Nitrogen-Filled Tires
Maintaining proper inflation pressure contributes to fuel efficiency and longer tire life. Using concentrated nitrogen instead of atmospheric air to fill tires can slow down the loss of natural tire pressure in truck tires. Having appropriate pressure reduces tire wear, increases fuel efficiency, and leads to fewer roadside breakdowns due to tire failures.
To fill tires with nitrogen, a membrane process is used to remove oxygen and moisture from the air, which takes advantage of faster permeation rates of these components relative to nitrogen. The highly-concentrated nitrogen gas is collected in a pressurized storage tank, which is then used to inflate tires.
Benefits
Maintaining Original Pressure
Nitrogen-filled tires maintain original pressure longer.
Better Maintenance of Original Pressure
Filling tires with nitrogen slows down the natural loss of pressure.
No Impact on Inner Tire Liners
Because of the inert nature of nitrogen it will not harm tire liners or have an adverse effect on tire performance.
Challenges
Availability of High-Concentration Nitrogen
High-concentration nitrogen may not be readily available. With tires that were initially inflated with nitrogen, adding atmospheric air will result in the loss of benefits provided by the nitrogen.
Dry Air Needed for Optimal Results
Moisture in the air source can promote corrosion or degradation of tires and wheels. Using dry air reduces tire pressure variations resulting from temperature changes.
Incompatibility with Automatic Tire Inflation Systems
Automatic tire inflation systems will return nitrogen levels to a normal concentration