Looking to fill your tires with nitrogen? Do you want to know if it’s worth your money and the hype? Why should you fill nitrogen in tires? We’ve broken down everything you need to know about nitrogen in tires.
Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of hype around inflating nitrogen gas in tires. Many car enthusiasts, manufacturers, and experts recommend filling tires with nitrogen. Do nitrogen-filled tires perform better than normal tires? What are the advantages of nitrogen in tires, and is it worth your money? We’ve answered these frequently asked questions about nitrogen-filled tires in this post. Keep reading to know more.
Temperature Changes and Tire Pressure
Tire pressure in your vehicle changes according to the ambient temperature. This happens because the gas inside the tires expands when the temperature rises and contracts when the temperature is cold. This is why car care experts recommend checking tire pressure early in the morning, before the sun’s heat or heat generated by driving changes the tire pressure.
Tire Pressure in Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Like regular air, nitrogen compresses and expands when the temperature changes. However, the time it takes for the pressure to change in nitrogen-filled tires is usually longer than in compressed air-filled tires. Airplane tires use nitrogen because temperatures can change drastically during takeoff and landing. Nitrogen is also preferred in auto racing for this same reason.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Nitrogen in Tires?
Pros
Nitrogen is more stable: As we mentioned above, nitrogen tires can withstand heat longer, and the pressure bleed will be slower when compared to compressed air.
Longer tire life: Since the tire pressure decreases slowly, it translates to longer tire life.
Better mileage: If inflated regularly, nitrogen tires will help maintain the tires properly and increase the car’s mileage.
No oxidation: Since nitrogen does not react with the metal in the rim or tire, oxidation chances are very low. On the other hand, oxygen will react with the moisture present in the tire and cause rust.
Cons
Expensive: Nitrogen is far more expensive than regular air.
Difficult to locate: Although nitrogen air is famous, it is difficult to locate a place, especially while traveling.
Time-consuming: The nitrogen-filling process usually takes a lot of time, and you need to bleed and fill it several times.
Can You Put Air in Nitrogen Tires?
Yes, you can fill regular air in a tire filled with nitrogen. However, remember that regular air will alter the nitrogen concentration in the tire. Therefore, do it only when it’s absolutely necessary.
How much does it cost to fill your tires with nitrogen?
When you purchase a new vehicle and want nitrogen-filled tires, it will cost you anywhere between $70 and $200. You will be paying close to $30 to fill tires that have compressed air in them. That’s because the oxygen needs to be removed with multiple nitrogen refills. Topping off will cost you $5 to $7 per tire.
How long do nitrogen tires last?
On average, a nitrogen tire lasts 3 to 4 months. This does not mean that you should not check your tire pressure regularly, regardless of the air you use.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
