The benefits of nitrogen tyre inflation

February 27, 2025

Close up of a tyre being filled up with air

What's the deal with nitrogen tyre inflation, and why do we use it at Andrew Dodds Autocare? We offer nitrogen to our customers because it can improve your tyre life and performance. The most significant benefit is that your tyres will retain their strength for longer.


We'll be discussing the science behind nitrogen, the main advantages, and how you can use it for your vehicle. If you have any questions about your tyres, please contact our car garage in Ayr on 01292 299 023.

Close up of a hand unscrewing the valve cap on a car wheel

What is nitrogen tyre inflation?


Nitrogen is a type of gas. In fact, it's pretty much everywhere in the Earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen tyre inflation is the process of using nitrogen for your tyres instead of compressed air.


Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, meaning they can keep tyres inflated for longer. It's also a dry gas that can reduce energy build-up within your tyres and doesn't cause rust or react with other metals.


Regular compressed air is already about 78 per cent nitrogen, but pure nitrogen is even better.

Graphic showing the difference between nitrogen vs oxygen in relation to a car tyre

The benefits of pure nitrogen tyre inflation

Why is nitrogen even better for your tyres than compressed air?


> Slow pressure loss

When we fill your tyres with nitrogen, the pressure loss slows by about 40 per cent. Nitrogen leaks less than normal air (because the molecules are larger), which ensures your tyres keep their pressure for longer. You'll experience better tyre performance, a safer drive, and improved fuel efficiency.



> Minimises vapour and fluctuating air pressure

Internal water vapour isn't good for tyres. Because nitrogen gas is very dry, it can minimise fluctuating air pressure that occurs with temperature changes, making it easier to maintain the correct tyre pressure.


Not sure how to check your tyre pressure? Our expert guide breaks it down.



> Less tyre degradation

Nitrogen tyre inflation reduces the rate of the thermo-oxidative process. In simple terms, nitrogen slows the process of heat and oxygen damaging the inside of the tyre. This helps the tyre remain in good condition and it prevents the degradation of rubber over time.


Compressed air, composed of around 22 per cent oxygen, can react with the rubber as it diffuses through it, causing tyre degradation.



> It's safer

Nitrogen-filled tyres can improve your vehicle's grip and braking ability, making it safer to drive. Nitrogen ensures optimum tread depth, so your tyres grip the road better, improving your vehicle's control.

There is a small charge for nitrogen inflation; if it doesn’t suit your budget, we will use compressed air instead.

What if my tyres already have air in them?


If your tyres have air in them already, don't worry about putting nitrogen in them. There is no risk of damage. However, if you bring your tyres to us for nitrogen, we will remove all compressed air first so that you have 100 per cent pure nitrogen in your tyres.


If you need to top up your tyres with regular compressed air at a later time, you can do so, even if you've had nitrogen inflation with us.

Nitrogen tyre inflation reader

Nitrogen tyre inflation at Andrew Dodds Autocare


At our Ayr car garage, we always go the extra mile. Every detail matters to us. We offer nitrogen tyre inflation to ensure your tyres retain their pressure for longer. Nitrogen also has a lower risk of explosion. We firmly believe nitrogen tyre inflation is worth it as it can save you money in the long run.


For safer tyres that retain their pressure for longer, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 01291 299 023. We look forward to helping you with all your vehicle-related needs.

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