I am just looking over my bill of sale for my Q5 on order and noticed the dealer tacked on "Nitro Tire Guard" @$160 under "Dealer Options and Charges", what is that and do I need it?

 

Hi there: It just so happens when you asked the above question I was on my way to Audi to pick up my car from it's first oil change so I asked the Service Adviser who really knows his stuff.

Turns all 4 tires are originally filled with air AND Nitrogen. Hence the 160.00 charge. This charge is for all 4 tires and it's not an optional charge it's mandatory. The point of this is to reduce aluminum erosion from the inside so your rims last longer. If you notice on the top left of your windshield from the inside there is a Nitro-Safe sticker.

If in the future you change your tires and remove them from you rim you will loose the nitrogen. Then it's your choice if you want to reapply it or not.

Hope this helps.

W.

 

warcity, once again, thanks.

 

All:

Here is the URL to the official company that Audi uses to fill their tires with Nitrogen. Nitrogen is rapidly replacing regular air in car tires. This is a very informative site. I strongly suggest you locate the closes dealer near you and fill with nitrogen if/when you need to.


Nitrogen in Tires : Information about Nitrogen Tire Inflation News, Benefits, Generator Dealers, Location Finder & More

 

Hi,

It seems a bit high, 160 dollars.
I just had new tires installed at Costco, not on my Audi, and they filled them nitrogen for free.
by the way, it is approx 95% nitrogen if you get the service, regular air is just under 80% nitrogen and around 20 percent oxygen at sea level, and it contains moisture. Some rims have a clear sealant or clearcoat on them and won't be affected by low levels of oxygen and moisture, and unless you run low, stress free miles on your tires, the outside of the tire will be affected more by the ambient O2, grease, salt, fumes, etc. of daily driving more than by a bit of O2 and moisture inside your tires. This is a profit maker for the dealership, and not required if your particular rims have a clearcoat on them. This is a usually applied as a clear polyester powder coating, but may be either acrylic powder or a liquid. It will protect the aluminum from damage over time. The other (most important) reason for nitrogen is that it is completely dry. Regular air has moisture in it. If you live in a humid area, this can be important for non-clear coated rims. There are small benefits too even if there is clearcoat on the rims. Dry areas, like summer in Arizona or Vegas will have very little moisture in regular air, but other places are far more humid, and will have more moisture in the air.
Personally, I would not pay 160 for nitrogen from the dealer when you replace the tires. Another place (non dealership) should be able to replace the air in your tires for much cheaper if you really want it. Spent the bucks on good wax for the paint instead.... or beer.
Also, keep the brake dust cleaned off the inside of the wheels. This will have long term benefits.
Also, always do research and ask around, and make your own decision. The stuff I said here is what I have picked up over the years and may contain some errors.

 

Good info here thanks. The 160 is mandatory on the initial invoice I agree it high but don't think there is any option.

 

I haven't taken delivery yet, but there was no nitrogen charge on the bill of sale.

 

Interesting (that's a good thing) perhaps they're no longer charging.