1. Wireless tire pressure-monitoring system embedded inside the wheel.
2. Alloy wheel with built-in rubber wedge that holds the tire.
3. Internal, hard rubber ring supports the vehicle load in case of pressure loss.
4. Flat sidewall decreases rolling resistance.
5. Steel-belted radial tire, anchored to the rim mechanically. CLERMONT-FERRAND, FRANCE – Is it time to say goodbye to the flat tire? Although run-flat tires are nothing new, Michelin believes it has taken the next step to virtually eliminating the need for a spare. Presently available in Europe on the Renault Scenic and Audi A8, the PAX system will be available in North America on the 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom. In addition, Michelin plans to expand to markets around the world through partnerships it has developed with Pirelli, Goodyear and Sumitomo Rubber Industries.Introduced in 1998, the PAX system allows a vehicle to continue to operate after a tire pressure loss – such as a puncture – at speeds up to 55 mph (80 km/h) for up to 125 miles (200 km). In addition, Michelin maintains that the tire cannot come off the rim during operation, enhancing its safety features. Motorists will no longer have to fear being stranded in high-traffic, dangerous or isolated areas; they can simply drive to the nearest authorized service dealer.
The integrated tire/wheel assembly consists of: A specific steel-belted radial tire, which is not anchored to the rim by air pressure, as in traditional tires, but mechanically. The tire’s sidewall is flat, providing another advantage: Michelin says that this aerodynamic improvement cuts rolling resistance by 12 percent.An internal, hard rubber support ring inside the tire. In the event of an air pressure loss, this ring supports the vehicle load and provides tread contact to maintain proper handling of the vehicle.A specific alloy wheel, which is available in multiple diameters and with different seats. The tire is held to the rim by a built-in rubber wedge. Applying additional torque, such as from sudden braking, actually tightens the seal, says the tire maker.A tire pressure-monitoring system, which will alert the driver of any abnormal loss of pressure, which is critical because a driver may not always be aware of the pressure loss. Embedding the 1.27-ounce wireless transmitter inside the wheel provided design engineers with its own special challenge: To prevent the unit from warping the rim, the tire was built lopsided. The side directly opposite the transmitter has exactly 1.27 ounces less metal.Because this tire system is part of the overall vehicle design, the PAX system won’t be available as an aftermarket upgrade.However, there will be a need for service, and PAX has some special considerations. Service dealers must have the proper equipment and attend special training, which lasts about a half of a day, to be considered authorized repair facilities. Special equipment is required, too, but Michelin says that accessories to retrofit existing tire fitting/dismounting units are available through specialized dealers.Learn more about the PAX system at www.paxsystem.com.
– Angie Kilbourne, MA Staff
2. Alloy wheel with built-in rubber wedge that holds the tire.
3. Internal, hard rubber ring supports the vehicle load in case of pressure loss.
4. Flat sidewall decreases rolling resistance.
5. Steel-belted radial tire, anchored to the rim mechanically. CLERMONT-FERRAND, FRANCE – Is it time to say goodbye to the flat tire? Although run-flat tires are nothing new, Michelin believes it has taken the next step to virtually eliminating the need for a spare. Presently available in Europe on the Renault Scenic and Audi A8, the PAX system will be available in North America on the 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom. In addition, Michelin plans to expand to markets around the world through partnerships it has developed with Pirelli, Goodyear and Sumitomo Rubber Industries.Introduced in 1998, the PAX system allows a vehicle to continue to operate after a tire pressure loss – such as a puncture – at speeds up to 55 mph (80 km/h) for up to 125 miles (200 km). In addition, Michelin maintains that the tire cannot come off the rim during operation, enhancing its safety features. Motorists will no longer have to fear being stranded in high-traffic, dangerous or isolated areas; they can simply drive to the nearest authorized service dealer.
The integrated tire/wheel assembly consists of: A specific steel-belted radial tire, which is not anchored to the rim by air pressure, as in traditional tires, but mechanically. The tire’s sidewall is flat, providing another advantage: Michelin says that this aerodynamic improvement cuts rolling resistance by 12 percent.An internal, hard rubber support ring inside the tire. In the event of an air pressure loss, this ring supports the vehicle load and provides tread contact to maintain proper handling of the vehicle.A specific alloy wheel, which is available in multiple diameters and with different seats. The tire is held to the rim by a built-in rubber wedge. Applying additional torque, such as from sudden braking, actually tightens the seal, says the tire maker.A tire pressure-monitoring system, which will alert the driver of any abnormal loss of pressure, which is critical because a driver may not always be aware of the pressure loss. Embedding the 1.27-ounce wireless transmitter inside the wheel provided design engineers with its own special challenge: To prevent the unit from warping the rim, the tire was built lopsided. The side directly opposite the transmitter has exactly 1.27 ounces less metal.Because this tire system is part of the overall vehicle design, the PAX system won’t be available as an aftermarket upgrade.However, there will be a need for service, and PAX has some special considerations. Service dealers must have the proper equipment and attend special training, which lasts about a half of a day, to be considered authorized repair facilities. Special equipment is required, too, but Michelin says that accessories to retrofit existing tire fitting/dismounting units are available through specialized dealers.Learn more about the PAX system at www.paxsystem.com.
– Angie Kilbourne, MA Staff
