I had low tire pressure on Driver's side rear tire. Before I could check for a leak or nail, tire flattened completely, pulling away from the rim cutting the sidewall.. This happened late on a Saturday night. I had to call AAA to tow me to my home, then call them again Sunday AM to tow me to the local Pep Boys to get 2 new tires. After removing the bad tire, the manager showed me that the chrome plating on that wheel was peeling off and created a rough surface the tubeless tire could not seal to properly. The other wheel was similarly affected not not as bad. They explained that was why I was losing air from that tire and it made sense. They ground down the rough surface sufficiently to be able to create a better surface for the tire to seal to and installed the new tires. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR but the first time, nobody explained or showed me the damaged wheel surface that was the cause of the air leak.

It seems to me that the chrome plating on the wheels should be something that does not deteriorate on a car that has only 60,000 miles on it and has been garage-sheltered since day one. Has anyone else had a similar problem with unexplained lose of tire pressure, tire flattening suddenly and pulling away from the wheel, etc? I think this indicates a manufacturer's defect and the wheels should be replaced and owner compensated for having to replace tires sooner than would normally be necessary! Please----anyone with similar problem----contact me. Thanks!