Should I have my tyres filled with nitrogen?
I’ve been told to use gas in my tyres as it would mean a smoother ride and I wouldn’t need to put gas in them as often. Is this true or is the garage trying to sell me something that I don’t need.
Asked on 28 May 2026 by Colin White
Answered by
David Ross
Using nitrogen in your tyres rather than compressed air can offer some advantages. Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules which means they escape from the tyre at a slower rate, so they will need inflating less often. It also contains less moisture than oxygen so it is less reactive to ambient temperatures and less likely to react with the metal in your wheels and the rubber of your tyres.
However, any benefit in terms of rolling resistance or ride comfort is likely to be the result of more consistent pressures than the physical properties of nitrogen itself. It's also worth nothing that air is around 78% nitrogen already, so the significant additional cost is replacing the 21% oxygen and other trace elements with nitrogen - and that's assuming the garage completely deflates all your tyres before refilling. Ultimately it is a personal choice, but we don't believe it is worth the money.
However, any benefit in terms of rolling resistance or ride comfort is likely to be the result of more consistent pressures than the physical properties of nitrogen itself. It's also worth nothing that air is around 78% nitrogen already, so the significant additional cost is replacing the 21% oxygen and other trace elements with nitrogen - and that's assuming the garage completely deflates all your tyres before refilling. Ultimately it is a personal choice, but we don't believe it is worth the money.
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