Air consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and small amount of other gases. Due to the pressure differential inside the tire and the outside atmosphere, oxygen inside the tire migrates through the tire rubber walls to the atmosphere, resulting in under-inflation. Nitrogen, being a larger module than oxygen, diffuses through a tire wall 3 to 4 times slower than oxygen. Therefore, nitrogen can better retent tire pressure.
Tires filled with air tend to deflate over time and increase rolling resistance. As a result, it adds additional fuel consumption. Nitrogen inflated tires, on the other hand, can maintain proper pressure and reduce rolling resistance. This translates into less gas mileage and less tire wear.
- Enhanced safety and reliability
Under-inflated tires are the major reasons for the blowouts and highway fatalities. Tires inflated with nitrogen can better maintain the proper tire pressure and reduce the chances of blowouts. This means less down-time and fewer service calls. More importantly, it saves life.
Oxygen reacts chemically with inner liner, belt packages and metal rim at high temperature and pressure, forming oxides and rust. This chemical oxidation will cause the tire materials to lose its strength and physical properties which results in premature failure. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is a completely dry and inert gas which eliminates the oxidation of the tire' s rubber components and consequently extends the tire' s life.
With the elimination of oxidation, there is more flexibility in the tire casings. The casings which use nitrogen allow more of retreadable casings and extend retread life.