[jlsoaz]

This is kind of far out there (and not my top suggestion), but as I was contemplating some difficulty I've been having with getting one tire where I want it to be in terms of pressure, and also noting how the cold is affecting the tire pressure, I found myself thinking more about how tire pressure also affects vehicle energy efficiency and range, as well as the inconvenience of having to stop at a gas station to deal with it. So (again, I know this is a bit off the usual path) I found myself wondering:

- would it be possible (and practicable within cost, weight, complexity and other constraints) to build into a vehicle that it could simply control and optimize tire pressure at all times?

- If that is not really a viable option, perhaps an EVSE manufacturer might take a look at selling a version of EVSE that has an extra tire pressurization hose? After all, the EVSE is already connected to high power and is already being hooked up to the vehicle periodically in the house. I haven't researched this at all, so kind of flinging the idea out there.

 

[edk-austin]

Almost anything is possible, it's rarely technical that prevents providing a reasonable feature.

But when I can go over to my local AutoZone and get something like this for $30-35, it's hard to see the biz case.

https://shop.slime.com/collections/...igital-tire-inflator-gen2?variant=45205945800

These inflators allow you to set the PSI point, they inflate to that and then stop.

 

[viking79]

Some Humvees already do this. Cost and weight of having a compressor in each wheel is largely impractical. Would have to get electricity there too. Or if central compressor, would have to figure a way to send pressurized air to a spinning tire.

 

[Whatstreet]

I have recently seen the return of airless tires to road cars. Seems like they would have a harsh ride quality.

 

[rmay635703]

Lookup CTIS

It’s feasible but drives an expensive wheel hub, heavier rim with extra seals

And extra weight and complexity to the car.

 

[Upper5Percent]

Some Humvees already do this. Cost and weight of having a compressor in each wheel is largely impractical. Would have to get electricity there too. Or if central compressor, would have to figure a way to send pressurized air to a spinning tire.

Actually there is a central compressor in the Humvee system...with air lines to each wheel...From 1984, GM offered CTIS for the Chevrolet Blazer and various pick-ups. Several trucks used by the U.S. military also have CTIS (e.g. the HMMWV and its civilian counterpart, the Hummer H1).

http://www.hummerproducts.com/hummer-ctis-kits.asp#&panel1-4&panel2-2


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_tire_inflation_system

 

[srmarti]

Actually there is a central compressor in the Humvee system...with air lines to each wheel...From 1984, GM offered CTIS for the Chevrolet Blazer and various pick-ups. Several trucks used by the U.S. military also have CTIS (e.g. the HMMWV and its civilian counterpart, the Hummer H1).

http://www.hummerproducts.com/hummer-ctis-kits.asp#&panel1-4&panel2-2


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_tire_inflation_system

I'll just turn on the compressor, grab the hose and the tire pressure gauge. That method seems adequate.

 

[Upper5Percent]

I'll just turn on the compressor, grab the hose and the tire pressure gauge. That method seems adequate.

Well, when you are under fire...the HumVee air pressure on the go system does seem to make sense...

 

[srmarti]

Well, when you are under fire...the HumVee air pressure on the go system does seem to make sense...

Agreed. I'm hardly ever under fire driving the Volt though.

 

[canehdian]

https://gizmodo.com/5945216/brilliant-auto-inflating-tires-pump-themselves-up-as-they-roll

It's been 5 years now, so maybe they're not coming. But seemed like a neat idea.

 

[jlsoaz]

https://gizmodo.com/5945216/brilliant-auto-inflating-tires-pump-themselves-up-as-they-roll

It's been 5 years now, so maybe they're not coming. But seemed like a neat idea.

Yes, had never seen that (or CTIS for that matter).... really interesting.

As I struggle with cold weather impact on tire pressure, one tire which can't seem to find the right pressure, and concern as to what I will do when I have a flat tire, I think there could be various ways for GM to consider improving this or that. Maybe they're not the most important thing around, but still, seems fun to brainstorm a bit. (BTW, while it's possible one of my tires has an issue, noting from discussion with previous owner and just observing, they appear to be relatively new replacements, and same type as original).

I took a look at the various 12 volt portable systems, but I do want to say I'm not convinced my to-the-side idea is horrible - if someone is going to sell us a residential EVSE, why not include an air pump and reliable measurement hard-wired to the power supply? Or perhaps pluggable at 120 Volts?

 

[Upper5Percent]

Agreed. I'm hardly ever under fire driving the Volt though.

Obviously, you've never been in the PA countryside during hunting season, when all the city folk would come into the woods and shoot at anything that moves...