Travis Jones recounts a harrowing experience following a routine oil change at Canadian Tire that turned into a distressing highway ordeal due to the improper use of plastic zip ties to secure a crucial component of his vehicle. This incident sparked a prolonged quest for clarification lasting two years.
After leaving the Canadian Tire outlet in Clarenville, N.L., in May 2023, Jones immediately sensed issues with his 2017 Honda Civic. The car exhibited severe shaking, emitted a loud noise, and struggled to attain highway speeds, prompting Jones to describe the sensation as if the vehicle was being pulled backwards. Concerned for his safety and that of other motorists, with a transport truck tailing him, Jones returned promptly to the Canadian Tire establishment.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that several bolts were absent from the engine splash shield, a protective panel shielding delicate components beneath the vehicle typically removed during oil changes. While some shields are plastic, Jones’s was metallic, likely dragging beneath the car. Instead of replacing the missing bolts, the staff opted to secure the shield using plastic zip ties. Jones was taken aback by this revelation, as he was not informed of this makeshift fix until he inquired about the repair.
Canadian Tire’s corporate office clarified that individual locations are independently operated and based their response solely on information provided by the local dealer, who referred all queries to headquarters. The company explained that the missing bolts led to the shield detachment, a common occurrence with repeated removals during routine maintenance, and as they lacked the appropriate replacement bolts, they improvised with a temporary solution using zip ties.
Jones, taken aback by the revelation that the fix was temporary and potentially hazardous, experienced a subsequent incident when some zip ties failed at high speeds, resulting in a dangerous situation. Auto safety experts emphasized that such incorrect repairs pose significant risks to road users and underscored the importance of proper repair practices in garages.
Jones eventually received an offer from Canadian Tire to cover the cost of replacing the missing bolts at a Honda dealership, albeit with an upfront payment exceeding $400 and potential reimbursement. However, Jones declined the offer due to financial constraints and a lack of trust in the company’s commitment to rectifying the situation. Subsequent incidents, including another zip tie failure leading to a vehicular mishap, further exacerbated the situation.
The incident prompted Jones to question Canadian Tire’s choice of using plastic zip ties for critical components, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in repair practices. Auto safety experts highlighted the necessity of proper repair procedures and qualifications of personnel working on vehicles to ensure public safety.
Despite Canadian Tire’s efforts to address the issue, Jones remains dissatisfied and physically and emotionally affected by the ordeal, prompting him to temporarily remove the protective shield until a proper repair can be undertaken. Jones expressed disappointment in Canadian Tire’s service, stating a loss of trust in the brand due to the incident.