Almost the exact same thing (as the original poster) happened to me. Picked up a nail and had a slow leak near the shoulder of the tire. Took it into LS to see about a patch. This wasn't my evo, but another AWD car and the tires have 75% life left in them. They said 1) they probably couldn't patch it, 2) if they checked it out (pulled the tire off the rim) and decided they couldn't patch it, they wouldn't remount it and 3) I had to buy 4 new tires (no measurement for tread depth vs a new tire or anything). All this on a car that I'm trying to sell.

I said thank you but NO THANK YOU, went to a different shop that was more commercial oriented. The staff there seemed to have LOTS more experience with tire repair and were not trying to sell me 4 new tires. They pulled the tire, patched it and I've had zero problems.

 

Caught in the act:
Les Schwab store pushed unneeded tires, wipers on customers, claims $15m suit



http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamasc...dered_emp.html

 

This is sad to hear. Back in the 80's and 90's Les Schwab was one of the best businesses out there.