Tyre performance gets the least attention in vehicle maintenance and is sometimes the most neglected car maintenance component, although tread depth, pressure, wheel alignment, and rotation play a big role in how a car drives, handles, and consumes fuel efficiently. Properly filled tyres also ensure adequate contact with the road, which is necessary for safe driving. Tyres were traditionally filled with compressed air. Nitrogen inflation is a recent technology that has received both positive and sceptical reviews. Some say the nitrogen tyres are long-lasting and have fewer pressure changes.
Are nitrogen-filled tyres truly better than regular air-filled ones? Let us explore the advantages and disadvantages of nitrogen vs. air in tyres.
Advantages of Nitrogen in Tyres
We must study chemistry to determine whether nitrogen or air should be used in tyres. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is lighter than regular air. Nitrogen molecules are larger and diffuse at a slower rate than air molecules. Nitrogen is also a dry gas with less moisture content than atmospheric air. Combining these properties results in the fantastic benefits of using nitrogen-filled tyres.
- Longer-lasting tyre life: Car tyres last longer when pressure fluctuations are minimal. Additionally, if a tyre remains at the right pressure for longer, it wears out evenly. Thus, nitrogen gas is best for filling tyres. Compressed air tyres do not hold pressure for long, while nitrogen tyres keep a steady pressure for longer because the larger molecules take longer to seep out of the rubber. Moreover, atmospheric temperature affects air pressure, as cool air contracts and hot air expands. This changes the tyre air pressure as weather conditions change outside. Nitrogen tyres won't be affected by temperature drop or increase.
- Lower chances of tyre metal parts rusting: Moisture condensation in tyres can seep into wheel rim and tube caps, causing rust to form. On the other hand, since nitrogen is an inert gas and moisture-free, this is not a possibility in nitrogen-filled tyres.
- Better fuel economy: Adequately pressured tyres result in steady drives and better driver handling, which impacts fuel consumption. Thus, nitrogen for car tyres is a good way to enhance your vehicle’s long-term mileage.
- Lower blowout risk: Blowouts occur when the tyre is under-inflated or overinflated. The consistent pressure in Nitrogen tyres reduces the likelihood of a blowout.
Disadvantages of Nitrogen in Tyres
Before deciding on nitrogen gas tyres, knowing their disadvantages is important:
- Nitrogen is more expensive to fill tyres than regular compressed air, which is usually free at most filling stations.
- Nitrogen filling stations aren't as widely available as regular air compressors.
- Nitrogen filling takes longer because it requires a more complex process than regular air filling.
- More frequent maintenance and regular pressure checks are recommended
- There is no significant performance difference between well-cared-for-air-filled tyres vs nitrogen tyres
Nitrogen vs Air in tyres: Which one is better?
The decision to have nitrogen or air tyres is personal, depending on what is best for you and your car. Nitrogen might be better if you want steady tyre pressure for longer-lasting tyre life and road performance. However, you need to be ready to pay the corresponding price.
You can have excellent performance from air tyres with maintenance and care. You will enjoy considerable long-term cost savings and adequate tyre performance with air-filled tyres.
Tips for optimal tyre performance
- Regularly check your tyre pressure—ideally every two weeks for air-filled tyres and always before long journeys—to ensure safety and optimal performance.
- Always follow the recommended tyre pressure settings for your car. You can find this in the car manual or the tyre sidewall.
- Rotate your tyres (position) once in six months. Check your car manual for instructions. Tyre rotation distributes wear a tear.
- Balance your tyres and align the wheel angles. This essential check gives you a smooth ride and preserves tyre life.
- Check your tyre tread (grooves in the rubber) depth. It should not drop below 1.6 millimetres.
- To prevent damage, don’t spin the wheels or overload a car.
Conclusion
To conclude, the air vs nitrogen choice is yours. Nitrogen car tyres aren’t necessarily a game-changer for every car owner. The more important thing is to focus on regular tyre care and maintenance to extend tyre life, and improve drive safety and fuel economy.
Tyres are a big investment. You can protect yourself from heavy expenses in case of accidents by buying a car insurance policy with an add-on that covers tyre damage and replacement costs.
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.