TIRE SAFETY
Nitrogen-inflated tires
Nitrogen-inflated tires are not science fiction. They’re an alternative to tires filled with air, made possible by recent technology. Using nitrogen to fill tires has some advantages over air, but it’s not always useful to everyday drivers. This short article will help you figure out whether or not nitrogen-inflated tires are right for you.
So, are nitrogen-inflated tires for you?
There are some more benefits when using nitrogen-filled tires, but they depend on how you use your vehicle. Tires that are filled with nitrogen are typically identified with a green valve cap. Take a look at the following to help decide if you should inflate your tires with nitrogen:
- Nitrogen-inflated tires retain inflation pressure longer and don’t fluctuate as much based on outside temperature as much as air-inflated.
- Nitrogen-inflated tires may be of some benefit to you if-
- You drive very sparingly and your car sits unused for long periods.
- You own collectible cars that are seldom driven for any great distance.
- You store your vehicle for an extended time.
- You have one or more cars that are primarily used on a racetrack.
Cost and convenience
Since using nitrogen to fill tires is relatively new, air pressure is much more readily available. You’ll find it at nearly every service station you visit, and it’s usually free (sometimes, you might have to pay a small fee). Nitrogen, on the other hand, is harder to find and costs more.
Fuel economy
Despite some rumors out there, nitrogen doesn’t affect fuel economy – negatively or positively. Gas mileage is indeed connected to tire inflation pressure because low pressure increases rolling resistance. Rolling resistance, in turn, causes your gas mileage to drop. However, using nitrogen doesn’t change a tire’s rolling resistance.
Monthly Tire Inflation Pressure Checks
Regardless of the type of air you use to inflate your tires, monthly tire inflation checks should still be performed. Nitrogen and air can be mixed in any and all proportions. Nitrogen filled tires can and should have normal air added whenever nitrogen is not readily available, to maintain proper inflation as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
