Nitrogen Air
#2
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From: W. Hart, CT & Amelia Island, FL
Taken from straightdope.com.....
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/...instead-of-air
I don't see a need.
Most tires are filled with compressed air, which when dry consists of about 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and 1 percent other gases by volume. Water vapor (humidity) can make up as much as 5 percent of the volume of air under worst-case conditions. Filling your tires with nitrogen mainly does two things: it eliminates moisture, and it replaces skinny oxygen molecules with fat nitrogen molecules, reducing the rate at which compressed gas diffuses through porous tire walls. That means, theoretically at least, that a tire filled with nitrogen retains optimal pressure longer, leading to more uniform tire wear and better gas mileage. The commonly quoted figure is that tires inflated to 32 psi get 3 percent better mileage than at 24 psi.
I don't see a need.
#4
However, as JMiller noted, air is already 78% nitrogen, and most benefits of pure nitrogen are practically undetectable for street-driven cars.
I wouldn't bother.
#5
It's just pure nitrogen-- tire shops charge for nitrogen from "Nitrofill." Costco uses nitrogen to fill its replacement tires, and it's free/included in the tire cost.
However, as JMiller noted, air is already 78% nitrogen, and most benefits of pure nitrogen are practically undetectable for street-driven cars.
I wouldn't bother.
However, as JMiller noted, air is already 78% nitrogen, and most benefits of pure nitrogen are practically undetectable for street-driven cars.
I wouldn't bother.
#6
It's just pure nitrogen-- tire shops charge for nitrogen from "Nitrofill." Costco uses nitrogen to fill its replacement tires, and it's free/included in the tire cost.
However, as JMiller noted, air is already 78% nitrogen, and most benefits of pure nitrogen are practically undetectable for street-driven cars.
I wouldn't bother.
However, as JMiller noted, air is already 78% nitrogen, and most benefits of pure nitrogen are practically undetectable for street-driven cars.
I wouldn't bother.
At the local gas station, they had so much moisture in the air tanks it was rediculous... You could actually soak your hands in water by sprayig the air on it.
#7
Q:
So if the air in your tires now is 78% N2, how do get the other 22% of O2, etc out to have a "Nitrogen Fill"?
A:
You don't, ever, get 100% N2. Can't be done unless you fill your tires in a vacuum.
IMHO, N2 is a waste of time for a daily driver. Small improvement in pressure with temp variation and in maintaining pressure over time, but if you pay attention to oyur TPMS and/or check pressure from time-to-time, it's a total waste.
So if the air in your tires now is 78% N2, how do get the other 22% of O2, etc out to have a "Nitrogen Fill"?
A:
You don't, ever, get 100% N2. Can't be done unless you fill your tires in a vacuum.
IMHO, N2 is a waste of time for a daily driver. Small improvement in pressure with temp variation and in maintaining pressure over time, but if you pay attention to oyur TPMS and/or check pressure from time-to-time, it's a total waste.
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#8
Q:
So if the air in your tires now is 78% N2, how do get the other 22% of O2, etc out to have a "Nitrogen Fill"?
A:
You don't, ever, get 100% N2. Can't be done unless you fill your tires in a vacuum.
IMHO, N2 is a waste of time for a daily driver. Small improvement in pressure with temp variation and in maintaining pressure over time, but if you pay attention to oyur TPMS and/or check pressure from time-to-time, it's a total waste.
So if the air in your tires now is 78% N2, how do get the other 22% of O2, etc out to have a "Nitrogen Fill"?
A:
You don't, ever, get 100% N2. Can't be done unless you fill your tires in a vacuum.
IMHO, N2 is a waste of time for a daily driver. Small improvement in pressure with temp variation and in maintaining pressure over time, but if you pay attention to oyur TPMS and/or check pressure from time-to-time, it's a total waste.
#9
The improvement in pressure variation was noticeable to me... I used to get annoyed with the TPMS reported low pressure when it was cold, but getting back in the normal range when the tires heated up... When I stopped getting air at the gas station (which I noticed had a LOT of water in it), and got my own air compressor (for other reasons), and installed a line dryer... I stopped getting such drastic pressure variations with temperature, and the TPMS stopped getting on my nerves.
#10
Like I said, you can get 99.99% the benefit of N2, by simply getting your own air compressor, and installing a line-dryer, which you can get for < $20.
The improvement in pressure variation was noticeable to me... I used to get annoyed with the TPMS reported low pressure when it was cold, but getting back in the normal range when the tires heated up... When I stopped getting air at the gas station (which I noticed had a LOT of water in it), and got my own air compressor (for other reasons), and installed a line dryer... I stopped getting such drastic pressure variations with temperature, and the TPMS stopped getting on my nerves.
The improvement in pressure variation was noticeable to me... I used to get annoyed with the TPMS reported low pressure when it was cold, but getting back in the normal range when the tires heated up... When I stopped getting air at the gas station (which I noticed had a LOT of water in it), and got my own air compressor (for other reasons), and installed a line dryer... I stopped getting such drastic pressure variations with temperature, and the TPMS stopped getting on my nerves.
Wish I had a compressor.
#11
I paid the dealer a one time fee of $50 and I have nitro for life on my tires anytime I need it. Personally I think its worth it b/c the tires seem to hold their pressure longer and I think it does feel a bit smoother. Plus they gave me cool nitro caps for my wheels
#12
I have it in the 20" tires on my Expedition (freebee on the purchase) & it seems to work well. Have yet to add after 10K miles (summer-fall-winter). Also comes with free flat fix road, hazard etc.
Also have a compressor with a dryer for the other cars. I don't think I would pay extra for it but would not turn it down if its was offered as an incentive to buy.
Also have a compressor with a dryer for the other cars. I don't think I would pay extra for it but would not turn it down if its was offered as an incentive to buy.
#13
True, it holds the pressure way longer.
Like 6 to 8 months.
It'll drop during winter, but once back in warmer days, it'll go up again and maintain previous pressure.
I had mine done all 4 wheels within a week after I got my TL-S
Like 6 to 8 months.
It'll drop during winter, but once back in warmer days, it'll go up again and maintain previous pressure.
I had mine done all 4 wheels within a week after I got my TL-S
#16
If nitrogen-filled tires make you feel better go for it. As the linked article - and many, many others - will tell you, for street cars there is negligible benefit other than the psychological.
#17
If it's 40 or below around my area and my car has sitting all night long... My TPMS goes crazy in the morning saying that i have 29 PSI in all 4 tires. However, within five minutes driving time the warning goes away. This is really annoying at times. Not sure if my dealer filled me up with Nitrogen air when i bought the car a month ago.
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