3 Important Reasons to Use Nitrogen in Your Tires

If you’re like me, you probably don’t put your tires in the list of top priorities to watch on your car. Besides the amount of gas in the tank and what radio station is currently on, I’m pretty focused on the road and where I’m headed.  But your tires have a bigger role on the car than you think.  Not only are they playing a huge part in getting you where you need to go, they also affect a lot of different factors that can boost or hinder your car’s performance.

The question, or even debate, that is beginning to arise is whether you should be using regular air (like we’ve done for years and years) or the newly popular nitrogen service.  As more studies are done, it’s beginning to become apparent that nitrogen benefits greatly outweigh the benefits from having just plain air in our tires.  Now don’t get me wrong, air is obviously a good thing - I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for air - but sometimes you just need to say, “Out with the old and in with the new!”

So why isn’t everyone using nitrogen in their tires if it’s so much better?  Fair question.  The answer, in my opinion, is that the general public isn’t educated enough on the benefits of nitrogen yet.  Good news, you’ve come to the right place - continue reading.

Here are the cliff notes: nitrogen tires will stay fuller longer, help with fuel economy, and increase the life of your tires.  The main reason for these three benefits is because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules.  Simple physics.  But why would that make a difference?  Here’s why:

1. Because of the larger molecules, there is less air loss through the tire walls.  This will keep your tires at the correct PSI longer, therefore needing filled less often.  Safety is also increased because you have a smaller chance of blowouts and worn treads due to under-inflated tires.
2. Money is saved at the pump because inaccurate tire pressure lessens rolling resistance which in turn gives you better gas mileage.
3. When air is pressurized, the humidity in it condenses to a liquid and just sits in the tank where it’s being held.  When you hit up your local gas station for air, you’re not just putting the air but also the liquid into your tires.  As you drive, the heat of the tire will cause the water to expand into gas and in turn will increase your tire pressure.  In addition, having water in your tire will contribute to rim corrosion.

Many dealership service departments all across the country offer the nitrogen service.  And even if your tires didn’t come nitrogen inflated, that doesn’t mean you can’t get them filled that way.

Now obviously you should still check your tire pressure regularly; nitrogen isn’t the end-all, be-all.  But I think you’ll find a more consistent reading than you did when you were using air, in addition to better wear on your tires and slightly longer periods in-between visiting the pump.

If you have more questions about the benefits of nitrogen in your tires, the Fred Martin Ford service department would be happy to help.  Click here for more information on our hours and services.