Uncle_Bob

I didn't know it was mandatory here. So you have to have a tire pressure monitoring system but there is no requirement for any kind of comprehensive vehicle inspection (MOT etc) other than emissions, that makes sense

S Folinsky

The problem is that the "check engine" light was often an indication of overheating on many American cars. On my old Volvo, I paniced when the "check engine" light went on and my mechanic told me "don't worry, if the car is driving fine, bring it in next week for your oil change." The Volvo has a temperature gauge and separate radiator light.

On the BMW, the check engine light went on, but the car was running quite roughly and smoking. Mechanic plugs in the computer and said the engine was in "limp home mode" and there was a vacuum leak somewhere. It turned out to be a bitch to find the leak -- the intake plenum, made of plastic, had cracked in a spot not visible to the mechanic.

S Folinsky

The comprehensive inspection is a matter of STATE, not Federal law. Some state do it, some don't.

Bob

And that's the problem...all the cast off's end up in NJ/FL and where ever else inspections aren't done and some states are much more stringent than others, on certain things.

MostlyYank

Just emissions here in Rust City. Some cars literally look like they're falling apart.

Nitrogen in your tires makes the car run better.



Pete

zargof

Out in the country here is GA you don't even need to pass emissions. It's insane with some of the shitheaps you see on the road.

Guindalf

My car came with nitrogen filled tires. I've yet to see the big deal.

Thankfully, I found a local dealer that will check and fill them for free, so I have no qualms using them - and they do seem to stay at a constant pressure for longer, even with the change of weather we've been having.

markonline1

All nitrogen does is stop your tyres deflating over time due to the bigger molecules. So I guess yes, if you never check your tyre pressures, then I guess that's correct.

SultanOfSwing

How does that work?

Air is 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Oxygen is a bigger molecule than nitrogen, so surely there has to be some other effect at play.

markonline1

I haven't a clue how it works, but that's what I've always been told. Is a solid nitrogen molecule bigger than an air molecule? No idea. Guess that what happens when you listen to kwik fit

SultanOfSwing

There's no such thing as an air molecule

Air is 78% nitrogen molecules, 21% oxygen molecules and the rest is made up of other stuff like carbon dioxide, water and a few noble gases.

Bob

You only notice it really if there's big temp fluctuations from summer to winter like when up in Maine, but even the big temp drop from -40F in the woods to 20F in the open.

markonline1

Oh, I don't bloody know then . All I could see on google is nitrogen is less prone to escape through rubber than air. If that ain't due to molecules, atoms, protons or whatever, I don't know (great to see my chemistry grades in school have stood me in such great stead )

sir_eccles

Nitrogen is probably drier.

Guindalf

"You can't get thicker than a Kwik-Fit fitter"