Is nitrogen better for tyres?
Friday 3rd May 2024
Nitrogen has been used for years to inflate the tyres on racing cars and aircraft. However, can you inflate your ordinary air-filled tyres with pure nitrogen gas? Formula One Autocentres explores the advantages of using nitrogen gas in your tyres.
What are nitrogen-filled tyres?
Nitrogen-filled tyres are filled with pure nitrogen gas instead of air. Nitrogen is an inert gas type, which is least likely to be affected by moisture absorption, varying temperature changes and leakage. This means your tyre pressure will remain stable for longer.
What causes my tyres to lose air?
Loss of air pressure in your tyres could be caused by:
- Damaged or faulty tyre valves.
- Changes in tyre temperature.
- A compromised or damaged tyre bead.
- One of the tyres on your car has a slow or severe puncture.
Why inflate tyres with nitrogen?
Inflating your tyres with nitrogen has many benefits. Compared with air-filled tyres, the larger molecule structure of nitrogen means it won’t seep out of your tyres as quickly as compressed air. The advantages of using nitrogen to inflate your tyres include:
- Increased road safety for all road users.
- Reduce the likelihood of tyre fire hazards.
- Improve your vehicle’s handling.
- Better fuel economy.
- Limit unwanted tyre pressure changes and wear.
Can you mix air and nitrogen in your tyres?
Yes, you can inflate air in your nitrogen-filled tyres. If you have under-inflated tyres and there are no nearby service stations where you can fill your tyres with nitrogen, you can inflate your tyres with compressed air. While mixing air and nitrogen won’t result in a chemical reaction, it can compromise the effectiveness of the nitrogen in your tyres.
How can you maintain the health of your nitrogen-filled tyres?
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring your nitrogen-filled tyres. This will ensure your tyres continue to perform well on the road. We’ve included a few tips to maintain the health of your nitrogen tyres:
- Have the tyres professionally inspected by a specialist.
- Book regular tyre pressure checks to ensure your tyres are at the correct level.
- Inspect the tread and depth of your tyres.
Nitrogen-filled tyres can not only increase the lifespan of your tyres but also benefit the environment as fewer tyres go to landfills. If your tyres are starting to go flat, our article covers how far you can drive on a flat tyre. Buy your tyres online and get them fitted the same day at your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch today.
