Nitrogen Tyres Might Be Overrated! These Facts & Myths

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It is claimed that tyre punctures can be prevented by inflating them with nitrogen. The nitrogen air limits the moisture present within the tyre naturally. Thus, wheel corrosion is restricted which occurs due to the moisture in the tyres. The claim is overstated and there are many other overstated assumptions regarding nitrogen-filled tyres. The benefits of the nitrogen inflated tyres as compared to the normal air tyres aren’t that remarkable to back the inconveniences or price tag associated with it.

You might be wondering whether you would inflate your tyres Blandford with nitrogen or normal air. If you get proper knowledge about the two, you can make a better decision. This article explains some myths and facts related to nitrogen inflation as well as the science behind it. This article will probably help you make the right choice and save your pocket as well.

Table of Contents

Myth and Facts

Myth: Tyres inflated with nitrogen need no maintenance. Thus, you need not check the air pressure at regular intervals.

Fact: The opposite is the fact. Even the nitrogen inflated tyres require periodic pressure inspection to trace any slow leakages. Visually inspect the tyres for any warning signs of tyre issues, tread wearing, bulges, tears and cuts are also wise.

Myth: Temperature changes don’t affect nitrogen in the tyres, and thus, proper pressure is maintained in the tyres irrespective of the climate.

Fact: As compared to the tyres filled with compressed air, inflation pressure is maintained for a long time in the nitrogen inflated tyres in changing temperatures. This is the reason aeroplanes make use of nitrogen as there is a dramatic change in temperature between landing and take-off. But, normal vehicle owners can’t reap this benefit as the pressure changes linked to temperature are not eliminated completely by nitrogen under usual driving conditions.

Myth: As compared to compressed air, nitrogen leaks from a tyre very slowly. Thus, it maintains adequate pressure in the tyre for a long time.

Fact: Irrespective of whether tyres are filled with nitrogen or compressed air, pressure is lost from the tyres gradually and naturally with time. The air leaks from the punctured area or a damaged valve or from the location where the tyre is mounted over the wheel. Both nitrogen and compressed air leak at an equal rate in these cases.

The Science Behind Inflating Tyres With Nitrogen

Some amount of pressure gets leaked from every tyre naturally with time and use. This happens especially when the tyre is exposed to huge temperature fluctuations. The reason is the porous tyre walls. The air in the tyre expands when the tyres become hot. The extra pressure forces a negligible amount of air out of the tyre through these pores. Thus, you need to top off your tyres occasionally even though there is no hole in the tyre.

But, the nitrogen tyre promoters usually emphasize that nitrogen-filled tyres don’t lose pressure as fast as normal tyres. The molecules of nitrogen air are bigger as compared to the molecules of normal air and thus, it is difficult for them to leak out. This indicates air pressure is maintained for a long time in a nitrogen-filled tyre. These promoters claim that you move on tyres that are always adequately inflated, offer tread longevity and good fuel economy by using nitrogen-filled tyres.

An average pressure of 1 to 2 PSI is lost by a normal air tyre per month. It is s fact that as compared to the normal compressed air-filled tyres, the nitrogen-filled tyre loses air at a slower rate. But, the difference is very slight. This difference is not enough to make any difference in the tyre wearing and gas mileage of the passenger vehicles.

Bottom line: The loss of tyre pressure is slowed down in the case of nitrogen. It is around one-third of the pressure loss in normal air tyres. Thus, you will lose around one-third to two-thirds PSI per month rather than 1-2 PSI. But, you will have to inspect and fill your tyres with air every month to maintain an adequate inflation level. You will also have to spend much more as compared to what you save on tyre tread life and gas mileage. Thus, using normal Firestone tyres Blandford and maintaining them properly is the best solution.

You must use nitrogen-filled tyres only when you have racing cars, live nearer to a nitrogen-filling station, and have more budget to spend. DCM Tyre and Autocentres Blandford is a reputed place to get all knowledge regarding the tyres. Visit DCM Tyre and Autocentres Blandford for further knowledge.