Tire Pressure and Nitrogen Charged Tires

Have you ever started driving your vehicle after a sudden change in outside temperature and had the tire pressure warning light pop up? You may be asking yourself, "What difference does it make if I fill up my tire at the gas station?" or "Why bring it to the dealership to have it charged with nitrogen?" Thankfully, ONYX Automotive is here to explain the differences and the benefits of nitrogen-charged tires.

Tires filled with nitrogen, rather than air, experience far fewer fluctuations in pressure due to temperature changes. During cold weather, air-filled tires contract and can have a significant drop in pressure whereas a nitrogen-filled tire will not experience this change. As a result, they are far less likely to result in tire pressure lights being lit. With nitrogen-charged tires, the tire pressure remains more stable. On hot days, balloon-like expansion of air-filled tires can send tire pressure soaring, leading to dangerous over-inflation that can cause tire failure. Once again, nitrogen does not experience this sudden pressure change.

Nitrogen-filled tires also require less maintenance as they stay closer to their recommended PSI level. Both nitrogen and air have a similar makeup, consisting primarily of 78% nitrogen. The primary difference is the other elements like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Air-filled tires are constantly losing pressure due to pressure from outside air passing through the rubber walls. Nitrogen, however, is much more stable, passing through the wall of the tire a lot slower than air.

If you are interested in getting your tires charged with nitrogen or have additional questions, feel free to chat, text, or call us. We'd be happy to help!