Nitrogen in your tires

[Beastie Boy]

I recently came across a nitrofill link at a local Maryland garage:

http://www.goss-garage.com/modules.p...=0&page_id=319 (http://www.goss-garage.com/modules.p...=0&page_id=319)

The owner, Pat Goss, does a PBS radio and TV show called Motor Week that is very well received, and generally attempts to educate drivers so they can better understand the maintenance aspect of their vehicles. Mr Goss has a very good local history in automotive repair, and I consider him an honest source for maintenance and information.

So, after much research, off I went to Goss' Garage, to get nitrogen put into Beau Beast's tires, and the change has been pretty dramatic so far. I had the pressure put at the same level as it was with air, but have found that once I warm the tires for a while (like 1/2 hour of riding), there is no performance change with the stock Dunlops, whereas before there was. Prior to nitrogen, once warm the tires had a decidely mushy feel. Now they feel rock solid from the first minute to the last. From what Mr Goss told me, I can also expect to have to top them off very infrequently. He rides himself (a Harley), and claims that he has, in the last year, not had to add any nitrogen to maintaine pressure.

You can go here:

http://www.whynitrofill.com

for further information and to find a dealer near you where nitrofill services are available.

Inflating the tires with nitrogen requires a specialized machine that purges and refills the tires several times. My cost here in MD was $10 a tire, with free top-offs (if I need them).

This is a mod/change definitely worth checking into.:coffee:

[lzt0d2]

I'm glad to see that they PURGED the tire of the air as you cannot just add nitrogen. You must vacuum the existing air first and then fill with Nitrogen. Problem is if you want to top it off at some pt down the road...say you are on a road trip...you are SOL! So, you put some air in and you've just corrupted that tire...so to speak.

[Dapper]

Do I see a niche market for nitrogen cartridges? :hmm2:

[Beastie Boy]

I'm glad to see that they PURGED the tire of the air as you cannot just add nitrogen. You must vacuum the existing air first and then fill with Nitrogen. Problem is if you want to top it off at some pt down the road...say you are on a road trip...you are SOL! So, you put some air in and you've just corrupted that tire...so to speak.

You're right as far as the initial filling goes. To address your concerns: 1)Road Trip top-offs- I was assured that it is OK in an emergency to top off with regular air, as the most it would do is introduce some oxygena nd mositure to the tire, and would have no long-term detrimental effects. And 2) that if this did occur, it would be corrected with a free re-fill after a complete purge. 3) As far as losing gas at all, the statement from our local Garage man Pat Goss when I spoke to him (see the link to his web site) was that he has had nitrogen in his Harley for a year, and the tires have not lost ANY pressure in that time, requiring no top-offs at all, with Regular air or nitrogen.

[LiquidFire]

This is also supported by the Bimmer board I'm on for my M5. Nitrogen users swear by it.

Personally, checking and inflating my tires regularly isn't a big deal to me.

[razorbak57]

I also did this to my pickup tires. Was told it would increase gas mileage by 1-2 miles per gallon..............lol. NOT, but has been easier to maintain tire pressure. I have not had to add any air in over 2 years now.

[lzt0d2]

FYI - Just in case anyone is wondering what the possible benefits of using Nitrogen, here are a few:

1 Nitrogen is denser than Oxygen: This means the larger molecules escape less easily from tires resulting in a more gradual loss of pressure over time. According to the Michelin Tire Manual, a tire that is inflated with Nitrogen loses its pressure 3 times slower than if it were inflated with air.

2. Nitrogen is moisture free: Pure Nitrogen inflated tires experience less steel belt and rubber degradation. Nitrogen use also reduces valve and wheel corrosion.

3 Nitrogen provides longer tire life: Nitrogen inflated tire run cooler and require less maintenance according to the Goodyear application bulletin.

4 Nitrogen is non-flammable: Nitrogen technology has been used in aircraft, military and race car technology for over thirty years.

[BubbaJePH]

4 Nitrogen is non-flammable: Nitrogen technology has been used in aircraft, military and race car technology for over thirty years.

Air is Non-Flammable. Even Pure Oxygen is not flammable. 100% Oxygen lowers the flash point of a fuel. Oxygen is one part of 3 or 4, depending on how tech you want to get, to have a fire. Oxygen, Fuel, Heat or Spark (4) Chemical Chain Reaction. Join them all together and you have Apollo 1 in 1967. Grissom, White, Chaffee RIP!



Still Nitrogen does sound interesting for tires....

[lzt0d2]

Should have stated that Nitrogen doesn't support combustion. Air supports combustion.

The wisdom of this precaution was brought home by the crash of Mexicana Airlines flight 940 on March 31, 1986. Shortly after the Boeing 727 took off from Mexico City en route to Puerto Vallarta, an overheated landing-gear brake caused a tire improperly filled with air instead of nitrogen to overheat as well and explode, rupturing fuel and hydraulic lines. The ensuing fire and crash killed 167 passengers and crew. However, unless your driving habits are of the X-treme (no pun intended) variety, the chances of your tires catching fire anytime soon are slim

[Bassdude404]

.
4 Nitrogen is non-flammable: Nitrogen technology has been used in aircraft, military and race car technology for over thirty years.
NASCAR has used nitrogen for years.....

[Bumbee]

I can vouch for the military side. One of my jobs is the landing gear/tires. I have to have my guys service tires almost daily. So I personnaly would be a bit skeptical about not needing a top off. I just checked my tires today(go figure) and they were only down 3 psi from about 7-8 months ago(Checked regularly but weather made me look at them) so to think about spending 20 bucks just aint worth it to me. As for them being Stiffer(or harder) yeah I could see that and see where the moisture free could be a benifit.

[lzt0d2]

I don't know about everyone else, but it seems like there are times I don't get the pressure gage on the valve stem exactly right every time. Thus, loosing a small amount of pressure. If I check my tires...over months (or multiple checks) you could easily loose a few lbs.