I had some new tyres fitted today. They said they filled it with Nitrogen. Does anyone know whether this is a gimmic or there is some value to it?

Apparently, the nitrogen doesn't leak and upto 5% better mpg. I not sure it believe them yet.

 

I thought the only benefit of Nitrogen was that the pressure doesnt change with differing temperatures. It can hardly stop a leak !! Mpg will only be improved if you rarely check yr pressures and they are often too low.

 

Formula 1 teams use Nitrogen in there tyres. The tyre pressures vary less with temperature I think????
This is very critical in an F1 car.

For road cars I dont see the point we dont run temperatures anywhere near high enough to make a difference.

The only way you could effect your MPG is to reduce your rolling resistance by reducing the size of your contact patch which you dont want to do in a true grip machine like the scoob.

Nick

 

Helium filled tyres make the car more economical as it makes the car lighter

 

I found this on Nitrogen.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/scienceshack/backcat/adamexp/wlracingtyres.shtml

 

Halfords have been offering it for a few years under the brand name Uniflate.
It was sold offering the benefits of being lighter than air, and more resistent to pressure differences caused by temperature changes.
Thus increasing tyre life & mpg, apparently...

 

hmmm interesting stuff....

 

plus: less potential for water vapour build up, less bleed (not leaking, but less pressure drop over time).

Less heat cannot be bad either, but whether it is needed for someone who never goes to the track or does long journeys on the motorway is another question...

 

I've always filled mine for the last 2 years on Nitrogen. Cost was £1 per tyre and well worth it IMHO. Particularly on my track car. For road use it didn't make all that much difference but I'm sure it helps. As already mentioned fuel consumption can only be affected if you let your tyres go softer. Nitrogen would help over a long period of time but 5% is a bit of an exageration...........

Paul.

 

I believe commercial & military aircraft tyres are filled with Nitrogen as well - this is due to tempertures.

I must get out more.....