Nitrogen Inflation
Tire manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers and Plaza Tire Service recommend that proper tire inflation pressures be maintained to promote safe driving and extend tread life. Nitrogen inflation is a great tool in maintaining proper inflation pressures. Compressed air seeps more quickly and contracts when temperatures drop, but Nitrogen’s chemical nature avoids these downfalls and maintains pressures longer. Many Plaza Tire Service locations offer Nitrogen inflation. See the descriptions below to learn more about the advantages of inflating with Nitrogen instead of compressed air.
Molecule Size
Compressed Air: Small molecules
Nitrogen: Large molecules
Nitrogen Inflation Advantage: Maintains proper tire inflation pressures over longer periods of time promoting proper tread wear
Temperature Stability
Compressed Air: Expands in heat and contracts in cold
Nitrogen: Resists expansion and contraction during temperature changes
Nitrogen Inflation Advantage: Tire pressure remains more consistent during seasonal temperature fluctuations allowing tires to maintain tire inflation pressures longer and promote longer tread wear.
Moisture Composition
Compressed Air: Wet, moist air
Nitrogen: Dry air
Nitrogen Inflation Advantage: Less corrosive to wheels and inside of the tire reducing wear on the wheel and tire from the inside out.