What is Nitrogen Gas?
Nitrogen is a dry, inert, non-flammable, enviromentally friendly gas used for years to inflate airplane tires, off-road truck tires, military vehicle tires, and race car tires for improved performance. Compressed nitrogen contains less moisture than compressed air. When the tire heats up, moisture in the tire vaporizes and expands, causing the pressure inside the tire to increase. Even small changes in tire pressure can noticeably affect the handling of the car.
Why Inflate with Nitrogen?
Oxygen is your tire's worst enemy. Air is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other. Nitrogen is inert, non combustible, and non corrosive. Oxygen on the other hand is a destructive element. When tires are exposed to air, a long term and continuing deterioration begins - the oxidation of the rubber in the tire. What happens to a rubber band over time? It loses its elasticity and strength. This same process occurs in tires inflated with air as the oxygen attacks the rubber molecules, working from the inside out until the oxygen permeates the tire structure and ultimately the tread.
Is All Nitrogen Gas Equal?
No, nitrogen is available from nitrogen generators in different purities, generally ranging from 89% (low purity) to 96% (high purity).
Better Fuel Mileage
Drivers can get better fuel mileage with properly inflated tires which roll better than under-inflated ones, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10% and decreasing auto emissions. Nitrogen-filled tires also could significantly reduce the two million gallons of gasoline the U.S. Department of Energy says are lost every day due to low tire pressure.
What Are the Other Benefits of Nitrogen Inflation?
>
Tires Last Longer.
> On the road tests show that tires inflated with nitrogen lasted 25-30% longer and that road failures were reduced by 50%.
> Nitrogen diffuses through the walls of the tire 25-30% slower than air, significantly reducing tire pressure loss between inflation checks. Under inflated tires wear faster. A tire that is 10% under inflated will lose approximately 7% of its service life.
> Fewer Tire Failures.
> The strength of tires are affected by oxidation and heat. Tires are weakened by the oxidation process. This process is accelerated by the heat generated from rolling. This oxidation is referred to as "fatigue" and "aging". Nitrogen filled tires had twice the life to failure in both field and laboratory tests.
> Better Fuel Mileage and Handling.
> Tires that are properly inflated roll better than under inflated tires and get better fuel mileage. Tires that are properly inflated also respond better to steering input and handle better.
> Nitrogen is completely dry. Without moisture, rims and wheels are less likely to rust.
> Stronger casings mean more retreads.
> The lack of oxidation means that the tire casings remain stronger and can be retreaded additional times for longer tire life.
Source: Bruce's Tire, Inc.
