Are Nitrogen-Filled Tyres Better Than Regular Air?

If you visit a petrol station or tyre shop, you will notice an option to fill your car's tyres. Those two options are regular and nitrogen air. This option is generally rather expensive, and this raises the question immediately: Is nitrogen superior, or is ordinary air acceptable?

Nitrogen vs Regular Air

What is the difference between Nitrogen and regular air? What is in each filling may be handy to know to get the debate. Normal air, which is the air we all inhale, comprises nitrogen by about 78% and oxygen by 21%, and traces of other gases.

In case you choose nitrogen filling, your tyres will be filled with what is almost pure nitrogen, 93 to 95 percent. The only distinction is that the oxygen has been substantially deoxygenated in the blend. You will notice the Nitrogen air in your tyres has more stable tyre pressure and less head buildup than regular air. But, experts recommend you fill only one type of air in all four tyres in your car.

The Benefits of Nitrogen in Tyres

The proponents of nitrogen filling claim that there are a number of benefits. First, since the nitrogen molecules are a little bigger than the oxygen molecules, they do not escape as fast as the oxygen molecules through the rubber walls of the tyre. The consequence is a tyre pressure that is more stable in the long run, that is, you will need to check and adjust your tyre pressure less often.

The other benefit is that of temperature. As the tyres warm up during the process of traveling, the air within swells. Temperature is not as sensitive to the change in pressure as it is to regular air, hence the pressure in tyres filled with nitrogen remains constant regardless of whether you are on a chilly morning or on a long journey over the main highways.

Water vapor is almost always present in the regular air. When you refill tyres at a dilapidated station, such moisture may enter the tyre. With time, it may rust away the metal of the wheel, and in cold weather, freezing may occur, thus creating pressure variability. The addition of nitrogen eliminates almost all of that moisture, and the tyre and the wheel are kept dry.

Oxygen is another culprit. Slowly, it destroys the inner liner of the tyre. The aging is slowed down since nitrogen removes the majority of the oxygen. In the case of costly premium tyres, e.g, Michelin tyres in Erdington can be used to prolong their life.

The Downsides of Nitrogen

Cost is the most evident demerit. Ordinary air is commonly free or cheap; however, the filling of nitrogen is a fee each time you refill the tyres. Over time, that can add up. Convenience matters too. Not every station has nitrogen, and a tyre that has been inflated with it would require you to fill it with regular air. Adding air in as a nitrogen fill is not harmful, but kills the benefits you have made.

What Do the Experts Say?

The majority of automotive analysts and tyre manufacturers, Michelin among them, are convinced that nitrogen has certain technical advantages. They say those perks are humble streetcar driving. For the racing cars, aircraft, and heavy commercial vehicles, nitrogen is more appropriate. The vehicles perform under extreme conditions in which a slight increase in performance counts.

The Bottom Line of Everyday Drivers

The fact is that normal air is suitable for the tyres of most people. It is not the gas in tyres that determines their performance and their life. It has to do with the way they are taken care of. Here’s what really matters: Check the tyres at least once a month, whether they are filled with nitrogen or air. This increases fuel efficiency, handling, and longevity of tyres.

Maintain tyres to the recommended amount by the vehicle manufacturer. This is more important than the type of gas. Tyres that are not inflated properly deteriorate and damage the fuel economy. Bursting tyres may result in poor handling and comfort.

Change tyres regularly. This ensures even wear. The good tyres of the reputed brands, such as Michelin, have a long mileage, but only if they have been taken care of. Check the state of tyres, the depth of tyre treads, and change them when necessary. It is more important than whether you used air or nitrogen.

Conclusion

In case of not taking much attention to tyre pressure and having fewer top-ups, nitrogen can be considered. Nitrogen would be a relief to you either when you have a high-performing car or when you live in an area with extremely varying temperatures.

However, to the vast majority of drivers, it will be much cheaper to save the money that you’d use on nitrogen and invest it in better quality tyres or more frequent maintenance by a professional. Good tyre-care habits, coupled with regular air, will keep any car moving safely and in great shape in the next few years.