The Hindu Business Line : Michelin at the forefront

MANY large tyre manufacturers have been researching and developing their own proprietary `run flat tyre' technologies. Michelin, the French tyre major, has pioneered two technologies — the PAX System and the Michelin ZP self-supporting tyre — that allow tyres to `run flat' after a puncture .

The PAX system, unlike the company's ZP self-supporting tyre technology, does not feature oversized sidewalls. The thin walls and optimised structure in the PAX system ensures that the rolling resistance is reduced and the car's emission, in turn, lower. Instead of the thicker tyre walls, the PAX system depends on other aids for zero air pressure performance.

The system has four components that create an integrated assembly. The tyre will not come off the rim as it is held on by an unseatable anchoring system rather than by inflation pressure (as is the case in traditional inflatable tyres).

The support ring inside the tyre cavity bears the vehicle's weight in the event of pressure loss. This enables the driver maintain vehicle control even at zero pressure. The ring itself is made of injected elastomer or polyurethane with reinforced layers.

The wheel, specially designed for the PAX system, is asymmetric, making it easier to insert the support ring to one side. The wheels are made of either aluminium or steel. The system also incorporates a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts the driver of any pressure loss. It consists of a sensor, an electronic control unit and an alarm system.

Michelin has developed various components of the PAX system technology in collaboration with DuPont and Bosch and in association with wheel manufacturers and vehicle makers.

Michelin's `run flat' ZP tyres are being used in the BMW Series 1 and Series 3, the Cadillac XLR and the Chrysler Viper. Some of the cars which have chosen the PAX system for certification and market application include the Bugatti 16/4 Veyron, the Audi A4 and A6, Honda Odyssey and Acura RL, Rolls Royce and the Nissan Quest.

Some of these luxury car brands are already available in India. More will be available soon and will feature the `run flat' technology.

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