Anyone considering Nitrogen for their tires?

[Jerrad]

Not sure if many know about it on this site but thought I would post this for those that are interested.

Source http://www.getnitrogen.org/

Nitrogen in tires is becoming a popular replacement for standard air. Nitrogen is all around us... the air we breathe is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the rest is small amounts of other gasses. When it comes to tire inflation, nitrogen has many advantages over oxygen. With nitrogen tire inflation, improvements can be noted in a vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency and tire life through better tire pressure retention, improved fuel economy and cooler running tire temperatures. Here at the Get Nitrogen Institute our goal is to provide consumers, over-the-road truckers, fleet managers and others information about the benefits of using nitrogen in tires.

Driving on underinflated tires? If you are, it’s like driving your car through sand!
The engine has to work harder, burning more fuel and adding wear to engine components.
It’s also dangerous. Almost all tire blowouts are caused by underinflated tires. Tires lose 1-2 PSI every month!. That’s 6 PSI low by the time you have your oil changed!

One Solution: Check your tire pressure every month


A Better Solution: Use nitrogen (N2) to increase your tire pressure retention, fuel economy, tire life and safety.


But don't just take our word for it. Look at these test results performed by a variety of groups, from private studies to research labs. They all agree that nitrogen tire inflation reaps benefits. If you'd like to see how much you can save, go to our home page and use the handy savings calculator.

Select Studies based upon Vehicle Type:

Vehicle Type: Passenger Car

Study Australian Consumer Reports University of Bologna Clemson
Rating
Reason for rating Thorough, real-world test. Not a valid test. Tires not mounted on vehicle. Missing 6 components. Scientific but only looked at pressure loss Thorough and scientific test
Type of Test Track Lab Field and Lab Lab
Fuel Savings Using N2 vs Air filled
(checked regularly) 1.9% - 2.6% * * *
vs Air filled
(checked only at oil changes) 3.6% - 7.4% * * 6%
Total Fuel Savings 3.6% - 7.4% * * 6%
Extended Tire Life * * * 31%
Reduction in Operating Temp
Reduction in Pressure Loss 38% 48% 35%-55%
Reduction in Overall Pressure Fluctuation
Study Duration
(Miles/Time) 6 Months 12 Months 5 Months
Comments CR tested tires on a stand, not on a vehicle. The vehicle's weight greatly increases air loss, from the 3 psi measured in the study up to 24 psi per year.
Document / Link Australian Consumer Reports University of Bologna Clemson
Your yearly savings2,3,4 if checking pressure regularly $58.25 Not studied Not studied Not studied
if checking pressure only at oil changes $138.00 Not studied Not studied $149.83
on tires Not studied Not studied Not studied $41.33

Vehicle Type: Fleet

Study Clemson Canadian Fleet
(Mech & Mech) Spurburg South Africa Computerized Test University of Bologna
Rating
Reason for rating Thorough and scientific field test with third party fleet Thorough and scientific field study validated by government Well documented private study Well documented private study Computerized real-world study. Awaiting full documentation. Scientific but limited test
Type of Test Field5 Field Field Field Field Field and Lab
Fuel Savings Using N2 vs Air filled
(checked regularly) * 2.8% * * * *
vs Air filled
(checked only at oil changes) 23% 6.1% * * 13% *
Total Fuel Savings 23% 6.1% * * 13% *
Extended Tire Life 51% 86% 48% * * 40% - 50%
Reduction in Operating Temp 19.4% 20%
Reduction in Pressure Loss 74% 53%
Reduction in Overall Pressure Fluctuation
Study Duration
(Miles/Time) 18 Months 110 Million Miles 50 Million Miles 2 hours 1900 Miles
Comments Double blind study Tires tested on same vehicle to eliminate variation due to different driving habits Nitrogen will potentially double tire casing life to allow more retreads
Document / Link Clemson Canadian Fleet
(Mech & Mech) Spurburg South Africa Computerized Test University of Bologna
Your yearly savings2,3,4 if checking pressure regularly Not Studied $384.05 Not studied Not studied Not studied Not studied
if checking pressure only at oil changes $2,636.59 $810.65 Not studied Not Studied $1,622.12 Not studied


Other Success Stories
The following studies were conducted by independent firms that use nitrogen in their business.
While they are not formal studies and there were no controls in place we are releasing them as informational.

Aberdare Cables
Larsen Trucking

Type of Study Savings Comments Information from
Fleet 48% cost savings and 45% tire life increase Data from a private South African company Amalgamated Bulk
Fleet 82% reduction in tire repair cost. 26.6% fuel savings. Feedback from a private fleet company Larsen Trucking
Fleet Decreased number of blowouts. Approximately 40% tire cost decrease. Feedback from a private fleet company Larsen Trucking

1 - Dunlop Tires, Rubber Association of Canada
2 - price of $3.00/gallon,
3 - average tire life of 45,000 miles for passenger and 230,000 miles for fleet,
4 - average tire cost of $100 for passenger and $275 for fleet,
5 - the 23% fuel savings is derived from decrease in rolling resistance, not road tested.

 

[musher51]

Yes, I switched to N2 in my 530i a year or so ago (both summer perf & snow tires). I can't say I noticed any discernible handling improvements, but then again, I was pretty content before the change. My motivation was to stabilize tire pressure, improve efficiency, etc.

It was easy to change, as my BMW dealer made the investment in the equipment, and the car was in there twice a year for seasonal wheel swaps/balancing anyway.

I'd like to change over to N2 in my Genesis, but I guess I'll have to find another source. Something tells me the Bimmer guys won't be too impressed if I pull up in the Genesis requesting service!

 

[Jerrad]

Costco Tire shops do N2

 

[BaywayRic]

I'd check with Hyundai first to ensure N2 works with the TPMS. Can't think of any reason why it wouldn't, but who knew last week there were 'front' wings and 'rear' wings.

 

[musher51]

Speaking of TPMS, Ric, I think it was you who pointed out last week that buying/using a second set of wheels would imply dishing out another ~$300/wheel (x 4, of course) for duplicate sensors.

Being completely unfamiliar with TPM systems, I hadn't thought about this before, but it sounds like you understand the underlying technology very well. So, the sensors are mounted on the backside of each wheel? And it's either impractical or impossible to switch the sensors twice a year as the wheels are swapped? Last but not least, do you have any idea if I could skip the purchase/installation of duplicate sensors for my snow tires -- as long as I'm willing to live without the "protection" of TPMS for half the year?

Man, if it ain't one thing, it's another, eh? By the time I'm done customizing this car, it'll be approaching BMW/Lexus prices (I just ordered the wheel caps, too! ;-)

 

[BaywayRic]

It was RichieRich who had the detail on costs, etc. over in this thread:

http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=426&highlight=tpms

I've never had one of these systems either. After a blowout, seems a bit wierd to get a warning light as you careen through the guard rail. In the above thread I did post the tech specs from the Hyundai support site. It appears to me, the sensor is actually inside the tire. This is why there is a big YELLOW warning about Bubba removing your tire from your rim.

As I read the specs, if the receiver doesn't 'talk' to the sensor, you're going to get a warning. The car will work OK, you'll just have the idiot light on all winter. Not sure what would happen on the 'power on' check. Assuming you install new sensors in the two snows, then I think RichieRich noted there is some calibration process that needs to be done. I think he mentioned it in regard to rotating the tires. Florida Solution....buy a Jeep.

 

[RichieRichLancair]

The sensor is part of the valve stem of the tire. It is a box about 4 x 3 inches that resides inside of the wheel. It transmits the tire pressure from sensor (kind of like bluetooth) to the receiver located on the suspension or wheel well (haven't seen it only had it explained to me by a mechanic).

Each of the TPM transmitters uses a different frequency that can programmed by a special tool at a Hyundai dealer. It looks like rod bent over in a half moon shape. This rod is set to the proper frequency and waved over the area of the tire's valve stem area. The receiver determines what the frequencies are. Example;

Left Front Frequency #1
Right Front Frequency #2
Right Rear Frequency #3
Left Rear Frequency #4

After Rotation
Left Front Frequency #4 (does not work)
Right Front Frequency #3 (does not work)
Right Rear Frequency #2 (does not work)
Left Rear Frequency #1 (does not work)

After Reprogramming
Left Front Frequency #1 (working again)
Right Front Frequency #2 (working again)
Right Rear Frequency #3 (working again)
Left Rear Frequency #4 (working again)

When you rotate the tires or install new wheels the TP monitors inside the tire/wheel must be programmed for the location on the car. These are different frequencies combinations by individual car so that a cross talking situation doesn't happen when two Genesis's are setting next to each other at a light.

Hyundai has the codes for the car and the reprogramming now is a dealer only service ($99 per 4 wheels). Tire dealers have this technology now for other makes but don't have the software upgrades yet for the Genesis or Veracruz. Tire dealers told me that they expect the reprogramming to be free to customers or $10 per wheel for non repeat customers.

The TPM price for the Veracruz is $347 per wheel. About $15 to install plus reprogramming. Parts guys have told me that they expect the Genesis to be $50 to $75 more per wheel.

 

[RichieRichLancair]

I'd like to change over to N2 in my Genesis, but I guess I'll have to find another source. Something tells me the Bimmer guys won't be too impressed if I pull up in the Genesis requesting service!

Most Tire Dealers offer N2. At least here in NASCAR contry. $2 to empty and refill per tire.

A lot of gas stations have N2 for filling your tires, again in NASCAR country. About $1 self serve.

The big advantage to Nitrogen is the lack of water in the gas and it is inert. Water is what causes fluctuation in tire pressure. Can vary as much as 15 pounds in a NASCAR race car 3 to 6 pounds on street vehicles. Pure nitrogen varies only in fractions of a pound usually. In NASCAR their hot and cold tire pressures vary by about a pound or less.

NASCAR uses nitrogen for their impact guns in the pits. Better consistency of gun pressure.

In avation nitrogen is used to keep tires from exploding as an aircraft gains altitude. This has been known to cause a bad day for some pilots and passengers.

 

[Duaine]

So are you saying even a simple tire rotation will now cost a small fortune? I had never had a problem checking my own tire pressures. I know though with this system at least it will make you aware of a leak maybe in time to pull into a service station rather than getting out of town for example.
Oh and one more thing............I thought I read some where that the Gensis has run flat tires. Any truth to that one?

 

[RichieRichLancair]

So are you saying even a simple tire rotation will now cost a small fortune? I had never had a problem checking my own tire pressures. I know though with this system at least it will make you aware of a leak maybe in time to pull into a service station rather than getting out of town for example.
Oh and one more thing............I thought I read some where that the Gensis has run flat tires. Any truth to that one?

Rotation will be $99 for reprogramming TPM at a dealer. Is that a small fortune? A good dealer might do it for free. Tire Discounters will do it for free when they get the software upgrade and you buy the tires from them if you don't it is $40. Right now though I think it is a dealer only service. I don't think actually doing the wanding of the tires takes more than a few minutes. But I don't know about looking up the transmitter codes.

I don't think they are run flats, but I don't know for sure.

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[BaywayRic]

Oh and one more thing............I thought I read some where that the Gensis has run flat tires. Any truth to that one?

Absolutely not. It was listed in here as a possible upgrade in the "What would I like to see next" thread. To my surprise, that idea was panned because apparently they are quite uncomfortable to ride on.

 

[DanTheMan]

Rotation will be $99 for reprogramming TPM at a dealer. Is that a small fortune? A good dealer might do it for free. Tire Discounters will do it for free when they get the software upgrade and you buy the tires from them if you don't it is $40. Right now though I think it is a dealer only service. I don't think actually doing the wanding of the tires takes more than a few minutes. But I don't know about looking up the transmitter codes.

I don't think they are run flats, but I don't know for sure.

Rich--

I just read your post, even though you'd quoted it some time back. Genesis tires aren't run-flats...and from a couple of people that I know that have them on other vehicles...we (as owners) can be glad.

I asked my local dealer that I purchased my Genesis from about the add'l charges for tire rotation re: TPMS issues, and he laughed. Said there were no additional charges here. Now, knowing they are at heart car dealers/service departments, that either means there are actually no additonal charges, or that they charge so much for rotation of tires that it's built in...but don't itemize it on an invoice. I don't know which is true as yet--I've only got 1500 miles on the car!

Dan