A well known tire dealer chain in the NW also will not mount and balance
tires they didn't sell.
 I think it's for liability reasons - just safer if they never take that
chance.  I sort of don't blame them.
I just always find an independent tire store, take all my wheels and tires
down there, and tell them ...this tire goes here, this goes there, balance
everything , throw these two away, etc.,
And they're glad to do it, and everybody is happy.

Re high prices....that's fall under the law of 'supply and demand.' Luckily
we are free to purchase from tirerack at fine prices and have the tires
shipped to us.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
TC
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 4:11 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: JUST BRAKES franchise warning!

> why do all break houses try and just rake ya threw the coals these days..
pisses me off
> they act like we dont under stand our vans.. this list is built on
friendship/knowledge..
> something money cant buy.. :)
>
> I wont name the place i needed to use, since i have no where to work on
the van at this time
> but i wont go back..
/me looks up figures must be close to Friday, so I have good winter tires
but the other are getting need of replacement
so for various reasons I have opted to go 15" so I call around to get
pricing on 215/65R15 locally
I am just blown away why canadian  dealers like kal-tire, BigO, discount
tire etc want 2X for a tire
i can buy at tirerack.com, discounttire.com tireeasy.com etc
So I then ask em how much to mount balance well 2 of the 3 above local
franchise operators
WONT mount/balance new tire because I did not buy from them !!!!
Unbelieveable since they cant get their GIANT margins outta me they think
they gonna force me to buy from them
by denying simple service bizzzre biz tactics

nb. and if they are really getting shafted by their distributor then the
should take out their frustration on the distributor
not piss me off tell no service unless you buy my over prices tires

/rant over