Are you tired of constantly having to refill your tires with air, only for them to lose pressure after a few days?
Nitrogen tire inflation has steadily crept into the DIY automotive world.
No longer is it the stuff of supercar mystery but something you can do on your very own daily driver.
You don’t have to settle for “regular old air” anymore.
Not only does nitrogen provide better tire pressure stability, but it can also extend the life of your tires and improve fuel efficiency.
This step-by-step guide will explain how to fill your tires with nitrogen at home, including the equipment and supplies you will need, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using nitrogen vs air in your tires.
Additionally, we’ll address common misconceptions and doubts you may have about using nitrogen in your tires and include a cost comparison of filling tires with nitrogen versus regular air.
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Table of Contents
- Equipment And Supplies
- Safety Precautions and Warnings
- Steps to Fill Tires with Nitrogen
- Benefits Of Using Nitrogen in Tires
- Drawbacks Of Using Nitrogen In Tires
- Cost Comparison
- Environmental Impact
- Addressing Common Misconceptions About Nitrogen In Tires
- Wrapping Things Up
Equipment And Supplies
For at-home nitrogen tire inflation you’re going to need a few things:
Either a Nitrogen Generator
Or a Nitrogen Tank
Regulator/Filler
The cost of the equipment can vary, but it is usually more cost-effective to purchase a nitrogen tank like this one rather than buying a nitrogen generator.
Generators are more expensive but don’t require refilling where as tanks are single-use only.
You can rent a nitrogen tank from any welding supply store or just purchase the tank and have it refilled. Most places have a drop and exchange policy, similar to propane.
Safety Precautions and Warnings
When filling your tires with nitrogen, it’s important to follow safety precautions and warnings to avoid any potential accidents or hazards.
- Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses.
- Never exceed the recommended tire pressure listed in your vehicle’s manual.
- Never fill a tire that is damaged or has a puncture at the risk of severe injury.
Steps to Fill Tires with Nitrogen
- Verify the tire pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
- Connect the nitrogen generator/tank to the nitrogen regulator and tire filler inflator.
- Remove the valve cap and attach the tire filler inflator to the valve stem.
- Set the desired pressure on the nitrogen regulator.
- Start the nitrogen generator and begin filling the tire with nitrogen.
- Check the pressure regularly while filling the tire to ensure it reaches the desired level.
- Repeat steps 3-6 for each tire.
- Replace the valve cap once the desired pressure is reached.
Benefits Of Using Nitrogen in Tires
Nitrogen has some notable benefits when used in place of regular old air.
Improved Tire Pressure Stability:
Studies have shown that nitrogen-filled tires maintain their pressure 2-3 times longer than air-filled tires, leading to improved handling, stability, and wear.
Extended Tire Life:
Nitrogen is less likely to cause internal deterioration in tires compared to air, which contains moisture and other contaminants. This can lead to an extended lifespan for your tires.
Improved Fuel Efficiency:
As we know proper tire pressure can lead to better fuel efficiency, and nitrogen-filled tires are more likely to maintain the correct pressure over long periods of time.
Reduced Risk Of Tire Explosions During Use:
Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not contribute to combustion, reducing the risk of tire explosions during use like what happens when you have aging tires.
Drawbacks Of Using Nitrogen In Tires
There are always compromises when choosing an alternative lifestyle for your vehicle.
The Initial Cost Of Equipment Or Tank Rental:
The cost of purchasing a nitrogen generator or renting a nitrogen tank can be a drawback, but it may be offset by the benefits in the long run.
Need For Periodic Top-Off:
Some nitrogen will slowly leak from the tires over time, and a periodic top-off may be necessary to maintain proper pressure.
Cost Comparison
Filling your tires with nitrogen at home using a nitrogen tank is typically less expensive than having it done professionally.
However, the cost of filling each tire at a professional service is typically lower than the cost of purchasing a nitrogen generator for home use.
All nitrogen filling is way more expensive than regular air though.
Environmental Impact
While nitrogen is not harmful to the environment, it is important to consider the impact of producing and transporting the equipment used for nitrogen tire inflation.
The carbon footprint of producing and transporting a nitrogen generator or nitrogen tank should be taken into account when making the decision to use nitrogen in tires.
If you really care about that kind of stuff.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About Nitrogen In Tires
Filling tires with nitrogen instead of air is a relatively new concept, and there are still many misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding it.
So let’s address some of the most common misconceptions to help dispel some of these myths.
Nitrogen Is A Rare Gas And Is Not Readily Available.
This is not true.
Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere, and it is readily available.
Nitrogen is also a safe and non-flammable gas, making it an ideal choice for tire inflation.
Nitrogen Does Not Leak From Tires As Easily As Air.
This is a common misconception and is not entirely true.
Nitrogen molecules are larger than air molecules and therefore escape from tires at a slower rate. They are not, however, immune to leakage.
Proper tire maintenance, including regular pressure checks, is still important when using nitrogen in your tires.
Nitrogen Provides Better Fuel Efficiency And Performance.
Nitrogen can improve tire performance and stability, but it doesn’t significantly improve fuel efficiency.
The primary benefit of using nitrogen in tires is increased tire life and improved stability.
Wrapping Things Up
Filling your tires with nitrogen has several benefits, including minor improved fuel efficiency, longer tire life span, consistent tire pressure, improved handling, and reduced potential maintenance costs.
With the right equipment and supplies, you can fill your tires with nitrogen at home, saving money(?) and time in the long run.
Remember to follow safety precautions and warnings and never exceed the recommended tire pressure.
As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
We might receive commissions if you click on our links and sign up/make purchases. However, please know this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try to keep things fair and balanced to help you make the best choice for your needs. Thanks.