Should You Use Nitrogen In Your Tyres?

Some garages in the UAE offer drivers the option of nitrogen. You may have seen this, and as it costs money you’ve wondered if you should use it. Here’s a little more about why it’s available.

First, let’s clarify what ‘air’ is. The compressed air we use in tyres is already approximately 78% nitrogen. Some is oxygen, some is water vapour, and the rest is negligible. So using pure Nitrogen isn’t too great a leap to take, but there is a difference.

Nitrogen is less likely to leak through rubber. This means that your tyres should remain fuller longer, of course this means your car stays more stable when you drive. Also, and quite obviously, water in tyres is not good. Not only is there the chance of increased erosion to the metal in contact, but as change in temperature affects change in tyre pressure, wear and tear on a tyre becomes noticeable faster. Of course, we take care of replacing your tyres, but we can’t stop a burst happening.

Water comes from the gas itself and another source. Unfortunately not all car garages are equal in their care of the air system and humidity can, and does, build up in the pipes. You can find out quite easily if you have water in your tyres by opening the valve for a moment. If water come out, you had water inside!

Day to day the difference between using nitrogen and regular compressed air is slight. But if your commute is daily and long, it might be worth the switch.