Kendall Lisenbee
1 review
2 months ago
First time at this location and I was blown away by the customer service. Immediately upon entering they offered my daughter a treat and myself a bottle of water. They offer free complimentary vacuuming as well! Everyone was nice, knowledgeable, and really made us feel at ease.

Grant Harden
Local Guide · 28 reviews · 15 photos
a year ago
Nice and friendly staff. While I was waiting they brought me a water. They no longer carry a conventional oil. I didn’t wait but maybe 10 minuets and the oil change it self was about 15 minuets.

Paul Barager
3 reviews
3 weeks ago
Very professional service. The matched a coupon for a great discount. I will use them again for sure.

Audi Riley
Local Guide · 36 reviews
a month ago
Awesome customer service, AWESOME STAFF! VERY VERY HONEST STRAIGHT TO THE POINT! NO B.S.! ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE!!

Rick Verhage
Local Guide · 122 reviews · 32 photos
2 years ago
Super friendly staff and they do a great job!

Dan Norman
Local Guide · 31 reviews
2 months ago
Always nice to me and my family. They are great with "helpful" suggestions for our vehicles without over selling and being bothersome. Good team of Professionals!

Cori Gould
Local Guide · 15 reviews · 6 photos
5 months ago
This is place is the best! Great customer service & always offering freebies like vacuming & beverages while you wait. The guys are super friendly & knowledgeable. I won't go anywhere else!
Response from the owner5 months ago
Thank you so much for the great review! We love giving our customers the best service possible!

Todd Bultema
Local Guide · 103 reviews · 105 photos
a month ago
Always treated great here. Never been tried to upsell for something I dont need.. my primary oil and lube place.. check them out.

Nikol Stephan
6 reviews
3 months ago
Great place! Always friendly staff and great prices!

lou watts
12 reviews
a month ago
Great people did a wonderful job thank you

Todd Johnson
9 reviews
6 months ago
They are always very helpful! I get many of trucks in our fleet serviced there. They have helped with my personal car also. They are very fast and the free bottle of water is a great touch!
Response from the owner6 months ago
Thank you so much for the great review! We love giving our customers the 5 star service they deserve!


Josh Stewart
Local Guide · 48 reviews · 45 photos
6 months ago
Great experience! They pointed out a mistake a past car mechanic made with my lights and fixed it while working me through what they had to do. Went above and beyond the service I was expecting. Will be returning for my oil changes and more. Thank you!!
Response from the owner6 months ago
Thank you so much for the great review! We take pride in being honest and up front with our customers. Glad we could help you today!


Justin Brown
1 review
7 months ago
Went here for my first oil change and ended up having a tire issue that at first was irritating but not a huge deal until I called to talk about it and was transferred to the owner. The owner, Doug, was condescending and defensive, he …More

Leah B
8 reviews · 2 photos
7 months ago
Great experience here! I was in and out in a reasonable amount of time, all of the guys in the shop were extremely polite and helpful, and they were running some great specials/promotions (I got free wiper blades during my visit)! Even offered to vacuum out my car for free. Will be back again.
Response from the owner7 months ago
Thank you so much for the great review! We are glad that you enjoyed your time here! Hope to see you soon!

Charlie Lerch
Local Guide · 23 reviews · 2 photos
9 months ago
Speedy service, decent price for said service. Top off your fluids as part of the service cost, Complimentary carpet vacuuming and rain-ex on the windshield. VERY approachable people, first time going to a station for an oil change, asked …More
Response from the owner8 months ago
We appreciate your review Charlie! Thank you for your feedback!

Automax of GR
2 reviews
7 months ago
I TAKE ALL FIVE OF MY PERSONAL CARS THERE FOR SERVICE. THEY ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU OUT WITH WHATEVER YOU NEED. I HAVE READ SOME COMMENTS THAT THEY ARE OVERPRICED AND I FIND THAT NOT TO BE TRUE AT ALL....YOU KNOW THE SAYING YOU GET WHAT YOU …More
Response from the owner7 months ago
Thank you so much for that amazing review! Glad we can provide you with great service! Hope to see you soon!

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Save Gas, Tips for Fuel Economy this Summer

During the Michigan summers we tend to stay active by going camping and spending the day at the beach. We drive everywhere to have the best summer of our life but the amount of fuel we use really adds up at the end which is why we wanted to leave you with a few tips for this summer's adventures when you are driving around.

1. One of the best ways to keep up with your fuel economy is regular oil changes. This is basically the first step of owning a car. Old oil, if not properly replaced can negatively impact your gas mileage and overall health of your vehicle's engine. By taking your car in when it needs an oil change will do wonders for your vehicle.
   
   
2. A second really good way to help your fuel economy is keeping to the minimalist way of packing. Unless you have plans for a suitcase to be full of extra clothing that is mounting up in the back of your vehicle, get rid of it. Its best to pack only safety gear, frequently used accessories, and the items you really need for your trip. Take out the unusable stuff that you won't be using this summer. You know the winter clothing and rain gear that has piled up throughout the seasons. The lighter your vehicle is, the less energy the engine has to use to move the vehicle, therefore, less gas you will end up using.
   
3. Believing in the myth of cruise control. Although many individuals may claim that leaving a set speed limit for the car helps, it actually can hurt your fuel economy. Not all roads are paved well making it sometimes more difficult for the vehicle to adjust according to the road. Just put yourself back in control, driving carefully and smoothly, and you will be by far better at adjusting to the environment you are in than the vehicle's computer.
   
   
4. Simple but true, pay attention to your tires. To get the most out of your fuel, make sure you tire pressure is not under inflated and you have the right seasonal tires on. If the tires of your vehicle are under inflated, the car is dragging rather than coasting. You know gravity? It will take a good chunk of cash out of your pocket from such a simple lack of air in your tire. Secondly, if you had winter tires on your vehicle make sure to switch them to the summer tires to make most of your traction. Those tires are very important to your vehicle's fuel efficiency, so take the time to stay on top of their maintenance.
   
   
5. It gets hot in the summer; I completely understand that. I'm not close to being a hot weather person myself, you should see me laying on the tile in my kitchen during those hot days away from the beach. But I want to inform you that running the A/C does use up precious energy provided by your fuel, so using it economically is important. If it is too hot for your liking outside, go ahead and run the A/C but keep those windows rolled up so the vehicle remains cool. If you want to be even more efficient with your fuel intake, take a alternative route and drive by the lake or through the woods, this will help keep your vehicle naturally cooler. You could even invest in a front window sun visor for while your car is parked, this will help your A/C from having to work so hard trying to cool the car back down again.
   
   
6. Lastly, the engine. If the engine is functioning poorly, if you notice any strange smells or sounds from under the hood, you should get that checked out before heading out on your trip. Its important to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that you aren't burning though all your gas.
   

We hope these tips help you with your gas mileage this summer. Stay cool and have fun!

Having Electrical Problems with your car truck or van?

When anyone gets a brand new car, their expectations are very high. Even though electrical systems have been a huge help to mechanics, they also have their drawbacks. A lot of times if an electrical system is poor, it is a sign that there was flaw in the manufacturing process or it could also be a clue that your vehicle isn't as new as you were led to believe. As concerning as this may appear to be, lets just go over a few common electrical problems to ease some of that worry.

One of the most common problems is a dead battery. Totally, easy fix. This is usually the go-to assumption if the electrical system isn't working properly. You can check by flashing your headlights to see how bright they are. If they are extremely dim or don't turn on at all, it may be a sign that you need a jump or need to replace the battery altogether. But just be aware that a dead battery on a new vehicle could indicate that your car may have been used more than you would have liked or it could be a poor manufacturer error.

A damaged alternator is the next common occurrence amongst the powertrain after the battery. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while your vehicle is running. It distributes additional power to other areas of the vehicle like the headlights or the radio. If you have notice that your car seems to start slow, or the electrical systems flicker while you are driving, it means that your alternator is probably not recharging the battery and the power isn't being distributed properly. If this is the case, you'll want to replace the alternator soon.

Now a damaged starter causes a huge issue as well, simply because you can't start a car without a starter. If a starter is broken, then you won't hear that “click” noise when you turn on the ignition. You may have a full battery and a working alternator that do a great job of keeping your starter kicking. But there are those chances that starter may not work even if the other two are working properly. If this is the case, you need to get a replacement since it is more than likely that the part itself had suffered previous damage.

If your vehicle is still acting weird and you have checked the battery, alternator, and the starter for issues already, then it is time to check the fuse box. At this point, it is just better to bring your vehicle into a repair shop, like Alpine Pennzoil who are trained in electrical issues especially in more different fixes such as the fuse box. Overall, if any of the fuses are blown or you notice any loose wire, you'll need some professional help to resolve the problem.

Loose spark plugs can also be a sign when your car is behaving strangely between shifts, such as in lurching forward or losing power it is a possible indication of the engine's internal combustion. Unfortunately, if spark plugs are old or broken it is a sign that the car has been used previously since most manufacture spark plugs would just be loose.

Last but not least, lets discuss ignition problems. How do you know if you are having ignition issues? Well put your key in and turn. If nothing happens, you probably have an ignition problem. The roughest part after diagnosis that it is an ignition issue, it is hard to guess where the powertrain problem is rooting from.

Fortunately, our Grand Rapids automotive team is highly trained in diagnostics and will be able to help you find where the electrical problem is started and possibly give you some information how to continue about with your clock potato on wheels. Let us help you fix your vehicle so its running safely once again.

Good to Terrible Gas Mileage: What is happening to your Fuel Economy?

Have you notice that your vehicle's gas mileage seems to be worse than it was a while back? There are many factors that can influence the shift in your fuel economy, some simple and a few more complicated.

The first one is easy, peezy lemon squeezy— its your tires. If your tires are under inflated there is more rolling resistance. This resistance is causing the car to drag more rather than just letting it roll freely across the road. We encourage you you to check your tire inflation at least once a month. Its better you do this while your tires are still cold, before you hit the road. Its amazing how even one to two pounds of under inflation can cause such problems!

The second thing that could cause problems with your fuel usage is the air filter. The air filter is made of fabricated elements which prevent external elements such as dust and pollen from entering the fuel system. Sometimes, the air filter can become clogged from everything it collects which smother's the engine by restricting the air flow. But this is an easy fix, just take the air filter and look at it up into the light. If you can't see the light shining through, its time to toss that filter and get a new one to replace it.
Now the let’s focus on that engine. You know that annoying little check engine light that turns on, it has a reason behind it. Your engine relies on a bunch of different sensors which sends information to the drivetrain computer that monitors difference functions such as transmission shifts, fuel delivery, emission controls, and ignition timing, to just name a few. If a sensor is sending readings that are outside the normal operating limits, the code that registers in the engine's drivetrain computer and the light will turn on. Fortunately, an auto technician can use a code reader or scanning device, that can diagnose your car and let them know which code it is to determine the source of the problem.

There is one more problem that can effect your fuel economy. Engines use an oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) in the exhaust stream to monitor the exhaust gases. Typically, O2 sensors last the life of the vehicle, however, there are those rare times that they don't. If an O2 sensor does fail it can cause the engine to put large amounts of fuel into the system.
If your gas mileage is a currently a concern to you, let us take a look at your car and help you figure out the source of the problem. Gas is already expensive as it is, let us fix the amount you are spending on it from an unnecessary problem.

Don't Touch That! Car Maintenance You Should Leave for the Professionals
We understand that you save money from doing your own maintenance and that is great! However, there are some complex maintenance tasks that really should be left to the professionals so you don't have to worry about future problems and expenses.

The first one is checking the engine diagnostics. Now you are probably wondering why can't I do this one by myself, that is ridiculous?! The thing is as easy as it is to check your vehicle's diagnostics through smartphone apps and big box parts, many check engine codes are vague and require more sophisticated equipment rather than an over the counter product. By bringing in your vehicle for a diagnostic, not only will you probably save time trying to figure out the root cause of the problem, you will probably lower your expenses as well.

Tire rotation is another common vehicle maintenance you should leave for the professionals. The thing with this is you can jack your car up and swap around the tires but there is much more to the tire rotation process. When automotive professionals do a tire rotation service this also includes re-balancing the tires and checking for unsafe damage on the wheels, all which require special equipment and a certified automotive technician. Its not worth taking the chance of having unsafe and unbalanced tires to ride around on.

Now you may think you getting a can of Freon, AC Conditioning fluid may take care of your vehicle's problematic climate control system but you are wrong my friend. The air conditioning system is a seal system, which means if you need Freon, something is probably leaking. You could keep filling up the system but it is not going to fix the problem. If you don't have the correct amount of compressor lube, adding the Freon can actually restart your compression and burn it up. If you need more control to your cooling system, bring your vehicle to Van Andel and Flikkema and we will check it out for you.

Suspension is a huge factor in keeping your vehicle safe by keeping your vehicle between the lines. When you install new components to your vehicle, it actually can mess with your alignment specs which makes your car a safety hazard and will wear out your tires. For your safety and longevity of your tires, make sure you take your vehicle to a professional when you decide to upgrade or repair your suspension.

Don't get us wrong, we understand there is a lot of different components on a car you can fix yourself but trust us when we say there are some areas where you should really take your car to a trusted vehicle maintenance shop like Apline Pennzoil. Take care of the light work if you want but don't take a chance on the complexity of newer vehicles that tend to require.

Take Proper Care of your Tires
In many states that have dramatic seasonal changes, such as Michigan, it is common to have multiple sets wheels of for seasonal driving. These sets can include, winter and summer tires. Winter tires or snow tires are made with a special rubber, deep treads, and other unique features that make driving safer in slippery conditions. They are especially for the use in very cold temperatures. Summer tires on the other hand are ideal for well the summer. They have specialized rubber designed to to improve precision on the road. They were designed with less tread depth in order of give the vehicle better traction and grip.

Unfortunately, many drivers don’t know how to properly store their extra set of tires during the off-season,costing them a very large penny for a whole new set the following year when they could have just stored them properly. Understanding this dilemma, we wanted to provided a short educational segment on proper tire storage and care for your off-season wheels.

Lets just jump right into it!

1. The first step is you want to make sure your wheels and tires are clean.Road grime can degrade the finish on your wheels while they are in storage. We recommend that before you store them, clean the wheels with a mild detergent and make sure they are completely dry before you put them away for the season.
   
   
2. Tires are made of natural and synthetic rubbers that can dry rot and crack while they are in storage, making them very dangerous to drive on. It is important that after cleaning them, that you apply a silicon-based tire dressing spray to the rubber. This spray will soak into the rubber will keep your rubber supple and prevent it from dry rotting.
3. Next, make sure your tires are fully inflated. Under inflated tires can develop flat spots and cause a thumping noise while you are driving on the road. This noise is usually temporary but by keeping the tires properly inflated will help the rubber maintain its shape.
   
   After you inflate your tires, you should visually inspect everything. Check the tread, the bead and the sidewalls of your tires for any damage. If they are damaged, you have time to put together a plan for replacement instead of facing a larger expensive when you put them back on your vehicle.
   
   It is important to keep in mind that when an uneven tire has existing wear, you should have your local tire center check the suspension, alignment and wheel bearings. It is crucial to correct the problem before your swapped tires become the next victims due to your car. If this is a concern for you, we are more than happy to help you figure out the reasoning behind your existing wear at Alpine Pennzoil.
   
   
4. Now once you officially went through all the steps above as provided, it time to get your tires ready for their annual hibernation. Slide a heavy-duty lawn bag over each tire and seal them by rolling the opening and taping the bag shut. This will give you the opportunity to make sure that the air pressure is staying consistent and will keep the silicone tire dressing from evaporating out of the rubber. This cover will also help prevent dust and grime from getting on your tires and also allow you to periodically open up the bag.
   
   We do recommend that before you When the season is over and you want to swap out your tires once again, you need to know which tire goes where. To help your future self, make sure you tag each tire or tag each bad with an indication of which position your tire was on your vehicle. You want to make sure you put them back on the car where you removed them from so you don't mess up your rotation schedule. Messing up your rotation schedule can lead to unaligned car and uneven tires that can become potentially dangerous later on.
   
   
5. Last but not least, stack those babies flat. You don't ever want to store your tires standing up. This can create flat spots. Just place a piece of plywood or a couple of 2x4s on the floor, this will keep them off the ground and allow you to stack the tires horizontally.

Now for those who don't have the space to store their tires, or want to make sure the storage is being done properly, Apline Pennzoil. does store seasonal tires for our customers as well. Just give us a call to set up an appointment or ask us about our wheel storage program.

Wondering why your check engine light is on?

When the check engine light turns on, it is the clearest indication that your vehicle may need some type of attention. At Alpine Oil Change we emphasize the importance of not ignoring that little light since your engine computer is telling something is not right and if you ignore the problem it could lead to a much more expensive problem.

Now knowing this are you wondering why your light is on? Well there are several reasons why your engine light turned on that aren't as bad as you may think, so relax a bit. Some of these are simple things you can actually check on your own.

1. Faulty Gas Cap: One common problem can could be due to a faulty gas cap. This is probably the most important part of your car. The gas cap acts as a safety vault against accidental ignition and prevents fuel vapors escaping and ruining your combustion. This is one the easiest things you can check on your own and the first thing you should check when that light turns on. Just check if the gas cap to see if its loose or leaking air.
   
2. Oxygen Sensor: Another reason could be due to a defective sensor such as the oxygen (O2) and air flow sensor. The O2 sensor monitors how much fuel the engine is burning. It does this by driving its attention to how much unburned oxygen makes its way to the exhaust. However, over time gunk from the exhaust may cover the senor, making it less effective and cause the check engine light to turn on.
   
   
3. Catalytic Converter: Now a catalytic converter replacement might be a bit more demanding of your time if it is the reason behind that triggering light. The catalytic converter helps in filtering the exhaust. When it is damaged however, it can cause more pollution in the air, affects engine performance and the fuel economy.
   
   
4. Spark Plugs & Wiring: Now they say you should get a tune up annually, this includes the check up on your spark plugs and wiring. Any irregularities in the functions of either the spark plugs or wiring can cause the engine to function less effectively and cause much larger problems down the road. Its a very common occurrence when the check engine light turns on the it is more than often that your car needs to be fine-tuned.

Let’s be honest, no one likes that light on and the stress that we feel in the back of our mind. But don't freak out if some of these things happen to your car. Bring your car into our shop and we will help sort out the problem.