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Nitrogen for Tires


Published: Friday, May 16, 2008 at 6:06 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 16, 2008 at 6:06 a.m.
The Ken Bensinger Los Angeles Times article, "Buyers In The Dark About Tires" [page E1], you published May 8 included a sidebar that suggested that filling vehicle tires with nitrogen rather than air may not be worth the cost. The first item in the sidebar, however, indicated underinflated tires are the most prevalent cause of wasted fuel.

I'd like to share some facts about the benefits of nitrogen inflation.

Nitrogen molecules are more stable than those of oxygen, so it does not leak through the walls of tires as quickly, helping maintain proper tire pressure. In addition to saving gasoline, properly inflated tires produce better handling, braking and vehicle stability.

Tire wear also is reduced (25 percent, according to a University of Bologna Mechanical Engineering Department study), which can result in significant savings on replacement costs - not to mention the environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions.

Americans waste 10 million gallons of fuel every day by driving on underinflated tires, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A Michigan Department of Transportation publication states that 5 percent underinflation increases fuel consumption 1 percent.

Annually, this amounts to 3.6 billion gallons of wasted fuel and 77 billion pounds of greenhouse gases needlessly dispersed.

Before jumping to conclusions, we ask that people consider the positive effects of nitrogen.

ROBIN PEARL

President & CEO

PurigeN98

Former President

Nitrogen Tire Inflation Counsel

Sunrise


Comments

  1. BS Scout says...
    May 16, 2008 7:10:54 am

    RE: Read the article
    Man Facts is facts! I've serviced many aircraft tires in my aircraft mechanic 47 years. The larger aircraft like B-52 and 747's I used nitrogen. The dry inert nature of nitrogen was more a moisture component to prevent corrosion of the wheel assemblies and interaction with rubber compounds to reduce the hardening or durometer change caused by aging degradation.
    Some say the nitrogen is more stabile to high/low altitude changes jet aircraft experience.
    Race cars and Truck tires might benifit by the extra cost of using nitrogen to inflate tires. It has been my expereince to as a shop foreman for a car dealership is the best answer here is for the average motorist is easy to obtain air and maintain tire tire pressure and correct alignment and balance are the most critical factors.
    Very little tire pressure lose is due to permeation through the rubber body of the tire as this expert claims.
    Maintaining tire pressures with nitorgen is a luxury large shops have. Average motorists can not afford it.
    Stick to checking pressure often and maintaining balance and alignment to address the real issue here of conserving fuel.
    Cheers

  2. Ledger Forum Azz Clown 2 says...
    May 16, 2008 11:39:50 am

    I use a mixture of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% carbon dioxide/argon in my tires. As a matter of fact I have a contraption in my shed that produces such a mixture at an adequate pressure suitable for tires.