Welcome to the Michelin U.S. website
- What is PAX System®?
- How will a driver know if there is a flat with PAX System?
- How far can a PAX System-equipped vehicle be driven with a flat?
- Can consumers replace PAX System with another tire-wheel assembly if they desire?
- What type of treadwear can a driver expect with PAX System tires?
- Are there PAX System winter tires?
- How long has PAX System been on the market?
- How many PAX System assemblies have been sold?
- Which cars have Michelin PAX System on them?
- How is Michelin educating drivers about PAX System?
- What does PAX stand for?
- How is PAX System different from conventional runflat tires?
- How is PAX System more environmentally friendly than a traditional tire and wheel system?
- Is there a significant weight penalty with PAX System?
- What should a driver do if they get a flat?
- What determines where to send a driver with a flat for assistance?
- How do car dealers service PAX System?
- Should a consumer ever be expected to pay for an entire new PAX System assembly?
- Can a car dealer perform a simple puncture repair on a PAX System tire?
- Where can a driver of a PAX System-equipped vehicle get a flat fixed?
- What happens if a driver with a flat can't get to a car or Michelin authorized servicing dealer?
- Do I need to replace the entire wheel each time I need new tires?
- Does the support ring have to be replaced each time a tire is driven with zero pressure or when a tire is replaced?
- Do roadside service vendors like AAA know what to do if they are asked to service PAX System?
- What happens if a roadside assistance crew uses a sealant with PAX System and then re-inflates the tire?
- Where does a driver go to have PAX System tire pressure monitoring system serviced?
- How do you handle PAX System-equipped vehicles in Canada or Mexico?
- What's covered under the warranty?
- When would a driver have to purchase a replacement PAX System tire?
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 runflat 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.
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.
How many PAX System assemblies have been sold?
Over 200,000 PAX System assemblies have been sold in Europe and North America.
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 Michelin educating drivers about PAX System?
Michelin has provided vehicle manufacturers with a comprehensive package of information describing the operation, features, and benefits of PAX System. It also has established a toll-free assistance line (1-877-PAX-TIRE) for consumers who own PAX System-equipped vehicles.
It actually started in 1997 as PAV, a technical abbreviation describing this new, vertically anchored tire. With a traditional tire, inflation pressure helps hold the tire to the rim. The innovative anchoring mechanism of PAX System is designed to not separate from the rim and actually improves its hold when vertical loads are applied to the tire. By 1998, PAV was renamed PAX System, which translates to the values of peace of mind, safety, and the future. When it comes to safety, PAX System is way ahead of traditional tire and wheel assemblies. The most fundamental difference between the two is that a PAX System tire is designed to not separate from the rim, even with the occurrence of a sudden flat at high speeds under normal driving conditions. And, should a flat occur, PAX System allows for the vehicle to be driven up to 125 miles at 55 mph, which means you're less likely to be stranded on the side of the road.
How is PAX System different from conventional runflat tires?
Conventional runflat 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.
What should a driver do if they get a flat?
The driver should maintain control of the vehicle and reduce speed to 55 mph or lower. PAX System allows for the vehicle to be driven up to 125 miles at 55 mph. As soon as possible, the driver should stop the vehicle in a safe place and inspect the tire. Once it is confirmed that there is a flat, the driver should call 1-877-PAX-TIRE toll-free and s/he will be directed either to a car dealer or to a Michelin-authorized servicing dealer for assistance.
What determines where to send a driver with a flat for assistance?
These recommendations are based upon a number of factors and handled individually. The consumer is usually sent to the closest service point - either a Michelin-authorized tire servicing dealer or a car dealer. But with each call, the objective is to achieve the highest possible level of consumer satisfaction.
How do car dealers service PAX System?
In some cases, the vehicle dealer may also be an authorized PAX System servicing location and will be able to perform repairs. For complete information on what constitutes a warranty replacement, please see the warranty for details.
Should a consumer ever be expected to pay for an entire new PAX System assembly?
The PAX System Assurance Plan was discontinued effective July 1, 2010. If the tire, wheel and support ring are damaged due to a road hazard, mechanical irregularity, vandalism, abuse, or anything beyond the control of the manufacturer, the consumer would be responsible for the purchase of these parts. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is also not covered by Michelin and is subject to the conditions specified in the vehicle warranty manual.
Can a car dealer perform a simple puncture repair on a PAX System tire?
The repair of Michelin PAX System requires special mounting equipment, replacement parts and technical training. Any intervention or repair on the Michelin PAX System tire or assembly (other than an ordinary air pressure check and correction) needs to be referred to a Michelin PAX System authorized servicing dealer which can also be a car dealer. The use of cord plugs and/or sealants in attempting to repair a Michelin PAX System tire will immediately void the warranty and may result in internal parts malfunction.
Where can a driver of a PAX System-equipped vehicle get a flat fixed?
Consumers can either have their PAX System tire repaired at a car dealer who sells PAX System-equipped vehicles or repaired at a Michelin-authorized servicing dealer. There are a number of Michelin dealers and car dealers that are authorized servicing dealers nationwide with the appropriate PAX System-capable mounting/demounting equipment. In order to find the closest dealer, consumers should call toll-free 1-877-PAX-TIRE or visit Michelin's Tire Dealer Locator (be sure to select “Carries PAX Products” to refine your search).
What happens if a driver with a flat can't get to a car or Michelin authorized servicing dealer?
When a consumer calls the toll-free number, 1-877-PAX-TIRE, Michelin will advise the consumer on how to service their PAX System tire. If a car dealer or a Michelin- authorized servicing dealer is not within the recommended driving range for a deflated tire, Michelin will direct the consumer to drive to a safe location and then initiate a rapid-response delivery plan, rushing a complete PAX System wheel/tire assembly to that location within 12 hours of notification of the service request.
Do I need to replace the entire wheel each time I need new tires?
No. PAX System tires that are worn out are replaced just like traditional tires. However, these tires should only be replaced at a Michelin PAX System authorized servicing dealer with the appropriate PAX System-capable mounting/demounting equipment.
Does the support ring have to be replaced each time a tire is driven with zero pressure or when a tire is replaced?
No, the support ring is designed to be used in several runflat events. It can be returned to service after being inspected for wear or damage once the tire is repaired or replaced. Should it need to be replaced during the first two years or 50% of tread life, it will be replaced at no charge, if damaged or worn due to a road hazard.
Do roadside service vendors like AAA know what to do if they are asked to service PAX System?
Michelin is currently working with AAA and others to make sure they understand how to handle PAX System in the field. This includes knowing that 1-877-PAX-TIRE is available 24/7 for service locations and information.
What happens if a roadside assistance crew uses a sealant with PAX System and then re-inflates the tire?
It is not recommended to use a sealant with PAX System. It also voids the warranty of PAX System.
Where does a driver go to have PAX System tire pressure monitoring system serviced?
Drivers should locate a car dealer in the U.S. who sells PAX System-equipped vehicles. Consumers can call 1-877-PAX-TIRE to find the car dealer nearest them.
How do you handle PAX System-equipped vehicles in Canada or Mexico?
Consumers can call 1-877-PAX-TIRE to have a replacement tire-wheel assembly sent to their location and replaced on their vehicle.
What's covered under the warranty?
The PAX System is covered by the Michelin Passenger and Light Truck Tire Limited Warranty which covers manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials for six years, or until the tires wear out, whichever comes first. If a tire is determined adjustable under the terms of this warranty, the tires are replaced at no charge during the first 25% of wear and the first 12 months of use. After 25% wear and 12 months, the tires are pro rated, based on remaining tread depth.
When would a driver have to purchase a replacement PAX System tire?
There are several situations in which the Michelin limited warranty would not cover replacement costs. When:
- A tire is damaged in any way, such as a cut, snag, bruise, impact break or puncture
- the tread wears out through normal use
- the tread wears out prematurely or irregularly due to improper wheel alignment
- a tire is damaged through vandalism or abuse
- a tire or wheel is damaged in a traffic accident
When a consumer has questions about the wear on their PAX tires, they should contact their authorized Michelin PAX dealer or call Michelin directly at 1-877-PAX-TIRE.
U.S. Automotive Tires
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