We've talked about nitrogen in tires before but today I was at the tire store and they had a big banner flying out front about it.

They charge $5.00 average per tire for nitrogen.

I got a brochure about it that proudly states:

* Better pressure retention
* Increrased fuel economy
* Improved handling
* Enhanced Safety & Reliability
* Extended tire life
* Better for the environment

All of these points boil down to one reason, and that reason is that "plain old air" (as they call it) leaks out 3-4 times faster. So it implies that you will get all these benefits because your tires are, finally, properly inflated. But the disclaimer states that you should check the pressure regularly.
It even has a picture of a happy family in a mini van .

Looks like a very successful business model

John

 

If you use a 78% - 20% nitrogen - oxygen mix, does that mean the oxygen leaks out first? If you then refilled with the same 78% - 20% mix, after a few times would you then have near 100% nitrogen? ; ) : )

 

And how much do they charge to "check" your pressure and bring the pressure up to the recomended value?

 

I like that! By just adding air you automatically go to pure nitrogen. If they're hype is right about leaking, then it must be true. Let me see if they mentioned that small fact in the brochure. Hmmm..... NOT. I guess they forgot .

I just wonder how many people opt for that extra 5 bux per tire. And then worry about contaminating the nitrogen when the tires get low and have to go back to the nitrogen dealer for more. And another charge. Someone might drive a long way on a low tire to get to the nitrogen store. Or put in air just to get there and then have to get it flushed out. I wonder what flushing costs?

John

 

Do you have to change to summer and winter nitrogen? Like with summer and winter air?

 

No, you don't. Only in the spring and the fall.