Nitrogen: Is It Better for Your Car Tires?

 If you don't already know, there is an alternative to regular air when it comes to inflating your tires. Many claim that there are numerous advantages to filling your cars tires with nitrogen, and perhaps there is some truth to that.

Green valve stems indicate nitrogen

You may have noticed some tires that have green valve stems and/or caps. Those tires have been inflated using pure nitrogen, rather than plain old air. Atmospheric air contains 78 percent nitrogen as it is. Typically, the nitrogen you put in your tires would be 93 percent pure or above, to achieve the desired benefits.

Purported benefits of filling your tires with nitrogen include:

• Better pressure retention
• Improved fuel economy
• Cooler running temperatures
• Tire-rot prevention

Now, some argue that the benefits of using nitrogen do not exceed that of the cost. At dealerships, the upgrade to nitrogen can cost anywhere between $50 and $180. Then you will have to pay roughly $6 per tire to refill them. Compare that to say 75 cents per tire to fill them with conventional air at most gas stations—or possibly for free, depending on your local stations—you can see why detractors arguments may be valid.

It is certain that your tires will stay inflated longer with nitrogen. That equates directly to better fuel economy. And while tire-rot is not as common with modern cars, there is still some tenable possibility to save money. Really what it comes down to is just trying it out for yourself and determining whether it is cost-effective in the long run.

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