jailbird

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/23962/flat_tire_-_small.jpg"></center><p>I got a flat tire the other night. It was dark, cold and I was on a first date. Just perfect. I guess it was a great opportunity for me to demonstrate my manliness. This worked until I couldn't get the wheel off (yes, I had removed the bolts; the wheel just wouldn't come off).

The Audi Assistance guy had to use a mallet. This dented the inside of the wheel a bit. I will mention it to Audi and/or the dealership but should I be worried about the wheel?

Also, from what I've read here, it seems I should instruct whoever will repair the tire to patch it from the inside rather than plug it. Is this correct? What should I expect to pay for this?

The puncture is in the tread, not the sidewall. Based on the pic above, do you think I should be worried about the tire's speed rating assuming it's properly repaired?

The TT-East part is that I just made a reservation. I can't wait to go!

Thanks,
Olivier

Bluto

Sears, $20 they'll know how to do it the right way...

Merou

Also, I heard you tried to call Axel Assistance before you tried to call Audi Assistance! ;-)

jailbird

Thank you

Bluto

of the girl not the car ;-p

Merou

I do - he he he :-)

YosemyTT

They did for me, even though I had not purchased the tire from them. They did patch from the inside and it lasted as long as the other tires did.

Good news on the TTE booking :-)

JES TT

That I had weakened the side wall and could suffer a blow out if the pressure ever got low again.

I actually had to argue with the tech's a bit as the first monkey had a fit and said that he would not work on it. His excuse was that the screw that was stuck in the middle was at an odd angle and they could not patch it, it would not work. He also pointed out the wear on the side wall from driving on it. So a manager assigned a somewhat normal tech to check over my puncture and he fixed it. He explained what the problem was and said that it would be smart to just replace the tire and be done with it.

The main problem I was having was they did not have a tire in stock for a free replacement and said that there was no way I could get the same wheel. SO they were suggesting I purchase 4 new, that they did have in stock. I felt like I was cornered and about to be taken for a ride.

So I got a bit antsy made them patch it, then hit Tirerack.com at home and a day later, I have a replacement, which I will toss on this weekend. Should a puncture happen again, I have the plugged one, with the weak side wall, to use.

Not sure how I feel about this advice they gave me. These tires are all of 4 months old.. some 5K miles on them.... and the tire was not completely flat. So was the tech right on with his information that I could Blow the tire at any speed and crash.???

Under the circumstances... $150 is worth piece of mind and you really can't argue too much about spending cash ($150) when your driving an expensive car like the TT.

:-o

YosemyTT

tricked into buying 4 new tires.

jailbird

LOL