March 15, 2010

Nitrogen Tyre Inflation Myths

Some Myths of the Nitrogen Tire Inflation are:

1. NITROGEN RETAINS TIRE PRESSURES.
This is NOT true at all even though nitrogen leaks by diffusion through a tire at a slower rate than air. But air contains almost 80% Nitrogen! There are numerous issues (valve stem, puncture, rim seal) that can still cause major leaks. Even if Nitrogen will maintain pressure longer than tires filled with compressed air, but is not a substitute for regular pressure checks.

2. NITROGEN MAKES TIRE TO LAST LONGER AND IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY.
NOT true. Maintaining recommended inflation will actually lead to longer tire life and increased fuel economy. So always check tyre pressure.

3. NITROGEN ARE NOT AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE.
Since air has about 78% Nitrogen there is very little difference [i.e almost negligible] compared to 100% Nitrogen filled tyres in expansion and contraction when the tyre temperature is increased or decreased respectively.

Note: Nitrogen inflated tyres have only around 20% more Nitrogen than normal 'air' inflation. There is no benefit to such a small increace actually.

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