The Difference Between Air and Nitrogen in Tires?
1 Answers
The difference between filling tires with nitrogen and air lies in the weight of the two gases. Below are the relevant comparisons between filling with regular air and nitrogen: 1. Advantages of nitrogen: Oxygen in regular air can react with the rubber and steel wires in tires, causing oxidation that leads to aging of the rubber and steel wires, thereby shortening the tire's lifespan. Nitrogen, due to its low molecular activity, is less likely to chemically react with the tire's rubber and steel wires, which can delay rubber aging. The likelihood of a tire blowout differs between filling with regular air and nitrogen. 2. Differences in tire pressure: Nitrogen is highly inert, and its molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, making it less prone to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in smaller deformation amplitudes. Additionally, nitrogen permeates through the tire wall about 30%-40% slower than air, which to some extent helps maintain stable tire pressure. Compared to ordinary high-pressure air, high-purity nitrogen, being oxygen-free and almost devoid of moisture and oil, has a low thermal expansion coefficient and low thermal conductivity, leading to slower temperature increases. This reduces the rate at which tires accumulate heat and possesses characteristics of being non-flammable and non-combustible, effectively lowering the chance of a tire blowout.
