Anybody uses Nitro inflation on tyres?

[SportivOZ]

Supposedly Nitro inflation on tyres, compared to just plain air gives better performance for tyres (stable temperature). Less maintenance too. Anybody uses it in North America? Feedbacks?

Its gaining ground here in Australia. I would just like to know first from abroad if its worth jumping into.

[smt_007]

Hey good to see another Aussie with a camry, i heard about nitro but what do you know about it and have you tried it.

[SportivOZ]

well supposedly it maintains the pressure of your tyres better than plain air. it also doesn't heat up as bad as plain air. so the psi level is maintained thus leading to maximum tread wear. thats what the ad says. apparently V8 racing cars use it among other racing avenues in europe.

its available in Bob Jane T-mart for 5.50 per tyre.

[SportivOZ]

i forgot to answer your other question. i haven't tried it yet but i will get it done tomorrow. it will only take you about 15 mins according to Bob Jane.

[crazy_camry]

my mechanics teacher (who knows his stuff) told us that the nitrogen will degrade the inside of the tyre. race cars use it but it is only in there for a couple of hours. my 2c

[Ikon]

Originally posted by crazy_camry
my mechanics teacher (who knows his stuff) told us that the nitrogen will degrade the inside of the tyre. race cars use it but it is only in there for a couple of hours. my 2c

I guess kind of like aerosal spray cans on styrofoam.

[BLUEMEANIE]

Originally posted by crazy_camry
my mechanics teacher (who knows his stuff) told us that the nitrogen will degrade the inside of the tyre. race cars use it but it is only in there for a couple of hours. my 2c

The temp range of race tires is also WAY higher than street tires so the stability of the air is much more important.
Race cars also go thru multipule sets of tires in short amounts of time.

[SportivOZ]

Really? If so, its a good thing my 17"s and the Bridgestones were brought at Bob Jane,....with warranty. At least I am covered since they did it themsleves. Thanks for the feedback.

I can also probably sue them for false advertising he he he he :-)

[kocho]

Originally posted by crazy_camry
my mechanics teacher (who knows his stuff) told us that the nitrogen will degrade the inside of the tyre. race cars use it but it is only in there for a couple of hours. my 2c

Well, not sure about this at all. In fact, it may be the other way around (ask your mechanic if he's taken chemistry lately - I did 18 years ago, but this much I still remember and it tells me he might be wrong).

Unless this tire inflation stuff has gasses other than Nitrogen, here's what I think:

- Nitrogen is not as chemically active a gas as oxygen. Hence cause less oxydation and less reaction with other casses and the tire compound itself than oxygen in the air. So I suspect it will INCREASE the tire life if anything

- Besides, the air already has about 78 % Nitrogen and 21 % Oxygen, so adding more Nitrogen and reducing Oxigen should not affect the tire life dramatically anyhow

[SportivOZ]

Bob Jane's official explanation is just that. The Nitro as the staff said is basically pure...meaning unlike the plain "air" they used, it has a higher concentration of Nitro which does not heat up as much and does not easily expand or something like that. They said that is what makes it great.

Tire manufacturers tell us to check our tire pressure when the tire is cold to get an accurate reading. A hot tire may not show accurate pressure because hot air expands. This, he said, is not a problem for the Nitro inflated tyres.

I asked them yesterday. He actually said "why will we risk this technology to our consumers if it will give us major headaches in the end? This has been proven good in europe and now its here after assessment". But then again why were some FWDs recalled for faulty manufacturing? So there we go,....we will see what happens.

[EKam]

Well I think what it comes down to are two things:

1. cost
2. availability

1. AIR IS FREE so why would somebody pay to put nitro on their tires for that little advantage of nitro?

2. AIR IS EVERYWHERE (duh) so why would anyone bother to go to a shop to fill their tires with nitro?

At the end it's just not worth the hassle and you might as well spend money on other effective items like better tires.

[Nick]

nitrogen is better, its an inert, dry gas, its all we use in aviation

i think the heat properties are similar, but you won't get any moisture in there, so nothing will rust

[VVT-i Owns]

Originally posted by kocho


Well, not sure about this at all. In fact, it may be the other way around (ask your mechanic if he's taken chemistry lately - I did 18 years ago, but this much I still remember and it tells me he might be wrong).

Unless this tire inflation stuff has gasses other than Nitrogen, here's what I think:

- Nitrogen is not as chemically active a gas as oxygen. Hence cause less oxydation and less reaction with other casses and the tire compound itself than oxygen in the air. So I suspect it will INCREASE the tire life if anything

- Besides, the air already has about 78 % Nitrogen and 21 % Oxygen, so adding more Nitrogen and reducing Oxigen should not affect the tire life dramatically anyhow

Exactly......
Plus what Oldman said.......no moisture.

[smt_007]

Hey Sportivoz,
did you see any difference with nitro, ie better handling smoother ride.

[Nick]

Originally posted by smt_007
Hey Sportivoz,
did you see any difference with nitro, ie better handling smoother ride.

it would make no noticeble difference, but your tires and rims would get oxidized less...