nitrogen in tyres

[kestral]

Does anyone know if racer's use nitrogen in tires as an alternative to air.If so why?

[FM]

cools the tyres if they run too hot?

[Jon C]

The theory is that compressed air is damp, wet stuff, which eats away at the wheel and tyre from within. There is also a school of thought that they will run cooler. Aviation tyres use it because in the event of a blowout on landing the N2 will help put any attendent fire out.

I imagine the act of filling (evacuating all the air first) and topping up would need some pretty specialised kit, trackside versions of which would be out of reach of anyone without the word 'Ecclestone' on thrir christmas card list.

[liner33]

I know of at least one funny bike racer that uses it , in theory it makes the pressure in the tyre more consistant, i think the argument for dry air is pretty much the same.

F1 team use nitrogen i'm not convinced its worthwhile for the average road car though

[Furyous]

Nitrogen in the tyres doesnt leak out as fast as normal air.

Molecule size or something.

Plus it doesnt get hot and expand causing in increase in tyre pressure.






I think.

[prostang]

part of the maclaren / ferrari spy scandal was the info of what ferrari use to blow up there tires, they use 50% R404 refrigerant 50 % co2 keeps thr rims cool they say.

[kissmyrs]

Furyous said:

Nitrogen in the tyres doesnt leak out as fast as normal air.

Molecule size or something.

Plus it doesnt get hot and expand causing in increase in tyre pressure.






I think.

Yes, molecule size is larger so it doesn't tend to leak through the porous sidewalls of (some) race tyres.

You do get an increase in pressure due to temperature, but nor to the same extent as just using air.

We use it on a classic roundy roundy team that we're involved with, but considering the hassle and expense I don't think it gives any advantage.

[kestral]

[quote=Furyous]Nitrogen in the tyres doesnt leak out as fast as normal air.

Molecule size or something.

Plus it doesnt get hot and expand causing in increase in tyre pressure.





That would explain the artical I was reading. It was about Rocket cars and the tires had slow leaks (Special wheels)and nitrogen was being used to preasurise them. Thanks. Jon C why not just use a tank of nitrogen and a pressure regulator to fill the tires?