What is the difference between filling car tires with nitrogen and regular air?
2 Answers
Regular air contains 20% more oxygen than nitrogen, as well as moisture. The advantage of filling with nitrogen is that nitrogen does not significantly change in volume due to temperature variations. This means that driving in high-temperature weather will not cause excessive tire pressure leading to a blowout, which is an extremely dangerous situation. Here is a detailed introduction to nitrogen-filled car tires: 1. After using nitrogen, tire pressure remains stable with minimal volume changes, greatly reducing the likelihood of irregular tire wear such as crown wear, shoulder wear, or uneven wear, thereby extending the tire's lifespan. 2. Rubber aging is caused by oxidation from oxygen molecules in the air. After aging, the rubber's strength and elasticity decrease, leading to cracking, which is one of the reasons for shortened tire lifespan. 3. Nitrogen separation equipment can effectively remove oxygen, sulfur, oil, water, and other impurities from the air, significantly reducing the oxidation of the tire's inner liner and rubber corrosion. It also prevents corrosion of metal rims, prolonging tire life and greatly reducing rim rusting.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that filling tires with nitrogen mainly costs more—it's pricier than regular air. Regular air is free at gas stations, while nitrogen requires a trip to a specialty shop, costing dozens each time, which isn't cost-effective in the long run. The difference? Nitrogen has higher purity, about 95%, so it leaks slower and maintains more stable pressure, especially on long trips or in hot weather. But regular air already contains 78% nitrogen, and for daily driving, it feels the same—just check tire pressure monthly. Leakage? Both types leak, but nitrogen means fewer trips to the gas station. Unless you frequently drive at high speeds or own a performance car, I think saving the money for better tires is wiser. The key to saving time and hassle is developing good habits—don't lose sight of the big picture over small savings.
