I'm replacing the OE tires on the Maxima this Saturday, (they went 73k miles) and could probably go another 7k miles but we got rain here in the desert and I noticed the car sliding on corners at speed so they have to go. The tire guy said they would fill them with nitrogen, (I've never used it) and I'd like to get some opinions of you guys.

I'm leaning towards not doing it because I regularly check my tire pressure and the so called benefits would be minimal. I even bought my own removable air gauge last Saturday because all the stations where I live require you to leave your ID or license to borrow their gauge, and I hate doing that. Anyone here use nitrogen in their tires?


Btw, the tires I'm getting if anyone is interested are the Falken PT 722's in size 245/45/18.

 

My Maxima came with nitrogen filled tires from the dealer, so it also came with some cool looking valve stem covers that have a green tip with a metal base. And yes I know, having a metal valve stem cover is not a good idea as it can solidify onto the stem.

The benefits of having nitrogen in your tires is that the tire pressures will always remain constant. I have noticed that my tire pressures will always remain 1-2 psi within the factory specs, whilst my old car would change up to 5 psi and down 5 psi in the winter. Another part is that there is also a benefit to using nitrogen in the winter as the pressures will remain constant despite temperature fluctuations. However, just be sure that the shop putting in the nitrogen is reasonably priced. Discount Tire has a link on their website that shows their authorized retailers that provide free nitrogen fill-ups and other specials when you install a tire through them.

 

Another reason to use Nitrogen is that normal air has oxygen and moisture that causes corrosion on the wheel and the beading surface. If the nitrogen is free then go for it, as you have nothing to loose. If the charge is less than 5 bucks a tire then it's still a pretty good deal. Over that and it is not worth the benefits that you gain.

 

I'm changing my tires today and have had the OEM on there for a while with nitrogen. Those rsa tires suck and are loud too. Anyway as far as nitrogen, it is a bigger molecule so in theory should leak or fluctuate less. In reality I live in MO and the tpms does come on with temp changes just like O2 filled tires. Plus I'm amazed at how few places have this including dealerships. I would go with the O2 especially if you check them periodically or don't want to hassle with it. Also, if you get them you can still add O2 to them and won't hurt anything. As far as degradation to the tire and seals etc, you would most likely use up the surface before the moisture creates an issue. Finally I have heard anywhere from $20-$50 a tire for filling so there's that... Good luck and hope your new tires work out well.

 

Thanks, I've read of people who had their metal caps get stuck on the valve and ruin the TPMS whether it was from salt on the road or moisture from the air. I currently live in the hot California desert and the coldest it will get here is maybe 20 degrees and then for only a day or two, and of course salt is not an issue.

I'm reluctant to pull the trigger because I habitually check my tires every oil change and the nearest place to get it in my area is a 45 mile drive. I was not aware that you could add air to the tire if needed. If the initial cost is not too outrageous I'll more than likely have them add it then.

 

Unless it is free, it isn't worth it. Compressed air is ~80% nitrogen.

 

Another pro is that the tire pressure is very stable compared to compressed air. Never had to worry about it expanding or deflating! It comes with the 15k service at the dealers.

 

I would never, ever pay a dime for nitrogen fill. As mentioned above, the plain old air you breathe every day and would compress to fill your tires is 78-80% nitrogen. How would they evacuate all the oxygen out of the tire so as to fill it with 95% nitrogen??

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...-q-a/index.htm