Nitrogen on tires or not, that is the question...

[autoexacto]

Hello again to all, Greetings from Tequila country...quick one, is it ok and/or recomendable to put Nitrogen on the tires instead of regular air?...I am planning to put Ride-on on the tires and wondering if it would be a benefit or detriment. They supposedly run cooler and bla bla but just in case better ask...Thanks to all!!!

[Bob Denman]

I use the much cheaper, 78% nitrogen, that's more commonly available.

Honestly, I don't know ir the cost of using nitriogen; negates it's supposed advantages.

[jcthorne]

While there is little down side to N2 in tires other than a bit faster pressure loss over time, there is also no real benefit for normal road going tires. Some race teams use N2 but is more a matter of convenience not needing a compressor, just one small high pressure bottle.

[DRTSB]

Nitrogen has no moisture content, does not expand or contract like air, inflation levels are more consistent, also less corrosive.


Dave

[bmwlarry]

My wifes car always had a tiny very slow leak in one of her tires. We replaced the air with nitrogen and now all tires stay at exactly where we set them to. They NEVER change. One thing as is if I understand it correctly, if you ever need to add air, it contaminates the nitrogen and it needs replaced. The tire place I use will "Recharge" tires for free when ever they need it! I do use RideOn in my Spyder tires but use regular air.

[autoexacto]

My wifes car always had a tiny very slow leak in one of her tires. We replaced the air with nitrogen and now all tires stay at exactly where we set them to. They NEVER change. One thing as is if I understand it correctly, if you ever need to add air, it contaminates the nitrogen and it needs replaced. The tire place I use will "Recharge" tires for free when ever they need it! I do use RideOn in my Spyder tires but use regular air.

I have heard the same regarding very slow leaks if tire has been punctured, I had a tire on my pick up truck and yes slowly was going down BUT don´t know if the same would have happened if with regular air. So, if any one of you had the chance/opportunity to put the Ride-On plus N2 would you do it? considering that if you the tires deflates you would have to put N2 again.

Thanks guys/gals...

[jcthorne]

N2 expands and contracts (rises and falls in pressure) due to temps as well. Difference from air is slight but could be more or less variance depending on water content. Neither air nor N2 will have any effect on corrosion on the wheels and tires on the spyders....

[ahh-cool]

I use 79% Nitrogen and 20% oxygen and 1% other inert gas.
I use it in everything I put air into

[Bob Denman]

Even your lungs??

[Magdave]

N2 expands and contracts (rises and falls in pressure) due to temps as well. Difference from air is slight but could be more or less variance depending on water content. Neither air nor N2 will have any effect on corrosion on the wheels and tires on the spyders....

I respectfully disagree My Chromed Corvette rims bubbled at the beads and had to be polished off from air w/H2O. Next set with nitrogen did not. That bubbling at the beads also lets more air escape.

[Spyter]

Use helium,which is much lighter. Easier when you travel rough roads and go over bumps. You'll also gain a little more top end.

[bruiser]

Air from compressors is corrosive. It contains moisture which is produced when air is compressed. That's why air compressors have filters and drain cocks. There is no way to completely remove the moisture from standard shop air compressors. That moisture is transferred to the tire when you inflate it.

[Bob Denman]

"Use helium,which is much lighter. Easier when you travel rough roads and go over bumps. You'll also gain a little more top end."



And it's also lots of fun...

Who can argue with a Star's endorsement?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

"Use helium,which is much lighter. Easier when you travel rough roads and go over bumps. You'll also gain a little more top end."



And it's also lots of fun...

Who can argue with a Star's endorsement?

....If you use anything other than certified air from a BRP dealer ......the spyder warranty is null and void ....just sayin ....................... ......................Mike

[MidTNDawg]

....If you use anything other than certified air from a BRP dealer ......the spyder warranty is null and void ....just sayin ....................... ......................Mike

Certainly hits the nail on the head when applied to a recent thread.

[Dan McNally]

USAF has used nitrogen to fill aircraft tires for many years. It is dry and the nitrogen molecule is bigger than the oxygen molecule. Oxygen molecules, under pressure, will, over time, migrate through the rubber tire and you lose tire pressure. As a larger molecule, nitrogen is less susceptible to this and tire pressure remains more constant . . .

[bruiser]

I've had nitrogen in my truck tires since they were put on three years ago. Have only needed to top it off twice. There is no sign of "weathering" on the tires at all.

[autoexacto]

So, for what I can see, N2 is a good option, now, any problems with Ride-On perhaps?...almost made my decisión but...need to be sure....thanks gang!!!!

[Magdave]

I wonder if some who say nitrogen is snake oil ever used it? Secondly how many spend $1000's on farkles that do nothing and are not willing to spend between $20-$30 to save from checking the tire pressure every time they ride. Thirdly If you use air and set the rear tire to 28psi after it gets hot it will be 32-35psi. Wonder if that has anything to do with the center of the Kenda's wearing out. If you fill with 28psi nitrogen and the tire gets hot it will be ~30psi. If you let it sit and ambient temps go from summer to winter the 28psi will drop with air but not with Nitrogen. Same goes in the spring. I used to check my pressure twice a year with nitrogen,,,just sayin'

[crazyspyder]

it's all good n dandy until your better half thinks she got low tire and fills it with air so wet it drips at the stem. more times than I
can count on my 3 toed foot! SO , for now all my tires run on whatever air compressors squirt-out! AIR's not so bad, it's been around since the inception of tires- right?

[bscrive]

It all comes down to you. Do you have the money to throw away? If so, then donate that money to a charity and fill your tires with air. You will feel much better.

Nitrogen is a scam. Unless you suck out all the 'air' in your tires first or put in another tire valve so the air can escape when you fill it with nitrogen then you are wasting your time and money.

[spyder3]

so, what is the process if one wants to put nitrogen in existing tires? How do they do it?

[Dan_Ashley]

If nitrogen is good because of the size of the molecules, would've carbon dioxide be better?

[Magdave]

so, what is the process if one wants to put nitrogen in existing tires? How do they do it?

First it probably won't need any topping off, but if it needs 1 lb or 2 topping off with air will not do anything bad to it. The above poster who said it is a scam have you tried it? As far as filling it removing the valve stem and letting the air out will take it pretty close to 0 psi. People are over thinking it 99% nitrogen is virtually as good as 100% until you have tried it and done the checks (as I have) do not discount the fact that you will need far less (if any) topping off. I ran my Corvette for 2yrs and lost 2lbs of pressure. It simply does what is said. It does not seep out for far longer periods and maintains a steadier PSI for longer periods. It will maintain a steady air pressure at different temperatures ( air DOES NOT). Most places that use it should be able to top it off like the place you get it from. It is not rocket science or rare and maintaining proper inflation will save $$$ with better MPG . Most places that fill tires with air DO NOT have 100% effective filter driers on their compressors so what ever humidity is in the air turns to H2O under pressure. I would be more than willing to read something factual that says it is a scam rather than listen to opinions without any basis.

[Magdave]

If nitrogen is good because of the size of the molecules, would've carbon dioxide be better?

If it were airplanes and race cars would be using it.