I bought some new tires from the guy in town (almost across the street from Flaca's fruit place) to support the locals. I don't know if I got a good deal or not price wise but he came to get the car, put the tires on and brought it back. From a lazy sinner's perspective that is a good deal. Problem is he doesn't balance the tires (to keep them from wobbling at highway speeds). So that went on the list to do.
Today in Melaque I checked the usual places, the place on the right between the dolphins and the Jardin, they have been redoing the road there for the past few months! I have no idea how the businesses there survive that but its almost done. Then there is the place across the street from Ferra Pacifico, it was abut 8:45 am, not a soul around.
I was at the turnoff near the Pemex to head home and thought I would try the tire place I had seen about 300 meters North of there. I pull up and there is a guy sitting there with just enough space for one car. I ask if he can balance my tires, he says yes, I ask, spin balance? he says yes. I ask how much? He says $120 pesos per tire. I ask how long it will take, he says about 40 minutes.
So I leave the car there and walk to the King of the Road restaurant, which is directly across the street from the old Pemex. They have excellent Huevos Rancheros and the thick hand made tortillas.
After about 30 minutes I walk back. There is one guy who is trying to put the left front tire on using his feet while on the cell phone at the same time. I ask how many tires have they done? The guy says 2 but that it won't take long to do the other two. He says your tires were really out of balance, the steering wheel must have been shaking. I confirm yes. Nice guy, rustic place, pure Mexico, relaxed, a balance of fun with work. I love it, which is why I am telling this story (sorry no photos).
So I'm watching as they kinda hit "high" gear to do the other two tires. The guy uses a towel between his pants and the tire when he is putting the tire on the balancing machine to keep his clothes clean (unusual), then takes off any old balancing weights. The machine doesn't spin the tire (like I have see it do in the states) he just puts the tire on it, picks the rocks out of the treads and turns it (not even a full revolution) a bit, put some weights on it (or not) then puts it back on the car.
I took about 15 minutes to do the last two tires. Its pretty common knowledge here that if you want them to work on your car you have to sit there while they do it. Out of sight (like my going to breakfast) out of mind.
How did the car drive? Perfect.
Life is good.
Re: Spin balancing
Posted by Beccistarr on September 20, 2023, 2:13 am, in reply to "Spin balancing"
Love the story Daniel…happy ending.
Re: Spin balancing
Posted by Pablo on September 20, 2023, 6:34 am, in reply to "Re: Spin balancing"
I concur, Becci. A great story, Daniel - so typically and delightfully Mexican. The Tale of the Balanced Breakfast?
Re: Spin balancing
Posted by Mary Burns on September 20, 2023, 7:19 am, in reply to "Re: Spin balancing"
What a great story!
Re: Spin balancing
Posted by Dhyana Bartkow on September 20, 2023, 12:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Spin balancing"
Yes, warms my heart and reminds me why I keep coming back. Thank you
Re: Spin balancing
Posted by Brad on September 20, 2023, 2:59 pm, in reply to "Spin balancing"
Always enjoy reading your posts Daniel … this one was so Mexico and took me bacnk in an instant .. yes you are truly balanced and in harmony with the amazing place and people