Nitrogen Gas Promotion!!

[si|verfish]

Just some shit I found after about 2 minutes of actually bothering to look.

Inflating tyres with Nitrogen compared to compressed air.

Nitrogen inflation of tyres has been common for tyres fitted to trucks, aircraft, race cars and vehicles used in mining & other industrial applications for a long time. The nitrogen used to fill these tyres generally came from portable bottles, very similar to those used to store gases for welding equipment. Recently machines have become available that generate & store large volumes of nitrogen suitable for inflating tyres. This equipment has the potential to make the cost of inflating tyres with nitrogen much lower compared to using portable bottles. This technology has been purchased by some tyre retailers, who are now offering nitrogen filling of tyres to customers with passenger cars, four-wheel-drives, vans, utes & light trucks.

There are advantages to inflating tyres with nitrogen rather than compressed air, but not all these advantages will apply in all applications. I will explain these advantages below, together with the specific applications in which they apply:
Advantages of inflating tyres with nitrogen rather than compressed air.
1. Slower rate of pressure loss. The rubber used for tubes & inner liners in tubeless tyres is not 100% impermeable, therefore some pressure loss can be expected over time. This is one reason why regular pressure checks are necessary. Due to its molecular structure, nitrogen bleeds through the inner liner or tube at a slower rate than regular compressed air. This advantage applies to all tyres filled with nitrogen. Regular pressure checks are still recommended, as tyres often lose pressure due to slow leaks caused by punctures or valve leaks. Regular pressure checks may indicate a tyre has a slow leak and needs an internal inspection and repair or valve replacement.
2. Cooler running temperatures. Tyres inflated with nitrogen will run cooler than those inflated with compressed air. There can be significant advantages associated with cooler running temperatures:

a. Improved tread life. Reducing a tyre's running temperature will increase its tread life. The amount of increased tread life will depend on the amount running temperatures are reduced by using nitrogen rather than compressed air for inflation.

The amount by which running temperatures are reduced with nitrogen inflation compared to normal compressed air will depend on the specific application. As a rule of thumb, the closer a tyre is to its maximum heat handling capabilities, the greater the reduction in running temperatures will be experienced with nitrogen inflation when compared to inflation with normal compressed air. The tyre's service description describes a tyre's heat handling capabilities,

Example #1: 205/65R15 95H, 95H being the service description. The load index of 95 indicates this tyre can carry 690kg at a speed of H, which is 210kph, at the tyre's maximum inflation pressure. The tyre size in example #1 is very common tyre size in Australia, and is fitted as original equipment to a large percentage of late model Holden Commodores, Ford Falcons, Mitsubishi Magnas and Toyota Camrys. I will use this tyre size as an example of a typical passenger tyre used on a sedan. For this example the inflation pressure used is appropriate for the load carried, or slightly over-inflated for the load carried. A Holden VT Commodore sedan with 4 passengers, fuel & considerable luggage would be expected to weigh close to 2100kg. The 4 tyres fitted to this vehicle are rated to carry 2760kg. Considering that in most situations the vehicle mentioned above would have only 2 occupants and a small amount of luggage (a total mass closer to 1750kg), the tyres fitted to this vehicle are under-stressed regarding load carrying & speed capabilities. In this application, nitrogen filled tyres would only run marginally cooler than with compressed air. The expected increase in tread life from this marginal decrease in running temperatures would be expected to be very small.

Example #2: 185R14C 102/100S. In this example, this tyre is not being used as a dual set, therefore 102 load index will apply. The 100 load index quoted applies when the tyre is used in a dual fitment. The load index of 102 indicates this tyre is rated to carry 850kg at a speed of "S", which is 180kph, at the tyre's maximum inflation pressure. This tyre size is very common on vans and utilities such as the Toyota Hi-ace & Hi-lux. In service, these tyres are often over-loaded or under-inflated compared to the load carried, for a large percentage of their life. Where these tyres are run near, at, or at times over their maximum load carrying capacity, running temperatures will be high. In applications similar to example #2, inflating tyres with nitrogen would significantly reduce running temperatures and should also improve tread life significantly compared to inflation with compressed air.

b. Reduced incidence of tyre damage caused by excess heat. In applications like example #2 where tyres are run at, near, or over their maximum rated capabilities for load (or speed), heat related tyre damage is common. The reduction of running temperatures with nitrogen inflation compared to compressed air should reduce the incidence of such damage. Many of the damage types caused by excessive heat can produce tyre failure in-service. As tyre failure in-service can be extremely dangerous, it obviously should be avoided!
3. Reduced pressure build-up. This is why nitrogen inflation is very common in tyres used for circuit racing. Running a tyre produces heat, this heat will cause an increase in pressure or pressure build-up. The amount of pressure increase will depend upon the amount of heat produced. In example #1, pressure build-up would be expected to be minimal, that is, from 2 - 4psi. In example #2, pressure build-up would be considerable. In circuit racing applications, the high levels of grip provided by race tyres produce considerable heat. The heat produced by this friction, as well as the flexing of the tyre, will produce a large amount of pressure build-up. In race tyres the pressure build-up can represent up to 50% of the cold inflation pressure. With nitrogen inflation there is less pressure build-up due to heat.

Increasing a tyre's inflation pressure has the affect of reducing the size of its contact patch. Reducing the size of a tyre's contact patch reduces its maximum grip levels. In examples #1 & #2, this is not a problem. In circuit racing applications the pressure build-up experienced when tyres are inflated with compressed air means that grip levels will drop as the tyres heat-up. Reduced grip levels will produce slower lap times. There is some pressure build-up when circuit race tyres are inflated with nitrogen, but the amount is low compared with tyres that are inflated with compressed air.
4. Reduced amount of oxidisation of wheels. Oxidisation (rusting) of wheels is a common problem in many mining and truck applications. Rusting will only occur in the presence of water & oxygen. In theory nitrogen inflation should prevent rusting of rims as there is no water vapour or oxygen present.
Disadvantages of inflating tyres with nitrogen rather than compressed air.
1. Cost. Inflating tyres with nitrogen is considerably more expensive than compressed air. The cost effectiveness of nitrogen inflation will depend on the specific application.
2. Pressure adjustments. To maintain the advantages of nitrogen inflation, nitrogen must be used to adjust inflation pressures when this is necessary. Adding even a small amount of compressed air to a tyre inflated with nitrogen will negate the advantages of nitrogen inflation.
Inflating tyres with dry air compared to nitrogen.
All conditions being the same, the difference in tyre running temperatures when comparing nitrogen with compressed air for tyre inflation is due to the presence of water in compressed air more than any other factor. As a tyre is run, flexing of the sidewalls and tread, as well as the friction between the tread and the road surface produces heat regardless of what gas is used to inflate the tyre. The water molecules in the compressed air behave quite differently compared to nitrogen molecules when exposed to the heat produced by the running of a tyre. Water molecules become much more "excited" by the heat generated by the running of a tyre, creating more heat & pressure build-up compared to a nitrogen inflated tyre. Pressure build-up is explained in advantage 3.

Compressed air, less the water vapour (i.e. "dry air") will provide cooler tyre running temperatures compared to normal compressed air. Compressed air that is completely free of water vapour will provide very similar levels of reduced running temperatures & reduced pressure build-up compared to normal compressed air inflation. Dry air will bleed through inner liners & tubes at the same rate as normal compressed air.

Source: http://www.toyo.com.au/tech_info11.html

 

[si|verfish]

More. Didn't take more than 2 clicks.

Nitrogen Inflation
For the majority of motorists, the benefits of nitrogen are unlikely to outweigh the costs involved.

What is Nitrogen?

Colourless, odourless, tasteless, and non-toxic, Nitrogen exists as a non-flammable gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. It is one of the basic elements. Normal, compressed, air consists of approximately 78% nitrogen gas, with most of the remainder being made up of oxygen.

What effect can Nitrogen have on tyres?

Under ideal conditions, Nitrogen will run cooler than normal compressed air, will exhibit slower leakage, have no oxidation, and be virtually non combustible.

In particular circumstances, pure Nitrogen is used as the inflation medium in earthmover, racing, and aviation tyres to where they are required to perform under conditions of high stress and in critical environments, generating higher than usual temperatures. Examples are:

* Where exceptionally high loads are carried by the vehicle,
* High-speed travel,
* Where high pressure must be maintained.

Also, in some instances, the tyre casing wears better, and to some extent, tyre tread wears more slowly, when Nitrogen is used in these extreme circumstances.
How can Nitrigen affect on-road tyres?

Despite the advantages in specialised tyres subject to extreme conditions, the benefits of Nitrogen inflation for tyres used primarily on ordinary roads in standard driving conditions are not at all clear.

The main arguments put forward for its use of pure Nitrogen in tyres under normal conditions are:

a) Alleged Improved Tread Wear
Unfortunately, little controlled test data exists to support or refute this claim.

Improved tread wear comes from proper tyre maintenance, for example from:

* Checking your tyre inflation pressure at least once a month, and preferably fortnightly
* Regular rotation and
* Correct wheel alignment.

Take care of these, and your tyres will ride more safely and wear better, irrespective of the choice of inflation medium.

b) Casing Durability
When the tyre heats up, moisture in the tyre vaporises and expands. In some circumstances, moisture in the compressed air in a tyre can gradually migrates through the inner lining of a tubeless tyre and into the steel-cord body plies, resulting in rust, which ultimately causes casing degradation.

This applies to truck and bus, and some light truck tyres. Passenger and most light truck tyres are not affected, as they are composed instead of textile body ply material (eg polyester, nylon, rayon, etc).

One of the main claims made by Nitrogen proponents is that compressed Nitrogen contains less moisture than compressed air, thereby reducing the incidence of this moisture migration effect.

The primary aim should be to avoid moisture migration irrespective of the mix of gas used in tyre inflation. Moisture can be introduced into the tyre as a result of poor workshop practices and incorrect or inadequate tyre fitment procedures.

To this end, we encourage proper selection of compressor equipment, air-line routing, the use of air dryers, and other sound workshop and equipment maintenance practices in order to minimise moisture introduction.

This applies both to initial tyre inflation and top-up air.

Poor tyre fitment and workshop standards can also contribute to wheel and rim corrosion. If proper practices and equipment are utilised, moisture migration is minimised. It does not matter so much whether Nitrogen or compressed air is the inflation medium.

If you fill your tyres with Nitrogen, to retain any benefit, you will need to top up with Nitrogen as well. Topping up with Compressed air will negate any benefit.

When you first fill up your tyres, they already have air in them, so they really should be filled then evacuated, then filled again to remove the residual atmospheric air.

c) Susceptibility to Tyre Fires
Ever since the introduction of tubeless radial-ply tyres, the risks of tyre fires and/or self-ignition of tyres due to excessive heat have been rendered virtually nonexistent.

With tubeless radial-ply tyres, there is no 'tube and flap' which could cause friction and, therefore, heat to be generated.

It takes far higher temperatures to ignite steel radial truck and bus tyres, as compared with fabric-reinforced bias-ply tyres.

If properly maintained and used within legal tolerances, air-inflated passenger and light truck radial tyres will rarely, if ever, generate sufficient heat to self-ignite and burn, whether filled with Nitrogen or with ordinary compressed air.
Those motorists who choose to keep their tyres inflated with Nitrogen must bear in mind that Nitrogen inflation is NOT a 'set and forget' option. Regardless of the gas inflated into your tyres, to preserve their safety characteristics and longevity, you must check tyre pressure tyre and condition regularly.

Source: http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/products/car/care/nitrogen.asp

 

[prodigy]

Can't believe it people still buy the nitrogen tyre scam.

To begin with, the claims that nitrogen leaks slower than normal air out of tyre is a big pile of bullshit. First, nitrogen molecular structure is even smaller than oxygen. Air comprises of nitrogen and oxygen so theoretically, nitrogen would leak faster than air.

Nitrogen reduces chances of tyres catching fire after prolong usage? I have not seen let alone heard of a case of tyre catching fire. Have you? When people tell you nitrogen is a lot cooler than air, that is only half true. It is a very known fact that liquid nitrogen is cryogenic. In simpler terms, its very,very,very cold. But, do you actually pump in liquid nitrogen to your tyres? It'll freeze the shit out of the rubber.

Nitrogen reduces tyre pressure build up? I agree on this point. Nitrogen is more stable and doesn't expand simple because in normal air, there's vapour in it. As you know, vapour/water will expand under hot temperature. This will result in a very unpredictable tyre expansion under various conditions. And then, when tyre expands too much, there's less contact patch on the road. And when there's less contact patch, you know what will happen soon. HOWEVER, all this is valid only if you're doing like 250kmh on a track constantly. In fact, its only valid on track cars whereby they want an extremely predictable tyre expansion rate. For us in our 'puny' 150hp++ cars, it makes absolutely no difference whether you fill with nitrogen or air.

 

[BLaCkHoWLiNG]

to be frank, i pumped nitrogen into my tires once... lasted 5 months before i need to refill d tires... when i pumped natural air... hailat... 2 months later have to repump

 

[Jun_EK9]

i pump it just now is rm5 per tyre
and i can feel is less bumpy n lighter
well maybe low profilre tyre can feel more

 

[Gti]

u feel it most when u turn the sterring with ur car in a stagnant position
for eg: parking

 

[si|verfish]

I think I've posted enough information up top for you guys to judge the actual usefulness of putting Nitrogen into the tres of normal cars.

The fact of the matter is that it gives too little benefits against the cost, to be anywhere near worth it for normal usage. Unless you do lots of laps round a track or you carry heavy loads for great distances.

If you still feel it is worth your 5 or how many bucks, it is your money to burn. I'd rather save it for petrol.

 

[gavan]

yea, me too....rather use the amount to save it for petrol, unless of course you get it FOC, then might as well use it la.... =)

 

[the budak]

but really have some effect on the car cause when u pass the yellow lines to the toll, i hear less noise and its only Rm 1...

 

[si|verfish]

Right...and that's worth the money you forked out? How much litres of petrol can you get from there?

 

[the budak]

look man.. dont be bitter.. i have friends from the states and even they say that it is technically proven man.. so unless u can prove it with some technical info then it will always be a debatable question...

 

[kyheng]

Technical? N2 is inert gas, so it will not catch fire or explode when running at highways, say above 200km/h, as it will not change its properties not like air. But air will change its properties when hot. Sometimes even got some water inside.
Cost? Air is FOC anywhere, as long as got the compressor in the place. N2, the price is not standard, some cheap and some expensive. 1 of the way to increase FC is pump the tyre higher pressure(around 225-235kpa)

 

[prodigy]

the budak,
Get your friend from the states to prove it to us then. Since you've got friends to prove it, we've got our facts to back us too. What do you mean that there's less noise when you run over the yellow lines leading to the toll? What has nitrogen got to do with less tyre noise?

kyheng,
True that nitrogen is inert and does not catch fire, but have you seen any tyres ever caught fire when travelling at highway? Don't forget, air consist of 77 or 78% nitrogen too. Water is not the right term to use, but there's vapor in it. When its hot, it'll expand and you'll probably get a 3-5% increase in tyre pressure, maybe less. Its quite negligible actually. Furthermore, if you're doing 110kmh, even a 10% increase in tyre pressure is still acceptable. However, its applicable to our normal daily driving condition. In track or formula 1 racing, its a totally different scenario altogether.

As for correct tyre pressure, yes its important and you'll probably save a couple of cents when you use the correct tyre pressure against another driver who's driving with an almost deflated tyre. Besides, tyres are not cheap, if your tyres are not inflated properly, there's excessive wear on the sidewall, which basically means your tyre is gone. Beware not to pump too high pressure too. Higher pressure means there's less contact patch on the road and can be quite dangerous.

 

[kyheng]

Yeah water is not the right term to use, nor your term vapour(something between liquid and gas) is right also, the correct term is moisture.
For me, my tyres only can last me for 1.5-2 years, as everyday I drive fast(110-140) and take alot of cornering also. I pump the pressure at 235kpa for new tyre, when almost time around 210-220kpa. Until I change the tyres, the sidewalls all still ok, but the thread almost no more already. Like you said, it is dangerous to pump higher pressure, but I can do 1km more with 1 liter of petrol. Mine is 14" tyre so if handel in a proper manner, so it will not be so dangerous like you think.

 

[si|verfish]

look man.. dont be bitter.. i have friends from the states and even they say that it is technically proven man.. so unless u can prove it with some technical info then it will always be a debatable question...

Bitter? How did you come up with that strange assumption?

What sort of technical info do you want? And why don't you provide technical info to back your side of the story. Friends in states? My friends in states told me otherwise.

I've already posted some sources in this thread, so you can go read it if you want to.

The conclusion I've come to upon research on the net has lead me to believe that it is beneficial to different extents under different circumstances but for road cars it is minimal. It only really benefits high performance application. Therefore, for what you pay to put nitrogen in your tyres, I think it isn't worth it. If you insist, it is your money, so go ahead. This is called considered opinion and advice, not bitterness.

 

[kyheng]

Wah, memeber sudah angin....
Anyway diff people diff point of view, but the fact is N2 is not much useful for a normal driving cars. Unless the N2 is FOC then diff story....

 

[AJ6677]

no need to argue anymore. ur money ur choice. nobody gonna stop u from spending ur own money. so...enjoy ur money to the fullest.:regular_smile:

 

[prodigy]

Yeah water is not the right term to use, nor your term vapour(something between liquid and gas) is right also, the correct term is moisture.
For me, my tyres only can last me for 1.5-2 years, as everyday I drive fast(110-140) and take alot of cornering also. I pump the pressure at 235kpa for new tyre, when almost time around 210-220kpa. Until I change the tyres, the sidewalls all still ok, but the thread almost no more already. Like you said, it is dangerous to pump higher pressure, but I can do 1km more with 1 liter of petrol. Mine is 14" tyre so if handel in a proper manner, so it will not be so dangerous like you think.

Thanks for highlighting the absolute correct term.

1.5 to 2 years is pretty normal. In fact, for the speed you're driving and those cornering, the tyres should probably only last 1 years max. Again, it depends what tyre are you using. I'm a reasonably slow driver and my ES100 is probably gonna wear off in about 10,000KM time. So far i've used them about 60,000KM and about 1 year. I'm also running on 14".

I'm quite impressed you can do like 1Km extra per litre of petrol with the pressure you pump. That means, averagely you pump 40 litres of petrol and you get extra 40Km on the road. Thats almost 10% extra mileage you get just by jacking up the tyre pressure. I'm very very impressed indeed. How did you calculate the 1 Km per litre savings, by the way?

 

[prodigy]

Yeah water is not the right term to use, nor your term vapour(something between liquid and gas) is right also, the correct term is moisture.
For me, my tyres only can last me for 1.5-2 years, as everyday I drive fast(110-140) and take alot of cornering also. I pump the pressure at 235kpa for new tyre, when almost time around 210-220kpa. Until I change the tyres, the sidewalls all still ok, but the thread almost no more already. Like you said, it is dangerous to pump higher pressure, but I can do 1km more with 1 liter of petrol. Mine is 14" tyre so if handel in a proper manner, so it will not be so dangerous like you think.

Thanks for highlighting the absolute correct term.

1.5 to 2 years is pretty normal. In fact, for the speed you're driving and those cornering, the tyres should probably only last 1 years max. Again, it depends what tyre are you using. I'm a reasonably slow driver and my ES100 is probably gonna wear off in about 10,000KM time. So far i've used them about 60,000KM and about 1 year. I'm also running on 14".

I'm quite impressed you can do like 1Km extra per litre of petrol with the pressure you pump. That means, averagely you pump 40 litres of petrol and you get extra 40Km on the road. Thats almost 10% extra mileage you get just by jacking up the tyre pressure. I'm very very impressed indeed. How did you calculate the 1 Km per litre savings, by the way?

 

[ken yeang]

double post....