Here in Houston it is not uncommon to stop by a filling station to put air in your tires once a month. It seems as though whether the tires are brand new or years old, they always need air. As much as we drive in this business, waiting too long to put air in your tires can be costly in gas mileage.
The past few days I could tell that it was time to stop...but I remember reading Fran Gaspari's post about Nitrogen Air for tires and he had me curious.
I did some reading on a few different websites. It does not necessarily give you better gas mileage but keeps your tires full of air for a longer period of time and at a more constant level to be able NOT GET WORST gas mileage. On top of that it was said to give the car better handling, reduce the risk of blow outs, wear the rubber less (apparently the moisture from regular air oxidizes the tires over time?)....
So after reading all of that, why would I NOT try it?
I must have called 20 Tire and Service shops before I finally found one around me that has Nitrogen. There is a place being built near me...but not open. However, I found a Car Dealership that offers this service.
For a one time fee of $49.97 they filled my car with Nitrogen today. After today they will top off my tires at anytime for no charge.
I now have the pretty GREEN caps on my tires.
When I left the dealership I was even more curious and the traffic was not bad so I took it to the highway. I really can feel a difference. I can't describe it, but there is a difference. I had my husband take it for a spin because he thought I was crazy....and HE felt the difference.
NOW, let's see if my gas mileage changes any after a month or so when I would normally need some air in the tires. Should be interesting.
So, who's next?
Hi Stephanie - I've rarely had to put air in my tires, but this nitrogen idea is interesting. I wonder what it is that makes the ride different? Hmm, might have to give that a whirl mysefl.
I just thought of something - what happens if you've been using nitrogen in your tires, and you're somewhere where there is no nitrogen and you need to fill a tire? Can you mix regular air with the nitrogen inside the tire?
Ann
Hi Brian, that's good to know. It's really hot here....air is sucked out like crazy.
Hi Dena, It's pretty neat. Check it out.
Hi Ann, I was wondering the same thing myself..I guess I should read the information they gave me. :)
Hi Missy, Absolutely!
Hi Terry, That's amazing! I'll try those next time around. I was amazed at how the car handles differently.
Hi Joan, there are a few websites but check out this one...
www.innovativebalancing.com
Lisa, check out the website I put above and this one...
http://www.nitrogendirect.com/?gclid=CL7y5_L13Y8CFQakHgodOjnE2w
If you go to the manufacturers website for the filling dealies, (I know.. :) you can search for the stations that have them.
Hi Stephanie --- Well, here's one person with you!!! I filled mine up Tuesday of this week - when I got a warning light that one of my tires was low on air. We have Sun Tires in Tallahassee and they have had signs up for several weeks offering the Nitrogen for Tires, so I went to the one close to me and had them refilled. It hasn't been long enough for me to tell any change yet - on mileage or handling... I have a Ford Escape Hybrid and get 29.3 already -- but I'll take any and all of the benefits they're selling!
Good luck with your's and keep spreading the word on good technolgy!
If you rotate the air in your tires regularly, your tires will hold up longer and you will indeed get better gas mileage.
I read that the oxygen in air tends to filter through through the rubber tire causing tire oxidation, which can shrink the life of the tire and of course also reduces pressure within the tire.
Hi Eric, I have not heard that about 2008 models but it makes sense. Regular air creates quite a bit of moisture so I can see how it would interfere with the sensors. Very interesting...Thanks!
Hi Ana, Thanks!!
Hi Kay, so far I am over 300 miles and I have used less than 3/4 gallon. Woah.
Hi Eva, I was looking at Hybrids the other day. I was also looking at the Toyota Yaris. A new model that gets 29 miles to the gallon and NOT Hybrid. It was less than $15,000-but I don't know anything about the cars so I am doing some research. Sounds great! Thanks for letting us know about your success!!!!
Hi Tom, Thanks!!
Hi Barbara Jo, Let us know!
Hi Elaine, That is very true...and one of the reasons I took the dive. :)
Hey Terry, I read about that....the airplane deal. Wish I could have seen his face. :)
Stephanie, I must be blind. I went to the links but cant find where I should be asking about dealers in this area that do nitrogen air tire filling. Can you take me by the hand and direct me? Sometimes getting older sucks! :-)