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TIRES AND NITROGEN
This topic never seems to go away and usually when it is discussed someone always claims nitrogen is the answer.
So I did a little research and found some interesting facts borne out by testing. First, a study conducted by Exxon Mobil and presented to the California Air Resources Board demonstrates clearly two important facts that contradict those claims by folks who advocate the use of nitrogen. First, the cavity air tempertaure does not change from that of air when using nitrogen. If the tire has air or nitrogen it can be expected to run at the same temperatures. Second, the rolling resistance is the same regardless of whether the tire is filled with air or nitrogen. A link to the study is below.
Consumer Reports did extensive testing on car and small truck tires and concluded nitrogen has a minimal affect on pressure loss. That report is also listed below.
Michelin has addressed the use of nitrogen in its tires. Here is a direct quote:
“Michelin goes a step further. They recommend nitrogen only for tires used “in high risk environments” like aircraft landing gear and racing.”
There are all kinds of wild theories to be found on blogs and forums but a lot are self serving remarks often by “experts” who have something to gain by advocating the use of nitrogen. The bottom line is that since most of us use Michelin tires we are far better off to frequently check tire pressures when “cold” which means prior to the day’s driving. Recognize that tires will get warm when they are driven, and pressures will increase. That is normal and the Micheln inflation pressure tables take all of that into consideration. Don’t make tire inflation any more complicated than looking up the correct pressure for the weight at a given tire position, and then filling to that pressure prior to driving.
But if you really want to fill your tires with nitrogen, go ahead. There is no downside. Except to your wallet.
http://http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/tire-pressure/reports/exxonmobilipr051308.pdf
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/10/tires-nitrogen-air-loss-study/index.htm
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7 Replies
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Michelin is correct about the use of nitrogen. I use it in race tires for the sole purpose of keeping water out. Moisture added to temps you will never see in any other application causes increase in pressure which in turn causes a tire to grow and thus changes the handling of the race car. No application for our use or on any street vehicle. Period. Geo.
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I partially disagree with George.
Nitrogen does have a great application for street tires. It is a very creative way for a car dealer to help you part with your money. With today’s cars lasting much longer than the cars of yesteryear, the deals need to replace that revenue and nitrogen in the tires is perfect.
Tire nitrogen should have great margins for the dealer and helps keep the customer happy and coming back for more great service. Customer satisfaction is also great … everyone who puts nitrogen in their tires at the dealer can immediately feel the car riding better and handling better. Can’t they?
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Something has to replace the lost revenue from selling the super finish protectant, or the undercoating. Here is a product you cannot see, you cannot verify its existence and after spending $50 to $75 bucks to get green valve stem caps you just know your tires won’t leak, get hot, or have an increase in tire pressure after driving.
We all know of course that airplanes use nitrogen so it must be a good thing, but I missed the memo because for 35 years of flying and plane ownership I never used nitrogen in my plane tires.
The joke is on the folks who ignore Boyle’s Law and who don’t realize nitrogen, oxygen and other common gases act like ideal gases and continue to proclaim magic powers for nitrogen filled tires.
Of course I am not going to risk those folks just might be correct so I have seen to it that my bus tires have no less than 78% nitrogen content just in case the old wive’s tales about nitrogen happen to be correct.
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Dick, this is the first time I’ve seen a facetious streak in you….I like it ! Geo.
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I put nitrogen in all my bus tires, increased my mileage 31%, the tires run cold and the ride is unbelievable. Hey it has to be true, I just read an experts opinion today and I can now verify the validity. Thanks for bringing this subject up Jon, I hope a vendor will be at OKC to sell nitrogen, you’all just have to get on board.
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Good….and I’ll bring my Dr. Slimy’s Miracle Mileage Booster. Usually what we don’t sell we drink. Geo.
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The vendor will be at another venue due to a schedule conflict, otherwise we would have been able to buy some of that smoke and mirrors he is selling.
Tradewinds Coach
Kyle Bennett (Service)
Brian Miller (Sales)
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