Should You Inflate Your Tires With Nitrogen?

Inflating your tires with nitrogen will keep your tire properly inflated longer than with regular air. This will lead to less tire wear and improved fuel economy, but is it worth the additional expense and hassle?

cartireImage by tristanf

Since nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen, they will not escape through as many of the microscopic holes in the porous rubber of the tire. This is why they can stay inflated longer. However, regular air contains about 78% nitrogen, so the oxygen accounts for only a small amount of the air in your tire. Either choice of air will lose tire pressure, nitrogen will just lose it a little slower.

Some stores and repair shops will add an additional charge for nitrogen. This can be anywhere from $5-$25 per tire. There are other places that will not charge, Costco being one of them. Even if you can avoid an additional expense, you may have trouble finding a location to get your air topped up when you need it.

While proper inflation is important, you can keep your tires running at their best by checking their pressure once a month. By using regular air, you can easily keep the tires topped up at gas stations or get a portable air compressor to keep in your trunk. With proper maintenance, whether with nitrogen or air, your tires will last longer, help you driver safer, and save you some gas.

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Written by Tom Drake

Tom Drake is the owner and head writer of Canadian Finance Blog. While you’re here, consider signing up for the RSS feed or email subscription. Both deliver the latest articles directly to you everyday! Have a Twitter account? Then follow me for all the latest posts or to send me any comments or questions!

9 Responses to Should You Inflate Your Tires With Nitrogen?
  1. The only thing…where do you get the nitrogen? Can you get it at a service station?
    .-= James ´s last blog ..Go Buy Some Stock =-.

  2. Tom

    Car dealers and tire installers have it, but it’s not conveinient to get in when you need a couple PSI topped up.

  3. It is important because nitrogen is a clean gas that is moisture free, it slows down the aging of your tires and therefore increases the maximum age of the tires.

  4. As nitrogen diffuses at a slower rate than air, tyres inflated with nitrogen will maintain the correct pressure for longer than those inflated with compressed air, thereby reducing the number of pressure checks required. Stable tyre pressures result in increased fuel economy along with better road handling, improved tyre grip and extended life and performance.

  5. stainless coil

    Yes,i definitely agree.Either nitrogen or ordinary air,it is best to keep your tires properly maintain.Check them regularly not just for pressure but other things as well.Tires are one of the most important part of a vehicle which has connection on the road while you drive so your safety partly lies on there as well.

  6. I don’t understand why people are charging more for nitrogen as now a days production of nitrogen is not that expensive specially after the arrival of latest Pneumatech technology, NitroFill generators.Nice post by the way !!!!!

  7. Definately! Nitrogen works far better than Air because it maintains Air & Temperature! better

  8. Had a complete look on your blog and found that some of word that you have select for this content are excellent and have made this post fabulous. Keep it up.

  9. No Doubt Nitrogen maintain the Air temperature betterly as compare to Air the are no expensive as well..!!

    Discover the Winnipeg Tire store spot nearest to you. Visit our shop for tire services & to purchase tires for your automobile from an esteemed brand, service department skilled in brake service, wheel alliance, and automobile fix.

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