With 33,000 miles on the vehicle: The standard alloy wheels corrode to the wheel hub over a period of 4 months. If the wheel is needed to be removed e.g. flat tire or change from winter wheels, it will not come off with normal tools and conditions. The car must be elevated on a lift and the wheel pounded with extreme brute force to remove it. This has happened twice to me. I find it extremely unsafe that a flat tire can't be replaced without having a tow truck take the car to a shop--just to remove the wheel. The Audi technician says that if I use brake anti-seize product on the wheel/hub junction it may prevent it. [my question is "why didn't they apply this if they already knew it was needed].

- Akron, OH, USA

2003 Audi A4. Had a flat tire and I called insurance company. They sent a technician to change tire and tire would not come off the wheel. Had to get under vehicle and kick the tire to get it to come off. Then I took the vehicle to the dealership to get the tires taken off, get surfaces cleaned, and tires rotated. The tires are pirelli, P235/45 R17, and were on vehicle when purchased. The tire pressure that manufacturer recommended was 32. The problem with my vehicle was when the lug nuts were removed the wheel would not come off. This was the first time had to change tires since owning the vehicle. Updated 12/12/2007

- Croton, NY, USA