Nitrogen Pressure
Nitrogen Pressure
I just purchased a new Civic and the dealer filled the tires with nitrogen. I checked the tire pressure (cold) the next morning and each tire was about 42 psi. The recommended pressure on the door panel label is 32 psi. I was about to lower the pressure to 32 psi, but before I do I thought I would ask for opinions on this forum. Is there something about nitrogen that would make 42 psi the appropriate pressure?
Re: Nitrogen Pressure
It’s possible they filled to the Tire rating and not the manufacturer’s. It’s not an issue (assuming that’s what they did) but the car “drives optimally” when at 32psi. 42 seems abnormally high though.
Re: Nitrogen Pressure
Its common, they dont have the $150/hour mechanics fo basic maintenance. Tire inflation is probably left to lot staff.
As long as you are running an OEM analogue tire (a tire with the same specs as original), the pressure on the door is correct.
If you have changed tires, the specs could say "max pressure 50psi", "cold inflation 40psi". Still dont go off the tire.
You would set the tire to 40 then chalk the sidewall of the tire, then go for a drive. You repeatedly this and lower the pressure until you see the sidewall chalk start to rub off. That will be near your ideal pressure.
As long as you are running an OEM analogue tire (a tire with the same specs as original), the pressure on the door is correct.
If you have changed tires, the specs could say "max pressure 50psi", "cold inflation 40psi". Still dont go off the tire.
You would set the tire to 40 then chalk the sidewall of the tire, then go for a drive. You repeatedly this and lower the pressure until you see the sidewall chalk start to rub off. That will be near your ideal pressure.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
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Re: Nitrogen Pressure
I'm so confused.
BUUTT, to shed some light, I might be able to help. There's a chance that they said they filled the tires with nitrogen, but possibly just pencil whipped the PDI (pre-delivery inspection). I read a lot of reports (and mine was the same) where dealers didn't actually adjust the tire pressure down to 30-35psi since they shipped from factory with over-inflated tires. When I checked mine, they were at 55psi, and I had to adjust mine and recalibrate my TPMS after getting them down to spec
BUUTT, to shed some light, I might be able to help. There's a chance that they said they filled the tires with nitrogen, but possibly just pencil whipped the PDI (pre-delivery inspection). I read a lot of reports (and mine was the same) where dealers didn't actually adjust the tire pressure down to 30-35psi since they shipped from factory with over-inflated tires. When I checked mine, they were at 55psi, and I had to adjust mine and recalibrate my TPMS after getting them down to spec
Re: Nitrogen Pressure
That is very interesting and could be the case. There is no reasonable way of knowing what is in those tires. Anyway, in the future air will be the pressurizing medium of choice. To clear up any confusion the "you lost" was referring to the bet since I was not charged for whatever is in those tires. However, based on what you told me I don't think I can make a definitive statement. Thank you for the information regarding the TMPS calibration. I will look into that.
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Honda Civic Forum
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02_civiclx
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Modifications
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Mar 31, 2009 05:49 PM




