Goodyear announces self-inflating tires AKRON, OHIO (BDCi) — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced a new self-inflating tire technology that would automatically maintain a tire’s air pressure. The company is experimenting with what it calls Air Maintenance Technology (AMT), which will enable tires to remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for any external pumps or electronics. All the components to maintain optimal pressure, including pumps, valves, and sensors, would be contained within the tire and result in a better fuel economy, longer tire life and improved safety. The company said Thursday that it has a $1.5-million grant from the Department of Energy to launch a demonstration of the system in commercial truck tires. Tire pressure is one of the most important checks you need to make on your vehicle. A recent survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that only 15 percent of drivers say they know how to correctly check tire pressure.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under-inflated tires contribute to more than 600 highway fatalities and 33,000 thousand injuries each year. They also waste 1.2 billion gallons of fuel gas annually.
By: Adrianna Lobo Source: Los Angeles Times August 13, 2011
11:45 a.m. PDT