Correct inflation is highly significant when considering tire life and performance. It is not always possible to look at a tire and detect under-inflation. However, under-inflation can cause many tire related problems. As inflation pressure largely determines a tire’s load capacity, under-inflation results in an overloaded tire. An under inflated tire operates at high deflection resulting in decreased fuel economy, sluggish handling and may result in excessive mechanical flexing, heat build up, and excessive tire pressure leading to tire failure.
Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas used to inflate airplane tires, off-road truck tires, military vehicle tires, and race car tires for improved performances. The Oxygen in compressed air permeates through the wall of the tire reducing the tire’s inflation pressure. During its journey through the tire wall, oxygen oxidizes the rubber compounds in the tire, which causes deterioration of the rubber and leads to under-inflation. Dry nitrogen helps the tire to run cooler by improving consistent tire pressure. |
