Pure nitrogen molecules are much larger than Air molecules and therefore pass through tyre structures approximately three or four times slower. Pure nitrogen has a more consistent rate of expansion and contraction compared to air.
Increases in pressure affect traction and handling and with varying track and tire temperatures changing during the course of motorsport races, the consistency of pure nitrogen is critical; in summary pure nitrogen delivers more value for tyres than Air.
The air we breathe contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and a 1% mix of Argon, Carbon Dioxide and water vapour.
When tyres are filled with Air, the Oxygen molecules are much smaller and pass through tyre structures; hence why tyre pressures reduce.
Pure nitrogen filled tyres retain pressure for much longer, will reduce the possibility of driving on soft tyres and will improve handling and fuel economy. It is therefore preferable in many cases to ensure tyres are filled in pure nitrogen.
Filling with pure nitrogen as opposed to Air prevents water vapour in tyres.
As tyres are heated up under use, the pressure increases. The unknown water content makes the tyre pressure unpredictable and inconsistent, making it difficult to know how much grip a tyre has on the road.
It is believed that, in order to achieve optimum tyre performance, a minimum 95% pure nitrogen should be present within all automotive tyres.
Key benefits of replacing Air with Nitrogen in tyre-filling:
Tyre pressure stable for longer.
Improved tyre wear.
Increased pressure stability for improved grip and breaking.
Corrosion resistance (through removing the use of Oxygen and water vapour).
Additional benefits to providers of Pure Nitrogen tyre-filling services:
Provide customers with improved automotive tyre safety.
Increased productivity of tyre filling.
Potentially increase customer footfall through achieving a competitive advantage.
BOC is the largest provider of industrial and specialist gases in the UK and Ireland, with over a century as the authority for providing gas and joining products, services and support within automotive manufacturing, motorsports and automotive repair, maintenance and tyre specialists.
BOC provides pure nitrogen through a wide variety of delivery modes including single cylinders, manifold cylinder pallets and liquid solutions.