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For years, tires for critical application such as aircraft have used nitrogen for inflation. Why, though? What makes nitrogen superior? 

Tires tend to lose air very gradually, as molecules of air migrate through the porous walls of your tire sidewalls. Nitrogen molecules are somewhat larger and more stable than oxygen molecules, and are less prone to this problem. They also expand less when heated, meaning a more stable inflation level whether tires are hot or cold. 

Have you ever noticed a fine mist of water droplets from the air hose at the gas station, or when you depress the pin on a tire valve with your thumb? Air tends to attract and harbor water vapor, which is decidedly not good for your rims. Nitrogen, on the other hand, won't support moisture and won't introduce water vapor into your tires. 

How Does It Work? 

Our atmospheric air is about 78 percent nitrogen and 20 percent oxygen, with the balance made up of argon, CO2, water vapor and other trace gases. Nitrogen generators use a fibrous filter that eliminates water vapor and separates the nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is then stored in a separate tank until needed. Most shops will purge the existing air from a tire before filling with nitrogen. 

At Pueblo Tires & Service, nitrogen inflation is just one of the tire services we offer our customers. Make an appointment with us and see what a difference nitrogen inflation can make for your tires!