Nitrogen Tire Inflation Question - GS Specific???
09-04-09, 10:00 AM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Nitrogen Tire Inflation Question - GS Specific???
Okay all,
I have just recently installed the Fsport wheels on my GS. The Fsport installation manual recommends a cold tire pressure of 35PSI-F, 39PSI-R. I can only assume that these ratings are for AIR, versus Nitrogen. As "air" is expected to expand in a tire when driven, they usually compensate for that during inflation of the tire upon initial installation. However, Nitrogen does NOT expand. Does this mean that I should already compensate for that???? Can anyone recommend the correct Nitrogen inflation pressure for a GS on the Fsport wheels???
Lee
I have just recently installed the Fsport wheels on my GS. The Fsport installation manual recommends a cold tire pressure of 35PSI-F, 39PSI-R. I can only assume that these ratings are for AIR, versus Nitrogen. As "air" is expected to expand in a tire when driven, they usually compensate for that during inflation of the tire upon initial installation. However, Nitrogen does NOT expand. Does this mean that I should already compensate for that???? Can anyone recommend the correct Nitrogen inflation pressure for a GS on the Fsport wheels???
Lee
09-04-09, 12:39 PM
#3
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
LOL - The specific reason I am asking is because Lexus just release ("just," meaning in the last 4 mos) a TSB about tire inflation compensation for temperature! When I read the TSB I was EXTREMELEY surprised by how much swing there was dependant upon temp (up to 8 PSI). Therefore, I was wondering if I should assume some type of compensation because Nitrogen isn't going to react the same way as "air."
Factory pressure on OEM wheels for our GS's is 36 PSI, but there was compensation in temp of up to 41.5PSI which is like ~15%! Just a few PSI can obviously make a difference in ride quality, ability to protect the rims, heat/wear on the tires, etc.
I don't think this is as stupid a question as it may sound, initially.
Factory pressure on OEM wheels for our GS's is 36 PSI, but there was compensation in temp of up to 41.5PSI which is like ~15%! Just a few PSI can obviously make a difference in ride quality, ability to protect the rims, heat/wear on the tires, etc.
I don't think this is as stupid a question as it may sound, initially.
09-04-09, 03:16 PM
#4
G Man is right. Air is 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Filling your tires with nitrogen is an expensive waste of money. The only benefit for doing it is that the tire will not lose as much pressure. In a year, with air you will lose about 3.5 PSI and with nitrogen about 2.0 PSI. You still have to contend with the PV = nrT prefect gas law. They say that using nitrogen will also prevent rotting of the inside core, but your tread will go long before that. It is a new gimmick used by dealers and tire guys. Don't waste your money.
09-04-09, 09:10 PM
#6
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
G Man is right. Air is 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Filling your tires with nitrogen is an expensive waste of money. The only benefit for doing it is that the tire will not lose as much pressure. In a year, with air you will lose about 3.5 PSI and with nitrogen about 2.0 PSI. You still have to contend with the PV = nrT prefect gas law. They say that using nitrogen will also prevent rotting of the inside core, but your tread will go long before that. It is a new gimmick used by dealers and tire guys. Don't waste your money.
Lee
09-06-09, 04:59 PM
#7
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Tires can loose up to a 1psi a month, naturally with regular air.
Under normal driving conditions..
(not a 1 year test with stored tires)
I have confirmed that easily with two different sets of tires & rims..
Its best to check your tire pressure once a month.
Tires filled with nitrogen air, retain optimal pressure longer, leading to more uniform tire wear and better gas mileage.
It still doesn't change the fact that you need to maintain tire pressure, regardless if Nitrogen filled or Regular air filled.
Joe Z
Under normal driving conditions..
(not a 1 year test with stored tires)
I have confirmed that easily with two different sets of tires & rims..
Its best to check your tire pressure once a month.
Tires filled with nitrogen air, retain optimal pressure longer, leading to more uniform tire wear and better gas mileage.
It still doesn't change the fact that you need to maintain tire pressure, regardless if Nitrogen filled or Regular air filled.
Joe Z
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09-06-09, 05:07 PM
#8
Excellent thread, most people ignore checking their tire pressure due to laziness . I haven't switched to Nitrogen because I'm cheap, but after reading these posts I'm thinking seriously about it. Thanks guys!
09-08-09, 08:24 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
The TPMS is turning a lot of poeple lazy as far as regularly checking their tire pressure. TPMS should not be a replacment for regular tire maintenace. If you check your tires every month, there is no real advantage to nitrogen. Unless you can get it free from Costco or something like that, nitrogen is a waste of money on street cars.
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