When we talk about tyre maintenance, there is a debate that often comes up for nitrogen vs normal air in the tyres. In recent times, filling up tyres with nitrogen has become quite popular owing to the various benefits it offers over tyres filled with regular air. Let’s understand why nitrogen in tyres is gaining popularity and help you decide what to consider the next time you go for an air top-up for your vehicle.
Why is Nitrogen gaining popularity over regular air?
Some of the key elements that are driving the popularity of nitrogen gas for tires are the minimal pressure fluctuations to weather changes which, in turn, results in enhanced fuel efficiency, better tyre life and enhanced safety.
Since nitrogen molecules are bigger, the scope of pressure loss reduces as compared to regular air. Also, one of the key advantages of nitrogen in tyres is the resistance to temperature changes. This means that heat or extreme cold temperature have next to nil effect on tyre temperature.
Here are some of the key differences between nitrogen vs normal air in tyre:
| Key Parameters | Nitrogen | Air |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Resistance | Maintains ideal temperature | Highly prone to temperature |
| Availability | Not easily available | Easily Available |
| Tyre Lifespan | Longer tyre life due to stable temperature and absence of moisture | Higher wear and tear due to unstable temperature and oxidation |
| Cost per top-up | Higher due to less availability | Lower due to mass availability |
| Tyre Pressure | Larger molecules of nitrogen lead to slower pressure loss | Pressure loss similar to nitrogen or slightly more |
Why Nitrogen in Tyres?
Nitrogen when it’s in pure form does not support moisture or combustion. Also, nitrogen is non-flammable and due to this, it is also used In specialized tyre service applications, nitrogen is also used in racing divisions where extreme vehicle speeds and performance is involved.
Advantages of Nitrogen in Tires
There are various benefits of using nitrogen gas in your tyres. Here are some aspects that make it an ideal choice.
• Consistent Pressure – Since nitrogen has bigger molecules, it helps maintain tyre pressure for a longer duration as compared to traditional air. This translates to fewer pressure checks.
• Enhanced Fuel efficiency – Consistent tyre pressure is directly linked with fuel efficiency. Nitrogen offers a stable tyre pressure and reduces rolling resistance.
• Improves tyre health – Nitrogen is a dry gas without any moisture which enhances the life of your valves and rims and reduces maintenance.
Advantages of Regular Air in Tires
Using regular air in your vehicle tyres has been popular in India thanks to the simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
• Convenience – Any fuel station or even a roadside garage has the provision of filling air. Just a regular air compressor is required to top up the air in tyres, that too without any specific machine.
• Affordability – Regular air-filling is free of cost at any petrol station. This is beneficial for vehicle owners who are looking to reduce maintenance costs.
• Accessibility – In remote areas with a lack of infrastructure, it is crucial to have access to regular air for uninterrupted journeys.
In the argument for normal air vs nitrogen in tyres, there is no one do-it-all solution. It all comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you wish to have an enhanced tyre life and consistent pressure, nitrogen might be a considerable option. However, if convenience and cost-effective maintenance is your choice, normal air makes sense in such cases. Both options are worth considering and when you choose a reliable brand like TVS Motor, you can be assured that your vehicle remains safe on the road, regardless of the option you go with.
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