As we head into the colder months, it is a great time to do preventative maintenance on your car. That way, you don’t have to worry about breaking down when the temperature is below freezing! One thing that all car owners should check regularly is tire pressure. When your car tires are inflated properly, you’ll reduce tire wear and get better fuel economy. However, you may not want to fill your tires at the gas station air pump. Instead, here’s what the experts at Kernersville Auto Center recommend: putting nitrogen in tires rather than the normal air.
The Benefits of Nitrogen in Tires
Although we typically think about the air around us in terms of oxygen, it is about 78% nitrogen. Tires filled with nitrogen are about 93% to 95% nitrogen instead. There are a few benefits to nitrogen-filled tires:
- Fewer Fill-Ups: Even if your tire does not have punctures, air will slowly leak out over time. As the rubber of your tire stretches, tiny molecules of air escape. That’s why you sometimes have to put air in your tires even if they are in good condition. S. News reports that nitrogen leaks out 1.6 times more slowly than normal air. So, nitrogen means that you’ll spend less time worrying about low pressure in your tires.
- Better Fuel Economy: Because the nitrogen leaks more slowly, they’ll stay at the correct pressure longer. This can lead to better gas mileage. High tire pressure reduces the tire’s rolling resistance.
- Performance Handling: If you have a high-performance car, you may notice better handling. Racecar tires, for example, are typically filled with nitrogen. However, be aware that this is a minor benefit! If you have filled tires to the proper inflated
- pressure, nitrogen won’t make a huge handling difference.
- Extend the Life of Your Tires: With nitrogen in your tires, you could help your tires and sensors. Regular air contains water vapor, which can cause corrosion to the valve stem and pressure sensors. On the other hand, nitrogen contains no water vapor. And of course, since nitrogen helps your tires remain properly inflated over time, it can also reduce wear.
- Less Fluctuation in Pressure: The outside temperature can cause changes in your tire pressure during the winter. Typically, your tire pressure will be lower on a cold morning, which reduces fuel economy. However, you don’t want to add too much air, since pressure will increase as the temperature rises during the day. With nitrogen, you’ll see less fluctuation.
It does cost more for filled tires if you choose nitrogen rather than air. However, with so many benefits, it is a no-brainer for most people. At Kernersville Auto Center, we can fill your tires with nitrogen, as well as helping with other maintenance. We’ll make sure your vehicle is ready for winter.
Why Choose Kernersville Auto Center
With so many auto shops available, what sets us apart? Frankly, we care about each customer and treat your vehicle as if it were our own. Our ASE-certified mechanics always spend time explaining any work that we perform on your vehicle. Always, we solve problems in the most cost-efficient way. We believe that preventative maintenance is key to avoiding large auto repair bills. So, we have a loyalty program to allow you to earn points whenever you bring in your vehicle for maintenance. Learn more about what makes Kernersville Auto Center different by clicking here.
In addition to nitrogen in tires and other winter prep, we can also help with oil changes, brake and brake pad replacement, and more. After your car is ready to hit the road, treat it to a state-of-the-art car wash! We have several payment options, including a monthly plan with unlimited visits! Click here to learn about our services. Or, call 336-993-7697 today to schedule your appointment for filling tires or any other services.