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Nitrogen for tires

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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 01:28 PM
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Default Nitrogen for tires

Has anyone ever used nitrogen in their tires? If so, did you like it? Where did you get it?
jeff
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 01:31 PM
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You wont notice any difference. Its a technology that began from Aviation because I believe it wont effect the pressure at different temperatures and wont condensate. Someone please correct if I am wrong. In a passenger vehicle wont make any difference.

Hope this helps.
JT
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 01:39 PM
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Nitrogen is a drying agent. The tires will not expand or contract in different temperatures. The rubber will not deteriorate. It is better than air. I would use it for racing only, not a big difference in a daily ride. You can get nitrogen at any gas dealer. Yes it is safe, but if released it does take oxygen, so if you get dizzy just walk away and get some air.
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 02:29 PM
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They say that since theres no moisture in it tires will last longer, However look at an old set of tires they will rot from the outside in not from the inside out. Airplanes use nitrogen in there tires to keep from getting ice in them at altitude, most cars dont have that problem.
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by bill bradford
Nitrogen is a drying agent. The tires will not expand or contract in different temperatures. The rubber will not deteriorate. It is better than air. I would use it for racing only, not a big difference in a daily ride. You can get nitrogen at any gas dealer. Yes it is safe, but if released it does take oxygen, so if you get dizzy just walk away and get some air.

Ah, nitrogen makes up 78% of the air you already breath and it is in your tires
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 03:11 PM
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Compressed air is about 70% nitrogen.

The big benefit to nitrogen (as it pertains to Aircraft), is that the molecules are larger than oxygen, and therefore have a slower rate of leaking should the tire have a small penetration. All tires leak air through the rubber (especially at the high psi of a large aircraft ~250psi). Though it is not an FAA requirement to use nitrogen, most large aircraft manufacturers call for it's use. Tire deterioration is not a consideration, as most AC tires have a very short service life.

The small amount of moisture that is present in compressed air can change the pressure slightly (1 to 2 psi) in a racing tire as heat increases. Probably would never see this in a non-racing application.

I don't see any benefit to inflating your tires with nitrogen.

I am sure there are other considerations than the ones that I have mentioned. Interested in hearing from others. (I have worked for Boeing for many years (Military Aircraft), and have always seen them use nitrogen in the aircraft tires).

Dave
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 03:32 PM
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we run approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen and it works great .
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 04:12 PM
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it works for me. i usually had to refill my tires every 2-3 weeks to keep pressure up to par. after the nitrogen fill up i didn't have to add for almost 8 weeks. only lost 2 pounds in 2 months instead of 2 pounds in 2 weeks. there are lots of theories as to whether or not it's worth it but doing it answers your questions. as to deterioration I agree tire won't live long enough anyway to notice that difference. good luck
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Old Apr 1, 2006 | 07:23 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. I thought if you put nitrogen in your tires, the pressure would stay the same during cold and warm weather. I also thought it wouldn't leak out, so you'd never have to add anymore. But, after reading your responses, I'll just stick to plain ole free air. Plus, I called around and no one here has nitrogen for tires.lol
jeff
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 12:48 AM
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I just got tires at a new Costco and they use nitrogen.
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 12:51 AM
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I put nitrous oxide in mine, it makes em happy.
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 12:52 AM
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I prefer using Stock Air. Nothing but Stock Air!
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 01:27 AM
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Originally Posted by F.J.B.
I prefer using Stock Air. Nothing but Stock Air!
I agree, I use stock air too! But I've found that compressing it a little over twice ambient air pressure seems to give me the best performance and gas mileage. And by compressing the stock air, I get more than twice the amount of nitrogen (for free) than I would get at ambient pressure - and it doesn't change the O2/N2 ratio either!

- Wisdom
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 03:32 AM
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I use helium in mine. It makes the car much lighter
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 04:14 AM
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I'd say this Forum is about 78% smart@$$ and 21% know-it-all.... and I love it!
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 04:18 AM
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 04:28 AM
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Originally Posted by bill bradford
Nitrogen is a drying agent. .
uh, no
it just has less moisure
it will not actively do anything
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To Nitrogen for tires

Old Apr 2, 2006 | 04:29 AM
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Originally Posted by David426
I use helium in mine. It makes the car much lighter
you missed Mythbusters helium and the football episode
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 04:33 AM
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I had it put in my 335's when they were mounted but thats what the guy who installed them does as part of his service...I will say they hold pressure better as someone else mentioned above...

www.pitcrewtire.com
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by rac03
I just got tires at a new Costco and they use nitrogen.
Me too but I still see about 3psi rise as the tires warm up.

To me there's no apparent improvement and its a transparent gain (forgive the pun)
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