What Are the Benefits of Using Nitrogen in Tires?
Several benefits exist to using nitrogen in tires. Nitrogen, unlike common compressed air, does not contain any water. Water can cause rust to form in a vehicle’s wheels, and this can lead to leaking air around the wheel’s bead. Another benefit in using nitrogen in tires is that the molecular make-up of nitrogen is larger than air, thereby slowing the rate of the gas leaking through the rubber. Reduced weight, lack of fire danger as well as less variation of tire pressure due to temperature fluctuations are all benefits of using nitrogen in tires. Commercial airlines as well as the United States space shuttle program use nitrogen in tires to prevent fires and blow-outs caused by over-heating tires when landing. When an airliner touches down, the tires are subjected to great amounts of heat as the brakes attempt to slow the heavy plane to a stop. Tires filled with compressed air are in danger of overheating and causing a blow-out. Placing nitrogen in tires prevents this from occurring.
