Tire pressure and nitrogen refills

[Sportage EX]

What does everyone keep their tires filled at and what would be a good recommendation for higher MPG. My '00 Taurus was recommended at 33psi but I routinely filled it to 40-42psi. They weren't low profile tires so wondering if it is possible to do the same here? I won't mind a rougher ride to save a few MPGs.

I'm not liking the idea the nitrogen fills cost $40 a pop at the dealer so does anyone just add air to the already nitrogen in the tire and will there be an issue that will make the tire out of balance considering there might be different proportions of air versus nitrogen between all 4 tires if I decide to start just adding air to them?

[ChippyJersey]

You'll be fine mixing air and nitro, so don't worry about that.

Not too sure on the over inflation though!

[Wry 'Cuda]

I stick to 36 PSI (cold); that gives a bit of "headroom" for pressure increase on the road. Many tyres have a recommended max. of 40 PSI.

As has been pointed out extensively on the forum, air is 78% nitrogen so mixing will be no worry. The alleged benefits of Nitrofill are small, so at $40, I wouldn't bother.

[engineered]

nitrogen isn't worth paying for. you're best off just checking your tires at least once a month

[Dan00Hawk]

Originally Posted by engineered

nitrogen isn't worth paying for. you're best off just checking your tires at least once a month

This ^

I did chuckle a bit at the "would they be out of balance if I mixed them" comment by the OP.

[The Sage]

My local Goodyear dealer charges $25 for nitro fill all four tires. Then free refills anytime you need it. Costco is the same on free refills when needed. So $40 each time you need a refill makes no sense at all.

[twinscroll]

Nitrogen is technically better. Pragmatically, that still shouldn't matter.

Mixing the two isn't a problem, but reduces the oxidation technical benefit. Topping up nitrogen with air isn't adding much oxygen anyway.

If you have money to burn and don't mind being scammed, sure 40$ (or even 4x40$). If you want what's technically better (I usually do), find a reasonable price elsewhere. Otherwise, cash is better used elsewhere in life, or on directly-useful automotive products (rust inhibitor, new wipers, better oil or more frequent changes, etc.)

[mojoman]

don't burn your cash on Nitrogen. I keep them at 32 and the ride is noticeably smoother for it

[Sportage EX]

I filled it up to 40psi and I like the lively nature of the ride now. 32psi would feel like I am stuck in molasses or running on 4 flat tires.

[Dr Bob]

Originally Posted by Sportage EX

I filled it up to 40psi and I like the lively nature of the ride now. 32psi would feel like I am stuck in molasses or running on 4 flat tires.

Well, that's good. I presume it was just air?

I've seen suggestions that apparatus that's supposed to fill your tyres with nitrogen is just a sham collection of tubing that supplies plain air; that's a scam x 2.