Nitrogen Gimmick at Tire Stores
11-09-2008, 06:28 PM
#21
JK Freak
Actually, nitrogen is better than plain air. It does not raise and drop pressure like air does, and it does not allow moisture (not full of water, but moisture) into the tire like air does. $40 though is a bit much to pay for it.
I am in the Navy, and we use nitrogen on our aircraft tires (as does the rest of the military) for the exact reasons I posted above. It is better, but I don't think shops should charge $40 for it. That seems a bit steep. Also, if I am not mistaken, all aircraft, including civilian, use nitrogen for their tires.
I am in the Navy, and we use nitrogen on our aircraft tires (as does the rest of the military) for the exact reasons I posted above. It is better, but I don't think shops should charge $40 for it. That seems a bit steep. Also, if I am not mistaken, all aircraft, including civilian, use nitrogen for their tires.
Those of you who own portable air tanks, you can get these purged and filled with dry Nitrogen for a fraction of $40. You should be able to find a gas cylinder supplier in the phone book who will charge the tank for a nominal fee.
Overall, the difference is not substantial. The benefit must at least equal the initial cost. $40 is insanely expensive for the limited benefit.
My regards,
Widewing
11-09-2008, 06:53 PM
#22
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Military aircraft and most airlines use Nitrogen. The two reasons are that it contains less/no moisture and does maintain pressure better.
Civilian "General Aviation" tires use compressed air, and yes, I have to top up my tires a few times a year, especially as seasons change. I have gone through a lot of tires in my life on both vehicles and motorcycles. I am somewhat religious about checking my pressures, beyond that, never had a problem with air and don't plan on changing. Oh....all aviation mechanics do use nitrogen to service hydaullic struts like gear legs and steering dampners, again, due to moisture issues.
Of course, I use welders oxygen to service my oxygen tanks too. Why....welders O2 is as pure as Medical and Aviators O2. But I refill my big welders bottle for $15 which gives me about 6 fills in my portable bottles. If I go and fill my portable bottle with "Aviators O2" they want something like $60 per fill.
Keep your $40 and invest it in gas or trinkets.
Civilian "General Aviation" tires use compressed air, and yes, I have to top up my tires a few times a year, especially as seasons change. I have gone through a lot of tires in my life on both vehicles and motorcycles. I am somewhat religious about checking my pressures, beyond that, never had a problem with air and don't plan on changing. Oh....all aviation mechanics do use nitrogen to service hydaullic struts like gear legs and steering dampners, again, due to moisture issues.
Of course, I use welders oxygen to service my oxygen tanks too. Why....welders O2 is as pure as Medical and Aviators O2. But I refill my big welders bottle for $15 which gives me about 6 fills in my portable bottles. If I go and fill my portable bottle with "Aviators O2" they want something like $60 per fill.
Keep your $40 and invest it in gas or trinkets.
11-09-2008, 07:43 PM
#24
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up north it is definitely true with the nitrogen. we see a lot of rusted rims and especially TPMS sensors in our shop due to regular air. nitrogen doesn't yield those results though.
$40 is a bit high though for a change over.
$40 is a bit high though for a change over.
11-09-2008, 07:49 PM
#25
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I tested the antifreeze. (71,000 miles and 3 years). It looks good and still protects as good as when fresh. I've always gone by the book and have never had a failure related to coolant, engine oil, or anything. In fact, I've run many vehicles well over 100k miles, and never had an engine, including the head gasket, radiator, transmission, or other major failure.
not all wheels are built the same though either.
11-10-2008, 03:17 AM
#26
JK Jedi Master
Nitrogen is for folks who don't lower their tire pressures to off-road. And, personally, I think those folks should be buying Hummers, since they're obviously just mall crawlers anyway.
11-10-2008, 04:46 AM
#27
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I have almost 3 years and 35,000 miles in tires I bought in Costco for a Pontiac I have. I have never had to add air. I never knew people charged for nitrogen until I read about it in this post.
11-10-2008, 05:44 AM
#28
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I remember Jeff Gordon's team using Nitrogen. Tests were done and tire life and or increased speed didn't happen. Personally I think it's BS but my dealer will fill mine up for free when I bring her in for any service or if someone is available I can just drive on up.
But you wait...when I have to add air and one tire has air and the other nitrogen...someone somewhere will say that's unsafe.. Just wait. Hey maybe Obama will have the CDC say it's unsafe.
But you wait...when I have to add air and one tire has air and the other nitrogen...someone somewhere will say that's unsafe.. Just wait. Hey maybe Obama will have the CDC say it's unsafe.
11-10-2008, 06:13 AM
#29
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