WClark

I drive in New England (not Boston) and not during winter (snows on 16") but I do get stuck going over really bad patches of road on occasion including boiler plate temporary covers, temporary patches over water or sewer construction and failed road surfaces. Havent had a single incident relative to the wheels or tires (Michlein Pilot Sports). I bought mine on the strength of another A4 owner's recommendation regarding their light weight and very high strength.

I have to think your wheels must have been from a defective batch.

ATB

I have 45 series tires on a Civic and live in Jersey City (read: worst roads ever). I have found these wheels to be very durable. One scratch from a tech that does not know how to use an impact wrench and one from running over a very large rock.