Nitrogen Inflated Tyres: Pros and Cons

Hey there, fellow drivers! If you are a car enthusiast or just someone who cares about their ride, you have probably heard about the debate surrounding whether you should fill nitrogen in tyres. We are here to explain the pros and cons and whether it is worth considering for your own set of wheels.

In the realm of car care, considering car insurance is vital. But does it extend to tyre coverage? We will cover these alongside. So let us dive in and unravel the nitrogen inflated tyre puzzle while shedding light on the importance of comprehensive car insurance.

What Are the Advantages of Nitrogen Inflated Tyre?

Let us start by understanding what makes nitrogen a hot topic among car enthusiasts. Nitrogen, a non-toxic, non-flammable, and colourless gas, constitutes 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. But why use it for your tyres? Well, here are some benefits of nitrogen in tyres that might just convince you:

• Cool and Collected

Imagine embarking on a long road trip, the open highway stretching ahead. With nitrogen in tyres, you are giving your car an advantage that can significantly impact your journey. Nitrogen helps to keep your tyres cooler during those extended drives. By reducing the running temperature of the tyres, you are enhancing their overall lifespan and ensuring that you can get more miles out of your trusty rubber companions. It is like giving your tyres a refreshing break, allowing them to perform optimally for longer.

• Prolonged Performance

Premature tyre wear is a common concern for drivers. However, nitrogen gas in tyres seeks to address this issue head-on. Its stable temperature and pressure characteristics work harmoniously to slow down the wear and tear of your tyres. It translates to a smoother and safer ride, as the reduced rate of tyre wear ensures that your car maintains a strong grip on the road. So, bid farewell to those worries of changing your tyres too frequently, and enjoy a driving experience that is not only comfortable but also cost-effective.

• Stability Matters

When the sun blazes, and temperatures rise, the stability of your tyres becomes paramount. Nitrogen inflated tyres exhibit a unique trait – stability even in heat. This stability is a game-changer, offering a longer tyre life and reducing the chances of blowouts, especially during scorching summer days. With nitrogen in your corner, you can drive confidently, knowing your tyres can handle the heat and keep you safe.

• Hot and Cold

Temperature fluctuations are a reality of driving conditions. One of the major benefits of nitrogen in tyres is that, it solves this challenge by maintaining a stable pressure range regardless of the weather. Say goodbye to the anxiety of your tyres bursting due to extreme heat – nitrogen's consistent pressure range offers a definite peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your drive without unnecessary worries.

• Rust-Free Ride

Car enthusiasts take pride in the appearance of their vehicles, right down to the wheel rims. Nitrogen air in tyres contributes to this aesthetic by not reacting with metal components like the wheel rims. Unlike oxygen, which can lead to rusting over time, nitrogen helps keep your wheel rims looking shiny and new. So, you are benefiting from enhanced tyre performance, and your car's visual appeal remains intact.

• Savings at the Pump

In an era where fuel efficiency matters more than ever, nitrogen comes to the rescue once again. This is the biggest advantage of nitrogen vs normal air in tyres. Oxygen tends to escape from tyres more rapidly, resulting in low tyre pressure. Hence, in turn, it stresses your engine and leads to increased fuel consumption. Nitrogen however, stick around longer. It means your tyres maintain their pressure more effectively, improving fuel efficiency. While the impact might not be monumental, every drop saved at the pump adds up over time.

• Smooth Operator

Driving comfort and control are paramount, especially when navigating highways or manoeuvring through city streets. Nitrogen inflated tyres excel in this as well. Their superior pressure retention leads to enhanced ride quality. Whether cruising at high speeds or tackling urban traffic, you'll notice a significant difference in how your car handles the road. The combination of stability and comfort creates a driving experience that's not just safe but also enjoyable.

• Safety First

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to driving. Nitrogen gas in tyres offer better safety. With their stable pressure range, you are less likely to encounter pressure-related mishaps. Unlike standard air-filled tyres that can behave unpredictably, nitrogen provides a consistent and reliable pressure level. It reduces the risk of blowouts, ensuring you and your passengers stay safe on your journeys.

What Are the Disadvantages of Nitrogen Tyre?  

There are some disadvantages as well in having nitrogen air in tyres. Here are some points to consider before making the switch for nitrogen tyre, including:

• Pricey Puff

One of the prominent deterrents to nitrogen inflated tyres is the cost. Nitrogen comes with a relatively higher price tag, unlike the readily available oxygen that can be used to fill your tyres. This additional expense can be a notable drawback, especially when comparing it to simply inflating your tyres with normal air, often free at gas stations and repair shops. While the advantages of nitrogen are appealing, the investment might not align with everyone's budget.

• Tricky Maintenance

Once you go for nitrogen in tyres, you sign up for a different maintenance routine. While it is true that nitrogen offers a range of benefits, it comes with a catch – you can't simply mix it with normal air. Combining the two gases dilutes nitrogen's advantages and diminishes its ability to maintain stable pressure and temperature. It means you must be mindful about where you fill up your tyres. Finding a nitrogen filling station becomes a priority, and you must ensure that every top-up is pure nitrogen. This careful management can be seen as a minor hassle, especially for those who are used to the convenience of regular air filling.

• Low Accessibility

In the world of convenience, finding a nitrogen-filling station can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt. Unlike the ubiquity of regular air-filling stations, nitrogen isn't as readily available everywhere you go. It can pose a challenge, especially when you are on the road and need a quick tyre top-up. Finding specific fuel stations or tyre dealers offering nitrogen-filling services can be time-consuming. This lack of accessibility can deter some drivers from considering nitrogen as a viable option for their tyres.

• Limited Availability

Nitrogen availability can be a significant drawback. Not all fuel stations or tyre dealers offer services of filling nitrogen in tyres. This limited availability might mean you must go out of your way to find a suitable location for tyre maintenance. This inconvenience can be a deal-breaker for individuals who prefer the ease and accessibility of regular air-filling stations, especially when travelling or during emergencies.

• Negligible Benefits for Everyday Drivers

While the benefits of nitrogen are well-documented, it's worth noting that the advantages might not be as pronounced for everyday drivers. While nitrogen's stability and pressure retention offer compelling advantages for high-performance vehicles or specific driving conditions, the average driver might not notice a significant difference in their day-to-day driving experience. It might lead some individuals to question whether the added expense and effort are worth it.

Nitrogen Vs Standard Air Which is Better for Tyres

Let us break the discussion of nitrogen vs normal air in tyres down even further. Here is a head-to-head comparison between nitrogen and standard air:

How Safe Are Nitrogen Filled Tyres?

Nitrogen air in tyres offer enhanced safety due to their stable pressure range. Unlike standard air-filled tyres, which can experience pressure fluctuations, nitrogen maintains consistent pressure, reducing the risk of blowouts and ensuring a safer driving experience. This stability, even in extreme temperatures, gives drivers more confidence on the road, making nitrogen-filled tyres a reliable choice for those prioritising safety. While nitrogen might be the right choice for some drivers seeking enhanced performance and safety, others might find that the convenience and cost-effectiveness of regular air filling better suit their needs.

Cost of Nitrogen Filling in Car Tyres

The cost of filling nitrogen in tyres varies based on location and existing inflation. For a top-up, it may range around Rs. 10 per tyre if already filled with nitrogen, totalling Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 for all four tyres. For the initial filling, costs can range from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 per tyre due to the need for multiple inflation and deflation cycles to remove oxygen. Prices may vary, so checking with nearby fuel stations or tyre dealers is recommended.

Car insurance typically does not cover the cost of filling tyres with nitrogen. However, having car insurance is essential. It provides protection against financial losses from accidents, theft, or damage, offering peace of mind and legal compliance on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nitrogen Inflated

Can you mix air and nitrogen in tires?

No, combining both defeats the purpose of using nitrogen and diminishes its benefits. For instance, nitrogen's stable properties, such as pressure retention and temperature stability, are compromised by introducing regular air. The larger oxygen molecules in the air can permeate through the tyre rubber more easily than nitrogen, leading to pressure fluctuations and temperature sensitivity.

Is filling nitrogen more expensive than filling normal air?

Yes, nitrogen inflation comes at a higher cost compared to regular air. Many factors, like the production and handling process. Nitrogen needs specialised equipment and controlled conditions, contributing to its higher cost than readily available normal air.

Does filling nitrogen improve the ride quality of my car?

Absolutely! Nitrogen's stable pressure retention can lead to a smoother and more comfortable driving experience. Nitrogen's stable pressure retention minimises pressure fluctuations during driving, ensuring a consistent and comfortable ride. This stability translates to smoother handling, reduced vibrations, and improved road grip, providing a more enjoyable and comfortable driving experience, especially on longer journeys or high-speed highways.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

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