including state offices. They also provide overnight drop-off. Their waiting room has wi-fi.
Ushtelenca often runs specials. Visit their website to see their most current offers.
Trenton Auto & Tire Center, 150 Santicon Drive (Route 29). Phone: (609) 218-6615. Online: trentonautotire.com Hours : Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sunday.
