Nitrogen or Air – What suits your car the most? 24^th November 2021

Tyre management has become a critical factor in maintaining the overall condition of cars. In contrast, we cannot control the factors such as weather and road conditions that affect the wheels. But we do have control over what goes inside them. And mind it, the type of air you choose to put in your tyres can have a significant impact. So, if you are in a dilemma about which air to put in your tyres, you are not alone. The most common argument in the debate ranges from nitrogen being the most prominent option.

Not sure! This blog guides you in choosing a side. We have put both the options under the test of several key factors and see how each one fits in. By the end of this blog, you will be able to decide which one is the right choice for you.

1. In terms of cost:
At most fuel stations you get free air refills and check-ups. In the case of nitrogen, it’s not free and will cost you around 40-50 rupees for a four-wheeler. Even if you don't get a free refill of air, it usually costs about 10-15 rupees making it cheaper than nitrogen.

2. In terms of availability and convenience:
Normal air is readily available. The infrastructure and storage systems required for nitrogen are not present in every region, thus bringing limitations in its availability in those areas.

*Pro-tip: If you have nitrogen-filled tyres and get a puncture on the road where there are no nitrogen filling stations. Inflate the tyre with air. Don't worry; it is entirely safe.

3. In terms of tyre pressure:
When inflating a tyre with nitrogen, 95% of pure nitrogen goes into it. Nitrogen offers more consistent tyre pressure because nitrogen molecules hardly ever pass through the small holes in the tyre's rubber, being heavier and bigger in size. A tyre filled with conventional air has approximately 20% less pressure.

4. In terms of fuel economy:
Consistent tyre pressure results in improved fuel economy. As we already know, the winner in terms of tyre pressure. It's clear that nitrogen is the frontrunner in terms of fuel economy.

5. In terms of weather conditions:
Water vapour in conventional air causes the tyre pressure to vary when the weather conditions change. When the temperature outside is hot, the air within the tyres expands, resulting in over-inflation. On the other hand, they get underinflated when the temperature drops.

Not only that, but water vapour in your tyre causes corrosion in the metal rim of the tyre. As nitrogen contains no water vapour, tyre pressure variations and deterioration are non-existent.

From all the above information, it is clear that nitrogen does hold superiority over conventional air. Conventional air is not a bad option either. Yes, if your car stays idle for a more extended period, using nitrogen will save you trips to the air refill station every time you take your car out.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is a must whether you use nitrogen or air. Just like that, maintaining your car insurance is a must if you want to drive legally on the Indian roads. So before you even take out your car for a tyre refill, make sure you buy new car insurance and if you already have one, keep it up to date.

To buy new car insurance today, click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.