A rant about our TPMS
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,514
Likes: 670
From: Sioux Falls Area
Nitrogen isn't all it's cracked up to be, at least in my experience.
Wife's tires are filled with nitrogen from the dealer. Cold pressure is 33 and if the pressure is set at 40* outside temp the tires will register as low as 28/29psi on below freezing mornings and as high as 35/36psi during operation. That's a big swing if you ask me. I don't see the benefits of nitrogen fills.
FWIW, that's a 235/50/17 tire.
Wife's tires are filled with nitrogen from the dealer. Cold pressure is 33 and if the pressure is set at 40* outside temp the tires will register as low as 28/29psi on below freezing mornings and as high as 35/36psi during operation. That's a big swing if you ask me. I don't see the benefits of nitrogen fills.
FWIW, that's a 235/50/17 tire.
i had nitrogen in my explorer (235/70r16), and at about 100°F they would read about 35psi, and at -15°F they would read about 28psi. that isn't much of a swing at all, IMO. not for a 115°F swing in air temp, anyway.
that, and in the 4 years those tires were on that vehicle, i NEVER had to adjust the pressure. they just never leaked down at all.
i've considered putting nitrogen in all my trailer tires and spares just for that reason.
i'm one of the few who will gladly pay a little extra, based on my experience.
now if you are the type that wants *exactly* 32psi cold no matter what, then don't pay for nitrogen. but if you can live with a few psi up or down, then it is perfect. but for the most part, if you get them at your door sticker at about 70°F, you will be golden most of the year. JMHO, YMMV
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
humm, well guess I'm the odd man out here. I could honestly care less about the TPMS system on the truck. As part of my Saturday morning ritual, I check the tire pressure on the truck and the GFs escape before I head out for a dump run and start the day. Takes all of about 5 minutes if that. I hear ya as far as the cost of truck goes, but with my "stripped "model unit, I wouldn't expect it anyways, nor would I want to pay more for it.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 1
From: Clay Country, GA, NE MS
My Camry company car has air pressure sensors on all 4 tires, rotation, they keep working fine. Funny, I spent half a day running around today to buy two high dollar, good quality air gauges. Had to go to commercial trucking shop to get them. I can live without the air sensors. But - ye need a good air compressor in ye shop and a GOOD air gauge!
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Another bah humbug to TPMS here. When I had my '12 Mustang they didn't light and went I did my routine checks at one point they were all down to 26psi. On 255/40r19 rubber. Whats the point if they only light when your in the danger (or lower) range? BTW, car was spec'd for 35psi IIRC which would make them almost 26% low. Haven't had them light on my F150 either, last time I checked (which was too long ago!) they were 38psi at around 35F ambient temp, so I will be curious when I check in the morning.
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spikedog
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Apr 13, 2007 10:00 PM
