Friday, February 15, 2019

Should you use Nitrogen instead of regular air


Car fanatics, tyre dealers, repair shops and even some fuel sheds have touted nitrogen for several years as a better alternative to air based on claims that nitrogen doesn't leak as much, so tyres stay fully inflated longer. What's the truth behind nitrogen?

These guys also claim that nitrogen improves fuel economy and allows vehicles to get more fuel mileage than those with tyres that are filled with air. With fuel prices skyrocketing, the improved fuel efficiency alone may make you consider switching to nitrogen. The catch is that topping off the nitrogen typically costs from about Rs. 30/- to 50/- per tyre, and the initial charge for filling the tyres can be much higher unless you are replacing all four tyres, so it's also a revenue source for these service outlets. 
Does your vehicle really benefit when you switch for nitrogen instead of oxygen, or is it just a way for service stations to make more money? First let's take a closer look at the benefits of filling the tyres on your ride with nitrogen.


 Benefits of Nitrogen-Filled Tyres   Image result for tyre inflation


It is true that pure nitrogen doesn't leak out of tyres as quickly as regular air simply because a single molecule of nitrogen is larger than an oxygen molecule, so nitrogen-filled tyres should remain at or near their recommended PSI levels longer. Fully inflated tyres last longer and improve fuel economy and road-holding ability. It's also true, however, that nitrogen will still leak out of tires over time, just not at the same pace as air. As a result, even if you use nitrogen, you will still need to stop and check your tyre pressure from time to time to make sure they are still at the correct PSI.

Nitrogen supporters also argue that air contains moisture, which can build up inside tyres and possibly corrode the wheels as well as accelerate tyre rot from the inside. Some air compressors use dryers that remove moisture before it gets into the hose you use to fill your tyres, but many don't. Nitrogen, in comparison, provides a "dryer" inflation. The absence of moisture in dry nitrogen ensures a more steady temperature inside the tire. This is why nitrogen tyres are common on race cars. 

On the other hand, a nitrogen-filled tyre isn't 100% pure; about 93 - 95% of what's inside is nitrogen, but the rest is air. Ordinary air is 78% nitrogen, so the difference isn't huge, and compressed air is cheaper to use and still free in some places.

In addition also note that, whether a tyre is filled with ordinary air or nitrogen, it will leak if the valve is faulty, if the tyre isn't properly mounted and sealed on the wheel, or if the tyre has a nail in the tread or other damage. NItrogen doesn't fix damaged tyres, so it's still important to check your tyre pressure regularly. Temperature changes may also still cause fluctuations in tyre pressure even when you use nitrogen instead of oxygen.


The Bottom Line



According to The Rubber Manufacturers Association (a trade group for tyre manufacturers),  nitrogen "may contribute to minor reductions in inflation pressure loss," but also notes that "use of nitrogen alone is not a replacement for regular inflation pressure maintenance." Tyre maintenance is important whether you opt for nitrogen tyre inflation or you prefer to use air. While you may be able to go longer between needing to add air, you still need to check your tyre pressure regularly.

Will post a clip about a same regular car been tested with both types of air and know it's review.


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