Pax Tires, Construction

PAX tires involve specially developed system that exhibits the following differences in comparison to conventional tires:

Pax tires with supporting ring

-- -I- PAX tires with air

-- -II- PAX tires without air

Fig 1: Identifying Pax Tires With Air And Pax Tires Without Air

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- The tire is anchored to a special rim that prevents it from sliding off when pressure is lost. The rubber supporting ring ensures stability in emergency operation.

• The inner and outer bead diameter are different sizes. This makes it possible to place the tire in a supporting ring.
• The tire is anchored to the rim differently.
• In this way, the tire height could be reduced considerably. That was possible because the area near the bead could be considerably smaller due to the special connection between the tire and rim.
• The tire bead is formed so that it can engage in the rim seat. Therefore, it remains firmly in the seat when pressure is lost.

Fig 2: Identifying Standard Tire, Bead Area Construction

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Rim flange
2. Fabric carcass
3. Bead bundle

Fig 3: Identifying PAX Tire, Bead Area Construction

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Loop
2. Fabric carcass
3. Bead bundle
4. Rim flange

Fig 4: Identifying PAX Tires, Anchoring

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The secure seating of the tire in the rim is ensured in all driving situations due to the type of construction.

A wedge-shaped component of the tire is pressed between the bead bundle and rim when loaded. This happens independently of the pressure in the tire.

Fig 5: Identifying PAX Tires, Dimensions

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

In contract to conventional tires, tires with emergency running characteristics (PAX) exhibit differences in regard to dimensions and designations.

Therefore, PAX tires can only be mounted on special rims (PAX).

1. Width in mm: the tire width from flank to flank on standard rim (corresponds to width specification on standard tire)
2. Outer circumference in mm: maximum diameter of a new tire
3. Designated diameter in millimeters on standard rim seat
4. Smaller bead diameter in millimeters: rim seat on outer side
5. Larger bead diameter in millimeters: rim seat on inner side