Self-inflating tires almost ready for real-world tests, says Goodyear

[ysa002]

Last year, leading tire manufacturer Goodyear received a $1.5 million grant, according to AutoBlog, to develop self-inflating tires from the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology. The potential benefits are self-explanatory; fewer flat tires and under-inflated tires diminish fuel economy.

They would be great for anyone but, Goodyear is more concerned with semi-truck drivers. The tires, fitted with Goodyear’s proprietary “Air Maintenance Technology,” could be a serious boon to the trucking industry. They work by an internal regulator and pump. When the tire senses under-inflation, the regulator opens, pumping air in until the tire reaches the correct pressure.

[mngolfer]

Just think what this would do to your tires at the track.

[R8onADV1s]

sounds heavy. Would be sweet on a daily driver though.

[Simpleman]

Didn't the Hummer have self-inflated tyres a decade ago?