Q&A For Tire Inflation Nitrogen Generator
Q: Why Inflate with Nitrogen?
A: Compressed air is your tire’s worst enemy. Air is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other. Nitrogen is inert, non combustible and non corrosive. Oxygen, on the other hand, is immensely destructive to rubber and other tire materials. As soon as a tire is manufactured and exposed to air, the effects of “oxidation” begin to deteriorate the rubber. Over time it loses its elasticity and strength, just like an old rubber band you’ve probably found around your home. This same process occurs in tires inflated with air as the oxygen attacks the rubber molecules, working from the inside out, until the oxygen, and it destructive properties, permeates the tire structure and ultimately the tread.
Q: Is All Nitrogen Gas Equal?
A: No, the purity of nitrogen available from nitrogen generators generally ranges from 95% (low purity) to 99.9% (high purity). Nitrogen generators can produce nitrogen in excess of 99.9% purity and provide the procedures to guarantee a minimum of 95% purity in the serviced tire, which is the minimum allowable purity that must be maintained in the tire to enjoy the benefits that nitrogen provides. Few generator manufacturers currently discuss this mandatory 95% threshold, as few are able to consistently provide the required purity to achieve it. But, as the market matures, your customer WILL learn –so don’t take chances with their safety or your reputation- fill them with Nitrogen!
Q: My Tires are Low! Now What?
A: Low tire pressure is generally due to one of the following three conditions:
1.A leak. Most tire leaks are the result of a hole or puncture, faulty valve, or a porous or corroded wheel.
2.Permeation. Permeation is the normal process by which the air in a tire bleeds through the tire's body or carcass It is typical for an "air" filled tire to lose 1-2 psi of pressure every month through normal permeation whereas it can take several months for a Nitro Filled tire to lose a single pound of pressure.
3.Temperature Change. All gases expand and contract with temperature. If you live in an area that experiences dramatic temperature changes, you will have to adjust your tire pressure accordingly. Typically you will only have to adjust your tire pressure "up", adding pressure as ambient temperatures decrease. Count on losing about 2% of your total tire pressure for every 10 degrees in temperature reduction.
Participating Nitrogen dealers will always check and correct your tire pressure with Nitrogen for free during your membership period, and we recommend you have this done every 30 days if possible, or as often as your schedule permits. If you have Nitrogen in your tires and do not have a leak, you should experience little or no pressure loss from permeation, but may still see pressure loss from seasonal temperature changes. While it is best to visit your Nitrogen dealer for a free top off, it is fine to correct your tire pressure with regular compressed air for these normal and minor events without diminishing the benefits of Nitrogen .
If you have a "flat" tire or a situation where most or all of the nitrogen in your tire has been lost, you can also fill it with regular air if necessary, but we encourage you to visit your Nitrogen dealer as soon as possible to have the tire(s) purged and refilled with Nitrogen so you can continue to enjoy the benefits this product provides.
If you are a member of the Nitrogen Auto Club most flat tires caused from road hazards, including tires damaged beyond repair, are covered, as is roadside assistance if your flat or damaged tire has left you stranded.
Q: Do I still need to check tire pressure?
A: Yes. But, you will find the tire pressure to be more consistent, even during dramatic temperature changes.
Q: Should I put Nitrogen in my spare tire?
A: Absolutely! Your spare tire is the most neglected tire on your vehicle, and if you need it you certainly want it to be fully inflated. Because Nitrogen dramatically slows the normal loss of pressure through permeation, your spare tire will hold its proper pressure over a much longer period of time than if it was filled with regular air.
Q: Is Nitrogen compatible with my internal tire balancing product [powder, beads, fluid]?
A: Absolutely, in fact, you couldn't find a better operating environment for an internal tire balancing product than a tire filled with Nitrogen, due to its dry, inert qualities.
Q: What do I do if I have to add air and Nitrogen isn’t readily available?
A: Don’t worry about it. The addition of, or mixing with, normal air has no effect on your tire beyond the adverse effects you avoid by using Nitrogen in the first place. If you ever have to add regular air, in any amount, simply return to your Nitrogen dealer at your earliest convenience and have him purge and refill the tire with Nitrogen.
Q: Can I use my existing air compressor to run my Nitrogen Generator?
A: In most cases, yes. Nitrogen Generators typically require a minimum of 100psi inlet pressure with a maximum allowable inlet pressure of 150psi. When you place your order for your Nitrogen Generator, we will ask a few simple questions to insure the selected unit is compatible with your compressor and environment.
Q: Is a Nitrogen Generator hard to install and maintain?
A: No. Installing our Nitrogen system is easy. Installation usually takes less than 30 minutes. You simply place the Nitrogen generator where you want it in your shop, connect a compressed air line and install your nitrogen airline/chuck. It’s that simple. And because there are no moving parts, Nitrogen is virtually maintenance-free. All you need to do is replace the filter elements once a year.
Q: Why haven’t tire stores offered nitrogen inflation before now?
A: In the past, the equipment needed to produce nitrogen was large and very expensive. The only alternative for stores was to use high-pressure nitrogen bottles which were also expensive and a safety hazard. Instead of using stored nitrogen, Nitrogen takes advantage of new technology that allows nitrogen to be separated from air. This process is done economically under low pressure and results in a high purity nitrogen product and an incredible new profit center for your business.
Q: Is nitrogen a safety hazard?
A: No. Nitrogen is an inert, noncombustible, nonflammable, non-corrosive gas. In fact, those are big reasons why nitrogen is used to fill the tires of vehicles that push performance limits under extreme conditions, including Formula One racers and heavy machinery.
Q: How long will the Nitrogen generator last?
A: The Nitrogen unit is designed to last for many years. The key to its longevity is simply providing a “clean and dry” air source and replacing the unit’s filters once a year. This will lengthen the useful life of the membranes which separate the nitrogen from the air.