Why do new cars come with nitrogen filled tires?
Since nitrogen molecules are bigger than normal air molecules, it is harder for them to leak out. This means a tire filled with nitrogen will maintain air pressure longer. Therefore, they say, you’ll roll on tires that are always properly inflated, resulting in better fuel economy and longer tire life.
How long does nitrogen last in car tires?
On average, tires filled with air lose about 1.5 psi every month, whereas tires filled with nitrogen will lose that amount in about 3-4 months. You will likely have to top off your nitrogen filled tires less often than if they were filled with air.
Do dealerships put nitrogen in tires?
It has become increasingly common for car dealerships to charge this fee for nitrogen-filled tires on new vehicles. Nitrogen proponents claim that filling your tires with this gas will save you money on fuel, prevent wheel rot and offer better performance than old-fashioned air can give you.
Why do you put nitrogen in your tires?
The theory is that since nitrogen loses pressure at a slower rate than air, you are more likely to be at the correct psi and therefore get better fuel economy. If you are proactive and check your tire pressure at least once a month, you can offset this difference with free air, and you won’t need expensive nitrogen.
How much does it cost to fill a tire with nitrogen?
Some cars are even sold with the telltale green caps on valve stems, signaling the tires have already been filled with nitrogen. Dealerships and tire shops often charge owners to fill tires with nitrogen, at $5 or more per tire, during routine service visits or when replacing tires. But is nitrogen worth the price?
What kind of gas is used to fill tires?
The nitrogen used to fill tires is a processed gas that’s void of many of the impurities in regular air, but if you plan on using it, make sure the retailer removes all the original air to ensure the tire is truly filled with nitrogen.
Can you use regular air on your tires?
Granted, you can use regular air if nothing else is available, but that would dilute the nitrogen in the tires. You’ll have to go back to the shop with nitrogen and wait until the tire technicians can attend to the car.
What’s the deal with nitrogen-filled tires?
They say the oxygen in the air degrades the rubber more than nitrogen does. They say nitrogen molecules are slightly larger than oxygen molecules in the air, so it’s less likely to leak through the rubber. They say if you use pure nitrogen from a tank, there’s no water vapor in it, like there is in the air we breathe.
When to use nitrogen instead of regular air?
In addition, whether a tire is filled with ordinary air or nitrogen, it will leak if the tire valve is faulty, if the tire isn’t properly mounted and sealed on the wheel, or if the tire has a nail in the tread or other damage. NItrogen doesn’t fix damaged tires, so it’s still important to check your tire pressure regularly.
Do you need to check tire pressure with nitrogen?
NItrogen doesn’t fix damaged tires, so it’s still important to check your tire pressure regularly. Temperature changes may also still cause fluctuations in tire pressure even when you use nitrogen instead of oxygen.
The nitrogen used to fill tires is a processed gas that’s void of many of the impurities in regular air, but if you plan on using it, make sure the retailer removes all the original air to ensure the tire is truly filled with nitrogen.