Using Helium in tires to save weight.?

Question

Nitrogen is the NEW substance used in tires. Helps stop rust build up and leaks out slower. Has anyone used helium? If so, how much weight could be "Saved" if used on a semi?

Answer 1

Nitrogen has been used in aircraft tires for decades -- nothing new about that at all. The primary benefit is a reduction of deterioration due to oxidation, especially at the higher pressures used in aircraft tires. It does not leak out slower than ordinary air (which is 78% nitrogen to begin with) and internal rust buildup is negligible to non-existent.

Helium atoms are so small that they leak out MUCH faster than air or nitrogen would. Ever notice that a helium balloon goes limp much faster than one blown up by mouth? You'd have to check tire pressure every few miles.

Any weight savings, if any, would be on the order of a tiny fraction of an ounce and probably could not be measured easily.

Answer 2

Helium is such a small atom it would leak out far worse that Nitrogen or Air. I certainly wouldn't recommend it for tires. And it wouldn't weigh any less because it would be just as "compressed".

Here's a fact. A full helium cylinder weighs more than an empty one! But the weight differential in tires would be negligible.

Answer 3

This experiement was done on a football on the Mythbusters show and a helium filled football was no lighter than one filled with air. This would be the same concept. I really dont think it would give any savings,

Answer 4

wouldnt work. only way to save any kind of weight is to use as much aluminum and/or titanium as possible; from the engine to the frame, but titanium isnt cheap either.

Answer 5

This is the dumbest question I've seen today....
(sorry --)