Maximize fuel economy – fill in nitrogen in tires
Nitrogen has been used to inflate the tires of racing cars, aircrafts and heavy commercial vehicles for some time - now it is coming into use in normal passenger cars.
The benefits of using nitrogen that is pure and dry gas over compressed air for inflating tires are:
- More constant tire pressure
- Slower rate of pressure loss
- Improved road handling
- Increased tire life
- Increased fuel efficiency
Many race car teams use nitrogen instead in their tires instead of air because nitrogen has a much more consistent rate of expansion and contraction compared to air. A small difference in pressure often has a radical effect on traction and handling.
Loss of only 20% of the recommended air pressure can increase fuel consumption by about 3%. This means extra fuel costs. Loss of 30% of the recommended pressure can cut down tire life by half. This also generates costs and is bad for the environment. Source: Däckbranschens informationsråd, däckinfo.nu.
To remember:
- Using nitrogen does not remove or reduce the need to check tire pressure as the risk of puncture or slow leak is not eliminated.
- Nitrogen does not replace regular maintenance. Maximum tire life will only be achieved if the vehicle and tires are properly maintained. That means regular checking of tire pressure, wheel balance and alignment.
Once your tires are filled with nitrogen it is important that only nitrogen is used for top-up purposes. Adding normal compressed air will negate any benefits of nitrogen.
Nitrogen is usually available at specialist tire dealers.