Nitrous oxide, also known as NOS, is a gas made of nitrogen and oxygen combined together. It is used in cars to boost the output of the engine for a limited duration, typically during races. Nitrous oxide has the unique ability to release pure oxygen when it’s heated to a high enough temperature, which makes it perfect for increasing the amount of available oxygen in the combustion chamber of a car. Injecting the gas into the engine of a vehicle before combustion allows for a larger amount of fuel to be detonated, generating more power. Nitrous oxide is typically used during races because it has the potential to provide a short burst of power to a vehicle. The compound does this by increasing the amount of oxygen present in the engine’s cylinders during combustion. Nitrous oxide also provides a significant cooling effect on the intake air when it vaporizes, which increases the airs density and provides even more oxygen inside the cylinder.

Nitrous oxide is legal for track racing in many states. However, it is not allowed for use in streetcars in the UAE and many other countries. When preparing a vehicle to handle nitrous oxide, there are some upgrades that are important to help avoid performance issues. These include adding spark plugs with a colder heat range and a shorter gap, improving the fuel pump supplying the engine, and ensuring proper combustion performance. Nitrous oxide systems were applied as early as World War II for certain aircraft engines.

In summary, nitrous oxide is a gas made of nitrogen and oxygen that is used in cars to boost engine power during races. It increases the amount of available oxygen in the combustion chamber of a car, allowing for a larger amount of fuel to be detonated and generating more power. Nitrous oxide is legal for track racing in many states, but not allowed for use in streetcars in the UAE and many other countries.