Nitrogen and high mileage driving

[LDB]

Nitrogen benefits have been discussed and do exist. What I'm wondering today is what effect annual mileage has on those benefits. One of the major benefits is tire longevity because the moisture content is much lower thereby reducing the deterioration of the rubber from the inside of the tire. I definitely see their point on a "normal" vehicle taking several years to run enough miles to wear out the tires. Is the benefit the same for us when we use up a set of tires in 2 years or so or is that just not enough time for the moisture to matter? What about other benefits? Are they different when tires are used up in 2 years rather than 5-7? I'm debating whether to spend the money and add the hassles to go nitrogen on the new set of tires.

 

[ebsprintin]

When I installed my tires at costco , nitrogen was part of the deal. They'll top it off for free anytime I need to add more.

My last set of tires lasted 201,000 miles. I replaced them because of wear not some kind of internal damage. I mostly like the fact that the pressure stays more constant.

eb

 

[Turtle]

The moisture issue is a minimal one for us, since moisture damage to tires takes several more years than we will use them. The primary benefits of nitrogen in tires is that it keeps the tires properly inflated, and a properly inflated tire will have reduced wear and increased fuel mileage. If you drive 80,000 miles a year with properly inflated tires, you'll save about $550 in fuel, and another $330 in increased tire life (based on $200 per tire, $4.00 per gallon, and 20 MPG). That's about $880 a year in savings. Take it to the bank. It's like a free set of tires.

Most places who have nitrogen will fill the tires free if you buy the tires there (Cosco, Discount Tire, lot of them). And they'll refill them free when rotating or when you need topping off. If you pay for nitrogen, don't pay more than $5 per tire. If you need to have your tires rotated (or have a flat or something) and can't find a place with nitrogen, it's OK to rotate them and fill them with regular air. You'll just want to get to a place before too long and have them purged and refilled with nitrogen.