Nitrogen inflation for vehicle tires: benefits and drawbacks

Nitrogen inflation is a common practice among drivers seeking to improve tire longevity and performance. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas that makes up approximately 78 percent of the air we breathe. Using pure nitrogen in tires can offer benefits such as more stable tire pressure and a slower rate of pressure loss compared to compressed air, which contains various impurities.

However, the practical advantages may be limited for the average consumer. A study by Consumer Reports indicates that the reduction in pressure loss when using nitrogen is negligible. Additionally, the process requires completely evacuating the existing air from the tires before filling them with nitrogen, which can be more costly and less convenient than using standard compressed air available at most gas stations.