Things You'll Need:
- Car, mini van, SUV, or truck
- Tires that will not need replaced too soon
- Internet access or phone book
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Step 1
The first step is to recognize the characteristics of nitrogen as it applies to tire inflation. Nitrogen is an inert, dry gas which makes up 78% of the air that we breathe every day. Nitrogen's molecules are also 6x larger than oxygen molecules, and nitrogen pressure does not increase or decrease with normal temperature changes as much compressed air does. Since nitrogen is a dry gas, it also does not contain water vapor like compressed air.
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Step 2
The next step is to understand how the characteristics listed above result in stable tire pressures, longer tire life, and better fuel economy. Nitrogen in your tires results in more stable tire pressures. Though nitrogen will expand and contract like other gases with ambient temperature changes, it does not fluctuate to the same degree as compressed air because it does not contain water vapor. The larger nitrogen molecules also leech out through the rubber of tires 3-4x slower than oxygen, further resulting in stabler tire pressure. Stabler tire pressures result in better fuel economy from decreased fluctation and reduced rolling resistance. Stabler tire pressures also mean decreased wear on your tires, particularly on the edges resulting from under-pressurized tires.
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Step 3
An aside about how much better fuel economy might be expected from nitrogen filled tires. I manage an independent retail tire store which offers nitrogen fill. It is estimated by assorted sources that the average driver will see on average 7.5% better fuel economy. Having said that, we have seen customers who get as much as 20-25% better fuel economy with nitrogen in their tires. A Kia, for a recent example, that was getting 300 miles per tank of fuel now gets 400 miles out of each tank. Another recent example: a commercial pickup for a local exterminator who realizes 20% better fuel economy with nitrogen in his tires. Though we would never promise anyone this kind of improved MPG, we have customers who do get this kind of improvement using nitrogen filled tires. We caution everyone, however, to expect approximately 7.5% better mileage.
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Step 4
Next, tires filled with nitrogen run cooler and are therefore less prone to wear, deterioriation, fatigue and failure which results from higher temperatures. As a result, your tires will need to be replaced less often, lasting longer, resulting in further savings.
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Step 5
The greatest benefit of nitrogen filled tires is increased safety. 70% of tire failures result from low tire pressures, which generates greater heat in the tires, considerably increased fatigue in the sidewalls, and of course catastrophic tire failure. As listed above, nitrogen in your tires results in stabler tire pressures and is less likely to result in unsafe low tire pressures. For tire inflation purposes, however, 78% concentration is not enough to realize nitrogen's benefits for your vehicle's tires. The ideal concentration is 93-95% according to GetNitrogen.org; any less and the benefits decrease, while more does not provide any greater benefits.
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Step 6
Finally, you'll need to locate a tire store or auto dealership who offers nitrogen fill for tires. You can use the local yellow pages to locate tire stores and auto dealers (new dealerships are most likely to carry nitrogen) who offer nitrogen. YOu can also go to GetNitrogen.org and type in your zip code to find dealerships offering nitrogen filled tires. Since you clearly have internet access, this may be the simplest and quickest way to find the dealership closest to you. Most dealerships will charge $5 per standard passenger tire filled; they may charge more for larger tires and higher pressure tires.
