air or nitrogen?

[tomrad]

I just had to add air to my 2015 for the first time (bought in December), all four tires had 27 lbs cold.
Couldn't find nitrogen in a pinch, so put in air (from my compressor, with a water separator). Does anyone know if Mitsubishi recommends nitrogen? I am concerned about keeping moisture out of the wheels and also the tpms sensors. Although I doubt much got through my filter/separator, some could be in the lines.
The Mirage is the first car I've had with tpms, not sure how they tolerate moisture.
Thanks for any info.

[wellswebdesign]

My TPMS sensor just came on the other day, and I'm at 28 on some, and 27.5 on another. My valve stem covers are green, and I just talked to my dealership service department and confirmed that they use nitrogen. They'll top it off for free, no appointment.

I've heard (but can't confirm) that CostCo will also top off your tires with nitrogen, whether you bought them there or not, as long as you're a member.

[tomrad]

My TPMS sensor just came on the other day, and I'm at 28 on some, and 27.5 on another. My valve stem covers are green, and I just talked to my dealership service department and confirmed that they use nitrogen. They'll top it off for free, no appointment.

I've heard (but can't confirm) that CostCo will also top off your tires with nitrogen, whether you bought them there or not, as long as you're a member.

I'd like to do my own, maybe buy a tank of nitrogen if not expensive.

[wellswebdesign]

I'd like to do my own, maybe buy a tank of nitrogen if not expensive.

I'm guessing it wouldn't be worth it unless you filled a *lot* of tires. Looks like Harbor Freight no longer has it, but they used to sell a nitrogen tire inflation kit with tank for $180. Somewhere else, I saw a tank refill from a welding place runs around $20, so so once you have the kit it's not too bad. Of course, nitrogen is free from my dealership, and they're2 miles from my work, so that helps my decision.

[Cani Lupine]

Nitrogen is a gimmick with no actual benefits. Nitrogen is less susceptible to pressure changes due to temperature than regular air, which actually reduces your fuel economy slightly. With normal air, the pressure increases a little when the tire warms up. This increase in pressure helps lower rolling resistance slightly. Nitrogen maintains a constant pressure.

Don't bother, just use air.

[cyclopathic]

Nitrogen is a gimmick with no actual benefits. Nitrogen is less susceptible to pressure changes due to temperature than regular air, which actually reduces your fuel economy slightly. With normal air, the pressure increases a little when the tire warms up. This increase in pressure helps lower rolling resistance slightly. Nitrogen maintains a constant pressure.

Don't bother, just use air.

Personally prefer to use 78% nitrogen mix

[inuvik]

Personally prefer to use 78% nitrogen mix

Nice science quiz there cyclopathic! Me too, it's good old fashioned air that we breathe

[cyclopathic]

Nice science quiz there cyclopathic! Me too, it's good old fashioned air that we breathe

what you really don't wanna use is CO2 cartridges.

Had tried it once on MTB, in winter (~30F) took several cartridges to pump tire, but when got bike home tire warmed up and exploded. This may explain why: