Traffic is at its peak at Quebec’s auto mechanic shops. It takes up to three weeks to get an appointment for tire replacement at some garages in the Capitale-Nationale region, for example.
The Desharnais tire and mechanics garage in Quebec was running at full speed on Saturday morning.
Dozens of customers lined up to hope to have a place by leaving their car there for a few hours.
The removal of winter tires has been allowed since March 15 in Quebec.
This past week, people broke us. We should think about making our appointment in advance or having the flexibility to leave the vehiclesaid the vice-president of Desharnais tires and garage mechanics, Mélanie Desharnais.
Clients have to wait approximately three weeks for an appointment at a set time.
I made my appointment in March […] to make sure I have my placereported a customer.
Another needs to wake up early: I was 6:45 this morning. There were already six, seven people ahead. Pick up early if you want a walk-in!
Supply chain
Getting new tires also requires planning ahead as supply chains slow down.
The problem creates unsatisfactory situations for some types of sometimes more luxurious vehicles with slightly more specific dimensions. We will have little choice. In this case, it is necessary to take a slight advancesaid Ms. Desharnais.
Prices have also risen for most models.
Rising fuel prices and transportation costs, the labor shortage and the slowdown caused by the pandemic are all factors responsible for this increase.
Source: Radio-Canada