Nitrogen in Tires

[nsmitchell]

I was in Costco the other day looking at tires for my Odyssey and they now use nitrogen in all their tires. What is the deal? Has anyone reported any better mileage or handling like they claim on the big banner on the wall?

[MWill517]

I have heard these claims as well. It does stand to reason as nitrogen is not as heavy or as moisture laiden as air. From what I have heard it is also less likely to loose air pressure. I do not have experience with that though. However a quick search of google gave me this, pretty interesting read.
http://choosetoprosper.com/nitrogen-in-car-tires.html

[dngz]

Originally Posted by MWill517

From what I have heard it is also less likely to loose air pressure. I do not have experience with that though.

Heard the same thing. Also heard nitrogen makes your tires last longer!

[Yaris Dick]

Hype. Period. The claims of longer tire life are ludicrous when one considers the fact that treadwear is truly a function of exposure to friction and mechanical stresses experienced while the tire is in motion. The fact that anyone would try to make a case for N2 base on "rot" is mind boogling at best.

The only scientifically substantiated benefit of N2 is lower leak rates based on density and even then the "benefits" are almost intangible under normal conditions.

[sroberts]

Forget all that nitrogen stuff. I am waiting for Michelin to start selling the Tweel. They did invent the radial tire which is the standard now so I think we will start seeing this tire in the next 5 years. I am pessimistic, but its cool as hell, we shall see

http://www.michelinmedia.com/default/kw=MCHtweel

http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/videop...LC=eveningnews

[07WYarisRS]

sounds exspensive as hell

But on the other hand put some sidewall on there and you could have a decent reliable tire.

[mikeukrainetz]

nitrogen keeps the tire temp cooler and the molecules are larger - hence the lack of leaks among other reasons....

follow the link

http://www.nitrofill.com/nitrogen-in-tires.aspx

[03Z33]

as stated above, top 3 reasons for filling with nitrogen are:

1. lighter (less unsprung mass)

2. doesn't absorb as much moisture

3. doesn't expand and contract as much as "air" with temperature changes allowing the tire pressures to remain more consistent. On average a normal tire filled with "air" will go up by 1psi for every 10 deg. F.

[pxpaulx]

i hope you don't have to pay extra for the nitrogen, air is already 78% nitrogen.

[nsmitchell]

Costco went through all the trouble to use nitrogen instead of air. It must do what is claims and they give it away. No charge. I cant see spending all that money to upgrade all the Costco's around the nation to nitrogen in tanks if it didn't pay out something for Costco. They must use A LOT of nitrogen! Maybe the tires last longer so Costco pays less in claims about shortened tire life. Also tires stay inflated to proper PSI so tires wear better as well. Just a thought.

BTW "V for Vendetta" is one awesome movie!

[captainzerocool]

Nitrogen varies less PSI over a given temperature range compared to O2.

[mikeukrainetz]

The nitrogen is usually free with a tire purchase.

[heylookitsjames]

It should be noted that air IS 78% Nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The molecular weight (14.01 and 16.00 respectively) and "size" of free nitrogen and oxygen are so similar that filling tires with pure nitrogen probably gives less than a 3 or 4 gram difference per tire. Filling tires with Nitrogen in anything other than a F1 car and claiming a noticable difference based on weight and pressure change is a rediculous notion. If you feel that filling your tires with nitrogen will make your car faster and more predictable, then by all means go for it... but it seems like a blatant waste of resources which is pretty contrary to the ethos behind the yaris.

[03Z33]

Originally Posted by heylookitsjames

It should be noted that air IS 78% Nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The molecular weight (14.01 and 16.00 respectively) and "size" of free nitrogen and oxygen are so similar that filling tires with pure nitrogen probably gives less than a 3 or 4 gram difference per tire. Filling tires with Nitrogen in anything other than a F1 car and claiming a noticable difference based on weight and pressure change is a rediculous notion. If you feel that filling your tires with nitrogen will make your car faster and more predictable, then by all means go for it... but it seems like a blatant waste of resources which is pretty contrary to the ethos behind the yaris.

Change in pressure is reduced a lot, and that's the #1 reason to run it. Go to the track on any given weekend... you'll see lots of "weekend warriors" with their nitrogen filling up

Now quit trying to be such a bench racing smarty pants and trade hatches with me !!

[jmew0ng]

if it's free from costco and works just fine.. I don't see the problem :D

[heylookitsjames]

Originally Posted by 03Z33

Now quit trying to be such a bench racing smarty pants and trade hatches with me !!

...jeff?

[03Z33]

Originally Posted by heylookitsjames

...jeff?

Yes, HI! I was expecting to see you at the bar-b-q last night... I drove the Yaris all the way out to the IE

[ericet74]

I had my firehawk SZ40's filled with nitrogen in 2002 and i have not had to fill them since. I bought these tires when i lived in Spain and at the time it was a few extra euros to get the nitrogen. I have never experienced an air filled tire last that long. Plus nitrogen is dry. If an air compressor has a bad air/water seperator than you will get moisture in your tires with out you even knowing. Water in the tire is bad. Did you ever wonder why all aircraft tires are filled with nitrogen?