Is it really worth the extra loot?

 

Nope... Just watched a 5th gear episode where tested the difference on and off the track and they said it did absolutely nothing. They concluded other then holding the tire pressure a little better with less refills needed that was the only advantage. I don't think it's worth the money... Joe

 

Thank you

 

And actually, that is the only reason they do it, for the ability to hold the pressure longer. Some people have thought, incorrectly, that it's because the nitrogen is lighter or something silly like that. The only true purpose for nitrogen is the fewer refills. And most Infiniti dealers will fill it for free for you. As will Costco I'm told, haven't tried them yet.

phxflyboy

 

The only reason to put nitrogen into a tire is because nitrogen is a very dry gas. Regular air has moisture in it. Moisture expands when heats or cools. Back in my crew chief days in the Air Force, we used to put nitrogen into the air craft tires because the heat they endure while landing and taking off. The added pressure from the moisture would blow the tires on landing.

IMHO, it's not worth it for your car unless you're doing a lot of track days.....but using N2 in your tires won't hurt them at all.

 

And using nitrogen will not mess with the tire sensors (TPMS)?

 

Absolutely not.

phxflyboy

 

Nitrogen is lighter than regular air.

 

Helium is even lighter

 

I got nitrogen in my tires and the most convenient part about them is that I do not have to fill up my tire as much vs regular air. Also, when the cold season hits the pressure in my tires are still the same. Regular air during the cold season you lose PSI in which the TPMS goes off and than you think, "damn is it cold outside or did I hit a nail?!"

 

That is true, but nitrogen has the best heat capacity. Helium and normal air would change temperature pretty similarly, given that you have the same amount, by weight, of each. It's also not even close to being as abundant as nitrogen.

 

Unless you run SERIOUS track type racing, it is not worth it.

I race Karts, and some of the real serious folks run Nitrogen.
The only thing it does is to maintain a more stable pressure, as the tires heat up during a run.
If you run normal air, your tire pressures will rise 1-3 psi when they heat up during a run. So, if you are really serious about having the "right" pressure, then you might start out 1 or 2 psi under the desired pressure and allow the tires to get to optimal pressure during the run.
If you run Nitrogen, then your pressure stays pretty close to starting values through the run.

 

the biggest waste of money in my imo. You aren't going to feel any difference at all. It's sad I brought my G in for service and saw on the new M they were charging a dealer add on of nitrogen filled tires for 255 dollars. HAHA feel sorry for the chap that is going to pay for that...

 

^ $255! lol, that's hillarious. goes to show that many people do not possess critical thinking about their money, or how it is spent. i bet you the dealer has had many takers. pretty cheesy if you ask me, that is definitely taking advantage of ignorant owners. i'd love to hear the song and dance that sales uses, probably claiming savings in MPG, tire wear, safety, etc...

 

it is funny actually. $255 for $10 in nitrogen.


TECHNICALLY it does save on tire wear (because of the pressure swin of regular air), more safe (for same reasons), MPG as well. could make all those arguments you brought up. and im sure they can make it sound so convincing to the new owner. i highly doubt they would try to push it on someone who knew what they were talking about.