Most of the descriptions are only snippets of information, but they ring true regardless - e.g. if you aren't tuned for 93 instead of 87, running 93 will not help you or your engine. Unless your idea of helping your engine is knocking and forcing the ECU to retard or advance timing, you sadist.
Second, concerning nitrogen-filled tires: why in the name of all that's logically sound would anyone be duped into believing that pumping nitrogen would be beneficial? Think back to grade school, kiddies; atmospheric "air" is almost 80% nitrogen. Even if there was an upside to switching, it'd be insignificant at best. On a good day. If the nitrogen was blessed by the Pope. Twice. Add to that the facts that you have to pay to get the nitrogen, plus they over-inflated your tires, and it's simply moronic. I understand what they're doing, that's the scam = they over-inflate your tires so less of the rubber contacts the tarmac, therefore lower rolling resistance and some increase in MPG. But then, without that proper contact, you lose grip and prematurely wear your tires. I'll stay old school on this one, thanks.
Third - wait, what? Do I really need to say anything about "magic fuel-saving" items? If you're foolish enough to believe those ads and not do any research, you deserved to be ripped off. The same goes for cure-alls that promise to "make your car like new." Next.
That brings me to the final snippet, the only one I find myself disagreeing with: wheels, stereo systems, and other electronics. The MSN author, James Tate, takes a wholly pragmatic and not completely unfathomable position - leave your car alone, spending money on silly things like that will not help the resale value of your car.
And that opinion is fine. If you're 70 and drive a Camry to bingo in Ft. Lauderdale. And you don't want to know anything about your car except to "stick it in D and go." What about normal car guys, though? If you want to spend $900 on a set of these beauties (Enkei RPF1's) with tires,
what's wrong with that? Lighter wheels and better rubber than stock is always a good thing if you care about handling. Which you should, since it's just a bit important to have a good-handling car.
A better head unit and set of speakers is always an upgrade too, especially if you're an audiophile like myself.
Sure, these things might not add to the resale value of a car, but honestly, if you're worried so much about resale value, you either own the wrong car (e.g. a new Accord sedan) or you're missing the enjoyment of driving.
If you don't like that, you might be in the wrong hobby.
I disagree with nitrogen is useless. For us here up north it helps control the swings in pressure through the seasons. Even though air is 80% nitrogen the rest of the other gasses travel through the sidewall over time. Nitrogen is less likely to do this. (also because air is made up of many gasses they are actually made up of partial pressures so its a bit complicated). Because there is water vapor in air and some shops my not be properly filtering and drying the air some people experience water forming inside of their tires which can cause rusting and oxidation. Pure nitrogen is dry and thus containes no water vapor. For racing applications nitrogen is more predictable and has a lower tendency to absorb heat.
ReplyDeletePart of the reason people use nitrogen filled shocks is their tendency to be highly predictable and do not experience shock fade like oil filled shocks. These are properties of nitrogen and thus carry into tires.
Even if shops over inflate your tires you know that you should always be checking your own tire pressures as routine maintance.
More predictable for the reasons you've stated, yes. But, look at the amount shops charge you for that service; do you really think it's worth the coin? Assuming the best about the nitrogen group and the worst of the atmosphere control group, in the perfect environment, the benefits still wouldn't outweigh the costs.
ReplyDeleteRace applications are a null point, normal people don't exactly rocket around Laguna Seca at 130.
Shocks: yes, you're correct. However, though "air" fades in tires and pressure is lost, you've made my point with your last sentence: "you should always be checking your own tire pressures as routine maintenance."