Michelin PAX System
Here’s why PAX System is so revolutionary
| Greater Safety and Freedom A PAX System tire is designed to never separate from the rim, even with a sudden flat at high speeds under normal driving conditions. The inner support ring also offers exceptional maneuverability and control in a case of rapid air loss. |
| Peak Performance A PAX System tire has a shorter, more flexible sidewall than a traditional tire. That means less tire roll, better road grip and more responsive control. |
| A Greener Tomorrow PAX System tires offer an exceptional level of fuel economy compared to traditional tires. We’ve reduced the amount of energy it takes for these tires to move a vehicle forward. They also virtually eliminate the need for spare tires. |
And, like all Michelin® tires, PAX System tires:
- Provide excellent treadwear for long life
- Are repairable if punctured in the tread area
- Have a reusable support ring
What is PAX System®?
| PAX System® is an innovative tire and wheel assembly consisting of four components: tire, support ring, wheel, and tire pressure monitoring system. It is a breakthrough run-flat technology designed to, first, help keep you safe by offering you added protection from the dangers of a blowout and changing a tire on the road, and second, make driving more convenient by lessening the hassles and delays of a flat tire. The most fundamental difference between PAX System and traditional tire and wheel assemblies is that a PAX System tire is designed to not separate from the rim, even with the occurrence of a sudden flat at high speed under normal driving conditions. The inner support ring also offers exceptional maneuverability and control in the event of a blowout. And, should a flat occur, PAX System allows for the vehicle to be driven up to 125 miles at 55 mph. |
How will a driver know if there is a flat with PAX System?
Direct measurement tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) measure the temperature and pressure of each tire at regular intervals. The sensors transfer information to an electronic control unit that warns a driver in real time via a dashboard display of any pressure loss in each tire.
How far can a PAX System-equipped vehicle be driven with a flat?
PAX System is designed to allow a vehicle, under normal operating conditions, to be driven safely with a flat tire up to 125 miles at speeds no higher than 55 mph. Driving within those parameters should allow the tire to be repaired and returned to service.
Can consumers replace PAX System with another tire-wheel assembly if they desire?
PAX System-equipped vehicles are specifically designed and tuned to feature PAX System, so it is not recommended to replace PAX System with another tire-wheel assembly. In fact, such a change may void the vehicle's warranty, even if the tire-wheel assembly is only substituted for a short time.
What type of treadwear can a driver expect with PAX System tires?
PAX System tires should provide treadlife comparable to a corresponding traditional Michelin® tire.
Are there PAX System winter tires?
Yes, PAX System winter sizes are available for PAX-equipped vehicles.
Where are the Michelin® PAX System® assemblies manufactured?
PAX System is a tire-and-wheel system, and different components are manufactured by different companies. PAX System wheels are produced by Hitachi, Topy, and others. PAX System tires are manufactured by Michelin, while the support ring is supplied to Michelin by Dow Automotive. Michelin assembles the components for each system at its facilities.
How long has PAX System been on the market?
Michelin PAX System was introduced in 1998 as a completely new approach to the challenge of continued mobility.
Which cars have Michelin PAX System on them?
There are five total production vehicles that feature Michelin PAX System, including the 2005 Honda Odyssey (Touring model.) Other production vehicles with PAX System are:
- Renault Scenic models in Europe -- introduced in February 2002
- Audi A8 in Europe -- introduced in November 2002
- Rolls Royce Phantom -- introduced in January 2003
- Audi A4 in Europe -- introduced in September 2004
- Honda Odyssey -- introduced in September 2004
How is PAX System different from conventional run-flat tires?
Conventional run-flat tires compromise ride quality because they rely on a low profile and stiff sidewalls to shoulder the load when air pressure is lost. Thanks to the support ring, PAX System can adopt a low profile - which is ideal for excellent handling - while maintaining more flexible sidewalls; this is the key to a comfortable ride under normal driving conditions.
How is PAX System more environmentally friendly than a traditional tire and wheel system?
Placing importance on creating environmentally responsible products has always been a priority at Michelin. PAX System is no exception. PAX System tires
- Offer a superior level of fuel economy, thanks to reduced rolling resistance
- Provide excellent tread wear for longer life
- Are repairable if punctured in the tread area and have a reusable support ring
- Eliminate the need for a spare tire
Is there a significant weight penalty with PAX System?
Weights will vary depending on model and depending on size of wheel and tire. In general, four PAX System assemblies are equal to the weight of 4.7 standard tire-wheel assemblies. PAX System eliminates the need for a spare tire and/or wheel, which makes the overall weight of PAX System assemblies virtually equal to that of standard tire/wheel assemblies.