As one of the more critical safety components on your car, the importance of taking care of tires cannot be overstated.  Unfortunately, keeping them properly inflated is one of those necessary inconveniences we all love to hate. But relief is in sight. Thanks in large part to the aviation, military and sports car industries, nitrogen is quickly becoming a popular replacement for air in passenger cars, trucks and vans. 

The benefits of using nitrogen over air include:

• Consistent pressure over longer periods
  • Nitrogen provides for more reliable pressures over a wider temperature range thus making it safer to use than air
• Longer tire life
  • Nitrogen disperses heat more rapidly resulting in cooler running tires.  This preserves the integrity of the rubber, belts, and beads
• Improved fuel efficiency
  • Correct tire pressure keeps the manufacturer’s recommended “contact patch” on the road. This lessens the rolling resistance and maximizes fuel efficiency
• Eliminates false alarms on vehicles equipped with tire sensors
• Longer rim and valve stem life
  • Although the air we breathe is made up of 78% nitrogen, it’s the oxygen (21%) and the “other” gasses (~1%) that are problematic. Rust caused by condensation from water vapor and other gases can get caught in valves and create slow leaks in tires. Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas, so it eliminates the potential for condensation

Nitrogen molecules are bigger than air molecules so they migrate out of tires slower, thereby maintaining a uniform tire pressure longer.  Many experts also agree that oxidative aging caused by the moisture in pressurized air prematurely shortens tire life. Nitrogen significantly slows this chemical aging process.

This begs two questions:

Question #1 – Can older tires be filled with nitrogen or is it only for new tires?
Answer – Nitrogen can be used in any tire, even the ones you already have on your vehicle. The process of replacing air with nitrogen is called purging. This is accomplished by filling the tire with nitrogen without a valve core in the valve stem, and then letting the tire deflate. The valve core is then replaced after the tire is refilled to normal pressure with the nitrogen.

Question #2 – Will my tires have 100% nitrogen after they are filled? 
Answer – In reality, no. The generators which Curry’s uses are the absolute best in the industry but only produce ~98% pure nitrogen. Even after purging the air from the tire, the end result will be about 95% nitrogen – which is still more than enough to be effective.

In short, the benefits associated with replacing air in all your tires (including the spare tire) far outweigh the nominal costs associated with this process. There is a reason why race teams have been using it for years – and why only the most reputable shops offer it to their customers.