Why Nitrogen Instead Of Air?
Nitrogen provides more stable tire pressure than regular air because it's drier and lacks oxygen, reducing moisture-related pressure swings with temperature changes,
meaning less expansion/contraction for more consistent handling, though both gases expand with heat; for daily driving, air is fine, but for performance/longevity
(racing, heavy loads, extreme temps), nitrogen's consistency offers a slight edge by limiting pressure fluctuations and preventing internal corrosion from moisture,
notes many tire manufactures, NitroFill, Tire Outlet, and other users.
How Nitrogen Affects Expansion
Less Moisture:Compressed air contains water vapor, which drastically changes pressure with temperature, whereas pure nitrogen is dry.
More Stable Pressure:Because it's drier, nitrogen-filled tires experience less dramatic pressure increases in heat and less significant
drops in cold, offering a more predictable pressure, say NitroFill and other sientific studies.
Slower Leakage (Minor):Oxygen molecules are smaller than nitrogen, allowing them to escape tires faster than nitrogen molecules,
which slows pressure loss slightly in N2-filled tires, according to some studies.
Key Differences & Benefits
Consistency:Nitrogen's stability provides consistent pressure, beneficial for aircraft, racing, heavy hauling and long-term performance.
Longevity/Corrosion:Dry nitrogen reduces oxidation and potential rim rust from moisture within the tire, notes manufactures.
Performance:Racers prefer nitrogen for predictable pressure changes, allowing precise handling adjustments, notes manufactures.
Recreational Vehicles:RV manufactures such as Winnebago doesn't universally factory-install nitrogen, they offer it as an option,
and many dealerships promote it for RVs due to better pressure consistency, reduced temperature fluctuation, slower leakage, and less internal corrosion,
though it's a upgrade with costs.
Improved Safety/Economy:Consistent inflation (easier with nitrogen) improves handling, tire life, and potentially gas mileage by 4-10%,
also reducing blowouts from over pressurization due to air expansion.
When to Choose Which
Air:Cost-effective and convenient for most daily drivers; you'll still need to check pressure regularly.
Nitrogen:A good choice for performance-focused drivers, heavy-duty vehicles, travel trailers and motorhomes, or those wanting minimal pressure fuss,
but it costs a little extra.
Cost to charge tires with nitrogen
The cost to nitrogen charge tires typically ranges from $12 to $20 per tire for initial fills or refills, though a full conversion on existing tires can be $35 per tire,
with some places offering packages or free refills with purchase.
While regular air is mostly nitrogen (78%), nitrogen fills aim for higher purity, potentially leading
to more stable pressure, but the cost can add up compared to free gas station air, with some viewing it as a minor money-maker for shops. The longevity of the tire and
key safety factor of your family and RV rig makes it very attractable choice. The difference in prices is due to tire capacity.
Glenn's Camper & RV Service offers Nitro-Fill
at a reduce fee with free refills.
Can You Mix Them?
Yes, it's safe to mix air and nitrogen; you'll just dilute the benefits of pure nitrogen. When your able to, the tire can be emptied and recharged with pure nitrogen.
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