Should I Use Nitrogen To Fill Up My Tire?
Perhaps you have heard about nitrogen being used to fill car tires. People swear by nitrogen, claiming it is suitable for their tires and pocketbooks. While regular air is full of nitrogen, nitrogen fills are made from a purer and more processed form of air. Here are more details about nitrogen and its benefits for your next set.
Why Do Tires Lose Air Pressure?
Nitrogen is often used in tires to reduce air pressure loss. However, even if you don’t drive your car, all tires lose pressure over time. These are the most common reasons it happens.
Osmosis
Over time, oxygen naturally passes through the tire’s rubber structure. In addition, certain rubber types allow for more excellent osmosis.
Temperature Fluctuations
As the temperature drops, tires lose air pressure and expand as the tire heats up. Therefore, your tires will experience lower pressure when it is more relaxed and in the morning.
Cracks in Valve Stem
Your tire might be in good condition, but there could be a small crack in your valve stem. These cracks can lead to a slow leakage over time.
Round Wheels
If your tires aren’t perfectly round, your tire bead will not seal your tires. Depending on the severity of your problem, pressure drops may occur at different rates.
Tire damage
You will lose pressure quickly if your puncture is significant or your rim is bent.
What does nitrogen do to reduce air pressure?
The rate of air loss is the main reason nitrogen is used in tires. Because nitrogen molecules are more extensive than regular air, they don’t have as much osmosis. Thus, nitrogen-filled tires lose pressure at a slower pace. This aspect will allow you to maintain adequate tire pressure longer and not be affected by temperature fluctuations.
What other benefits does nitrogen have?
Your tire’s pressure will be more consistent if it is nitrogen-filled. You will have better-rolling resistance, get better gas mileage, and less tire wear. The nitrogen used in filling tires goes through a process to remove any oxygen or moisture. This aspect could help you avoid water-related corrosion problems.
Are nitrogen-filled tires maintenance-free?
It is still vital to have regular maintenance for nitrogen-filled tires. Your tires will eventually wear like any other tire. Over time, your pressure will drop. However, these issues will be less frequent with nitrogen-filled tires and will require less frequent fill-ups.
Can one still use regular air after using nitrogen?
To reap the full benefits of nitrogen in your tires, it is vital to continue using nitrogen after you have started using it. You can use regular air if you need to top up your tires. Traditional air won’t cause damage to your tires and wheels. However, the more you use normal air, the less nitrogen your tires will have. As a result, you could lose some of the nitrogen benefits. You may not have to fill your tires as often if they are otherwise in good condition.
Some people may see benefits from nitrogen-filled tires. If you need assistance or want to look for tire changes near me or you, contact trusted service centers to help you test it out with your next set.