Nitrogen in tires

I just found out my truck tires were filled with nitrogen when it was first unloaded at the dealership. That explains those green valve stem caps. My question now is if and whenever they need adjusted can I use air or do I have to deflate them all the way first of the nitogen?

 

Its better to use nitrogen, but it doesn't matter. This came from the tire shop guy I deal with.

 

Has anyone asked how they fill the tire with nitrogen?

Why is that important you may ask: well, air is 78% nitrogen already. So a tire just put on the rim is filled with air...22% "other stuff (mostly O2)". Pressure with even pure nitrogen and you still got "other stuff"; it's bad and it's still in there doing it's bad things.

The only way to avoid it is to put it in a vacuum chamber first, back-fill it with nitrogen then pressurize it. Maybe NASCAR or an airline logistical service agency would have one to do it but I doubt seriously your local tire shop does.

Oh..and the obvious thing to consider: it's 78% (MOSTLY) nitrogen in there even if only use air as usual.

I buy the dry reasoning, cause then it don't matter that there's still some bad stuff in there if the goal is to keep moisture out over the life of servicing the tire's pressure.

 

My dealer fills all their tires with nitrogen, checks them and fills whenever you come by, and will refill if you ever have a flat. I have noticed the pressure stays very constant with temperature changes. It's free to me, but I wouldn't pay extra to get it.

 

You're right: brain dead me didn't check that memory. But it makes my point even more valid: the more reactive of the gasses being oxygen.

 

Regardless, here's something to think about.....
Atmospheric pressure is 14.7psi(ish)
Pumping tires to 30 psig, or 45 psi absolute, means you are only putting in 66% nitrogen, the rest is just plain air.
Effectively you are only reducing the non nitrogen level to around 8%.
It's a scam, and if you wasted your cash on it, get over it.......
Dry air is as beneficial as Nitrogen, end of story.
Reminds me of window etching and extended warranties.

 

whats window etching?

 

IMO, it's a gimmick. As others have said, normal air is over 70% nitrogen anyway. As far as dry goes, compressed air as found in a tank has most of the moisture condensed out anyway. Pressure does that. Those that have air compressors know that you need to drain the condensation out of the tank regularly. I have a 30 gallon air compressor and live where the humidity is single digit and I still get a good cup of water out after about 3 refills. So what if a little moisture gets in the tire? I won't hurt anything. Also if you are trying to eliminate the oxygen inside the tire, what do you do to eliminate it on the outside? You wear a tire out long before any O2 has an effect on the rubber in the tire.

 

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/scams2001.htm

 

Now if they offered Helium - that would be a different deal all the way. I could lose some of my weightiness!

 

I have nitrogen in my tires and I know that the pressure of the tires doesn't chage due to weather, but as far as prolonging the wear of a tire I would say that nitrogen doesn't help at all.

 

Do you talk in a high voice when you are driving it?