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Nitrogen in the tires?

Discussion in 'Wheels & Tires' started by Okkine, Sep 25, 2008.

  1. Sep 25, 2008 at 6:01 PM
    #1
    Okkine

    Okkine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hello All,

    When I bought my Taco a couple weeks ago, they offered to fill the tires with Nitrogen for $75. Their claim was that it helps the tires stay cooler, and maintain a constant pressure.... Since air is %79 Nitrogen, does it make a big difference? Seems kinda like a gimmick to me.
     
  2. Sep 25, 2008 at 6:03 PM
    #2
    JJ Customs

    JJ Customs Supreme Leader!

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    Well I have it in mine simply because it does not flux like air however I only paid a tire shop $15 to do mine and anytime I want them checked and more added its free.
     
  3. Sep 25, 2008 at 6:04 PM
    #3
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    we run nitrogen in some of our heavier use patrol vehicles

    the idea is that nitrogen tires lose pressure a LOT slower and dont have to be checked as often (i think)
     
  4. Sep 25, 2008 at 6:10 PM
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    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    I dont like it and never needed it. Has anyone?
    And you have to go to the place who has it every time you need to fill the tires?
    that SUX!!
     
  5. Sep 25, 2008 at 6:12 PM
    #5
    JJ Customs

    JJ Customs Supreme Leader!

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    No you can still add air if you want but I live in the desert and with the flux in temp air will set off the TPS sensor ever couple of weeks so it makes sense for me...
     
  6. Sep 25, 2008 at 6:56 PM
    #6
    zuter

    zuter Well-Known Member

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    I read that using nitrogen developed from racing - formula 1, etc. Where every little advantage is investigated and used. And that it only made a difference when used in that application. However, there my be some advantage to slower pressure loss but again it may only apply to racing! Google it to get more info.
     
  7. Sep 25, 2008 at 7:52 PM
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    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Yeah...in those racing situations, EVERY little detail counts.

    But for daily driving usage? I think its just another gimmick to make money off of.

    Compressed air can be had for free. Air actually contains what...78% nitrogen already?

    http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2007/10/tires-nitrogen-.html
     
  8. Sep 25, 2008 at 7:54 PM
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    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Well-Known Member

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    I beg to differ-as I have heard you should keep it either all nitrogen or all air due to false readings.
     
  9. Sep 25, 2008 at 8:24 PM
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    Anthony

    Anthony San Antonio Detailer :)

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    not worth paying for.... if you can get it for free (Costco) then sure why not
     
  10. Sep 25, 2008 at 8:33 PM
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    ubermx5

    ubermx5 Well-Known Member

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    Ok to help clear up some info here

    Nitrogen is larger and does not pass through the rubber in tire as fast as normal Air does.. Normal air filled tires loose 1 PSI every 30 days just sitting. and more if used at times.

    Also Nitrogen filled tires do not expand as much and when it does it does it the same every time you hit a temp range. Normal Air has a ton of water in it. THis is what makes for manny issue we have.

    Would I pay $75 hell no..
    Will Costco refill your tie NOPE. only if you buy tires from them will they..
    or if you have a friend who works their. But you can drive up and get it switched.

    So to rap this up. If you can get it free do it.
    If you have to Pay fet it under $45 for all 5 tires.
     
  11. Sep 25, 2008 at 8:39 PM
    #11
    TacoNut

    TacoNut IgnoringChrisWatchingEdLi veVicariouslyThroughMJP2

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    The air we breath is about 80% Nitrogen...
    Therefore... pointless in my opinion.
     
  12. Sep 25, 2008 at 9:22 PM
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    Killer Red Taco

    Killer Red Taco NorCal Rock Whore

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    So far we have air has 78% 79% 80% Nitrogen, quit being lazy and get out and check the tires, air is free.
     
  13. Sep 25, 2008 at 9:29 PM
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    genxer36

    genxer36 Lord of Tomfoolery

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    Hell no not worth $75. I have it in my tires, but Costco does it for FREE!
     
  14. Sep 26, 2008 at 12:57 AM
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    Okkine

    Okkine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Haha, that's kinda what I was thinking. Air's been working good for the past 100 years. It will keep working for what I need. Thanks for the input guys.
     
  15. Sep 26, 2008 at 1:57 AM
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    VeeRFour05

    VeeRFour05 Active Member

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    The whole idea is that nitrogen is more stable than air. With air your pressure will change about 1psi for every 10 degrees in temp change. With nitrogen it is less than that. I have it in the tires on my car because the shop put it in for free when I had them mount my tires. I wouldn't pay for it though, especially living in MN where we don't have very rapid temp changes. For people like harris that live in desert states it may be something worth getting, but not for $75.
     
  16. Sep 26, 2008 at 4:02 AM
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    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    It's not worth the gas to drive to costco to get it!
     
  17. Sep 30, 2008 at 7:23 AM
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    sAm I aM

    sAm I aM Well-Known Member

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    For those in the AF just get with your local AGE mechanic. Self Generating Nitrogen Servicing Carts are essential in a flightline environment.
     
  18. Sep 30, 2008 at 7:31 AM
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    uuc328

    uuc328 Well-Known Member

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    FYI - mine tires came filled with nitrogen, AFAIK i did not pay any extra for this either. i def would not pay $75 for it.

    i would like to have them topped off as when i checked them they seemed a little low (34 psi) need to do the crayon pressure trick first
     
  19. Sep 30, 2008 at 8:41 AM
    #19
    wiscdave

    wiscdave Lets Do It!

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    yeppers!! :D
     
  20. Sep 30, 2008 at 9:03 AM
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    TacoCo

    TacoCo Aspiring wrench monkey

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    Sounds like the $tealership was really trying to take you for a ride on that one.

    I swapped out my stock tires immediately, and picked up some Michelin AT2's at Costco for a great price ($250 cheaper than the local tire shop!). They filled 'em with Nitrogen free of charge, and will do so for the life of the tires. Fortunately for me, the local Costco is about 5 miles from my house. I live in an area where temperature fluctuates +/- 40 degrees everyday, so if the Nitrogen will keep my tires' volume relatively stable, then it can't hurt.
     

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