Chevron

As with most things in life when traveling, it’s good to do your homework. We did and we stopped at the Chevron gas station in Three Rivers to rent tire chains, as the National Park Service required, even though the weather forecast (mid-​February) was for mild weather. The man at Chevron told us that we wouldn’t need chains that day because of the clement weather and said that he didn’t want to charge us for something that we didn’t need. What a pleasant surprise, especially given the comments on some Unilocal postings. Yes, the stores that rent them make money out of it – but they provide a service for visitors. You always have the option of buying your own tire chains before you leave home.

They hooked me up with some new chains here, and after showing me how to put them on and even tipping the guy, they forgot to tell me about and give me the bungees which I never knew about. After driving alllllllll the waaay up, and after putting my chains on, my chains went clanking along and were totally unusable. I went down to return them and by that time it was dark. I paid $ 40 and got a $ 5 discount, lol. At least I got something back. I guess I know better next time.

I never write a review, but WORST SERVICE EVER!!! Avoid this place!!! Tire Chain (NEVER RENT HERE). =WRONG SIZE/​BROKEN CHAIN/​OLD RUSTIC CHIAN
First, price is not only expensive but also, they give out wrong size/​or broken chain.
Second, even with wrong size pair they did not give Refund. (I ended up not being able to go up to mountain, wasted my day and $$$)
Third, Super Rude. worst service ever.
Never never go to this one. worst experience ever.

Tire Chains: TOTAL SCAM!!! If you plan on driving up into the park, do yourself a favor and buy cables or chains in advance.
If you fail to plan ahead — like we did — go anywhere but this Chevron for chains (there are at least 4 other places — check the list on the US Parks Service brochure). First, they price gauge you on the rental (you can buy a set for the same price or less). Then they give you rusty old chains that are likely broken (as other reviews here indicate), or they are the wrong size (which was the case for me).
Halfway up the mountain, I tried to install them but they were too big, and I was unable to secure the loose chain with the two old bungee chords they provided me with. They were so old and of poor quality that one of them snapped right in my hand.
When I drove back down the mountain, frustrated and bitterly disappointed that my family and I would not see the sights that day, I had to haggle with the owner of the Chevron for my refund! To top it off, he had the audacity to act offended that I broke one of his crummy bungee chords and he charged me $ 8.00 to replace it out of my refund.
Avoid this place! Don’t even stop here for gas: the Shell station just up the road has the same price.

Stopped by to check brakes on our way out of the park. Cory, the attendant was super helpful, friendly and awesome. Helped explain how and why brakes could overheat along with reassurance that we would be fine for the rest of the trip. Definitely the only pit stop between the park and a larger town in the nearby area.

The official last stop for gas before the park! Great people and fast service. Also the shop next door is closed on Monday but open on weekends. I think this is for the locals and tourist season. If your broke down Monday your out of luck!

If you’re heading into Sequoia/​Kings Canyon in the winter months and chains are required for your vehicle’s tires, there are at least three businesses in the Three Rivers area (that I know of) that will rent a set of chains for you. We got our tire chains here. (The other businesses are Totem Market and Kaweah General Store.)
Chevron charged us $ 20/​day (and that doesn’t mean a 24-​hour period, it means you have to return them that same day or pay for two days). So if you think there’s a chance you’ll want to use chains ever again, it might be cost effective to just buy them somewhere instead. You give them a deposit which is returned when you get back down the hill. And they show you how to put the chains on the tires.
I’m sure they make pretty good money each time a storm rolls in, but it’s fair. They are providing a good service, since you won’t be able to get chains once you’re inside the park. In fact, you won’t be able to get gas either, so you may as well fill that tank too.

Fuel up here, because you can’t get fuel in the park, and it’s going to be a long wiggly drive, with a decent ascent which is heavy on the gas.
Three Rivers is also your last option of accomodation with a roof over your head, for luxury loving lard asses.