This graphic shows how Goodyear's new Air Maintenance Technology -- also called the self-regulating tire -- works. | Graphic courtesy of Goodyear.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is demonstrating its award-winning self-inflating tires by testing the Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) on U.S. trucking fleets. Goodyear has received multiple accolades for this EERE-funded automated tire inflation system, which automatically manages air pressure in tires. Awards to date include: the 2012 Popular Mechanics' Breakthrough Award; Car and Driver’s 10 Most Promising Future Technologies; and being recognized as one of TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of the Year in 2012. EERE supported the development of the new technology with a $1.5 million award, which will reach completion later this year.


Goodyear originally developed the EERE-funded technology for commercial truck tires, which are the single largest maintenance cost for fleet operators. Less than 50 percent of commercial trucks’ tires on today’s highways are functioning at their target pressure, resulting in significantly higher fuel use and transportation costs than necessary.  Because filing tires to the correct level of inflation can improve a vehicle’s fuel economy 2-3 percent, this innovative technology will help save nearly 1.2 billion gallons of petroleum that experts estimate are wasted each year due to underinflated tires. Correcting air pressure also improves a vehicle’s safety and performance, and significantly increasing tire life.

The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) develops and deploys efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum. These technologies will provide Americans with greater freedom of mobility and energy security, while lowering costs and reducing impacts on the environment.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.