I use Nitrogen in my tires on all my vehicles because I use it with my job and can fill 16 sets of tires for $3 bucks. I get about 1.5 mpg better because they stay at close to constant pressure (would be same if I checked them all the time?). The ride is a touch stiffer (due to larger molecules) but Nitrogen does not expand as much and maintains pressure better over time. I used to add air to my tires once every three weeks but Nitrogen holds for 1.5 months or so because of the larger molecules again. I check my tires cool on ‘air’ and then drive on highway trip and there is about a 6-8 pound greater pressure difference with just air, yet Nitrogen is only about 1-2 pounds greater which keeps tires from wearing. That being said, I still think Nitrogen is a waste of money for the typical charge of $35 dollars. Just wondered what you guys thought about it?
Nitrogen filled tires waste of money?
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In regular street cars, I'd say no, in race cars, 18-wheelers, and any heavy use tire, I see it being totally worth the expense
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Snake-oil. It's as simple as that. Since the air that goes into tires (the same air we breathe) is mostly nitrogen anyway, you are being taken to the cleaners if you buy into the "nitrogen is better" myth.
In my opinion, believing that nitrogen in the tires makes a difference in the ride quality or tire life is no different than seeing the face of the devil in the pictures of the collapse of the World Trade Center or hearing ghostly voices on audio recordings of "haunted" rooms.
But that won't stop anyone from wasting their money on it. Heck, Ron Popeil made money convincing people that it is okay to spray your bald spot with what amounts to black colored spray-on snow (like that white stuff people use for their windows at Christmas). Amazing.
In my opinion, believing that nitrogen in the tires makes a difference in the ride quality or tire life is no different than seeing the face of the devil in the pictures of the collapse of the World Trade Center or hearing ghostly voices on audio recordings of "haunted" rooms.
But that won't stop anyone from wasting their money on it. Heck, Ron Popeil made money convincing people that it is okay to spray your bald spot with what amounts to black colored spray-on snow (like that white stuff people use for their windows at Christmas). Amazing.
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Snake oil sounds about right, this is like an argument I witnessed with an old employer who wanted to fill his the tires of his porche with hellium. He thought it would make the car faster due to hellium being lighter then air. I think the intern we had managed to talk him out of the idea with his highschool physics knowledge.
I dug into this a long time ago when I had access to a VP at a major tire company. It had always sounded like snake oil because air is 78% nitrogen anyway, right?
Turns out, the real issue is moisture. Anybody that uses nitrogen gets it in tanks from a gas supplier. It has always been called "Dry Nitrogen" because the water content is controlled, and kept very low.
Most shops that use compressed air don't rigorously change the filters and empty the water traps in their system, so moisture isn't controlled. If it were, the difference would be almost nothing.
Turns out, the real issue is moisture. Anybody that uses nitrogen gets it in tanks from a gas supplier. It has always been called "Dry Nitrogen" because the water content is controlled, and kept very low.
Most shops that use compressed air don't rigorously change the filters and empty the water traps in their system, so moisture isn't controlled. If it were, the difference would be almost nothing.
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I still belive when I spend money on somthing for my car I should be able to notice it. If its on the suspension I want a better more comfortable ride. Tires, pay premium for them to stick to the road better! heck an air freshener better out perform the one the dealer gave if I spend my hard earned money.
Hydrogen in the tires does seem like a GIANT waste.
Hydrogen in the tires does seem like a GIANT waste.
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+1.. Less moisture can mean less oxidation in the wheel and less likelyhood of leaks developing.
It promises to hold the pressure more evenly too.
If I had to pay for it I wouldn't , but Costco was not charging at one time. Not sure about now tho.
Worth a call if you're interested.
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My CT came with Nitrogen filled tires. (If you believe the dealer) They tried to add 60.00 to an addendun sticker along with other phony crap. Didn't pay for it. But I do like the little green caps over the air filler. Yes sirree, I feel feared by men and admired by women with those green caps.
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LOL, a badge of honour...
. I've not bothered with Nitrogen for quite some time but they say it cuts down on corrosion and keeps the pressure more stable in varying temps.I might get it again if Costco still does it for free.
C.
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I agree CCT, not worth the money but have not seen anything that says it causes harm. Often time you can get that one tire that always needs 2-3 lbs of air every month. Had one on the Ridgeline for 3 years, got new tires and it disappeared. Nitrogen supposedly is heavy enough to prevent these annoyances.
I'll take it free any time.
I'll take it free any time.
LOL. I see those green caps and I think... "fish." Nothing personal, though, particularly since you didn't pay for them.
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My car supposedly brings nitrogen filled tires but they don't bring green caps. They bring these weird silver caps that say Nitrosen or something on them lol. They look cool. The caps are similar to those medicine caps that keep spinning until you push down and then turn to open. The dealership did not explain to me if I have to only fill the tires with nitrogen or if I can use air as well. Shouldn't Honda fill the tires for free since I didn't ask for that? I know that when I got my oil changed in my 08 accord, they usually did that free "25 point inspection" and they add air if needed but idk abt nitrogen cause I haven't gone in for oil change yet. I just hit 3000 miles but 1400 were driving it up from FL. Ima check Costco to see if they do it for free or only if you buy tires from them...
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Considering that the air we breathe (the same air that goes into tires) is mostly nitrogen... nothing happens except your tire gets filled. Your car will still work, the tires won't explode, and the earth will continue to spin in the correct direction.
Spontaneous combustion, not really, but I did hear of a car not long ago that an owner got helium and nitrogen tanks mixed up and filled with H and the car floated off and was eventually shot down over restricted airspace by a F-22A Raptor and fell smack dab in middle of area 52.
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