Does a tire filled with dry nitrogen have a more consistent pressure?
Do nitrogen-filled tires run cooler?
Do nitrogen-filled tires deliver better fuel economy?
Do nitrogen-filled tires lose pressure more slowly?
Why do commercial airliners use nitrogen in their tires?
Why do trucks use nitrogen in their tires?
Why do race cars use nitrogen in their tires?
Does nitrogen eliminate tire oxidation/aging on cars or motorcycles?
Does nitrogen eliminate rim oxidation/ damage?
Will nitrogen eliminate the crud that might otherwise keep my valves from sealing properly?
So, for the average car/bike owner… nitrogen or air?
Elsewhere:
Does nitrogen eliminate tire oxidation/aging on cars or motorcycles?
As described earlier, oxidation damage will be related to the partial pressure of oxygen inside the tire, as well as to the time spent at elevated temperatures.
For a car tire operating at 40 psi that’s going to run maybe 40K miles over the course of a few years before being discarded, tire carcass oxidation is a non-issue. When you hear of instances of automotive tire failure, it’s almost always related to underinflation, road damage, or a pre-existing defect; very, very rarely is it related to carcass oxidation.
And for a bike tire that’s going to last between 3K and 10K miles? Same thing: my worn-out motorcycle tires are always in beautiful condition (on the inside).
Questions? Comments? Email me!
©2006, Mitchell P. Patrie