Is there an advantage to use nitrous gas on car tires?

Question

some friends say you can go fast through humps without really feeling the bump. how safe is it to use on highways or on rough roads? is it practical?

Answer 1

First, the air around us is already 78 percent nitrogen, with 21 percent oxygen and 1 percent other gases. So going to pure nitrogen only squeezes out a small amount of the oxygen molecules that nitrogen proponents argue are so detrimental.

Also, the advantage of nitrogen being more stable and less prone to changes in pressure due to heat in the tires seems of little benefit to average drivers. Race teams use it because they can change the handling of the car by adjusting individual tire pressure by as little as a quarter pound. So having a gas that's ultra stable has real benefits when dealing with such small degrees.

Nitrogen proponents say that the nature of the gas means it's less prone to leaking out over time through the pores present in rubber tires. But most air leakage in tires can be traced to poor fit around the rim of the wheel or the valve stem, rather than gas permeating through the rubber.

Claims of nitrogen being more friendly to the rubber and wheels is also questionable, since most tires wear out the tread on the outside long before the inner rubber would go bad from exposure to oxygen. The same factors hold true for wheels, many of which are made from alloys, not straight steel. You're far more likely to damage a wheel from hitting a curb than see a wheel go bad from oxidation.

When it comes down to a dollar decision, it's hard to argue that spending as much as $40 for nitrogen in a set of tires is a good fiscal move.

Even if you accept the arguments of proponents, at some point you are going to have to add air to your tires -- not even the most ardent nitrogen pushers will say that your tires will never lose pressure. When that happens, you're most likely to go to the corner gas station, put in a couple of quarters and pump your tire up with regular old air, which will mix with the nitrogen and degrade its benefits.

Save your money and just keep an eye on your tire pressures...............................

Answer 2

Hi, nitrogen gas filled car tires is a new marketing tool to get more of your money. Tire sellers around here are charging $5 extra per tire for the added benefit. Some of the advertising suggests longer tire life, and claim that you dont need to fill up your tires as often. Personally, i don't buy it. Compressed air is 60-75% nitrogen anyway and since it is recommended that you check your tire pressure every three months as it is.....its just a gimmick to get more money out of you.  If you want better handling characteristics, upgrade your suspension; get new struts or shocks.....often overlooked. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Using nitrous (short for nitrous oxide,  NO2)  is a wonderful way to lose your car to fire,   as this gas is highly flammable.    

I believe you mean nitrogen,  the gas which air is mostly composed of.   Using nitrogen is completely safe as it is non-flammable and stable.   But,  your friends are kidding you and themselves,   it makes no difference to the ride or handling of your car.    The main benefit of it's use is that the molecules are bigger and the tire doesn't lose as much pressure through escaping inflation.    The drawbacks are that you have to pay for it,  when air from a compressor is free,   and that should you have low tire,  puncture or flat,  it may not be readily available to refill costing you again when you replace the air.

Answer 4

Its not nitrous gas (brings to mind NO2...), but Nitrogen gas.  I dont know if there is an actual advantage.  While it is true that nitrogen does not expand when it gets hot like air does, the actual difference it makes is negligible.  I have been to places that use nitrogen instead of air, at no extra cost, and I did not have any problem with it, but I did not notice any advantage either.

As far as going fast on bumps, well, thats just silly.

Answer 5

Stays full longer

Answer 6

it is a new way to take more money from kind people like you and me

Answer 7

No, and I think you mean Nitrogen. Nitrous make me think of a flammable substance. Anyway, no.

The speed bump thing... all gas is subject to the same physical laws. Nitrogen is no "softer" than any other gas when put under pressure.