Nitrogen-Filled Tires: Is It Worth the Cost?
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Are you looking to get the best performance from your tires? Then you may want to consider the potential benefits of nitrogen-filled tires.
So what exactly are they, and what are all the benefits.
Here, we will explain what nitrogen-filled tires are and why they may be a smart choice for your vehicle.
Table of Contents
- What are Nitrogen-Filled Tires?
- How Do Nitrogen-Filled Tires Work?
- How Much Do Nitrogen-Filled Tires Cost?
- How Long Do Nitrogen Tires Last?
- Where to Fill Tires with Nitrogen
- Nitrogen-Filled Tires: Pros
- Nitrogen-Filled Tires: Cons
- Are Nitrogen-Filled Tires Worth The Cost?
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nitrogen-Filled Tires?
Most people fill their tires with air. Well, air is basically 78% nitrogen. Some race car drivers realized that they could enjoy better tire pressure by using pure nitrogen in their vehicle’s tires. The result is that a nitrogen-filled tire can take longer to lose pressure and provide better overall performance on the road.
How Do Nitrogen-Filled Tires Work?
Air-filled tires are sensitive to changes in outside temperature. That’s because oxygen gas will expand in hot temperatures and contract in cold temperatures. This can cause air-filled tires to lose pressure in a shorter period of time. However, nitrogen-filled tires can better handle big swings in external temperatures. This allows nitrogen-filled tires to hold their pressure for a longer period of time.
Also, oxygen-filled tires are adversely affected by moisture. Nitrogen-filled tires are more resistant to the effects of water. Therefore, a nitrogen-filled tire will provide better pressure and less moisture. Since moisture is corrosive for the interior of a tire, a nitrogen-filled tire should last longer.
How Much Do Nitrogen-Filled Tires Cost?
The cost of nitrogen-filled tires can vary depending on various factors. If you purchase a new vehicle with nitrogen-filled tires, it can cost anywhere from $70 to $175. For existing tires, the initial fill-up with nitrogen typically costs around $30 per tire. This initial cost is higher because the existing tires need to be purged of their oxygen through multiple nitrogen refills.
After the initial fill-up, refilling nitrogen-filled tires generally costs between $5 and $7 per tire. It's important to note that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on the dealership or service provider.
While nitrogen-filled tires may require a higher upfront cost compared to regular air-filled tires, they offer potential benefits such as better pressure regulation in extreme weather, improved tire maintenance, and enhanced performance.
However, it's essential to consider your specific vehicle type and driving needs to determine if the investment in nitrogen-filled tires is worth it for you.
Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that nitrogen can be harder to find compared to regular air, and the process of converting tires from air to nitrogen may take longer and incur additional expenses.
How Long Do Nitrogen Tires Last?
A nitrogen-filled tire will last about three to four months before it will require another refill of nitrogen. Overall, however, you will refill your nitrogen-filled tires less often than you would with air-filled tires.
Where to Fill Tires with Nitrogen
There are several places you may be able to go to fill your tires with nitrogen. Here are some places to check out:
- Nationwide tire centers. Many tire centers can fill yours with nitrogen, but they may charge a fairly high fee.
- Dealerships. Some dealerships will fill new vehicle tires with nitrogen. This service may or may not be included with your purchase.
- Discount superstores. Discount superstores with auto centers may sell tires and fill them with nitrogen.
Where Can I Get a Free Nitrogen Tire Refill?
While there are several places you can go to fill tires with nitrogen, not all will do so for free. The most likely places you can get free nitrogen tire refills are discount superstores.
For example, with your Costco membership, you can use their nitrogen tire refill stations for free.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires: Pros
There are a number of excellent reasons to consider nitrogen-filled tires. Here are the top three reasons to consider them for your vehicle:
Provide Better Pressure Regulation in Extreme Weather
A nitrogen-filled tire will better resist the wild swings in weather that can adversely affect an oxygen-filled tire. Therefore, if you live in an area with extreme hot or cold conditions, then you may experience better tire pressure regulation with nitrogen.
Allows for Better Tire Maintenance
A nitrogen-filled tire can hold its pressure better, and it is also more resistant to moisture corrosion. Therefore, the tire should be able to last longer and require less tire pressure maintenance.
Can Provide Better Performance
Performance vehicles should experience better overall handling, acceleration, and performance with a nitrogen-filled tire with its better-regulated pressure and better resistance to moisture and temperature swings.
Nitrogen-Filled Tires: Cons
Before you decide to fill your vehicle’s tires with nitrogen, you should consider some potential downsides:
Can Be More Expensive
Since nitrogen gas will be rarer than oxygen gas, you should expect to pay more to fill your tires with nitrogen. The average cost to fill your tires with nitrogen is about $30 per tire the first time you fill your tires with air.
Nitrogen Air Is Harder to Find
When it comes to filling your tires with oxygen, you simply need to visit your local gas station. Nitrogen is different. You may have to go to a dealership to get nitrogen filled in your tires.
Longer to Fill a Nitrogen-Filled Tire
If you are looking to convert your tire from air to nitrogen, you will have to fill the tire several times with nitrogen. That’s because the tire needs to be completely purged of oxygen. The process will not only take several times longer versus air, but it will also be more expensive because of the multiple refills.
Are Nitrogen-Filled Tires Worth The Cost?
Yes, nitrogen-filled tires are more expensive and more time-consuming. However, if you own a performance vehicle or a vehicle with expensive tires, then the investment in nitrogen-filled tires may be worth it.
If you drive a non-luxury vehicle and performance is not a priority, then the higher cost of nitrogen-filled tires may not be worth it for your vehicle.
