Michelin Flexes Pothole-Resistant Tire Tech

Tiremaker Michelin & Cie and IOCHPE-Maxion SA’s Maxion Wheels unit have developed a more flexible wheel assembly they say improves ride comfort and the ability of tires to absorb pothole jolts.

Using Michelin’s patented Acorus technology, Maxion’s Flexible Wheel is compatible with all tires, including run-flat units. The design features a pair of rubber flanges mounted on a narrow alloy wheel body. An optional cosmetic insert can be used to protect the wheel.

When a vehicle runs over a pothole or curb, the flanges flex to protect the tire and wheel. During recent tests, Michelin says, conventional tires punctured when running over a pothole at speeds as low as 17 mph, but vehicles equipped with Maxion Flexible wheels and the Acorus technology (named after a rugged wetland plant) didn’t puncture or sustain rim damage at any speed.

The technology is especially beneficial for vehicles with large wheels and low-profile tires with short sidewalls, which Michelin says otherwise are more susceptible to damage. The rubber flanges also help lessen noise and vibration, according to the tiremaker.