What Is Nitrogen Tyre Inflation? Benefits Explained

Ever been offered nitrogen instead of air for your tyres? This guide explains what nitrogen tyre inflation is, how it works, and why it’s becoming a popular alternative to compressed air. Discover the real benefits — from improved fuel efficiency to longer-lasting tyre pressure — and what to consider before switching.

Have you ever been offered a nitrogen inflation service on your tyres, as opposed to a standard compressed air pump?

There are several reasons why drivers and vehicle owners are increasingly drawn to nitrogen as a replacement for standard air in their tyres.

And in this article, we’re sharing both the benefits and things to consider when opting for nitrogen over air.

The Benefits of Nitrogen Inflated Tyres

Nitrogen air is an alternative to compressed air, that can support the lifespan of tyres as well as their efficiency and how consistent the tyre pressure is over a period of time. 

Because nitrogen is formed of larger molecules than oxygen, the gas leaks more slowly from inside the rubber tyre. This means that tyres sit at a consistent pressure for longer, with a lower risk of deflation – thereby making the tyres better for fuel efficiency, and more reliable when out on the road.

Other benefits include the fact that nitrogen is more resistant to changes in temperature, which can mean that tyres (especially all-season ones) are even better suited to year-round use.

And let’s not forget that, when tyre pressure is more reliable and sustainable, the grip between the tyre surface and the road is better – minimising the risk of loss of control and accidents.

Suffice to say, there are plenty of reasons why nitrogen is becoming the preferred option for tyre inflation when compared with compressed air. While compressed air is arguably more accessible and easier to get your hands on as a vehicle owner, choosing nitrogen means:

• More sustainable pressure
• Better fuel efficiency
• Better grip and control on the road surface
• Tyres last longer before they hold their pressure better
• Fuel efficiency leads to reduction in CO2 emissions

So, what do drivers need to consider before opting for a nitrogen tyre top up?

Can You Mix Nitrogen with Compressed Air?

Luckily, yes! If you happen to have tyres that are filled with compressed air but have the opportunity to add some nitrogen, or you have nitrogen filled tyres and then need to add a top up of air when on the move, it’s perfectly possible (and safe) to mix the two.

In fact, this is preferable to driving with low pressure in your tyres, as this can be much more dangerous and cause potential accidents. So, it’s always better to have a combination of air and nitrogen in your tyres than it is to allow your tyres to remain underinflated.

This leads us onto one final thing to note, which is that while nitrogen is known to leak out of tyres at a slower rate, thereby holding tyre pressure for longer, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t regularly check and monitor tyre pressure across your vehicle.

Low pressure and underinflated tyres can have a serious impact on the safety and stability of your vehicle, which is why it’s so important to ensure the pressure remains at a level rate. 

You can check your tyre pressure with a pressure gauge, via a service, or on one of the tyre pumps at your local fuel station.

If your tyres keep losing pressure, either from nitrogen or compressed air, then it could be that they need replacing. If this is the case, reaching out to Tyres.co.uk will give you a broad selection of tyres to choose from – spanning different brands, types, and budgets. There’s a reason why we’re considered one of the leading suppliers of tyres in the UK, and it’s thanks to both our selection and our approach to making the best tyres as accessible and affordable as possible.