RobertJay

My 2022 ES350 came with nitrogen filled tires. My questions is when I go to fill the tires at Discount Tires do the tires have to be filled with nitrogen or can they be filled with just air?
Haven't had to do it yet, just want to be aware of what to do. This site is awesome is answering questions of new Lexus owners.
Thanks

lesz

Yes, if you want to maintain any of the alleged benefits of nitrogen-filled tires, every time you need to raise the tire pressure, you will need to do so by adding nitrogen, not just regular "air".

Also note, though, that any real benefits that come from having nitrogen-filled tires are quite marginal. The reality is that filling tires with nitrogen has become nothing more than a way for dealerships to add a high mark-up item to the prices of vehicles.

tolian21

Nitrogen filled tires is a scam to get quick $

bc6152

As Les stated, any benefits from the dealer selling you Nitrogen are almost zero to none. You're breathing air right now that's 78% Nitrogen. Don't fall for the BS like some of our members did... It's a money grab as Tolian stated.

LeeSoFL

The only significant advantage is the tire's pressure doesn't increase as dramatically when driving. If you're doing 300 mile trips during August in Florida, you'll see about a 2 lb. difference when driving.

Also, supposedly, there is less moisture retention inside the tire so rims won't rust as quickly. A non-issue with alloy rims.

Otherwise, a big PITA if you like to top off your inflation.

RobertJay

Oh well, I guess I showed my ignorance when I should have refused the nitrogen filled tires.
Live long enough and you learn much.
BJ

LexFinally

Don't feel bad. They should feel bad that they overcharged you for a fundamentally fradulent product. But yeah, you're right to mark that down as one to avoid going forward.

lexo98

iTrader: (2)

I rented a car that had a tire plug already in it when I picked it up and the tire pressure was low in that one tire. I topped off that 1 tire with nitrogen and went on a 900 mile road trip passing through the desert and Las Vegas. That 1 tires air pressure did not fluctuate as much as the rest of the tires when they got really hot. On a side note Costco has air check stations outside of their tire shops that are hooked up to Nitrogen tanks. They will shut off when your air pressure is below 15 psi so don't try and deflate your tires and refill them.

lexo98

iTrader: (2)

It does serve a purpose, I wouldn't pay extra for it though. If you have chrome wheels regular air contains moisture that can cause corrosion and eat at the chrome causing the rims to leak. Nitrogen runs drier. Also keeps air pressure more consistent when hot or cold.

tolian21

Did they also say that it reduces car weight and you get better MPG 😀

Mike728

I use Helium in my tires for that exact reason.

I tried Hydrogen once, but never again!

lesz

My understanding is that, when you use helium in the tires, while they make the car lighter and improve fuel economy, when they make noise, instead of squeaking, they "talk" with a very high-pitched "voice".😀

bc6152

OK, a bunch of comedians today... I tried adding helium too but it severely reduced traction... Get it?

E46CT

i have an electric pump from amazon i just zap my tires with normal air every few mos.

DTCG

And I would be surprised if they even added that. It seems like a lot of trouble and who's gonna check? My new car supposedly had many options that were mandatory because they were already done, .... news flash, they were not done... and admittedly not done.