I have a nail in my right front tire that they're telling me cannot be repaired as it is in the outside tread line. They're also telling me that because I have all wheel drive, that I must replace all 4 tires.
Is this true?

2023 CX50

 

Technically it is sort of correct. But it depends on the tires condition, wear patterns and miles of use etc. There is no Law in CA however some shop because of how they read their shops insurance policies may stick by that recommendation. I suggest telling them you only want a single tire purchase or go to another shop. There are a few independent tire shops in your area that will sell mount and balance a single tire. Also NAPA , Vallejo and definitely Sacramento and surrounding cities and towns!

 

I am no expert other than 6 decades of life BUT, I think that they are yanking your chain because you are a woman (I assume). On the inside of a tire, there is no difference between the tread area and the sidewall. They should be able to patch the inside of the tire.

 

Really sex has nothing to do with it if it were in Winters CA.
Repairing a tire is a whole different matter and unless you have done the service and understand the ramification of repairing a tire that is questionable, I would not assume anything unless there is at least a picture posted. And even if it were questionable a tire service for repairing is more or less up to the shop.

I might say get up to date on how tires are constructed and produced to understand that anything close to the side wall construction on the inside of the tire (this is not the 70's 80's with recapped tires ) can and often causes damage that you can't always see without removing the tire from the wheel. And even then, it can be questionable when close to any of the many belts.

The other factor which is not known is the age of the tire and other wear factors>

My recommendation to a customer for any repair if it is in a safe area of the tire and not so close of a call to plug the tire if you can afford a new one at that time and get it replaced ASAP or in less than 100 miles of service. Keep the max speeds reduced to 55-60 MPH and stay out of adverse driving and weather conditions until a new tire is installed.

They would also be signing a release of liability service invoice for the repair.

 

Mazda Australia ( my market ) instructs us to replace all 4 tyres at the same time on a AWD Mazda. Their reasoning is damage can be done to the PTO ( power take off ) aka transfer case by uneven tyre diameters.