Nitrogen in tires

[frankv64]

I recently purchased a 2012 5.0 and it came with nitrogen filled tires.I guess it was done by the dealer to jack the price up a bit.
If anyone can comment like if the tires get low can i use air or do i have to go back to the dealer? Are there any advantages in using nitrogen?
Thanks in advance

 

[Aquineas]

Here's an article I found which talks about this:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns...-fill-your-tires-with-nitrogen-instead-of-air

 

[STREETS]

Try helium- much better gas mileage! Hit a bump and you can travel about 70 feet before coming back down to earth!

 

[Mark_888]

I have nitrogen in my tires becasue I purchased them at Costco. I believe that if you are a Costco member, you can get free nitrogen refills even if you did not purchase your tires there (not 100% sure).

I noticed that with my Michelin tires (replaced Dunlop OEM's) they don't loose air nearly as fast. Not sure if that is the 100% nitrogen or the tire.

The few times I have needed more pressure, I just added air (I have an air compressor) since it was not much and the total percentage of oxygen in my tires is still very small.

 

[Ken1]

In addition to above comments your MPG will improve.

 

[ctrcbob]

Mouse Milk!

Snake Oil!

That being said, my dealer, Orlando Hyundai, fills all their new cars FOR FREE. In addition, you can bring your Hyundai in at any time, and they will check and top off, again FOR FREE.

Needless to say, I think that Orlando Hyundai (Service and Parts) is the best. Great Service and Parts Departments.

 

[PMCErnie]

In addition to above comments your MPG will improve.

How so? The tire doesn't know what is inflating it.

 

[Jimmmmbo!]

In addition to above comments your MPG will improve.

Please provide proof. Without it, this comment is not useful or pertinent.

 

[nb_mike]

I have read several articles on this and it is a consensus that it is a waste of $$$

 

[scottdk]

I have read several articles on this and it is a consensus that it is a waste of $$$

I wouldn't pay for it. Plain ol' air is just a hair under 80% nitrogen.

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[Mark_888]

In addition to above comments your MPG will improve.

That is what is called a "half-truth." Not your fault, because you "read it on the Internet."

Tires filled with 100% nitrogen are somewhat less likely to lose pressure than air (for reasons already explained in other links), and therefore less likely to be under-inflated. When tires are less likely to be under-inflated one will get better MPG than if the tires are under-inflated. Obviously, if one uses air, and is diligent about checking tire pressure, then you will not lose MPG compared to nitrogen.

 

[frankv64]

From what I read there's a lot of moisture that goes in the tires when using pumps that aren't maintained which makes the tires and rims rot/rust. Using nitrogen eliminates the moisture. I don't know how true that is but if it is and I can fill my tires with free nitrogen then it's worth it.

 

[Mark_888]

From what I read there's a lot of moisture that goes in the tires when using pumps that aren't maintained which makes the tires and rims rot/rust. Using nitrogen eliminates the moisture. I don't know how true that is but if it is and I can fill my tires with free nitrogen then it's worth it.

Some poorly maintained air compressors do have moisture in them. But if you go to the trouble of finding a nitrogen supply, you can go to the trouble of finding a decent air compressor. My own air compressor (about $90 at Home Depot) has a drain that I open after each use to let any moisture out. I also avoid using it on rainy days (with very high humidity). Compressing air can cause water condensation if the gas has enough moisture in it.

Also, aluminum alloy rims do not rust. But I would avoid any air compressor spewing water (which I have seen a few times).

The reason that 100% nitrogen should have no moisture in it has to do with molecular chemistry (nitrogen cannot bond with water molecules). But if you actually put water into a tire that had 100% nitrogen, the water would still remain in the tire, but just not absorbed into the nitrogen molecules (as they would with oxygen).

 

[Ken1]

I have been using Nitrogen in tires for several years and i have a air compressor in my garage before Nitrogen I would air tires up monthly to 34/35PSI. I also record fuel mileage at each fill up. When I changed to Nitrogen in tires for the next 5,000+ miles we averaged a 6% improvement in MPG. This is my real world exp. with Nitrogen.

 

[PMCErnie]

I have been using Nitrogen in tires for several years and i have a air compressor in my garage before Nitrogen I would air tires up monthly to 34/35PSI. I also record fuel mileage at each fill up. When I changed to Nitrogen in tires for the next 5,000+ miles we averaged a 6% improvement in MPG. This is my real world exp. with Nitrogen.

It's not the nitrogen, it's the pressure in the tire when you drive the car that makes the difference. Again, your tire has no awareness of what is inflating it, unless you talk to rubber.

Perhaps the nitrogen keeps your pressure more consistent, but you could have achieved the same results with air if you had checked your pressure more often than only once a month. Weekly is probably best.

To answer the OP's question, yes, you can mix compresses air with nitrogen in your tires.

 

[CC4.6]

Since using nitrogen in my tires I've noticed my teeth are noticeably whiter. Also, it's apparent I'm more of a hit with the ladies (if you know what I mean).

 

[CamarilloBrillo]

The reason that 100% nitrogen should have no moisture in it has to do with molecular chemistry (nitrogen cannot bond with water molecules). But if you actually put water into a tire that had 100% nitrogen, the water would still remain in the tire, but just not absorbed into the nitrogen molecules (as they would with oxygen).

This is misinformation. Water doesn't bond with any of the other gasses in air - it's just another component. 100% nitrogen has had the water, and the other gasses, selectively removed. It's entirely possible to have wet nitrogen.

 

[Mark_888]

Since using nitrogen in my tires I've noticed my teeth are noticeably whiter. Also, it's apparent I'm more of a hit with the ladies (if you know what I mean).

Unfortunately your hair has turned green.

 

[PMCErnie]

Since using nitrogen in my tires I've noticed my teeth are noticeably whiter. Also, it's apparent I'm more of a hit with the ladies (if you know what I mean).

Puts more lead in your pencil, no doubt.

 

[Mark_888]

This is misinformation. Water doesn't bond with any of the other gasses in air - it's just another component. 100% nitrogen has had the water, and the other gasses, selectively removed. It's entirely possible to have wet nitrogen.

Thank you for correcting the misinformation. I think what I meant to say is that when moisture is combined with air (which contains oxygen) it is much more corrosive and can cause more oxidation that moisture combined with 100% nitrogen. If this is still not correct, please let me know.