Off topic: I finally bought my own air pump! It is so much better than going to the gas station, paying a $1.50, and struggling with that long hose. And the machine would always cut off before I even got to the 4th tire.
I got this plug-in type from Amazon.com. It has a funny name, "Slime", but it works well and got good reviews. How many times a year do you guys actually have to add air to your tires? I checked my Camry tires once a month, but only had to add a little air about 4 times a year? They stayed pretty consistent.
The link from Amazon I posted disappeared. This is the one I got. You can look it up on Amazon. It was $59.99. Slime 40025 Wall Plug-In 120-Volt Tire Inflator
From what I read in the owners manual, it is (Japanese) AIR in my tyres. Typically it is 78% nitrogen anyway. Unless you get Nitrogen for free, there is no benefit, unless you're driving an F1 car. It "may" retain it's pressure for a little longer - but you still should check the pressure regularly anyway, so I can't understand the benefit.
And if you have nitrogen fill, there's no problem topping up with regular air. And, your tire's air makeup will continue to be mostly nitrogen, fwiw.
Chevron has free air around here. I have that brand pump but probably not sold anymore. It's probably 10 years old and I don't see it on amazon. Mine is really loud and vibrates like crazy but it'll do in an emergency. I tried it out last month and still works even after being kept in my hot trunk for years and barely used.
It's good enough for my needs. I'll only use it about 4 times a year. I didn't see it vibrate. Not real loud, but average for an air pump. Goes up to 120 psi. Quick on/off connector. Feels solidly built. Online at Amazon, Walmart, Sears, eBay. Slime 40025 Wall Plug-In 120-Volt Tire Inflator by Slime 4.2 out of 5 stars 411 customer reviews | 50 answered questions Price: $59.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members | Fast, FREE Shipping withAmazon Pri Wall Plug-In Features a built-in dial gauge Inflates a standard car tire in just 4 minutes 12 feet total reach, built-in cord management system Air adapters included
For that price, go to home depot and get an air compressor and air hose! Wow!!!!! Or just get the $10 version of the above and be done with it.
Yes, just use regular old air to inflate your tires. As I indicated, many use 40/38 PSI with better MPG results.
I don't have any data, but I suspect that the lack of hubcaps does not have a measureable effect on MPGs. I removed them the first day I had the car, so all of the lifetime statistics are hubcap free.
Here's an observation I posted about 4 years ago. Seems it still holds true today: "After 14 months of ownership of a 2010, I went through some "newbie" phases that I've come to recognize as somewhat of a pattern here on PC. First is the amazed/excited/happy phase to see the big FE numbers you've never encountered before. Next is the confused stage trying to figure how it all works. Then comes the research/education phase when you learn the tricks. This leads to the implementation phase of said techniques. The next phase is dependent on the individual: either you hit the big numbers and are contented or you become frustrated either because of the application of said techniques is too difficult (tons of threads on this) or you don't hit the big numbers you've seen others post. The next phase is where I am now: turn off the CONS screens and just drive the damn car. " A few questions on improving my MPG | PriusChat
I've had a Prius since 2008 and I recognize these steps. But I have never graduated to that last one...
The morning commute. When I actually slow down to the speed limit, miracles happen! (But I still like the PWR mode.) I'm the first to admit, these short-trip numbers are pretty meaningless. But I guess it's kind of entertaining for a bored retired guy.
I will give it an honest shot, sir. Hey Kevin, what's that 2nd vent for.... on the left side / below the rear seat? I just noticed it for the first time when vacuuming this morning. The lip on my rubber floor mat was obscuring it. It longer and skinnier than the right side hybrid vent. (I also posted a new thread in case anybody else hasn't noticed it before.)
