One of the easiest ways to ensure your vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency is to keep your vehicle’s tires properly inflated. Regular air compressors have been the standard for decades; however, nitrogen compressors have steadily gained popularity among professionals.
Using nitrogen instead of regular compressed air offers a range of advantages, from improved tire life to better fuel economy. But like any equipment, nitrogen compressors need proper maintenance to stay reliable. Let’s break down the benefits and key upkeep practices.
Why Nitrogen Compressor
Pure nitrogen is dry and inert, meaning it does not react with the rubber or metal inside the tire and rim. Moisture in compressed air can also cause inappropriate evolution of rims, wheels, and rims, as well as improper evolution in wheels and rims. Nitrogen eliminates these issues, offering a more stable inflation medium.
Key Benefits of a Nitrogen Compressor for Tires
The following are the benefits of a nitrogen compressor for tires:
1. Slower Pressure Loss
One of the biggest perks is how well nitrogen maintains tire pressure. With fewer oxygen molecules leaking out, tire pressure remains stable for long periods of time. That means fewer trips to the air pump.
2. Improved Tire Life
When tires have balanced pressure, they maintain proper contact with the road, which reduces uneven tread wear. This results in longer tire life and fewer replacements over time, which is a huge advantage for fleets and frequent drivers.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
Even a slight decrease in tire pressure can significantly increase rolling resistance, which causes the engine to exert more effort. This is especially crucial for commercial operations because the fuel savings can be substantial when multiplied across several vehicles.
4. Enhanced Safety
Well-inflated tires improve the vehicle’s traction, cornering ability, and braking performance. Longer tire life also means reduced risk of tire blowouts. Under-inflated tires, especially when driven over extended periods and heavy loads, can cause loss of vehicle control due to rapid tire pressure loss.
Maintenance Tips for Nitrogen Compressors
A gas compressor requires frequent attention. After all, it is a precise machine that, with enough attention, will deliver consistent and high-quality output.
1. Regularly Check and Replace Filters
To keep oil and moisture out of the nitrogen stream, most nitrogen systems have air filters and separators. Clogged filters lead to poor performance, so check and replace the filters at the recommended intervals to keep them from clogging.
2. Inspect for Leaks
Drops in efficiency and gas purity can result from system leaks. Check hoses, fittings, and pipes periodically for wear and leaks to prevent the system from straining, overworking, and pressure drops.
3. Monitor Purity Levels
Most gas compressors have purity gauges or analyzers, and a nitrogen gas compressor must maintain a purity of 95% at all times. This is to guarantee consistency in all output.
4. Regularly Drain Moisture
To prevent water contamination, rust formation, and other negative effects, make it a habit to drain moisture traps and tanks.
5. Keeping the Unit Clean and Ventilated
Inadequate airflow, dust, and grease can all negatively impact the lifespan of a compressor. Hence, to avoid overheating and ensure adequate ventilation, the exterior should be cleaned regularly.
