The subject of tires may seem pretty straightforward, but sometimes, things get complicated. Today, on our Ed Payne Service Blog, we’ll be discussing nitrogen and whether or not it can be good for your tires.

Why Nitrogen?

Believe it or not, filling your tires with nitrogen, rather than air, has become a common practice in recent years. This is for a variety of reasons. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nitrogen-filled tires showed a reduced amount of aging. Some other benefits include a constant tire pressure, minimal moisture, improved steering and braking, and some extra change in your pocket!

How does inflating your tire with nitrogen make tire pressure constant?

Oxygen, when placed in your tire, begins to move throughout the rubber. As it does this, the pressure and temperature in your tires begins to change as you drive around. By substituting air for nitrogen, the likeliness of migration through the tires decreases.

How does it minimize the moisture in my tires?

Moisture, or water, in your tires can lead to problems. It can often lead to rising heat temperatures, and corrosion of your steel or aluminum rims. When air is compressed, or pressurized, the humidity in it thickens into a liquid. The result ultimately gets collected in the air storage tank. Once you add the compressed air to you tire, water comes along for the ride, which immediately causes more of a pressure change with temperature swings than dry (nitrogen) air. To fill your tires with nitrogen, your tire needs to be “bled” several times. Any water in your tires will be removed along with the risk of wheel rot during this process

How does putting it in my tires help me save money?

Well this ties back to the whole tire pressure thing. Since filling your tires with nitrogen will keep your pressure constant, the need to repeatedly put air in your tires decreases as does the amount of money you spend in the long run.

However, before you run off to your nearest mechanic or dealership, you should always check with a professional to see if nitrogen would be better suited for your tires and your vehicle.