Hello, my name is Nick. This is my new auto blog. Have you ever wondered about how you can improve the look and functioning of your auto? If so you are in the right place. I live in a large house in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia and my house has as many garage parking spots as it does rooms. And believe me, it has a lot of rooms. I like to collect classic cars and then work on them to restore them to their former glory. In doing this, I have learnt lots of cool tricks. I would like to share some of these tricks with you here.
Many car dealerships encourage car owners to fill their tyres with nitrogen instead of ordinary air. Proponents of nitrogen use argue that it results in better tyre pressure retention and that will result in longer tyre life. Should one spend money to fill his or her car tyres with nitrogen? This article discusses three compelling reasons why it may not be worth it to fill your car tyres with nitrogen:
3. Minimal Tyre Pressure Retention Difference
A 2006 study by Consumer Reports sought to compare the tyre loss statistics of tyres filled with ordinary air and those having nitrogen in order to confirm whether it was necessary to use nitrogen in tyres. It was discovered that tyres with ordinary air lost 3.5psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure over a period of one year while those filled with nitrogen lost 2.2psi over the same period. Their conclusion was that the difference was marginal. Should you spend all that money just for "a minimal difference" in tyre pressure retention?
2. Hardly any Better Fuel Economy
Proponents of nitrogen also argue that limiting tyre pressure loss leads to better fuel economy. Since it was proved that there is an almost negligible difference in the rate of tyre pressure loss between tyres inflated using nitrogen and those with ordinary air then you can achieve optimal fuel economy by checking your tyre pressure regularly (every month, for example) in order to restore it to the recommended level. That will keep your fuel economy within the expected performance levels.
1. Minimal Temperature Change When Tyres Are Overinflated
When air heats up it expands due to the moisture in it and that results in a temperature rise within the tyres. That increased temperature can result in blown tyres. Proponents of nitrogen say it is dry so it will remain cooler than ordinary air. A study was conducted by ExxonMobil to plot the temperature differences between ordinary air and nitrogen in tyres. That study found a negligible difference in temperature fluctuations in the two sets of tyres. Those research findings confirmed that the temperature fluctuation argument does not justify having to spend money to fill your car tyres with nitrogen.
As you can see from the discussion above it is not necessary for you to inflate your car tyres with nitrogen since there are no significant benefits that you will get after spending that money. Just follow the tyre inflation guidelines provided by your tyre manufacturer and your car will be as fuel efficient as its mechanical/user conditions permit it to be. You may want to talk to local mechanics and automotive professionals if you have other questions.
Share31 July 2015
