Goodyear developing new self-inflating tire system

GoodyearGoodyear Tire & Rubber Company is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers and is currently developing a new system that will help tires inflate themselves in the event of low tire pressure. The system is called Air Maintenance Technology or AMT and is completely self-contained, meaning there is no need for any external equipment.

“While the technology is complex, the idea behind the AMT system is relatively simple and powered by the tire itself as it rolls down the road,” said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technical officer.

This technology is to help drivers make sure that their tires are inflated properly because improperly inflated tires can pose a threat primarily to safety, performance and fuel economy.

“A tire that can maintain its own inflation is something drivers have wanted for many years. Goodyear has taken on this challenge and the progress we have made is very encouraging,” said Kihn. “This will become the kind of technological breakthrough that people will wonder how they ever lived without.”

Goodyear didn’t announce when the AMT system and its technology would start finding their way into vehicles as they are still deep in the research and development stages. But to make sure that the program is well funded, the US Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technology announced that they will provide a $1.5 million research grant to Goodyear.

“While similar in concept, there are significant differences in AMT systems for consumer and commercial tires,” said Kihn. “The tangible support from both the U.S. and Luxembourg governments underscores the value of these projects and the many positive benefits they can provide drivers around the world.”

– By: Chris Chin

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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