Onboard tire inflation system a future feature
Keeping your tires inflated helps prevent rollovers, and it can improve fuel economy by 10% or more. The problem is, most people are either too lazy or too stupid to keep their tires properly filled, so technology has to step up to do our bidding for us. Tire pressure monitoring is to be standard fare on all vehicles sold in the US in 2008, but that may not be enough. The folks over at MAXAIR want to take monitoring to the next level with their patented ATMI (Automatic Tire Monitoring & Inflation) system. If your vehicle is equipped with this technology, an on-board compressor will keep your tires inflated so you'll never have to get your hands dirty at that nasty gas station fill-up again. Even more, your gas mileage will improve and the life of your tires will be extended. The price? MAXAIR plans on charging OEMs a reasonable $200 per vehicle, and we'll probably have to pony up double that number.
We don't know about you, but we think it's worth it. If you keep the vehicle for three years, between better fuel economy, improved safety, and prolonged tire life, we think you'd easily break even. What do you think?
[Source: Winding Road]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
enc0re 8:38AM (6/15/2007)
I would gladly pay $400 not only for the benefits mentioned in the article but also to be able to adjust tire pressure on the fly.
Deep snow in the driveway -> take out 5 psi.
Roads clear -> back in goes the air.
I imagine off-roaders would go crazy over this stuff.
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jg3 8:39AM (6/15/2007)
Sounds like an absolute bargain.
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rrr 8:52AM (6/15/2007)
WOW would you look at that. An easy way to get 10% in MPG...and you do not even have to spend millions of dollars on lobbying congress to stop all increases in MPGs. A lesson for all those Ivy League MBAs....i.e. Rick "The Prick" Wagoner.
But more to the point, Bob Lutz said that automakers have used all easy ways to increase fuel economy...i bet a few more features of this sort that in total will cost a total of 1 G can probably give a full size SUV MPG of a lasge sedan....and small cars can start getting Priuesque fuel exonomy AND still be much cheaper. And that is how one car company should fight another...not go to congress and Bush and ask them to remove all Hybrid tax breaks once the sales top 60,000 units a year.
By the way...what is that white, milk like substance on Senator Levins's lip?
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rrr 8:53AM (6/15/2007)
WOW would you look at that. An easy way to get 10% in MPG...and you do not even have to spend millions of dollars on lobbying congress to stop all increases in MPGs. A lesson for all those Ivy League MBAs....i.e. Rick "The Prick" Wagoner.
But more to the point, Bob Lutz said that automakers have used all easy ways to increase fuel economy...i bet a few more features of this sort that in total will cost a total of 1 G can probably give a full size SUV MPG of a lasge sedan....and small cars can start getting Priuesque fuel exonomy AND still be much cheaper. And that is how one car company should fight another...not go to congress and Bush and ask them to remove all Hybrid tax breaks once the sales top 60,000 units a year.
By the way...what is that white, milk like substance on Senator Levins's lip?
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rrr 8:48AM (6/15/2007)
WOW would you look at that. An easy way to get 10% in MPG...and you do not even have to spend millions of dollars on lobbying congress to stop all increases in MPGs. A lesson for all those Ivy League MBAs....i.e. Rick "The Prick" Wagoner.
But more to the point, Bob Lutz said that automakers have used all easy ways to increase fuel economy...i bet a few more features of this sort that in total will cost a total of 1 G can probably give a full size SUV MPG of a lasge sedan....and small cars can start getting Priuesque fuel exonomy AND still be much cheaper. And that is how one car company should fight another...not go to congress and Bush and ask them to remove all Hybrid tax breaks once the sales top 60,000 units a year.
By the way...what is that white, milk like substance on Senator Levins's lip?
Reply
rrr 8:55AM (6/15/2007)
Sorry about that, bad internet connection.
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takamaru 11:16AM (6/15/2007)
Count me in!
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CT-Jake 9:02AM (6/15/2007)
I've been hoping for this ever since I had both my hips replaced! Having been a bit obsessive about tire pressure, I'm finding it more difficult to keep up as I age. I can readily attest to increase mileage and reduced tire wear. I regularly get an extra 15-20,000 miles on my tires over their rated miles. Bring it on! Jake
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Luke 9:00AM (6/15/2007)
The Hummer had this feature way back in '94 (before it was ever called the H1.) I could take the tire pressure way down for driving on sand, and then reinflate on the go. Miss that big diesel, too.
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geo.stewart 9:01AM (6/15/2007)
what's the weight?
Everytime you add something to a vehicle weight (airbags, soundproofing, 8cyl vs 6 cyl,20" wheels instead of 17",...) you decrease the fuel mileage, especially with unsprung weight at the wheels.
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Phil L. 9:13AM (6/15/2007)
I just looked at Maxair's web site.
The system appears to involve axle-based air lines. Which means significant modifications to add it to an existing vehicle that wasn't designed with this in mind. It may be possible for Maxair to sell their basic system components to OEMs for $200 - but take a look at their CAD drawings here:
http://www.maxairatmi.com/ATMIsystem.htm
Want it on your current car? Start thinking in terms of thousands of dollars...
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Matt 9:22AM (6/15/2007)
I'm too lazy AND too stupid.
But really, I drive so often as to require an oil change every 4-6 weeks, and in my experience my tire pressure maintains itself until the dealership can level it off during those intervals.
Is that so uncommon?
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Shifthead 11:23AM (6/15/2007)
Count me in
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a54 9:39AM (6/15/2007)
Tire pressure monitoring systems and tire inflation systems mean more expense passed on to the consumer.
The TPM system already requires special -read expensive- equipment to remove a tire from the rim to prevent damaging the sensor. If you are on a trip out in the boonies, you may have to have your car towed 100 miles to find a shop with the correct equipment to change your tire.
These tire inflation/monitoring systems should be optional, not mandated. Otherwise, the consumer will be in for a big surprise when they get a flat tire.
Don't get me started about run-flats either.
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judy 6:49AM (6/19/2007)
Stay tune for the Maxair ATMI (automatic tire monitoring and inflation) system to be on YOU TUBE soon. You will see that you can put any tire you like on your vehicle without any thing additional needed.
Clinton 9:45AM (6/15/2007)
It looks like aftermarket wheels would be out of the question for awhile.
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Chris 9:49AM (6/15/2007)
I think this is great and would pay for the option on a new car. I don't think I'd be adding it to something I already own, but that's what happens nowadays.
This system combined with sensors for temperature and weather conditions would make automating the safety of the vehicle much easier.
It'll continue to be a great idea until some politician thinks they can make a name for themselves and try and mandate it.
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Solo Racer 10:56AM (6/15/2007)
While the system components might cost the automaker $200, the cost of special axles, hubs and wheels needs to be considered. That will make the sticker price a lot more than $400.
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Solo Racer 10:54AM (6/15/2007)
While the system components might cost the automaker $200, the cost of special axles, hubs and wheels needs to be considered. That will make the sticker price a lot more than $400.
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MoMoney 11:31AM (6/15/2007)
This is the dumbest and most unnecessary option for the everyday car owner. What are you guys....that damn lazy? Is it really so hard to maintain tire pressures? A gauge and a 12V air compressor in your trunk. If you're really lazy, a CO2 cartridge filling system that fits in your glove box.
If your tires are consistently losing air pressure, you have a leak on your hands! Get it fixed.
I think common sense is in short supply.
Some of the comments reminds me of the Volvo designed by women....no way to open the hood/bonnet.
:-P
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