Hey all,
Forgive me if this has been discussed before. I tried doing a search for "Nitrogen" and kept getting an error.
We ordered an 09 Ford Escape Hybrid and should be taking delivery sometime between September & November. The dealership recomended we purge the air in the tires and fill them with nitrogen to help maximize the benefits of the low rolling resistance tires. They cited that nitrogen will weep more slowly from a tire than air, it is dry(causing less internal tire ageing) and it runs 20% cooler than air inflated tires(reducing rolling resistance, tire ageing and tire presure changes). I am skepticle but the dealership is offering to do it for free($39.99 value) and I found a local welding company that will top off all four tires (when needed) from a nitrogen tank for $2.
I've seen documents online from Ford (John Baldwin, Ford Motor Company - presented to Rubber Division, American Chemical Society) stating that nitrogen reduces tire ageing and (in fleet use) improves overal fuel economy. Michelin at the CEC workshop states that the 20%(aprox.) reduction in running temp reduces rolling resistance and tire ageing, improving fuel economy.
Knowing not to believe everything we read on the internet and definately not believing everything we hear from a dealership, I would like you opinions please. If possible, please back up any negatives with documentation and resources.
Thanks for all your help
Forgive me if this has been discussed before. I tried doing a search for "Nitrogen" and kept getting an error.
We ordered an 09 Ford Escape Hybrid and should be taking delivery sometime between September & November. The dealership recomended we purge the air in the tires and fill them with nitrogen to help maximize the benefits of the low rolling resistance tires. They cited that nitrogen will weep more slowly from a tire than air, it is dry(causing less internal tire ageing) and it runs 20% cooler than air inflated tires(reducing rolling resistance, tire ageing and tire presure changes). I am skepticle but the dealership is offering to do it for free($39.99 value) and I found a local welding company that will top off all four tires (when needed) from a nitrogen tank for $2.
I've seen documents online from Ford (John Baldwin, Ford Motor Company - presented to Rubber Division, American Chemical Society) stating that nitrogen reduces tire ageing and (in fleet use) improves overal fuel economy. Michelin at the CEC workshop states that the 20%(aprox.) reduction in running temp reduces rolling resistance and tire ageing, improving fuel economy.
Knowing not to believe everything we read on the internet and definately not believing everything we hear from a dealership, I would like you opinions please. If possible, please back up any negatives with documentation and resources.
Thanks for all your help