Once again,a big dilemma comes: nitrogen or compressed air?
Some years ago,i believe i heard it back in 2006 or 2007,a new gimmick appeared,and as all new things,it sparkled some controversy. Some folks,will just go into new things just because they think it has to be great,or just because they want to be special,and show it to the world. This was also the case with nitrogen-filled tires. This technology was in use for a longer period in Formula 1 cars. But let's not forget,those are world-apart cars from what we drive. They drive at higher speed that our car would ever reach,not to mention that at those speed,we would probably be thrown directly in jail on the streets.
Since fuel prices began ski-rocketing, everybody began to search for ways to improve costs with fuels. Unfortunately,some really went too much over-board. Some people claim that you shoul only fill up in the morning,or at night,because then is a little colder,and you can get more fuel for the same price,but,phisics reminds us that liquids is hardly compressible,so probably if you get fuel for a whole year,you could get a liter free,wich,i think is not really worth.
One reason the nitrogen filled tires got so much attention,is because normally,tires filled with air,loose pressure after some time,and so,increase fuel consumption,tire break-down,and decrease car response.
Nitrogen is made of slightly larger molecules than air,so it cannot pass so easily trough the pores of the rubber tires.
Some studies claim that a tire filled with "plain old air" can lose 1.5 psi in less than a month,or even more,dependant on outside temperature variations. The vast majority of cars drive on under-inflated tires,this is the reality. Sure,owner-manuals recommend that you check tire pressure periodically,but,let's face it,routine or lazyness, we don't really do this.
I personally check tires whenever i re-fuel,or when i go for a ride outside the town,and strongly recommend you do the same.
What few people know,is that nitrogen is A tire filled with "plain old air"
can lose 1.5 psi in less than nitrogen is already in the surrounding air,so obviously in the tires filled with plain air,too. The only thing different is concentration,in nitrogen only,it is about 95%. And,surprise,normal air is 78% nitrogen. So,for a 17% difference,you pay a lot whe you pump your tires. Normally,this difference could be better put at use by instead buying fuel for the money,and just fill with air,at a normal gas station. Bet you never thought at that.
But,advantages with nitrogen,come from saving the time that you use in regularly checking tire pressure,and in better card drive-ability on road. Under inflated tires will increase gas consumption. You can solve this by checking regularly,as i said before.
If you live in a colder climate,in winter days,when temperature goes waaaay beyond freezing,yes sir,nitrogen,being a inert gas,will shrink less,so it's worth buying.
Another advantage with nitrogen is that,unlike compressed air,does not cotain moisture,so,in higher speed,tires will heat up less,so yes,it is worth paying.
Again,moisture is damaging tires and rims,so if you have some expansive ones,don't go cheap and buy the nitrogen. It will insure longer life on the tires,and less oxidation on the rims interior.
If you plan on buying a nitrogen-machin,to fill your tires by yourself,forget it, the price tag 2500-9000 euros,or 3000$-12000$ for those who's uncle is called Sam.
Over-all,nitrogen is better than compressed air. No doubt about it,but, if it is worth for normal people,is a question that i cannot adress. People should not forget that regular tire pressure,with or without nitrogen is a must do,and this is for sure.
Last,but not least, check out what Mr.fuel consumption,and other useful tips here: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=36&article_id=6905
Since fuel prices began ski-rocketing, everybody began to search for ways to improve costs with fuels. Unfortunately,some really went too much over-board. Some people claim that you shoul only fill up in the morning,or at night,because then is a little colder,and you can get more fuel for the same price,but,phisics reminds us that liquids is hardly compressible,so probably if you get fuel for a whole year,you could get a liter free,wich,i think is not really worth.
One reason the nitrogen filled tires got so much attention,is because normally,tires filled with air,loose pressure after some time,and so,increase fuel consumption,tire break-down,and decrease car response.
Nitrogen is made of slightly larger molecules than air,so it cannot pass so easily trough the pores of the rubber tires.
Some studies claim that a tire filled with "plain old air" can lose 1.5 psi in less than a month,or even more,dependant on outside temperature variations. The vast majority of cars drive on under-inflated tires,this is the reality. Sure,owner-manuals recommend that you check tire pressure periodically,but,let's face it,routine or lazyness, we don't really do this.
I personally check tires whenever i re-fuel,or when i go for a ride outside the town,and strongly recommend you do the same.
What few people know,is that nitrogen is A tire filled with "plain old air"
can lose 1.5 psi in less than nitrogen is already in the surrounding air,so obviously in the tires filled with plain air,too. The only thing different is concentration,in nitrogen only,it is about 95%. And,surprise,normal air is 78% nitrogen. So,for a 17% difference,you pay a lot whe you pump your tires. Normally,this difference could be better put at use by instead buying fuel for the money,and just fill with air,at a normal gas station. Bet you never thought at that.
But,advantages with nitrogen,come from saving the time that you use in regularly checking tire pressure,and in better card drive-ability on road. Under inflated tires will increase gas consumption. You can solve this by checking regularly,as i said before.
If you live in a colder climate,in winter days,when temperature goes waaaay beyond freezing,yes sir,nitrogen,being a inert gas,will shrink less,so it's worth buying.
Another advantage with nitrogen is that,unlike compressed air,does not cotain moisture,so,in higher speed,tires will heat up less,so yes,it is worth paying.
Again,moisture is damaging tires and rims,so if you have some expansive ones,don't go cheap and buy the nitrogen. It will insure longer life on the tires,and less oxidation on the rims interior.
If you plan on buying a nitrogen-machin,to fill your tires by yourself,forget it, the price tag 2500-9000 euros,or 3000$-12000$ for those who's uncle is called Sam.
Over-all,nitrogen is better than compressed air. No doubt about it,but, if it is worth for normal people,is a question that i cannot adress. People should not forget that regular tire pressure,with or without nitrogen is a must do,and this is for sure.
Last,but not least, check out what Mr.fuel consumption,and other useful tips here: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=36&article_id=6905
