Nitrogen is a gas that can be used to inflate your tires. Because passenger automobiles are lighter, this gas works well with them. Nitrogen inflation is the process of using this gas instead of conventional compressed air. There are two sorts of tyre inflation strategies that are both advantageous to different types of vehicles.
Nitrogen inflation slows down the loss of air in the tyres. Because the molecules are smaller than conventional oxygen, the gasses have a tougher time escaping through smaller pores in the tyres.
One of the benefits of using concentrated nitrogen instead of conventional compressed air, which contains concentrated oxygen, is that it does not generate resistance, allowing you to use less fuel overall. This is advantageous because the fuel efficiency is at an all-time low, and the less fuel we use on a daily basis, the better for our wallets.
When the car is moving, the temperature of nitrogen does not change greatly. High temperatures can wear and damage tyre tread, as well as causing wear and tear. The tyre’s quality is preserved since the pressure inside it does not suddenly drop, creating wear on the tyre’s edges.
The tires and tread have improved grip with this relatively new inflation technology. The increased grip is due to the high resistance to pressure, which keeps the extruding portions “popped out.” The weight of the car, along with the motion of driving, puts a lot of pressure on the tyre, causing it to deflate.
Because of its capacity to maintain tyre pressure in any temperature, nitrogen inflation is ideal for all weather conditions. Nitrogen also has a lower humidity content, making it less likely to produce water inside the tyre. Water and moisture inside the rubber can cause severe rotting, resulting in a damaged piece that must be replaced. Nitrogen is lighter than normal air because it has less moisture in its makeup.
Many racers choose to have their tyres filled with nitrogen gas since it makes the racing process lighter and more efficient. There will be less friction on the track and less wear on the rubber’s non-essential components.
When selecting different accessories and installations for your car, it’s important to think about which ones will save you money in the long term. This implies you’ll have to look for accessories and components that will help the car consume less gas. Nitrogen tyre inflation is a great alternative for saving money because it is not only lighter in weight and consumes less fuel, but it also helps the environment by allowing less gas to exit the vehicle.
What exactly is nitrogen inflation?
The fundamental advantage of nitrogen-filled tires is that they lose tire pressure more slowly than air-filled tires since the gas in the tire exits at a slower rate than air. The theory is that if you keep your tire pressure stable, you’ll get greater gas mileage and tire life because you’ll always be rolling on fully inflated tires.
It’s also claimed that nitrogen in tires minimizes tire “rot” by minimizing the moisture that naturally occurs inside tires and preventing wheel corrosion caused by moisture contact.
These assertions are exaggerated. The benefits of nitrogen-filled tires over regular air tires aren’t significant enough to warrant the cost or inconvenience. The cost of new car tires can range anywhere from $70 to $179. You’ll spend up to $30 per tire for air to be drained and N2 to be refilled on existing tires. Refills will cost $5 to $7 per tire, and you’ll have to do them less frequently than with air-filled tires. However, you’ll need to top off every two or three months.
The Science of Putting Nitrogen in Tires
Over time, little amounts of air leak out of tires, especially when they are subjected to substantial temperature changes. This is due to the porous nature of tire walls. When the air within a tire heats up, it expands. Even if your tire doesn’t have a hole, the extra pressure forces little amounts of air out through the pores, so you’ll need to get your air topped off on occasion.
Nitrogen tires, according to their proponents, do not lose tire pressure as quickly as air-filled tires. Because nitrogen molecules are larger than ordinary air molecules, they are more difficult to escape. This means that a nitrogen-filled tire will keep its air pressure for longer. As a result, they claim, you’ll drive on tires that are constantly adequately inflated, which will result in higher fuel economy and tire life.
A standard tire with regular air loses 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) per month on average. Nitrogen-filled tires do have a slower rate of decomposition. However, according to Consumer Reports, the gain is minor, with only approximately 1.3 PSI less over the course of a year. For people who drive passenger automobiles, it’s not enough to make a real difference in gas consumption or tire wear.
This is largely due to the fact that air already contains 78 percent nitrogen and slightly under 21% oxygen, with the remainder consisting of a mixture of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases. When tires are loaded with nitrogen from a nitrogen air pump, the amount of N2 in the tires rises to between 93 and 95 percent. It’ll never be perfect.
Bottom line: Nitrogen will reduce tire inflation loss to around one-third of what it would be if you used air. This means you’ll lose ⅓ to ⅔ PSI every month instead of one to two PSI per month. To keep within the recommended inflation range, you’ll need to check and top off your air every other month. You’ll also pay significantly more on gas and tire tread life than you’ll save. Simple tire care should be a part of your daily routine.
Go Ahead and Do It If:
- It’s a racecar that you’re riding in. Nitrogen is utilized to fill the tires of race cars because it provides a more uniform pressure.
- You’re buying a new automobile with brand-new tires that need to be filled for the first time, you live near a nitrogen filling station, you have extra cash, and you never check your air pressure.
Nitrogen-filled Tires FAQ
The disadvantages of switching to N2 tires outweigh the benefits. Nitrogen filling tanks, for example, are not as easily accessible as air compressor tanks. You’ll need to plan ahead for refills in regions where they may be scarce. You may lose both time and money as a result of this. Here’s everything you need to know.
A. Filling new tires costs anywhere from $70 to $175 at some locations. Up to $30 per tire for air drains and nitrogen refills on current tires. The cost of topping off a tire can range from $5 to $7. You’ll probably be topping off your tires at least four times a year, if not more, if you want to keep them within one PSI of the optimum. This could cost anywhere from $80 to $112 each year, or perhaps more. When compared to paying nothing for standard air at a tire shop or approximately a buck each fill at a service station, this is a bargain.
A. They’re just like ordinary tires in terms of safety. Nitrogen isn’t flammable, therefore your tires won’t blow up.
A. Properly inflated tires, whether loaded with nitrogen or air, always provide improved fuel economy. Under-inflated tires can reduce gas mileage by 0.2 percent for every 1 PSI drop in average tire pressure. They’ll also wear down more quickly and be more likely to fail. Checking your tire pressure once a month or having it done by a professional is the most cost-effective strategy to ensure you’re driving on properly inflated tires (free at good tire stores).
When compared to oxygen, nitrogen is a “dry” gas (which makes up about one-fifth of regular air). When tires expand due to heat friction and then contract as they cool, nitrogen-filled tires do not generate as much moisture within.
Rubber rot from moisture inside passenger vehicle tires, on the other hand, is extremely rare. It’s considerably more likely that your tire tread will wear down before the small quantity of moisture inside an air-filled tire damages the rubber, unless your tires are on a vehicle that is infrequently driven.
Today’s alloy wheels are coated to avoid corrosion on steel sections that may come into touch with water, such as the belts, beads, and sidewall buttressing, so that’s not a common issue.
A. Of course. It’s dangerous to drive about with under-inflated tires, so don’t put it off thinking you’ll be able to go to a filling station later. It’s totally fine to add air and then fill with nitrogen the next time.
In terms of running temperature, there is no substantial difference between air-filled and nitrogen-filled tires.
A. Use this nitrogen dealer locator, but keep in mind that some filling stations require you to have purchased tires or have a subscription with them.
A. As long as the tires are correctly inflated, there is no difference in handling or ride quality between air and nitrogen tires.
A. A green plastic cap or a cap topped with a green indicator will be found on the tire valve stem.
A. Using a machine, the tire is purged of air and filled with nitrogen numerous times, removing the majority of the oxygen as well as any water.
Is it possible to inflate a nitrogen-filled tyre?
The nitrogen content of regular “compressed” air is 78 percent. The content of nitrogen must be at or above 93 percent to reap the benefits. Tires must frequently be purged numerous times to achieve this level of concentration. If your nitrogen-filled tires are low on pressure and nitrogen is unavailable, normal air can be used to fill them. However, in order to sustain these benefits, the tire will need to be purged and refilled with nitrogen at some point in the future.
Your tires will lose air pressure over time, regardless matter how stable nitrogen is in principle. While some locations will fill your tires with nitrogen for free, others will not. As a result, you may find up spending more for air that will still need to be checked on a regular basis.
What is nitrogen tyre inflation, and how does it work?
You should check your tyre pressure on a regular basis to ensure that your tyres are gripping the road properly. Incorrect tyre pressures can result in unnecessary wear, causing your tyres to wear unevenly and needing to be replaced sooner than they should.
Nitrogen inflation extends the life of your tyres by keeping them at the proper pressure. This has a number of advantages, including:
What drawbacks do nitrogen-filled tyres have?
1) Nitrogen inflation is more expensive than oxygen inflation. As a result, it must be weighed against the zero cost of oxygen.
2) Nitrogen-filled tyre maintenance is also challenging because, once you’ve filled your tyres with nitrogen, you must use only nitrogen whenever you need to fill them with air. If you use regular compressed air, the introgen’s beneficial effects will be rendered ineffective.
3) Because nitrogen is not readily available everywhere, it can be a problem at times. The nitrogen filling service is only available from expert tyre retailers.
Who puts nitrogen in tyres?
Nitrogen is used to fill tires at tire shops across the country. They can sell a new tire and fill it, or they can top off a tire that has been brought in. Filling a tire with nitrogen could cost a lot of money at a tire shop.
Is nitrogen-filled tyres affected by cold weather?
Myth: Because nitrogen is unaffected by temperature variations, proper tire pressure is maintained regardless of the weather. In shifting temperatures, nitrogen-filled tires retain inflation pressure longer than compressed air-filled tires.
What is the lifespan of nitrogen tyres?
What Is the Life Expectancy of Nitrogen Tires? A nitrogen-filled tire will last around three to four months before needing to be refilled with nitrogen. Nitrogen-filled tires, on the other hand, will need to be refilled less frequently than air-filled tires.
How can I tell if my tyres are nitrogen-filled?
The color of your tire’s valve cap may quickly tell you if it’s packed with nitrogen.
- A nitrogen-filled tire will almost certainly feature a green valve cover or a “N2” insignia.
- The more classic black or chrome valve cap will be found on a regular air-filled tire.
Is nitrogen beneficial to tubeless tyres?
Did the technician tell you to have nitrogen air in your tyres instead of standard dry air on your last visit to the service station? For the most part, the answer will be yes. In the tyre industry, nitrogen for tyres is the next big thing. You may have been informed that nitrogen is a superior option since it improves handling, increases fuel efficiency, and eliminates the need to inspect your tyres for six months after nitrogen inflation.
However, nitrogen tyre filling costs money, whereas conventional dry air is available for free at your local gas station or tyre store. So, what are our options?
We debunk the fallacies around nitrogen vs. dry air tyres, including which is superior and why.
1. The distinction between nitrogen and air
Water vapour, CO2, and small concentrations of noble gases such as neon and argon make up the remaining 78 percent nitrogen, just under 21% oxygen, and the rest is water vapour, CO2, and minor concentrations of noble gases such as neon and argon. So, nitrogen is already present in the air in your tyres. When you fill your tyres with nitrogen, you will be filling them with 9095 percent nitrogen.
2. Retention of Tyres
Whether you’re using nitrogen or ordinary air, your tyres will lose pressure. The difference is that nitrogen loses air far more slowly than air. Because nitrogen has larger molecules than oxygen, it will not leak through the tyre as easily as air, allowing for a longer time of stable pressure. Even with nitrogen filled tires, you must get your tyre pressure checked at least once a month.
A nitrogen-filled tyre would lose 2.2 PSI on a 30 PSI setting, compared to 3.5 PSI for an air-filled tyre over the same time period. The point is that you’ll have to get a refill on a monthly basis to avoid falling behind on your payments.
3. Increases fuel efficiency
You must keep your tyres filled to the proper PSI at all times in order to obtain higher fuel economy. Nitrogen causes you to lose breath more slowly than usual. This allows you to keep your tyres inflated at the proper PSI for a longer period of time. However, you will still lose air at a slower rate, and you will need to have it checked and replenished on a monthly basis for optimum efficiency.
Even though it does result in lower gasoline costs. The amount you save on gas is roughly the same as the amount you’ll spend on nitrogen in your tyres.
4. It keeps metal from corroding.
Nitrogen was once employed by racers because to its suitability with high-speed travel; the gas’s temperature is lower than normal air due to its inert nature. This was beneficial to racers because they were used to traveling at high speeds all of the time and the colder air would leave less room for expansion. In addition, ordinary air contains a little quantity of vapour, which condenses into water when exposed to cooler temperatures. Because aluminum and steel oxidize when they come into touch with water, they will shorten the rim’s and tyre’s lives. However, because nitrogen is absolutely dry, there is no water retention in the tyre, which means the metal will not corrode, extending the rubber’s life. Most alloy wheels today are painted and come with a protective coating to prevent corrosion from water.
5. Scale economies
The most readily available resource on the earth is air. You may simply receive condensed air to fill up your tyres as a complimentary service at a service station or a petrol pump. Even if you include in a gratuity for the attendant, it will still be a bargain compared to a nitrogen refill.
Another factor to think about is accessibility. As air, nitrogen is not readily available. So, if you wish to refill your nitrogen-filled tyre, you’ll have to return to your local service station or a particular center. Isn’t it inconvenient? Regular air will have no effect on your tires in any way. You’ll still have nitrogen, but it’ll just be minimally less effective.
As a result, the score is 3 1, with 3 points going to air and 1 point going to nitrogen. Even if we don’t dispute that nitrogen isn’t good, we don’t think it’s a good substitute for regular dry air, especially if you commute by car. Nitrogen tyres will undoubtedly provide you that 5% advantage over air tyres if you want to perform high speeds. It is, however, not a feature that is easily forgotten. To preserve the efficiency figures, you must get your tyres tested on a monthly basis and select for a refill.
Nitrogen will provide you a slight boost in efficiency and lower tyre maintenance expenses, but it will have no effect on your ride or handling when compared to air. If you want to save money, skip the nitrogen and instead get your tyres tested for proper pressure on a fortnightly basis for free. Apart from pulling up to the gas station, you actually don’t have to do anything.
Why are race car tyres nitrogen-filled?
Many race car teams utilize nitrogen instead of air in their tires because nitrogen expands and contracts at a far more steady rate than regular air. A half-pound of pressure can often make a significant difference in traction and handling. The constancy of nitrogen is required since track and tire temperatures vary throughout a race.
Because air contains various levels of moisture due to fluctuations in relative humidity on race day, nitrogen pressure is more stable than regular air pressure. The presence of water causes air to expand and contract at different rates. If “dry” nitrogen is not used, a humid race in the southeast United States or a dry race in the arid western United States could result in unpredictable tire pressures.