Travis Jones encountered a harrowing highway emergency following a routine oil change at Canadian Tire, where plastic zip ties were used to secure a vital component of his car. This incident sparked a two-year struggle for answers. Immediately after leaving the Canadian Tire location in Clarenville, N.L., in May 2023, Jones noticed significant issues with his 2017 Honda Civic. The vehicle began shaking violently, emitting a loud noise, and struggled to reach highway speeds.
Jones returned to Canadian Tire and discovered that several bolts were missing from the engine splash shield, a protective plate typically removed during oil changes. Instead of replacing the bolts, the staff opted to use plastic zip ties to secure the shield without informing Jones initially. This revelation left him shocked and concerned about the safety of his vehicle.
Canadian Tire’s head office stated that its locations operate independently and based its response on information provided by the local dealer. The company explained that the missing bolts led to the metal shield coming off, necessitating a temporary fix due to the unavailability of replacement bolts at that location. However, Jones was unaware of the temporary nature of the solution until some zip ties failed while driving, resulting in a dangerous situation.
Auto safety experts, including certified mechanic Mark Whinton, criticized the use of zip ties for critical repairs, emphasizing the risks they pose to road safety. The incident highlighted concerns about service standards in repair shops and the qualifications of personnel working on vehicles.
Following months of communication, Canadian Tire offered to cover the cost of replacing the missing bolts at a Honda dealership, albeit with an upfront payment from Jones. However, he declined the offer due to financial constraints and a lack of trust in the company. Subsequent incidents involving snapped zip ties and a highway accident further underscored the dangers of improper repairs.
Jones expressed disappointment in Canadian Tire and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in vehicle servicing. The incident shed light on the common but inappropriate use of zip ties in critical car repairs, prompting calls for stricter regulations and improved service standards in the automotive industry.