The average American invests about $45,000 in a new car. Yet, about 20% of these owners neglect routine maintenance on their vehicles. Moreover, tires are one part of the car owners often forget to keep in good condition. Underinflated tires are a big problem with motorists. Thus, you may be considering the advantages of nitrogen vs air in tires.

Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville can help you maintain all aspects of your vehicle including your tires. Our technicians can help you decide if nitrogen-filled tires are right for you. Plus, we can fill them for you at our facility.

The Importance Of Tire Maintenance

Properly maintained tires help keep you safe on the road and save on gas mileage. Yet, only 19% of consumers have properly inflated tires.

Generally, all tires naturally lose air over time, even if you rarely drive your vehicle. The rate of loss depends on your tire manufacturer’s rubber blend.

Certainly, improperly inflated tires will affect your gas mileage. NHTSA estimates you can lose as much as 11 cents per gallon driving on low tires.

Additionally, not having enough air in your tires will cause them to wear unevenly at the edges. While overinflated tires result in the middle wearing down faster. Either way, you’ll end up buying new tires more often than you should.

More importantly, underinflated tires can cause blowouts when driving down the highway. Low-pressure tires build up excessive heat causing the tread to separate from the rest of the wheel.

So, what is the optimal tire pressure for your tire? Your owner’s manual contains the information you need about your tire’s recommended PSI.

Nitrogen VS Air In Tires – Which Is Better?

Your car’s rubber tires have microscopic pores allowing air to escape. Thus, even if you don’t have a leak, you’ll still lose pressure.

Traditionally, manufacturers fill car tires with compressed air. Alternatively, you can also fill your tires with nitrogen. Nitrogen molecules are larger than air and can’t pass through rubber as easily.

In other words, nitrogen does a better job of maintaining the right pressure in your tires. Having optimal pressure means your car gets ideal gas mileage and a safer driving experience.

If you’re still unsure about nitrogen vs air in tires, give us a call at 336-993-7697. One of our friendly staff members will be happy to answer your questions.

Other Types Of Required Tire Maintenance

Unfortunately, NHTSA estimates hundreds of traffic fatalities just due to tires. Properly caring for your tires can eliminate some of these accidents.

Although tire pressure is important, your tires require other essential maintenance tasks. You’ll also need to rotate your tires, check your wheel alignment, and tread depth.

Usually, most automakers recommend rotating your tires every 6 months or 7,500 miles to prevent uneven wear. Uneven wear will affect the performance of your tires making your car harder to handle during emergencies.

Driving over potholes or hitting the curb can put your wheels out of alignment. When that happens, your vehicle can become harder to steer. Additionally, you’ll get uneven wear on your tires. Generally, you should have your wheel alignment checked every 6,000 miles.

Finally, remember to check your tire’s tread. Tires with little tread are more likely to hydroplane and slide on slick roads. Plus, they’re more likely to suffer a blowout. You should check your treads at least once a month.

FAQs About Your Car’s Maintenance

Automobiles are complicated pieces of machinery requiring maintenance on all components. To help you keep your car running safely and efficiently, we’ve answered a few of our commonly asked questions.

How Do You Check The Pressure In Your Tires?

Often, modern cars come equipped with a tire pressure dashboard warning light. This light will illuminate when the air pressure in one of your tires is outside of the recommended PSI.

Even if your light doesn’t illuminate, you should still check your tire pressure at least once a month. It’s simple to do and you only need an inexpensive tire gauge. Make sure you check the pressure when your tires are cold because friction from driving affects the tire pressure.

• Remove the cap from the tire valve.
• Place your tire pressure gauge on the valve.
• Read the gauge and add air when needed.

Many gas stations offer free air. However, a tire that continually needs air may have a small leak and need replacement.

Can I Mix Air With Nitrogen?

Driving with underinflated tires can be dangerous. With low tire pressure, too much of the tire’s surface will touch the road. This leads to increased friction causing the tire to overheat putting you at a greater risk of a tire blowout.

If you can’t get to your service station for a nitrogen fill, go ahead and add compressed air. You won’t harm your tires and you’ll be safer.

How Do I Know What Maintenance My Car Needs?

Generally, certain parts of your vehicle need more attention than others. Certainly, fluids, filters, and belts need regular inspection and frequent changing. But what about other parts of your car?

Your owner’s manual is an invaluable source for knowing the timetable. Additionally, you can bring your car down to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Our ASE-certified technicians can maintain and repair any type of foreign or domestic vehicle.

When was the last time you checked your tires? Book your appointment now by filling out our online form.