Do you use Nitrogen in the Tires?
#27
#28
Originally Posted by HomerJ
Wow, the people who sell a product have good things to say about it! For normal everyday driving, normal air is just fine. I wouldn't worry too much about oxygen deteriorating the rubber inside of my tires when the outsides are exposed to regular old air 24/7. Maybe they can find a way to sell something for this all too comon problem, like some sort of nitrogen bag that I can seal my whole car in.
#29
#30
Originally Posted by rkw
Costco uses nitrogen exclusively for filling tires, at no charge.
Pure nitrogen reportedly leaks out of tires something like 50% slower than regular air. For the average driver who doesn't check tire pressure, this may translate into more safety. Also, bottled nitrogen is dry. Regular compressed air can have quite a lot of moisture, so you would avoid the added weight and corrosion potential. However, I would guess these advantages are more theoretical than making any practical difference.
Pure nitrogen reportedly leaks out of tires something like 50% slower than regular air. For the average driver who doesn't check tire pressure, this may translate into more safety. Also, bottled nitrogen is dry. Regular compressed air can have quite a lot of moisture, so you would avoid the added weight and corrosion potential. However, I would guess these advantages are more theoretical than making any practical difference.
Any arguments about weight would almost certainly be related to oxygen. O2 is about 8% heavier than the same pressure and volume of N2, and makes up about 21% of the atmosphere. So switching to N2 from air could save you around 2% of the weight of the air in your tires. The amount saved is probably less than the precision on the balancing weights. And water vapor is actually lighter than nitrogen. Chances are the amount of water would be negligable since 100% relative humidity at 100 psi is pretty low in absolute terms (not likely more than 2%) and since the air will be at a much lower pressure in the tires, you can be sure that any water vapor will remain vapor. Furthermore, compressor lines almost always have some sort of water filtration system since they're generally cheaper than replacing rusted tools.
The only convincing argument I have ever heard for the use of nitrogen in tires is that N2 gas is supposedly less thermally conductive than other atmospheric gases, and expands a little less with heat. These two factors would make tire pressure more consistent of varying temperatures with pure N2, but even then, I'd have to see some hard data to believe it's even a measurable effect.
#31
I have a hard time believing that the little shops on the side of the road actually keep up with getting the water seperators on their compressors!! From what I have read, for the little bit that it costs, it seems like a decent idea. Obviously not for everyone, but something to think about.
Kind of the same idea as synthetic vs Dino oil. I use it because I feel it last longer, though I still change it at 5000 miles. I know they aren't the same (tires vs. engines), but on the same sort of principle.
Kind of the same idea as synthetic vs Dino oil. I use it because I feel it last longer, though I still change it at 5000 miles. I know they aren't the same (tires vs. engines), but on the same sort of principle.
#32
Originally Posted by D_Nyholm
AFAIK, Costco near me doesn't have nitrogen. I do believe that they will fill you tires with nitrogen for $5/tire though for the others...
#33
Just a waste of effort and money for the regular guy. They use N in jet tires because of the temperature extremes they encounter over a short period of time. It can be 120 F in Phoenix at takeoff and 30 minutes later, at altitudes, -50F or lower. Imagine what that would do with regular air in the tires ! I've heard they run N in Nascar races so it's easier to finely adjust the pressure in a given tire, and so it maintains that pressure at racing temps. On the street, you are not gaining any real advantage, because you should check pressures regularly.
Oh, yeah, ya gotta be mighty careful with a 2000 psi tank of N, too.
Oh, yeah, ya gotta be mighty careful with a 2000 psi tank of N, too.
#36
#37
Originally Posted by Eric_Rowland
Wow - in CA stations are required to provide free air for customers.
All the places I know of around here charge for it
Stop by my shop and you can fill your tires for free (with air) compresor has a water filter on it.
Earl
#38
From http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/FAQ.htm
Gas stations are required to provide air and water free to customers who buy gasoline or diesel. You may have to ask the attendant for a token or to turn the equipment on for you. If the attendant does not give you a token or turn the equipment on, posted on the equipment is the 1-800-356-7057 number where you may call to file a complaint. You may also submit a complaint form online to the Division of Measurement Standards.
Gas stations are required to provide air and water free to customers who buy gasoline or diesel. You may have to ask the attendant for a token or to turn the equipment on for you. If the attendant does not give you a token or turn the equipment on, posted on the equipment is the 1-800-356-7057 number where you may call to file a complaint. You may also submit a complaint form online to the Division of Measurement Standards.
#39
Originally Posted by D_Nyholm
I have a hard time believing that the little shops on the side of the road actually keep up with getting the water seperators on their compressors!! From what I have read, for the little bit that it costs, it seems like a decent idea. Obviously not for everyone, but something to think about.
Kind of the same idea as synthetic vs Dino oil. I use it because I feel it last longer, though I still change it at 5000 miles. I know they aren't the same (tires vs. engines), but on the same sort of principle.
Kind of the same idea as synthetic vs Dino oil. I use it because I feel it last longer, though I still change it at 5000 miles. I know they aren't the same (tires vs. engines), but on the same sort of principle.
#40
Nitrogen is doner tradionally in racing with 2 valve stems - a fill and a draw side - you fill to pressure once, open the oposing valuve stem and drain, then refill. This is done 2 mabey 3 time to insure full atmospheric evacuation is complete. The result is a very dry mixture of mostly Nitrogen. Without high O water can't exisit inside your tires and your pressure charge stays more stable through various temeratures.
Alex
Alex
#41
Originally Posted by Alex@tirerack
Nitrogen is doner tradionally in racing with 2 valve stems - a fill and a draw side - you fill to pressure once, open the oposing valuve stem and drain, then refill. This is done 2 mabey 3 time to insure full atmospheric evacuation is complete. The result is a very dry mixture of mostly Nitrogen. Without high O water can't exisit inside your tires and your pressure charge stays more stable through various temeratures.
Alex
Alex
#42
Originally Posted by Alex@tirerack
Nitrogen is doner tradionally in racing with 2 valve stems - a fill and a draw side - you fill to pressure once, open the oposing valuve stem and drain, then refill. This is done 2 mabey 3 time to insure full atmospheric evacuation is complete. The result is a very dry mixture of mostly Nitrogen. Without high O water can't exisit inside your tires and your pressure charge stays more stable through various temeratures.
Alex
Alex
The Kosei wheels have a two valve system for that reason right?
#43
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