New Smart System Automatically Detects and Fills Under-Inflated Tires with Air

ORLANDO, Fla.--It may just be the best thing to happen to tires since the invention of synthetic rubber.

MAXAIR is a new “smart” system that not only detects when tires on cars, light trucks and SUVs are under-inflated, but it also automatically fills tires to the right pressure using air from an onboard compressor.

“This feature is ready and available and could be on all new automobiles,” says Clyde Stech, President, MAXAIR-ATMI, Inc. “It’s a matter of consumers demanding it and auto manufacturers making it available.”

Since under-inflated tires reduce average gas mileage by 3.3-percent, by keeping tires at optimum pressure, MAXAIR saves gas and money. And with gas prices at over $3.00 a gallon, that’s huge.

A reduction in fuel use also means the lowering of greenhouse gases, which are often blamed for contributing to global warming.

Then there are the safety factors. Even slightly under-inflated tires can be dangerous — especially when roads are wet, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“MAXAIR saves lives and fuel,” says Stech, “it’s as simple as that.”

Monitoring systems currently on the market could be off by 20-30-percent and only activating dashboard-warning lights to alert drivers that tire needs air. Drivers then need to find air to fill the tires. With MAXAIR, it’s all done for you automatically and is accurate within 1-2-percent.

The cost: A lot less than most might think. An automobile parts manufacturer could supply the device to automakers for about $200 a vehicle.