What is nitrogen tire inflation?

The inflation of vehicle tires with nitrogen gas instead of air. 

Is nitrogen dangerous? 

No, nitrogen is the most common gas in the earth’s atmosphere.  We breathe in and exhale nitrogen mixed

with oxygen every time we take a breath.

Why inflate truck tires with nitrogen?

Inflating tires with nitrogen eliminates many problems that occur when tires are inflated with compressed air.

The oxygen and water vapor in compressed air:

·         bleed through rubber and loses pressure over time

·         expand and contract with temperature changes

·         hold the heat generated from road friction

·         oxidize rim and rubber surfaces

·         support combustion

Enough molecular science, how do truckers benefit?

Tires inflated with nitrogen:

·         require less frequent top-ups

·         operate at a more stable pressure

·         run cooler and hold less heat

·         improve tire casing life

·         reduce rim corrosion 

How do those benefits lower operating costs?

The largest fleet operating costs are drivers, fuel, tires &

maintenance. Nitrogen inflation:

·         improves productivity by reducing tire

      top-ups.

·         improves fuel economy by reducing under

      inflation.

·         lowers tire costs by improving tread and

      casing life.

·         lowers blowout incidents and reduces wheel

      maintenance.

The savings available to each fleet are different.  But the

return-on-investment on nitrogen inflation equipment is less

than 12 months.

Is nitrogen inflation new?

No, it’s been used in aircraft, off road and auto racing tires for years.

What’s new are nitrogen generators that economically produce nitrogen from compressed air.  Now any service shop with an air compressor can produce its own supply of nitrogen.  

Where is nitrogen inflation available?

Several thousand tire service and fleet maintenance shops have already installed nitrogen generators and more are in the process of installing it.

Over the next few years nitrogen generators will become as common as air tools. 

Can I top-up a nitrogen inflated tire with air if necessary?

Yes, topping up a nitrogen inflated tire with air has no adverse affects. 

Does running on Nitrogen require special equipment?

No, nitrogen requires no special equipment or changes to existing operating practices.