Nitrogen?

[DSteele]

The subject of using nitrogen in our tires came up. The results of a google search was interesting. One of the big points was that the tires run cooler. Anyone here that has tried it or knows the true skinny please chime in.

 

[DFranks]

been running nitrogen in my stock bfg tiresfor around 6months... so far seem same to me as air and I haven't lost any pressure either.

 

[WDaniels]

We use Dry Nitrogen in our airplane tires an all pressure accumulators. It is true that they will run cooler but the big plus is that when it gets extremely cold, the nitrogen will not contract nearly as much and let the bead on the tires pop so you loose all you air.

 

[tgordon]

WD, air planes have accumulators for the tire pressure? That is interesting, I just remember a set of those tires on our manure tanker that I have never added air to. Of course sooooo many plys I don't thing it needed air in the tires for the "light" loads we used it for.



In car racing they use it because it has less pressure change as the gas changes temperature. I don't recall that it kept the tire cooler. The other benefit is suppose to be that it does not have the H2O in it to cause rust on the rims, but if you add air from a compressor rather than a cylinder filled with nitrogen you are adding moisture.



IMHO I won't spend extra for it as it has marginal benefit for my uses, but if they do it for free, what the heck.

 

[HighRanger]

I run it in my Bias Ply Iroks on my jeep. Works well. Haven't seen any ill side effects.

 

[Highfinance97]

Using nitrogen can help keep your tire pressure 30% - 40% longer than compressed air.

Nitrogen has been used for years by NASCAR, Airlines, and the U. S. Government.





Benefits



• Smoother, safer ride resulting in better vehicle handling and control and less chance of blowouts



• Better gas millage because of less rolling resistance



• Longer tire life including reduced tire aging and longer belt and rim life



• More convenient because of less frequent refilling and pressure check



Passenger cars get about 2-3 MPG's or about 4% more





Michael



P. S. One of the local buisnesses in my area which has 27 retail locations uses Ultrafill 99+ with every tire they fill.

 

[GaryOwen]

I dont use nitrogen, except the the 70 something percent in air. Figure after a couple of times adding makeup air to my tire I am essentially all nitrogen since the nitrogen doesn't escape.



MPG gains are promoted by companies selling nitrogen, but the gain is based on the assumption that you will not keep your tires checked and properly inflated.



Nitrogen is normally drier than air and could prevent corrosion in the wheel, and possible deterioration of the tire, but I always wear my tires out before they dry rot from the inside. Haven't had a problem with wheel rust either.



Every time you check your tire pressure a little air or nitrogen escapes. Since I have an air compressor, I can just top it off instead of getting a top off at a tire dealer. I check tire pressure daily per DOT rules for commercial carriers, so nitrogen would not save me the time of checking my tire pressures.



I would probably try the nitrogen if it were free, but think it is very minimal benefit (if any)for passenger vehicles.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

I have had nitrogen in my current tires since they were new, about 70K now. I notice the pressure stays real constant, otherwise no noticeable difference. Nitrogen is the standard fill at Costco when you buy tires there.



SHG

 

[WDaniels]

tgordon,

The tires do not have accumulators. I ment to say "... tires and all accumulators... ".

 

[dpuckett]

My girlfriend and I were talking about this the other day, and we came to the conclusion it was likely a marketing ploy for tire shops to make money. The air is 78% N anyway, what is another 28% (of the 78%) going to benefit me?



I like the top-off every time you refill your tires. After my average of 75Kmi, I should, by that theory, be close to 98% nitrogen



Daniel

 

[MBrawley]

My girlfriend and I were talking about this the other day, and we came to the conclusion it was likely a marketing ploy for tire shops to make money. The air is 78% N anyway, what is another 28% (of the 78%) going to benefit me?



I like the top-off every time you refill your tires. After my average of 75Kmi, I should, by that theory, be close to 98% nitrogen



Daniel

106% nitrogen has got to be better.



Mike B