Nitrogen vs Air

lil black liberty · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:24 am

Ok I heard the other day that a place in my town was getting Nitrogen tanks to start airing up tires. What is the advantage of Nitrogen compared to Regular Compressed Air??

KJ kyle · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:34 am

what they claim:

nitrogen molecules are bigger than O2 molecules, which means it doesnt change pressure as much with differant temps. as well as loose air through the tires over time.

the truth:

you get cool green valve stems! and you get to tell people you have nitrogen inflated tires.

lil black liberty · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:39 am

Lmao green valve stems huh... Well if that's the only benefit... :lol:

trailman · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:47 am

I've read a few threads on this before, and the majority opinion was that it was a gimmick. Air alone is comprised of about 75% nitrogen, so is the extra 25% really going to matter? Some guys did a test, (not sure where I read it) on air, CO2, and nitrogen. They filled three different tires with each and let them set for I think 3 months or so. The air and CO2 lost close to same amount of air, while the nitrogen filled tire had 1 PSI more than the other two. Not sure on the conditions or even the validity of the test, but (for the sake of argument) if it was correct, 1 PSI isn't enough for me to hassle with nitrogen. Oh and that was the only thing that I ever heard was supposed to be beneficial about nitrogen. I mean that it's not supposed to seep through tire as fast because it's molecules are larger than the other two. I check my tires at least once a month, and I have an air compressor, so air works great for me.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:50 am

PLUS if you go out and air down your tires you have just lost a lot of the fancy nitrogen anyways.

For me its a come on and a crock, just check your tires like you should and be done with it

ihatemybike · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 3:10 pm

tommudd wrote:

For me its a come on and a crock, just check your tires like you should and be done with it

QFT

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 3:54 pm

trailman wrote:

I've read a few threads on this before, and the majority opinion was that it was a gimmick. Air alone is comprised of about 75% nitrogen, so is the extra 25% really going to matter?

One place ThunderbirdJunkie worked said "good 'nuff" if the nitrogen from the fancy green tanks was 94% pure...

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:00 pm

ThunderbirdJunkie wrote:

trailman wrote:

I've read a few threads on this before, and the majority opinion was that it was a gimmick. Air alone is comprised of about 75% nitrogen, so is the extra 25% really going to matter?

One place ThunderbirdJunkie worked said "good 'nuff" if the nitrogen from the fancy green tanks was 94% pure...

so off the record :wink:

what does ThunderbirdJunkie think of it, worth it or not ?
Ask him the next time he stops in :wink:

Does he sell it where it works now?

Guest · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:13 pm

ThunderbirdJunkie thinks it's the stupidest crock of crap ever.

"Stays in tires longer" "longer wear" you've got to be kidding...

N2 molecules are larger than normal air molecules, yes...and in theory, it stays in the tires longer...but if you can NOTICE that your tires stay inflated longer with N2 than air, you've got bigger problems than what's inflating your tires.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:45 pm

If you check your tire pressures once a week like you are supposed to you wouldn't need to worry about what you put in your tires.

lil black liberty · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:56 pm

Thunderbird you are right man if you actually notice your tires staying inflated longer you are either a person with no life, or you are simply crazy and probably that way from drugs.. :lol:

BTW: Thunderbird did you ever figure out where yourself went because you act like a third person and it's kinda creepy jk but seriously where did you go? :lol:

KW AV8R · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:12 pm

I know that aircraft tires are filled with nitrogen rather than normal air. The claims are to prevent changes in pressure due to rapid temperature/altitude changes and to reduce fire risk (no/little O2). These are the Army's claims, not me. Also, this is second hand since my aircraft doesn't have tires, it has skids.

I don't know how any of this has anything to do with tires on a Jeep.

KJ kyle · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2009 9:55 am

I would imagine the pressure change in an airplane tire is much more intense than a car.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2009 3:01 pm

One of the most significant differences is that the production of pure Nitrogen - automatically eliminates all moisture
while compressed air - normally has some water vapor

MidnightLiberty · **Joined:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:42 pm **Posts:** 270

KJ kyle wrote:

what they claim:

nitrogen molecules are bigger than O2 molecules, which means it doesnt change pressure as much with differant temps. as well as loose air through the tires over time.

the truth:

you get cool green valve stems! and you get to tell people you have nitrogen inflated tires.

Regular air is already 78% Nitrogen. Maybe if there is no price difference but I am not going to pay for what comprises a super majority of air.

Troysterr · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2009 7:11 pm

FWIW: http://www.getnitrogen.org/why/index.php

This article wrote:

Proper tire pressure is a big deal.
Maintain it with nitrogen, and you'll see
these three primary benefits:

Increased Fuel Efficiency – Correct tire pressure keeps the manufacturer's recommended “contact patch” on the road. This lessens the rolling resistance and maximizes fuel efficiency. Read On...
Longer Tire Life – When it comes in contact with other materials, oxygen causes oxidation. Oxidation can make rubber brittle and cause it to lose tensile strength. In addition, at high temperatures and pressures, oxygen reacts and damages inner tire liners and belt packages; nitrogen does not. Read On...
Increased Safety – Under-inflated tires cause 90% of blowouts. Nitrogen provides more reliable pressure for reduced blowout potential. Read On...

Other benefits:

Improved TPMS Performance – If you have a new car, you likely are plagued by a flashing light telling you your tire pressure is low. For example, one woman's light was going off every four to five weeks. After inflating with nitrogen, her light didn't reappear for 53 weeks!
More Predictable Pressure Fluctuation – NASCAR teams use nitrogen so they can more accurately predict tire pressure fluctuation. Regular compressed air can fluctuate considerably when water vapor is present. Read On...
Longer Rim Life – Rim rust caused by condensation from water vapor and other gases can get caught in valves and create slow leaks in tires. Nitrogen is completely dry, so it eliminates the potential for condensation.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Apr 12, 2009 7:18 pm

Troysterr wrote:

FWIW: http://www.getnitrogen.org/why/index.php

This article wrote:

Proper tire pressure is a big deal.
Maintain it with nitrogen, and you'll see
these three primary benefits:

Increased Fuel Efficiency – Correct tire pressure keeps the manufacturer's recommended “contact patch” on the road. This lessens the rolling resistance and maximizes fuel efficiency. Read On...
Longer Tire Life – When it comes in contact with other materials, oxygen causes oxidation. Oxidation can make rubber brittle and cause it to lose tensile strength. In addition, at high temperatures and pressures, oxygen reacts and damages inner tire liners and belt packages; nitrogen does not. Read On...
Increased Safety – Under-inflated tires cause 90% of blowouts. Nitrogen provides more reliable pressure for reduced blowout potential. Read On...

Other benefits:

Improved TPMS Performance – If you have a new car, you likely are plagued by a flashing light telling you your tire pressure is low. For example, one woman's light was going off every four to five weeks. After inflating with nitrogen, her light didn't reappear for 53 weeks!
More Predictable Pressure Fluctuation – NASCAR teams use nitrogen so they can more accurately predict tire pressure fluctuation. Regular compressed air can fluctuate considerably when water vapor is present. Read On...
Longer Rim Life – Rim rust caused by condensation from water vapor and other gases can get caught in valves and create slow leaks in tires. Nitrogen is completely dry, so it eliminates the potential for condensation.

Again if you check your tire pressure once a week like you are supposed to there is no need to pay for overpriced air.Not checking your tires,even looking at them(which over 90% don't till there is problem) for 53 weeks is a very bad thing,the majority of the population are idiots when it comes to there vehicle,which is drastically different from just about 20 years ago.

Oh and NASCAR is running 180mph+ and pulling 4g+ turns so air pressure is very important,and airplanes need a gas that does not expand/contract as much as normal air since they can see drastic altitude changes that a vehicle would never see,ever.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:40 am

why not fill them with helium from a balloon shop

:roll:

maybe get some kazoo valve stem caps too while you're at it

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:07 am

Well - the Helium molecule is too small - it would diffuse through the rubber.

However the Kazoo valve stems - now that's an idea - I mean you have tire deflater's and all they do is hiss

- I mean a Kazoo and your Jeep could sing for you as your planning the route - I think that's got potiential

Boiler · **Posted:** Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:31 am

If its weight savings you're looking for, fill the CAB with helium....

Some kids at Ball St., in my fabulous town of Muncie climbed into some sort of balloon attraction filled with helium for fun. Unfortunately it takes relatively no time at all to suffocate in helium. They got disoriented enough that they couldn't find the exit, and died.

Nitrogen vs Air

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