4 reasons to get your own nitrogen filled tires

Nitrogen in tires? What is that, some kind of NOS?

No, not quite, but it may improve your ride, as well, or, at least, help you save some money in the long run. The idea of using nitrogen in tires has been used before in Formula 1 and it seems it finds its way to the streets.

So, what are the advantages of nitrogen in tires?

1. The nitrogen molecule is bigger than its air oxygen counterpart. This means the pressure in the tires will be kept at an optimum value for a longer period of time, which translates to safer ride and less traffic incidents.

2. Nitrogen in the tires keeps the tires “younger”, this meaning your tires will last longer (savings, anyone? ). This is explained by lack of impurities, humidity, dust and other particles usually present in the air around us, elements that react with the rubber, making it thinner and, ultimately, deteriorating it.

3. If the tires overheat, the nitrogen in the tires reduces the risk of blowing out.

4. Finally, the nitrogen keeps the rims and the metals in the tires from rusting/oxidation and this, of course, makes them last longer.

Usually, you can find a lot of spots to fill up your tires with nitrogen, but remember they are a little more expensive than usual filling (which should be free, actually), but I think it’s well worth it.

Later update: TheRubber Manufacturers Association issued a service bulletin on the use of nitrogen to inflate passenger and light truck tires in normal use.

See more details here. Thanks, Al, for pointing this out, in the comments.