A recent study found that 93.5 percent of cars in Europe have under-inflated tires, wasting some 2.14 billion gallons of high-priced, polluting fuel every year. Analysts believe the situation is no less severe in North America. But filling tires with costly nitrogen instead of air would likely make little difference -- best to just keep an eye on your tires and keep them properly inflated.
Image: Getty Images
-
The Best Science Writing Online 2012
Showcasing more than fifty of the most provocative, original, and significant online essays from 2011, The Best Science Writing Online 2012 will change the way...
Read More »
Dear EarthTalk: Is using nitrogen to inflate my car’s tires really better for the environment than using air? And if so, how?
-- Roger Mawdsley, Abbotsville, BC
Whether or not it makes environmental sense to inflate car tires with nitrogen instead of air is a matter of much debate. Proponents of nitrogen say the element is a smart choice for the environment primarily because it leaks from tires at a slower rate than air, so tires stay inflated longer at full capacity, which helps a vehicle attain maximum fuel efficiency, i.e. better gas mileage. According to the Get Nitrogen Institute, a Denver-based non-profit which advocates for replacing the air in our tires with nitrogen, under-inflated tires inadvertently are a big contributor to global warming as they cause drivers to waste fuel.
Although auto experts recommend checking your car’s tire pressure weekly, studies show that the majority of drivers rarely if ever check to see if their tires are properly inflated and usually only add air when a tire is visibly low or beginning to go flat. A recent study by the European division of tire maker Bridgestone found that 93.5 percent of cars in Europe have under-inflated tires, wasting some 2.14 billion gallons of high-priced, polluting fuel every year. Analysts believe that a similar percentage of North Americans are driving around on under-inflated tires as well.
While properly inflated tires certainly promote better fuel efficiency and are thus good for the environment, not everyone is convinced that filling tires with nitrogen instead of plain ol’ air makes a difference. Terry Jackson, who writes the influential “Driving for Dollars” column for the Bankrate.com website, points out that air is composed primarily of, you guessed it, nitrogen; some 78 percent of the regular air you put in your tires is nitrogen, with oxygen making up most of the remainder. “So going to pure nitrogen only squeezes out a small amount of the oxygen molecules that nitrogen proponents argue are so detrimental,” relates Jackson.
Nitrogen proponents may quibble that it’s the oxygen in the mix that causes problems, though, as oxidization can start to degrade the rubber inside tires while corroding the interior of the wheels as well. But Jackson counters that tires and wheels will have been long worn out on the outside before any oxygen-induced interior damage causes them to come apart. Also, he adds that a lot of the leakage from tires happens because the wheel and the tire do not line up perfectly, and air (or nitrogen) escapes accordingly.
Another factor, of course, is cost. Nitrogen-equipped service centers will fill up your tires with nitrogen for something like $10 per tire, which is a far cry from the couple of quarters (if even that) it takes to trigger the air machine at your local gas station. “When it comes down to a dollar decision, it’s hard to argue that spending as much as $40 for nitrogen in a set of tires is a good fiscal move,” writes Jackson.
“Save your money and just keep an eye on your tire pressures,” he concludes.
CONTACTS: Get Nitrogen Institute, www.getnitrogen.org; Bankrate.com, www.bankrate.com
EarthTalk is produced by E/The Environmental Magazine. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.
See what we're tweeting about
27 Comments
Add Commenthmm, I'll get4 nitrogen tires and a six-pack of dehydrated water.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI use nitrogen. It was $5 per tire. Though it only changed the air composition slightly, it made a huge difference. Instead of having to add air to the tires every 2-4 weeks, I only had to add air to one tire (which had gotten a nail) in 12 months. When I had that punctured one fixed, the store checked the other three and the pressure was exactly as it had been a year earlier.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI would have never believed it had I not seen it myself. The convenience alone of not having to check/add air at $1 (and 20 minutes in line) once or twice a month was easily worth the $20. The belief that I am also getting the best milage the tires can offer is an invaluable freebie. It really does work.
And how much energy is used to capture, process, contain, and transport the nitrogen? And where does that energy come from? And what's better for the environment big picture?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI don't doubt your story, but I wonder- did you have your oil changed at all during that year?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIf you are like me (there are a few out there) then you probably went to Jiffy Lube or some other oil change specialty shop. Among the services they offer is the common tire pressure check.
So even if I go for an entire year without adding air to my tires, my oil change specialist takes care of that for my regularly.
@runnerpadilla - if you really want to help the environment, stop changing your oil at 3 months or 3000 miles like those places say. Almost any car in almost any conditions can easily go 5000 miles, and most can do considerably longer. Synthetics commonly deal just fine at 10,000 miles. At 3000, some of the detergents aren't even going to work yet as they start working as the oil breaks down.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisUsed oil is nasty stuff. Produce half as much, save half the money, and it won't impact your engine one bit.
I use nitrogen, it certainly lasts longer, is more consistant with heat up...and get this, I do not pay anything for it. Here in Cincinnati our local tire seller offers it for free. What type of business would charge for the service? Sounds like a bankers idea, service charges for everything.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNissan dealers are putting nitrogen in the new cars tires and insist you bring it back for a charge of $7.50 a tire to recharge a low tire. After 1 year, I could tell no difference. I was still having to add nitrogen every 3-4 weeks. The low profile tires hold less air and thus need checking and refilling more often. So I don't think nitrogen is worth the cost unless you get it free. For the money I saved going back to air, I bought a small air copressor for my garage fill them myself.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIf nitrogen really leaked at a slower rate than air then by continually topping of the tire pressures when it's low you should reach a point where the majority of gas in the tire is nitrogen.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis sounds like; "a long run for a short slide" or perhaps: "That's like putting a hundred dollar saddle on a ten dollar horse."
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI bought a small air compressor for $49.00 plus tax. My brothers and parents, and even friends come by constantly for some "free" air. A stop at the local gas station costs them $.75, IF they are fast enough to get all their tires checked before the machine turns off. Seems like the more economical way to go. Everyone now checks their tires more regularly, we save money, and it gives us a reason to see each other in an otherwise too fast-moving society. We all win.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSTILL, There is little amount of nitrogen-based car in china...
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisit's has review many sites like gas for free,run your car on water etc.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYou can truly get better mileage...... http://carwaterguide.blogspot.com
Ok, guys: Costco will fill "they" replacements tires for "free" and request that you stop by about once a month (low tire prices too). Now they have an automatic filler which is even more efficient. You also get better handling from the car or truck, try it you'll like.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOk, guys; Costco includes "free" Nitrogen fills and refills when you purchase they tires (lower cost too). They even request that you stop by for a check up once a month (I get in maybe other other month). Plus I have noticed over the last 5 yrs. that the car or truck handles better with Nitrogen. Now they have an "automatic" filler which is even more efficient. And, they even do the service just about instantly when you drive up. It's win win win. try it you'll like it.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI live in New England and when the 6 months of snow hit,all though the plowers do a wonderful job removibg most of the snow,and ice,some how the ice always seem to get in front of the tire checker /pump,a real worry some for most of us seniors so that is why I use nitrogen in my cars
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIn India we get free air at the gas station so why pay for Nitrogen?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIn India we get free air at the gas station so why pay for Nitrogen?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis is a fad that originates in the racecar circuit. Running tires hot and fast is the origination of the use of nitrogen. The real reason is the expansion and contraction of the "air" as opposed to the "nitrogen" in terms of how much it will expand when heated. Racecars running ar around 200mph suffer a lot when thier air lowers by this process... likewise the space shuttle landing really heats up things (do you think it is going 65mph?).
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI compare this to putting spoilers on cars that will probably never go past 60 or 70mph with their origins on keeping the race cars on the ground. It is a true function that has no practicality in the normal world. Do not be a fool for the statistics that are based on cars running 200+mph in their need for stable air in the tires. That is what it is about for truth sake.
Are all of those who point out that Nitrogen makes up 75 to 80% of the atmosphere already...suggesting that we should drive on tires only 75 to 80% full? What does that have to do with puting N2 in your tires so that it leaks slower than something that is a mixture of 20 to 25% what will leak out faster, anyway? Since you seem so gung-ho about driving on 75 percent inflated tires...please stay away from me while on the road. When your under-inflated tires cause you to have a blowout, I would rather not be anywhere near you!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWe all had high school, or in some cases, junior high science classes. We already all know that Nitrogen makes up a heavy portion of the atmosphere. And for those that did not already know it, it points out that fact right on the brochure that they hand you when they ask you to have it done. It is not as if anyone is trying to cover up that fact, of if they could even if they tried. But thanks for pointing out to us what most of us already know.
Have any of you who actually argue that, "because all the oxygen leaks out anyway, eventually you will have like 95% Nitrogen in your tires anyway", have any of you ever done an actual experiment to prove this? Or are you merely postulating? The Nitrogen is leaking out of the tire, as well...so the calculation cannot be quite nearly as simple as you claim. If your claims really were legitimate, then for those tires that actually made it 50,000 miles, or so, would be composed of nearly entirely Nitrogen, even though filled every time with just compressed air. This hardly seems likely to me. Have any of you ever attempted to measure the content on the inside of a tire that has actually run for 50,000 miles?
Just the thoughts of someone who just had it done. I paid a little higher than the usual, but I will get free Nitrogen for it now that, even when my tires do need to be replaced, Nitrogen will be put in the new ones for free. THis will last the life of my car. I admit it, though; I was a bad boy about making sure to check my tire pressue as often as I should. I also sleep easier knowing that my tires will retain more PSI than if I just had air...allowing my driving to be safer. My car will get slightly better gas mileage, which is a plus. The drive does seem to be a little smoother since I last brought my car in for an oil change and had the Nitrogen put in the tires. It is difficult to say, though. I live in the Illinois Northwest Suburbs and the roads are always bad, here...potholes, some small; some the size of crater; buckles; etc. y
Are all of those who point out that Nitrogen makes up 75 to 80% of the atmosphere already...suggesting that we should drive on tires only 75 to 80% full? What does that have to do with puting N2 in your tires so that it leaks slower than something that is a mixture of 20 to 25% what will leak out faster, anyway? Since you seem so gung-ho about driving on 75 percent inflated tires...please stay away from me while on the road. When your under-inflated tires cause you to have a blowout, I would rather not be anywhere near you!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWe all had high school, or in some cases, junior high science classes. We already all know that Nitrogen makes up a heavy portion of the atmosphere. And for those that did not already know it, it points out that fact right on the brochure that they hand you when they ask you to have it done. It is not as if anyone is trying to cover up that fact, of if they could even if they tried. But thanks for pointing out to us what most of us already know.
Have any of you who actually argue that, "because all the oxygen leaks out anyway, eventually you will have like 95% Nitrogen in your tires anyway", have any of you ever done an actual experiment to prove this? Or are you merely postulating? The Nitrogen is leaking out of the tire, as well...so the calculation cannot be quite nearly as simple as you claim. If your claims really were legitimate, then for those tires that actually made it 50,000 miles, or so, would be composed of nearly entirely Nitrogen, even though filled every time with just compressed air. This hardly seems likely to me. Have any of you ever attempted to measure the content on the inside of a tire that has actually run for 50,000 miles?
Just the thoughts of someone who just had it done. I paid a little higher than the usual, but I will get free Nitrogen for it now that, even when my tires do need to be replaced, Nitrogen will be put in the new ones for free. THis will last the life of my car. I admit it, though; I was a bad boy about making sure to check my tire pressue as often as I should. I also sleep easier knowing that my tires will retain more PSI than if I just had air...allowing my driving to be safer. My car will get slightly better gas mileage, which is a plus. The drive does seem to be a little smoother since I last brought my car in for an oil change and had the Nitrogen put in the tires. It is difficult to say, though. I live in the Illinois Northwest Suburbs and the roads are always bad, here...potholes, some small; some the size of craters; buckles; etc.
I bought a $10 adapter that allows me to inflate tires from a scuba tank. Scuba uses dry air, filtered air. No need for nitrogen. I don't drive a Formula One anyway :)
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWell put! And don't forget, the first fill-up with air is already 78% nitrogen. After the approx 22% oxygen leaks out and is replaced by nitrogen, the new levels would be about 95% nitrogen. AFTER THE FIRST TOP OFF!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis whole idea is a scam and is being promoted as a green way to combat global warming which is also...
I have a warranty. 3000 mile oil changes are mandatory.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI just filled my car tyres with nitrogen whilst in a tyre centre for fixing a puncture, i dont know who is quoting $10 a tyre but i just had 4 tyres done at equal to $1.93 each in the UK. i have onlky driven the car about a mile home but it already feels smoother and less bumpy on the roads and i can verify that becuase its my wifes car and i didnt like the ide before but 300% better now, If the claims on fuel economy are true it will save you a gallon per full tank which will cover my cost of the nitrogen top up within a few hundred miles or first few weeks of use. at equal to $7.50 per car it has to be woth it just to see what the benefits will be.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI just filled my car tyres with nitrogen whilst in a tyre centre for fixing a puncture, i dont know who is quoting $10 a tyre but i just had 4 tyres done at equal to $1.93 each in the UK. i have onlky driven the car about a mile home but it already feels smoother and less bumpy on the roads and i can verify that becuase its my wifes car and i didnt like the ide before but 300% better now, If the claims on fuel economy are true it will save you a gallon per full tank which will cover my cost of the nitrogen top up within a few hundred miles or first few weeks of use. at equal to $7.50 per car it has to be woth it just to see what the benefits will be.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI just bought a new air compressor and have been using it to pump up my tires. I did not even know that you could fill up your tires with nitrogen. According to this post, 78% of the "normal air" that we put into our tires is nitrogen anyway. I can't see myself paying $40 for 22% more nitrogen in my tires.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYeah, it seems like there was a place for <a href="http://www.symons-exceltire.com/tires.php">tires in abbotsford</a> that tried to get me to do that, but I was pretty skeptic. Thanks for the information. I wonder if it could actually help.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this