Top 3 Benefits of Inflating Your Tires with Nitrogen

By: Ron Haugen

Have you wondered why racecars and airplanes inflate their tires with Nitrogen rather than air? One reason is that Nitrogen is a non-combustible material, and is safer in hot conditions with extreme friction. Nitrogen also maintains a more stable pressure, and does not need to be inflated as often as Oxygen.

1. Longer Inflation Time

Using Nitrogen to inflate tires gives longer use than air inflation. When tires are inflated with Oxygen, there is a slow seepage of air that works its way through the rubber through a process known as oxidative aging. As the Oxygen works its way from inside the pressurized tire to the outside atmosphere, it oxidizes the tire rubber, causing the rubber to deteriorate and ultimately resulting in under-inflation. Nitrogen has significantly less aging seepage, which keeps tires inflated longer, and in better condition.

2. Nitrogen Prevents Corrosion

 Oxygen and moisture corrode steel and aluminum, which creates a problem for vehicle upkeep. When Oxygen seeps through rubber, particles of the rubber can break off which results in the formation of rust. If valve cores rust, they can begin to leak. Oxygen also eats away at the thin rubber inner liner of the tire. Similar to oxidative aging in the tire, the Oxygen works its way through the inner liner causing damage to both the liner and then the tire. As a point of reference, a truck tire loses an average 2 psi a month due to Oxygen seepage. Both Nitrogen and Oxygen permeate rubber, but Nitrogen does so at a much slower rate. With Nitrogen, the loss of pressure may be closer 2 psi every six months.

 3. A Smoother, Stable Ride

Inflating tires with Nitrogen results in a smoother ride because the tire pressure is more stable. A firm tire pressure allows for stable driving and better control for the driver. Also, because Nitrogen permeates less quickly, tires will not need to be filled up as often. Good tire pressure helps to prevent tears in tires, reducing the number of flat tires or tire issues.

Using Nitrogen for a large fleet of vehicles, there will definitely be a noticeable difference in the necessary upkeep for the tires.