Should I Use Nitrogen Instead of Regular Air in My Tires?

Green caps on tire valve stems usually mean the tires are filled with nitrogen instead of ordinary air. Car dealers, tire dealers and repair shops have touted nitrogen for several years as a better alternative to air based on claims that nitrogen doesn't leak as much, so tires stay fully inflated longer. The catch is that topping off the nitrogen typically costs from about $5 to $10 per tire, and the initial charge for filling the tires can be much higher, so it's also a revenue source for service outlets.

It is true that pure nitrogen doesn't leak out of tires as quickly as air simply because a nitrogen molecule is larger than an oxygen molecule, so tires should remain at or near their recommended inflation levels longer. Fully inflated tires last longer and improve fuel economy and road-holding ability. It's also true, however, that nitrogen will still leak out of tires over time, just not at the same pace as air.

Nitrogen proponents also argue that air contains moisture, which can build up inside tires and possibly corrode the wheels and tire pressure monitors, as well as accelerate tire rot from the inside. Some air compressors use driers that remove moisture before it gets into the hose you use to fill your tires, but many don't. Nitrogen, in comparison, is "dry."

On the other hand, a nitrogen-filled tire isn't 100 percent pure; about 93 to 95 percent of what's inside is nitrogen, but the rest is air. Ordinary air is 78 percent nitrogen, so the difference isn't huge, and compressed air is cheaper to use and still free in some places.

In addition, whether a tire is filled with ordinary air or nitrogen, it will leak if the tire valve is faulty, if the tire isn't properly mounted and sealed on the wheel, or if the tire has a nail in the tread or other damage.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association, a trade group for tire manufacturers, says nitrogen "may contribute to minor reductions in inflation pressure loss," but also notes that "use of nitrogen alone is not a replacement for regular inflation pressure maintenance.

Does Headlight Cleaning and Restoration Make a Difference?

Cars that spend most of their life parked outdoors, where sunlight, oxidation and air pollution take a toll on headlight lenses, are most susceptible to this aging process. Unlike underlying bulbs that may burn out and need to be replaced, the lenses are permanent fixtures that usually don't get replaced unless they're damaged in an accident — or when owners realize they can't see at night because they're so clouded.

New bulbs might restore some headlight brightness, because bulbs dim with age, but clouded lenses that aren't restored will continue to reduce headlight effectiveness, potentially causing safety issues in nighttime driving and low-visibility conditions. In addition, despite the claims of bulb manufacturers, high-priced replacement bulbs might be brighter, but they don't necessarily illuminate more of the road than original-equipment bulbs and usually don't last as long.

A variety of do-it-yourself restoration kits are available, and an increasing number of repair shops and dealership service departments offer headlight restoration services. They typically require a multistep process of sanding the lenses with a light abrasive, then polishing and coating them with a sealant that's supposed to keep them clear.

Prices vary widely, and so might the effectiveness and durability of the products and services offered. Ultimately, restoring dull, cloudy headlight lenses to original or near-original condition can be similar to an older person getting cataract surgery and regaining some of the vision they once had.

Buying new headlight lenses or used ones from a salvage yard is an alternative to trying to restore old ones, but the cost of replacing parts is usually higher. Aftermarket lenses are available at lower cost, though if they don't fit or seal as snugly as original parts, moisture can seep into the headlight housing and corrode electrical connections.

Obey the speed limit!

Obey the speed limit: Speeding is a major contributor to fatal teen accidents. That's especially true when driving on roads with lots of traffic or with which you're not familiar. Don't feel pressured to keep up with traffic if it seems like everyone else is flying by you. Driving a safe speed helps ensure your well-being, and keeps you away from costly traffic tickets that can cause a sharp hike in your auto insurance premiums. 

Minimize Distractions

Minimize distractions: It may be tempting to eat, drink, flip around the radio dial, or play music loudly while you're cruising around town; however, all can cause your mind or vision to wander, even for a few seconds. As an inexperienced driver, you are more apt to lose control of your car. Distractions can significantly increase the chances that you 1) not notice impending danger or notice it too late and 2) lose the ability to control the vehicle. 

Waxing

Waxing: Over time, say detailers, oxidation — which occurs when heat and oxygen combine — will break down even the highest quality vehicle paint. Therefore, it’s important to keep your car clean and to apply wax at least twice a year. The pros suggest increasing the frequency of waxing to three or four times a year if you live in a place that receives intense sun exposure or where road salt is used. If you have the time and energy to wax your vehicle yourself, the pros recommend that you make sure it’s freshly washed, rinsed and allowed to thoroughly dry. Apply a thin layer of wax, buff off the excess, and repeat. Don’t over-apply, detailers warn, because a thin application will bond and cure better.

Air Pressure

The Benefits of Correct Air Pressure: Experts agree that keeping the correct air pressure in your tires is as important as giving your engine a tune-up. In fact, the economic benefits may be even greater. With the right amount of air pressure, your tires wear longer, save fuel, enhance handling, and prevent accidents. Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in poor gas mileage, reduce tire life, affect vehicle handling, and cause vehicle overloading. If you consider these factors, then the need to routinely check your tire pressure is even clearer.

Oil 101

Oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine. It keeps them cool by lowering friction and carrying heat away. It also keeps any grit or tiny particles from scratching tightly-fitted parts. Heat breaks down oil. It can make the oil gummy or watery (or both), so that it doesn't lubricate properly. And the longer it's in the engine, the dirtier it gets. Replacing old oil with new fixes all these problems. The fresh oil lubricates and cools better. When you flush the old oil out, you also flush away any grit or dirt in it. Getting your oil changed regularly is probably the single best thing you can do for your engine. To reduce repairs and improve performance, follow your manufacturer's oil change recommendations listed in your owner's manual.