[T3] Tire Failure ... more info

[Dave Hall]

Actually, an Oxygen molecule is bigger than a Nitrogen one.

Oxygen doesn't absorb moisture either!  However, it would react with exposed
steel and perhaps the compounds in the rubber, so if you are offered a free
fill with Niitrogen, it's a no-brainer.  

Aircraft tyres are generally filled with nitrogen.

If you lose 10% of the Nitrogen from the tyre and refill with air, you've
only got about 2% Oxygen and 98% Nitrogen, so things aren't going to change
much munless you have to top up frequently.

Dave,
UK VW Type 3&4 Club.
===========


-----Original Message-----
From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
[mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of Gary
Forsmo
Sent: 18 January 2011 22:39
To: type3 at vwtype3.org
Subject: [T3] Tire Failure ... more info

*Last May 2010, I bought 4 new Classic (?) **165/80R15 "All-Season" Tires --
$67.00 ea., valve stems @ $3.00 ea., wheel balance @ $12.50 ea., tire
disposal @ $3.00 ea ... Total $359.44.  Although I** thought that was a bit
high priced, the Firestone dealer said the Classic tire was the only VW tire
available.  I previously always bought Michelin because of the traction and
"soft ride".

Because I was also buying 4 new Michelin tires for another car, they asked
me "Do you want 100% Nitrogen in the tires?"

They claim (???) because of the larger molecule size, nitrogen-filled tires
DON'T loose tire pressure (as fast).  And since nitrogen doesn't absorb
moisture (like oxygen), there's less chance of "rust" on the inside of the
steel wheels and also the steel "cords" inside the tire.  ???  Atmospheric
air is 78% nitrogen, almost 21% oxygen plus less than 1% each of argon an
carbon dioxide and other gases.  For No Cost, I said "Sure".

I can say the 4 tires on our "daily runner", has yet to lose tire pressure.
And that's 7 months.  The downside is there a so few tire shops that have
"nitrogen" machines, that I'm almost resigned to using compressed
"atmospheric air".  Air dryers, for most shops are important.   But I
question if they regularly "drain" water out of the tank and lines.

"Frito" (one-owner) '69 Variant
*
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