Nitrogen molecules are larger than the air molecules that typically are found in tires. Those larger molecules can’t pass through the surface area of tires as easily, so they stay within the tires a lot longer—up to four times longer, in fact! Because your tires stay properly inflated, your vehicle’s fuel economy improves, or at the very least, doesn’t decrease.
Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas. It runs cooler, doesn’t produce condensation and doesn’t oxidize. So when you inflate your tires with nitrogen, you don’t have to worry about rusty rims or damage to the belts and inner lining of your tires. And tires inflated with nitrogen are less likely to fail prematurely. In fact, nitrogen can actually increase tire life by 20%.
Between the tires’ extended service life and the improved fuel economy, the average driver can save $150-$300 each year just by using nitrogen in their tires. By the way, nitrogen tire inflation is standard on NASCAR, Formula 1 and Indy 500 cars, and at NASA. The Federal Aviation Administration also requires that nitrogen be used in all aircraft tires.