Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information

Run-flat tyres, structure of a PAX tyre

In this manual: Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information
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Run-flat tyres (PAX) are specially developed tyres that differ from conventional tyres as follows:

PAX tyre with support ring

  • -I- Pax tyre with regular tyre pressure
  • -II- Deflated PAX tyre
  • The tyre locks in place on a special wheel rim which prevents the tyre from slipping off in case of pressure loss. The rubber support ring ensures proper stability when driving with a flat tyre.
The inner and outer bead diameters differ in size. This makes it possible to add a support ring inside the tyre.

The tyre is secured differently to the rim.

This allows the tyre height to be greatly reduced. This was made possible by the reduced bead area due the special connection between the tyre and rim. The tyre beads are formed such that they engage in the rim seat. Therefore, the tyre remains firmly secured to the wheel/rim even when there has been a loss of inflation pressure.
Run-flat tyres, structure of a PAX tyre

Construction of the bead area for a standard tyre

1 - Wheel rim flange
2 - Inner plies
3 - Bead core
Run-flat tyres, structure of a PAX tyre

Construction of bead zone on tyres with run-flat capability (PAX)

1 - Loop
2 - Inner plies
3 - Bead core
4 - Wheel rim flange
Run-flat tyres, structure of a PAX tyre

Seating of tyres with run-flat capability (PAX)

Due to the construction of the tyre, it remains firmly attached to the wheel in all driving situations. A wedged-shaped component of the tyre is thereby pressed between the bead core and rim by the load. This occurs regardless of the tyre pressure.
Run-flat tyres, structure of a PAX tyre

Dimensions of tyres with run-flat capability (PAX)

As compared to standard tyres, run-flat tyres (PAX) have different dimensions and designations. Run-flat tyres (PAX) can therefore only be fitted to special wheels designed for the PAX system.
1 - Width in millimetres: tyre width from sidewall to sidewall on the standard rim (corresponds to the width dimension on standard tyres)
2 - Outer diameter in millimetres: maximum diameter of the new tyre
3 - Nominal diameter in millimetres on standardised rim seat
4 - Small bead diameter in millimetres: outer rim seat
5 - Larger bead diameter in millimetres: inner rim seat
Run-flat tyres, structure of a PAX tyre

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