Apologies in advance - not saily, but vaguely connected with shooting the breeze.
A couple of days ago I went into KwikFit with a wee puncture and left with two new tyres - as you do. On looking at the invoice I found they'd been filled with nitrogen. Now I didn't actually ask for this, but it seems to have been part of some complicated composite deal that meant that I couldn't also use my discount card (sound familiar?). While waiting I had seen a card claiming great things for this nitrogen filling, more mpg, longer tyre life, less tyre noise, better sex life, etc. etc.
So, the question is, is there any actual physical reality behind these claims or is it just snake oil?
My tyres are filled with 79% nitrogen and it works well for me.
I think that when they started to inflate F1 tyres with nitrogen the main advantage was that it was dry and the expansion due to increased temperature was minimal giving a constant tyre pressure.
I can't see how it works for road cars though. Perhaps they want you to go back and use their nitrogen to top them up?
Nitrogen is lighter than oxygen (molecular masses 28 and 32 mol/g respectively, about) so replacing the oxygen from the air by nitrogen will result in a weight saving of b*gger all so, combining that with the lighter burden in your wallet is bound to result in enhanced performance. No?
DaveS wrote:
A couple of days ago I went into KwikFit ......... Now I didn't actually ask for this, but it seems to have been part of some complicated composite deal that meant that I couldn't also use my discount card (sound familiar?).
On the Kwik-Fit website you can search for your tyres and pay for them on line and also book your appointment to have them fitted. The tyres are supposed to be cheaper when you pay on line - how do the prices compare to your discount card?
The booking system hasn't always worked smoothly for me - centre didn't have the time info on their system / centre had sold 'my' tyre before I turned up. On that note - why do these centres always remove the tyre / exhaust before they discover that they don't have stock so that you then have to wait while they taxi a replacement from another centre.
Ash
PS - I've just discovered the underline function - I will try to remember to use it on the 'clicky' to make it more obvious.
"This is a sailing Forum"
Albin Vega "Mistral" is now sold
ash wrote:
On the Kwik-Fit website you can search for your tyres and pay for them on line and also book your appointment to have them fitted. The tyres are supposed to be cheaper when you pay on line - how do the prices compare to your discount card?
Ash
Well these tyres do seem a good bit cheaper than I paid - probably - because I don't think these prices include balancing, valves, disposing of old tyres, etc. OTOH the tyres I bought aren't listed so it's very hard to compare.
The discount card, from KwikFit Insurance, which I've had for years, is supposed to give a straight 10% off everything, but I'm increasingly finding prices which are claimed to be already discounted or special deals with which the card can't be used. Combine this with the hassle I'm currently having with their insurance people and I think I might talk to the meercat next time...
DaveS wrote:While waiting I had seen a card claiming great things for this nitrogen filling, more mpg, longer tyre life, less tyre noise, better sex life, etc. etc.
DaveS wrote:
Well these tyres do seem a good bit cheaper than I paid - probably - because I don't think these prices include balancing, valves, disposing of old tyres, etc.
You're right - P6000 for my Astra would need another £11 a tyre to cover the above. Still find the total price to be good.
Ash
"This is a sailing Forum"
Albin Vega "Mistral" is now sold
