View Single Post
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 04-29-2008, 06:22 PM
08kermit 08kermit is offline
Enthusiast
 
Location: Silicon Valley
Hybrids: Prius & Escape
Posts: 21
Default Re: Breaking the estimated MPG on SUV's

Quote:
Originally Posted by KenG View Post
Nitrogen will make no measurable difference. Air is about 80% nitrogen already. The properties of nitrogen vs. air are very similar for normal situations. Racing cars use nitrogen to get a slightly more uniform pressure at the very high temperatures experienced at high speed but street cars don't see those temperatures.
Right. The reason for "dry" nitrogen in racing tires is that the residual water in the atmospheric air can dramatically raise the pressure if it turns to steam. Optimal racing tire temp is above 200F. Street tires don't get nearly that hot, even cruising in the desert.
Reply With Quote