Originally Posted by
pizzaguy
The incentive to learn how to do MORE than mount tires or change oil was fading - and with it, the passion of millions of "mechanics" and "techs". Go talk to the guys at quick lubes or tire centers - they will tell you, the pay sucks and many work without ANY benefits. They don't give a damn about your car, and there is no reason for them to care, it's just a crappy job that puts food on the table today.
Today, quick lube and tire centers are staffed by those who cant find other work, or who are in school for preparation for other careers. The real savvy guy (like who I once went to see) is dying off. And there is little incentive to take his place.
Case in Point: Several months back I purchased a couple of tires for my 2006 F150 STX 4x4 (flareside bed - I just had to say that
). Had these mounted on the front. Didn't buy a premium tire, but bought a tire that had good reviews by others (assuming they knew what they were talking about) and met my current driving habits for that vehicle. Tires were mounted, balanced & installed. In & out in an hour. Anyway, these tires have an asymmetric tread pattern, which means the "outside" of the tire is clearly marked for correct mounting. Guess what - one day a couple of weeks back when I was checking tire pressures, I discovered that both tires were mounted incorrectly on the wheels. (Note: Shame on me for not checking before I left tire shop.) Called the shop (unnamed at this point), told them what I found & wanted to bring my truck in for them to dismount, remount & balance the tires. Both the Store & Shop Managers thought I was crazy as that specific tire didn't require that. Told them to go look at one in their inventory & I would be there in about 30 minutes to have them do the work. When I got there there were naturally many attempts to get my forgiveness. Store & Shop Managers didn't even know that specific tire had an asymmetric tread pattern, considering its price point.