Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas used to inflate airplane tires, off-road truck tires, military vehicle tires, and race car tires for improved performance. Oxygen in compressed air permeates through the wall of the tire, thus reducing the tire's inflation pressure. During its journey through the tire wall, oxygen oxidizes the rubber compounds in the tire, causing under-inflation and deterioration of the rubber. Dry nitrogen will maintain proper inflation pressure and will prevent auto-ignition, will not corrode rims, and will help the tire to run cooler. The result is increased safety and reduced operating cost.

Customer benefits:

• Maintain proper inflation
• Reduce fuel consumption
• Run tires cooler
• Extend tire life
• Maximize Road Grip
• Optimize Handling

The most significant benefit of filling automobile tires with nitrogen is enhanced safety. Under-inflation of tires due to the diffusion of air through the tire was identified as a significant cause of recent tire failures. In fact, the TREAD Act, recently passed by the US Congress requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) to develop an on-board warning of low tire pressure in all automobiles.

A Recent Article from the Wall Street Journal States:
"One thing government and tire-industry officials agree on is the importance of keeping tires properly inflated. The risks of under-inflation, which stresses tires by causing their sidewalls to flex more and the air temperature inside to rise, were highlighted during congressional hearings two years ago into the Firestone tire problems. Under-inflation was identified as a factor in the failure of Firestone tires."

-Wall Street Journal
September 25, 2002

Correct inflation is highly significant when considering tire life and performance. It is not always possible to look at a tire and detect under-inflation. However, under-inflation can cause many tire related problems. As inflation pressure largely determines a tire's load capacity, under-inflation results in an overloaded tire. An under inflated tire operates at high deflection resulting in decreased fuel economy, sluggish handling and may result in excessive mechanical flexing and heat build up leading to catastrophic tire failure.

Nitrogen will help to extend tire life by reducing premature failure of the tire. The causes of premature tire failure which are addressed by nitrogen include:

• Under-inflation
• Overheating
• Pressure increase due to heat build-up
• Uneven wear due to improper inflation
• Rim corrosion
• Rubber deterioration by oxidation

Experts in the tire industry indicate that oxidative aging is one of the primary causes of limited tire life. Oxidative aging is caused by the diffusion of oxygen from the pressurized air cavity of the tire to the outside atmosphere. Tests have shown that if tires are inflated with nitrogen, there is a significant reduction in tire failure.

Q: Is Nitrogen Explosive?
A:No, in fact, nitrogen is very inert and safe. Nitrogen is the most commonly used chemical in the USA. It is used for storing and packaging of snack foods, coffee and other foods.

Q: Will Nitrogen affect the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on my auto?
A: Yes. Nitrogen will help to maintain proper inflation in your tires and reduce the number of faults detected by the TPMS.

Q: Do I still need to check tire pressure?
A: Yes, but you should find the tire pressure to be more consistent.

Q: What about my spare tire?
A: You should certainly inflate your spare with nitrogen to assure proper inflation when it comes time to use the spare.