At the installer I was handed a pamphlet explaining that nitrogen filled tires will save the dolphins. Is filling my tires with nitrogen going to actually do what the pamphlet explained:
- Longer tire life
- Smoother, quieter ride
- More even tread wear
- Better gas mileage
Let’s take a step back for a minute and look at the differences between standard air and nitrogen. The atmosphere is just under 80% nitrogen. Therefore, you are paying for that last 20%. Is it worth it?
The difference between standard air and pure nitrogen basically comes down to predictability and air permeation. Pure nitrogen is more predictable in its fluctuation (or change) of tire pressure across different temperatures. This is very helpful if you drive your vehicle at an autocross event or race track because you can plan for changes in pressure based on temperature. For the other 99.9% of us this strength doesn't matter. The air permeation (or how quickly the air escapes the tire by natural means) is roughly half the rate with pure nitrogen vs. shop air. This relates to losing about .5 psi a month with nitrogen, versus about 1 psi a month with standard air.
The difference between standard air and pure nitrogen basically comes down to predictability and air permeation. Pure nitrogen is more predictable in its fluctuation (or change) of tire pressure across different temperatures. This is very helpful if you drive your vehicle at an autocross event or race track because you can plan for changes in pressure based on temperature. For the other 99.9% of us this strength doesn't matter. The air permeation (or how quickly the air escapes the tire by natural means) is roughly half the rate with pure nitrogen vs. shop air. This relates to losing about .5 psi a month with nitrogen, versus about 1 psi a month with standard air.
Second question: Why do some racing car series use nitrogen? Maybe because less flamable?
Race series use nitrogen because it is more predictable in the change in pressure as the tire heats up. This is not related to ambient air temp, rather the heat up of the tire as it is running.
Anecdotal information shows us tires do lose air more rapidly when being driven regularly, versus sitting stationary. The ~1psi for air and ~ 0.5psi for nitrogen estimates stated earlier are based on tires driven approximately 1000-1200 miles per month (12-15,000 miles per year). So, yes, I’d expect greater than average pressure loss during a 5000 mile/month drive. And with your monthly distance rate about four times the average, I’d recommend you check your tires four times during the month. After all, routine checks aren’t (or shouldn’t be) just about inflation pressure, but also giving them a visual look over to see if there are any other wear or damage problems developing.