NOS

NOS is a nitrous oxide system that injects compressed nitrous oxide gas into a car's engine to create a temporary but dramatic increase in horsepower and speed.

Originally a brand name that became the common term for all nitrous systems, NOS works by storing nitrous oxide as a liquid in a pressurized tank. When a driver hits the activation button, the system sprays this liquid into the engine's air intake system.

The magic happens when the nitrous oxide hits the hot engine temperatures around 300°F. At this heat, the nitrous oxide breaks apart into nitrogen and oxygen, providing much more oxygen than regular air contains. Since engines need oxygen to burn fuel, this extra oxygen allows the engine to burn more fuel and create a much more powerful explosion in each cylinder.

The power boost from nitrous oxide systems can be substantial, adding anywhere from 50 to over 150 extra horsepower depending on the setup. However, this boost only lasts as long as the nitrous is being injected, typically just a few seconds at a time.

Drag racers love NOS because it gives them explosive acceleration off the starting line. You'll also see it in some drifting competitions and other short-format racing where drivers need quick bursts of extra power rather than sustained performance.

Using nitrous oxide isn't without risks. The sudden power increase puts enormous stress on engine parts, so cars need special modifications and careful tuning to handle the extra force safely. Drivers also need high-octane racing fuel to prevent engine damage from the increased combustion pressure.

While NOS is popular in racing, it's typically illegal for street use in most places. The systems are also expensive to maintain since the nitrous tanks need frequent refilling, and improper installation or use can cause serious engine damage.