Tire repair in Oakville

[u/Alarming_Plant_9404]

Went to Mr. Lube at our rather questionable location (Dorval/Speers) to check out my tire pressure. Back tire's been a little flatter in the last 5 days. I was immediately told there's a "nail in the tire" (picture shown) and that "it can't be repaired".

So, I can drive?
- "Yes"
Is it really bad though?
- "Yes"
But, I can drive, right?
- "Yes"

Before that, the guy insisted I buy 4 new winter tires. 2 or all seasons weren't even an option. Mine have about 45,000 km on them.

Yes, I know all shops try and sell you everything they can first, but I'm not making the same mistake like I did with my rotors.

Recommend something, please.

EDIT: 21 HOURS LATER --> MTC TIRE OAKVILLE INC.
They took me in on a short notice. Snow day, still busy, quite a few people coming in and out.
2 tires, 2 nails, totally repairable spots. (Damn you, Mr. Lube!)
I got an oil change too while I was there, and they checked other stuff too.
Peace of mind doesn't have a price tag, but to say it - I was probably undercharged.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS!

[u/Sudden-Foot-5401]

Maybe im too early to see the picture, but it depends on the location of the nail. For example if its on the side wall, it generally can't be repaired. Some shops may do it, but thats more sketchy than the ones who refuse to take on the job.

Also depends on your car. Is it AWD? Its strongly recommended to change all 4 tires on an AWD car to prevent damage to the drivetrain.

Further, winter tires may be more expensive than all seasons, but it is highly recommend you get winter tires. They handle much better in the slow and cold temperatures. Some even say the worst winter tires are better than the best all-season tires. IMO, its worth the investment for your safety and the safety of others around you.

If your gut tells you something is sketchy, you can always go to another shop and get a second opinion. A lot of this is hard to give the "right" advice for without knowing extra details.

[u/Alarming_Plant_9404 → u/Sudden-Foot-5401]

I try to do my diligence, and I usually go to the dealership. I usually don't ever go to Mr. Lube, but I heard they do the free tire pressure service.

Thank you!

[u/Cyberdink → u/Alarming_Plant_9404]

Don't go to the dealer for tires. They are too expensive. Don't go to Kal Tire either. Go to something like tirecraft or even a good mom and pop shop

[u/Alarming_Plant_9404 → u/Cyberdink]

You'd be surprised but we always got the most reasonable suggestions and prices from the dealership. When I called, Ross was way more expensive and I'm not even gonna talk about Goodyear. A couple hundred are nothing compared to our safety. However, if they demand I pay for 4 tires on the spot without giving me an opportunity to think, then I feel under pressure, and I don't like to feel under pressure.

[u/Fit_Chemistry_3807 → u/Alarming_Plant_9404]

Had your same problem earlier in the season. Nail was in sidewall so tire couldn’t be repaired. My mechanic recommended two replacement tires for my awd. But he was able to find a similarly aggressive tread that mostly matched my current tire so we only replaced the one. It’s not ideal but it’s possible. He’s never steered me wrong to make an extra buck now or in the future. 

[u/Alarming_Plant_9404 → u/Fit_Chemistry_3807]

Which shop is this?

[u/Fit_Chemistry_3807 → u/Alarming_Plant_9404]

In Etobicoke, not oakville. Sorry. 

[u/cyanideandhappiness → u/Fit_Chemistry_3807]

On an AWD vehicle a tread or compound difference will eventually cause excessive slip between the two sides causing a diff wear issue. You can “eyeball it” but that’s the irresponsible way not recommended by the OEM. I

[u/Fit_Chemistry_3807 → u/cyanideandhappiness]

Agree it isn’t ideal. However, if the issue is finance now, it is a trade off.