Nitrogen is an alternative
Why use nitrogen instead of regular air? The reason is that nitrogen in its purest form does not
combust or attract moisture. Nitrogen is an inert gas, which also means it is dry air without
oxygen. We know that 78 percent of atmospheric air is composed of nitrogen. The inert
properties of Nitrogen have upsized its use in special services and challenging environments.
These include usage in aircraft, heavy vehicles and even in mining. Apart from that, nitrogen has been used in auto racing where vehicles have extreme demands with high-speed expectations. The idea behind the usage of dry gas or nitrogen is that it reduces the tyre pressure variation that may affect vehicle handling at extreme speed even in small amounts.

Is nitrogen right for me?
Nitrogen tyre inflation may not be required for normal or everyday tyre application. However,
we understand that nitrogen tyre inflation has lesser air reduction due to usage and thus may
reduce the impact and damage caused due to pressure loss in tyres. Nitrogen sure does
improve performance but it does not protect or prevent the pressure loss in case of punctures
or other leaks (valve/rim, wheel leaks and rim interface).

Can you mix regular air inflation and nitrogen?
Yes, but the benefits will not be 100 percent since the moisture content in oxygen will limit the
performance. Although the loss of pressure in nitrogen inflation is lesser, it does not substitute
the regular pressure check. The inflation pressure works the same as regular air and needs to
be maintained as specified in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Overinflated or underinflated
tyres do not break or handle bumpy roads as efficiently as tyres with correct pressure. It is
highly recommended to follow the manual for safety and performance. The bottom line is
Check Your Tyre Pressure.

Benefits of Nitrogen tyre inflation
 Improves steering and vehicle handling
 Improves braking
 Reduces tyre oxidation (less moisture content)
 Eliminates Interior wheel corrosion
 Inflation pressure lasts up to 50 percent longer than regular air (increased air retention)
 Increases fuel efficiency by 10 percent (when maintaining correct tyre inflation)

Nitrogen inflated tyres will not run cooler; Normal running temperature is experienced.
Nitrogen filled tyres will not last longer s per popular belief. Wear and tear experienced by the
treads of the tyres is subjective to use, road conditions and driving habits and irrespective of
the gas used for inflation.

Recommended frequency for checking tyre pressure
The recommended tyre pressure is often found on the driver’s side door as a sticker or in the
vehicle manual. The numbers are arrived at after several checks by the manufacture and it is
something we should not ignore.

Tyre pressure needs to be constantly checked as it fluctuates with ambient temperature and
with respect to running miles. Thus, it is important to check regularly and fill when
underinflated. Sometimes, it is advised to check every time you fuel your vehicle. This might
reduce the impact on the tyre until regular checks find some loss in pressure.

Checking your tyre pressure is easy; it takes about two minutes. Here is how you should do it:
Accurate readings are observed when the tyres are cold. So check before you drive around;
check at the closest gas station when you take the car out. It is ideal if the tyres rest for about
four hours before you check if you have been driving for long.

Be aware of the prescribed tyre pressure for your car. Also, always fill the pressure to the
recommended level irrespective of the brand and never to the maximum PSI that is written on
the sidewall of the tyre. That is usually the maximum pressure needed to carry the heaviest
load and definitely not the ideal PSI value. Tyre pressure needs to be checked with the pressure
gauge and filled when needed.

AUTODROME