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Nitrogen vs Normal Air in Tyres: Key Differences

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When it relates to your trusted car and your car insurance comprehensive plan, you're often asking essential issues such as, "Is it time to replace the oil? Is it necessary to rotate my tyres?" Those are both crucial concerns to ponder, but there's another query rising on the horizon: "Should my tyres be inflated with nitrogen air or normal air?" Nitrogen has become a popular option for many drivers, while it may not be appropriate for everyone.

To determine the best option for your car, let's dive into the recent nitrogen air vs. normal air argument

1. Cost and Ease

Every cost-conscious person gets a warm sensation when they hear the term "economical." If we particularly refer to vehicle tyre filling, the air is virtually generally accessible at practically no cost. Any repair store, service stop, and gas station will do it for you for a low cost.

Nitrogen air, on the other hand, is not in this category. The system is not yet completely constructed, and in many locations, nitrogen gas is not even available. In the particular places where it is available, you may be charged anything from 40-50 INR for a single tyre. Switching air to nitrogen-filled tyres necessitates numerous cycles of inflation and deflation to remove all of the air from the tyre. To be entirely effective, the nitrogen air should hold around 93-95% pure nitrogen.

In the event of a sudden deflation, however, inflating with 'normal' air will not impair the performance of the tyre.

2. Tyre Aging and Wear

The oxygen content of air is roughly 21% and the nitrogen content is roughly 78%. The capacity of oxygen to hold back humidity inside the tyres might eventually oxidize the polymer or the internal wall casing, resulting in premature wear of the tyre. The steel reinforcing belt might corrode over time in severe circumstances.

Nitrogen air, on the other side, is dry air that does not support humidity and can help to reduce tyre wear and wheel corrosion. Most experts believe that under regular day-to-day driving situations, oxidation will not occur until the tyre's tread approaches its minimal useful depth.

However, unless your car or bike is resting in place, as in the current epidemic situation, the operational advantage is minimal in regular driving conditions.

3. Tyre pressure maintenance

When it relates to loss of inflated pressure, nitrogen air has a little advantage. This is because Nitrogen molecules are bigger than those of air, causing them to move slowly and retain pressure for a longer period.

However, to be completely honest, this distinction is not big enough to conclude that nitrogen air is superior to normal air for tyres. If you monitor your tyre pressures regularly, you will barely even detect the difference.

4. Cooling

When compared to normal air, Nitrogen does not store humidity, and the pressure of the tyre is way more predictable owing to temperature changes. This also implies that the tyre will stay cooler, which is important in racing vehicles or high-performance automobiles because road grip is greatly reliant on tyre temperature. So, whether it comes to racing cars or heavy equipment car tyres, nitrogen air has an edge because they are carefully tested in harsh temperatures.

5. Insurance Coverage

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, a car owner must have third party car insurance or comprehensive insurance to drive on Indian roads. The significance of car insurance, particularly third party car insurance, is evident in meeting legal mandates and providing essential protection and financial security, reinforcing its role as a fundamental asset for every car owner. However, it is critical to know that neither of these car insurance policy coverage or premium amounts depends on the type of air you are filling your car tyre with.

Comparison based on car body type

Here's a tabulated comparison based on car body type.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Generally seen, such myths can also be found in the case of using nitrogen against plain air. Most people think that nitrogen-filled tyres do not require any maintenance. It is still important to have the checks done regularly. Nitrogen maintains your pressure longer than regular air does.

Which Gas Is Better for My Car Tyre?

Nitrogen is touted as the best gas for tyre inflation among the gases by the size of the gaseous molecule: because it is larger, it loses pressure much more slowly. Plus, it reduces moisture, thus minimizing tyre and rim corrosion. However, even normal air, which has about 78% nitrogen, suffices for most average users.

Conclusion

Both of them have an equal share of benefits, nitrogen on one side and normal air on the other. But what matters is that you have good car Insurance and preferably Third party car insurance to keep you safe on the road.

FAQs

1. Do tyres really need nitrogen?

Surely, it's not such a big expense; it may serve certain benefits, but in reality, proper air should be enough for most drivers.

2. How frequently do I have to check the pressure of my tyres?

Minimum once per month and before every long trip.

3. Nitrogen vs normal air in tyres. Which is better for fuel economy?

Nitrogen would certainly keep air pressure; little else would change in fuel economy for a typical driver.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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