Nitrogen Vs Air: Which is Best for Vehicle Tires?

Car tires are filled with compressed air. Compressed air could be air or nitrogen. There’s an ongoing controversy about which is best for filling a tire. Issues like which offers the best in tire longevity, enjoying a smoother ride, and saving fuel are part of some reasons people offer which is best for filling tires. Car and automotive companies engage in this argument, too.

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Air contains 21 percent oxygen,78 percent nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and some other gases in little concentrations. Nitrogen is a major component of air and could be why a case is made for it as the best for filling tires. Some people have preferences on what they want in their tires as per their experiences and advice by specialists. An online store like Pieces-Auto Store offers expert advice on many car-related issues.

Let’s look at the differences between the two components.

1. Pressure

Tires lose pressure over time, whether filled with air or pure nitrogen. Nitrogen only does this slower than air because its molecules are larger and move slower than air molecules. A nitrogen-filled tire loses pressure at about 40 percent lower, causing more stability in tire pressure longer than air-filled tires would.

2. Thermo-oxidation

For air-filled tires, oxygen present in it causes a thermo-oxidative process because of the oxygen reacting with the tire rubber during filling. This reaction causes rubber degradation. With nitrogen which doesn’t contain water, this doesn’t happen.

3. Inflation Process

An improperly air-inflated tire wears out faster and unevenly, causing a dent in your fuel economy. With nitrogen, this won’t happen because this gas helps to maintain the right tire pressure, saving you and your car unnecessary headaches and money.

4. Gas Expansion

Gases normally expand under hot conditions and contract in cold conditions. Nitrogen reacts less to temperature changes but does not prevent total loss in pressure in cases of leaks from the tires.

Whether you prefer to use air or nitrogen for your tires, there are things you should watch out for. Punctures or cuts can lead to leaks that will affect the efficiency and longevity of your tires and also reduce or prevent accidents. Constantly checking your tires for such is important. Try to do this every five months. Or when you notice a change in the tires or while driving, you notice a tilting to the side (unevenness).

Another thing is under or over-inflating tires when filling them up. To know the right tire pressure for your tires, check on the doorsill of your car or in the car manual. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Inform the person filling your tires of this pressure amount. Check your tire pressure early in the mornings before the weather gets hot.

In summary, know the right pressure for your tires, check for leaks regularly and read the car manual.