I don't think it's always a case of them being dumb, so much as it is of them just not caring. They just don't care. They get paid for their labor, they go home, who cares if it was done perfectly, or even right? Some people take pride in their work, others don't. I find places like Wal-Mart, Sears, Goodyear don't tend to attract employees who take pride in their work. But that's not always true ... my local Goodyear has been staffed by good people for as long as I can remember. The guy who used to own it was a real nice guy, and since he retired a couple years ago the place has basically upheld his standards (I think they've had the same manager for a long time). I still take my car to my MB-specialist indy for anything major, but I feel fine getting tires or an alignment at the Goodyear shop. I guess it helps that they're in a small (kind of upscale) town ... helps add a personal feel.

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)