Nitrogen in tyres?

[JP-009]

Just got a set of Pirelli Dragons for the MkV (and I am very happy with them sofar), and the tyre shop dude asks if I wanted nitrogen in the tyres instead of air.

Does anyone know what nitrogen does in tyre inflation applications? (In real world terms.)

Is this a new thing for Joe-average on the street?

[gpk_gti]

dont have to refill with air every so often,doesnt disapear over time like air does,and is lighter so doesnt add weight to the rolling resistance,makes your car go faster !! haha ,slightly,, race and F1 cars use it. , good idea actually

[roccodingo]

Reduces the oxidation of the rubber also, Earthmoving gear has been using N2 for tyre nfation for years..

more thermally stable I am led to believe, ( pressure does'nt change as much when the tyres are hot..)

[blutopless2]

oxygen actually travels through the tyre compound so eventually you lose pressure. Oxygen is also thermally unstable so it expands and contracts depending upon temperature. Air also contains moisture.

High grade nitrogen will contain no moisture. It is more temperature stable which is why they use it in motorsport... means the tyre pressure will remain almost the same at running temp as before putting it on the car.
Correctly inflated tyres provide greater fuel economy. under inflated tyres generate heat in the tyre which will deteriorate them faster and can cause failure of the tyre itself.

[sydneymk1]

78% of air is nitrogen so i think this is a gimik and rip off

[Wand Weaver]

There is a very marginal advantage to putting Nitrogen in your tyres - but any advantage would be gone the moment you pulled up at a servo and used the compressed air hose, unless you're planning on buying a bottle of N2 from BOC?

On a road car, the difference would be nothing more than the Placebo effect. If you're driving at the speeds where N2 would make a difference on a public road, I'd dare say you'd have much bigger worries on your hands.

[CaddyShack]

Yes, must agree. I do think it is not worth it. As long as you keep a regular check on tyre pressure, then the nitrogen would not be all that advantageous.

Nitrogen is more stable when itcomes to heat, so less likely to get uneven wear, but so is inflating your tyres and checking regularly.

CaddyShack

[Timbo]

Just a way for the tyre shop guy to make you pay for something that's usually free. Just say "No thank you"