After reading recent Q&As I contacted my local Volkswagen garage to make a claim for rust bubbling through on both front wing wheel arches. In the HJ advice column, this was reported to be very likely due to moisture trapping by the foam damping pads used inside the wheel arches.

My 2004 Passat was 10 years old when I started the claim at the end of last year, so it should still be covered by the 12 year rust warranty.

Initially Volkswagen UK refused my claim, but after some further discussion, the claim was honoured. I now have two nice new front wings on my Passat, thanks to your advice and also Volkswagen UK customer services who supported my claim.

BTW - this is the Volkswagen Passat that I bought on HJ recommendation in 2007. This 1.9 TDi is still going strong. Now that we have the new wings on it, we will keep it going for a while longer.