Get it repaired.

Not by your local tyre fitting shop who can only do the simplest cold cure work, by a proper professional tyre repair workshops who will do it properly if it can be done.

Alternatively and if its not repairable at all have a quick ebay to see if you can find a used tyre to match the other three, you can't be the only person to have found themselves in this situation.

I've never heard of this before, and it sounds as if someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes - and failing. I'm sure that in an ideal world a 4x4 system works best with all tyres having the same depth of tread - and common sense suggests that it won't work well if some tyres are new, some well-worn - but I can't believe that you should have to jettison three newish tyres if the puncture can't be repaired. Does the car's handbook have anything to say on this?

if in doubt, ask an independent tyre dealer: people like Thamesview Tyres of Henley or Tyranis Tyres of Woodley, both local to me, will give you advice.

Edited by Avant on 07/09/2013 at 01:03

Did they sell you a spare with the car?

Was this message shared with you before you made your purchase - either by salesman or in the brochure?

Is the 4x4 system so weak it cannot cope?

How ecologically sound is a vehicle that needs 3 good tyres to be destroyed to keep them all even?

Excellence through technology indeed.

As an ex automotive engineer from a certain Midlands 4x4 manufacturer, I have to say that in my opinion, if what I read above is true and that the 4x4 system really is so sensitive it can't cope with one tyre (or two?) having different tread depth than the others, then that is a HUGE and MONUMENTAL engineering faux pas on Audis part.

I'd go so far as to say it makes the vehicle not fit for purpose (imo).

Another thing: it's usual for front and rear tyres to wear at different rates on most vehicles. Would this not be the case with a Q7? How does it cope with this difference?

You should raise merry hell with your dealer principle and ask to see official documentary evidence of this. And if true ask why you weren't warned about this situation prior to purchase. It isn't unusual to pick up a puncture in one tyre and to have to replace that tyre.

This story is either utterly bonkers or it's a wind up.

As Hamsafar says, I'm sure it's all in thre handbook.

RJE, would you have a moment to summarise for people's information what the handbook says? I'm guessing that it warns against a mixture of new and well-worn tyres, not what you've got.

I have just had my tyres replaced and have gone for the General Grabbers 295/35/21 from Market Tyres in Southend for £151.02 each Tel 01702 343165 good to find an independent that dosn't rip you off