Date:         Thu, 24 Apr 2003 08:28:51 +0930
Reply-To:     bobbol@ADAM.COM.AU
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Bolton <bobbol@ADAM.COM.AU>
Subject:      Tyres and nitrogen
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Hi.  Reading all of the discussion on tyres, I wonder if you guys in the US use
nitrogen?

I run Dunlop Light Truck tyres on my 84 camper.  The last time I called in to
the local tyre dealer for a wheel alignment, I had them filled with nitrogen.
This has made a noticeable difference, and cost only AUD$6 (about US$3)a wheel.
They put little red valve caps on, to alert friendly driveway attendants not to
check the tyres!

I understand that nitrogen was first used in aircraft, then in racing cars.
The theory is that as an inert gas, it does not increase or decrease in
pressure with temperature, so you are always running at the desired pressure
and your tyres are not running soft when you take off.  Apparently the
molecules are bigger than air, so you get less leakage through the tirewall and
do not need to check your pressure constantly. I've only done about 1000
kilometres, but there does seem to be some improvement in fuel consumption, and
she seems to run along more easily. I'm just taking off for four days on a trip
of about 2000k, so I'll be more careful to measure the fuel consumption.

Maybe you all use nitrogen in the US, and I am teaching granny to suck eggs!

Bob
84 WBX Camper
Adelaide, South Australia.


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