Originally Posted By: jetmech1
....Several years ago a better tire shop I patronized started promoting the use of pure nitrogen for tire inflation. Nitrogen expands/contracts less at any given temperature than using air alone......
No, it doesn't - or at least, not enough to worry about.
Originally Posted By: jetmech1
....Some thought is was hype but I knew it wasn't......
I'm sorry, but it IS hype.
Originally Posted By: jetmech1
.... It will help increase tire longevity.....
That's entirely debateable.
Originally Posted By: jetmech1
....Consistant pressure along with decreased tire temps. It's exactly why we used dry nitrogen in all military and commercial aviation tires. (Don't know if the general aviation folks utilize this).....
Sorry, but the laws of physics do NOT support that statement. It's called the ideal gas law, and it applies to ALL gases, including mixtures, like air.
I find it very telling that not one - NOT ONE - tire manufacturer recommends using it. If they publish anything on the subject, it is a neutral position - in other words, they say it causes no problems. The ONLY people pushing nirogen are the folks who sell the equipment - and we know they aren't neutral on the subject!
If you want to argue about it, first read this:
http://www.barrystiretech.com/nitrogeninflation.html