Air is made up mostly of nitrogen - so what is he big deal on using just
nitrogen?
I think the major reason is that pure nitrogen contains no water vapor -
which is probably the reason for much of the tire inflation pressure change
with temperature. [Yes, I know that as gases heat up, they expand (Charles
or Boyle's Law, I forgot which) - but water turning into vapor is a dramatic
expansion].
Also, nitrogen does not permeate the rubber in the tire, so less seeps
through the carcass and you don't get as much pressure loss over time.
I use nitrogen in my vehicles (car and truck) as well as my Airstream.
When I check the pressure, it is remarkably stable over several months.
Yes, I do have a tank of nitrogen in my garage, if I need to add some.
A little secret: Costco puts nitrogen in the tires they sell. If you are a
Costco member (and pick a slow time at their tire department) they will
"change the air in your tires" for no charge. At least, they have done it
for me on a few occasions. I don't let the car dealer service "adjust the
air in my tires" - which caused a trip to Costco. I now have the green valve
caps on my tire valves and make sure the service writer notes on the work
order, "Tires inflated with nitrogen, DO NOT add air. OK to check the
pressure and report on the service ticket."
I think you will see more and more tire dealers (and auto dealer service
departments) going to nitrogen for another reason: The now legislated tire
pressure monitors (in all new cars) are sensitive to moisture. Thus, there
will be lots of tire monitor failures after a couple of years caused by the
moisture in the inflating air. Note that the moisture will build up over
time, as "air" is added to maintain the pressure. [Of course, they could
simply put moisture removal separator/filters on their air supply system.
Efficient, highly effective moisture separators are now readily available,
as they are essential for auto body paint shops which now have to use water
based paints in many locales. Strangely, the new water base (non solvent)
finishes are very sensitive to moisture in the atomizing air.
Oliver Filippi
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