In case you haven't realized it yet, nitrogen tyre inflation in cars is now a thing. Previously, race cars and high altitude aircrafts have been known to have their tyres inflated using nitrogen gas for several reasons. Cars are now slowly picking up the trend in a quest to enjoy the very same perks. As a result, you should not be surprised if your tyre care specialist asks whether to fill your tyres with normal air or pure nitrogen gas. So, should you make the switch to nitrogen and why?

Read on to find out.

Better tyre performance

One of the reasons why nitrogen, instead of normal air, is used in race car tyres is because it offers better performance results. This is because nitrogen is more reliable as far as pressure and thermal consistency is concerned. Air expands and contracts frequently due to the moisture it contains. Nitrogen, on the other hand, remains consistent because it does not contain any moisture. This means that with nitrogen, the tyre pressure remains stable despite high driving speeds or extreme weather, thus guaranteeing you better handling and longer tyre life.

Zero chances of tyre fires

Another reason why nitrogen is gaining traction in tyre use is because it is non-flammable. This means that it cannot ignite in the presence of fire. This strikes a chord with safety because it means that, should your car tyre heat up or blow up, the nitrogen air inside it will simply fizzle out harmlessly. This is as opposed to normal air which would cause a fire due to the oxygen within it. Obviously, a tyre fire is a risk to you and your vehicle so eliminating chances of one is a big win.

Slower leaks and deflation rates

Of all the reasons attributed to the use of nitrogen in car tyres, this is the largest of them all. Nitrogen gas has larger molecules compared to oxygen. As such, nitrogen has a slower leak rate compared to normal air which contains 20% oxygen. This means that under normal conditions, or during slow punctures, a car tyre with pure nitrogen will deflate at a slower are. As research from GetNitrogen reports, this has the effect of extending tyre life, improving car performance, and increasing fuel economy.

Lower risk of wheel corrosion

Last but not least, you may also want to consider nitrogen for your car tyres in a bid to reduce the risk of corrosion on your wheels. Again, due to the presence of moisture, air has the potential to cause corrosion in car tyres, though not by a great extent. Dry nitrogen has no moisture and therefore bears no such risk. Nitrogen therefore can help keep your wheels stronger and for longer compared to air.

Of course, the above perks will only be experienced in moderate levels. Depending on your driving habits, you may even fail to notice some of them at all. However, if you don't mind giving your car the premium treatment at your next car servicing, go ahead and fill your tyres with nitrogen.

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