Already used in Formula One and Military Aircraft, nitrogen is the best possible tyre gas.
Why is Nitrogen better than air for inflating tyres?
Pressure loss
Air is made up of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen and 1% of other gases.
Oxygen is made up of very small molecules which can permeate and
escape through the sidewall of a tyre over time. Pure Nitrogen molecules
are larger and cannot permeate or escape through the tyre sidewall
as easily. A tyre inflated with pure Nitrogen keeps the tyre pressure
more consistent and stable for up to 3 to 4 times longer than normal
air.
Temperature increase
Oxygen is a very unstable gas which contains a high level of moisture.
When the temperature of a tyre increases, the Oxygen causes the
water vapour to react and expand the tyre. Nitrogen is inert and
contains no water vapour which prevents this reaction keeping the
tyre pressure consistent and stable in running. This also ensures
that the correct amount of rubber is in contact with the road at
all times giving better handling, braking and steering.
Oxidisation - build up
Oxygen found in normal air contains a high level of water vapour.
This causes ‘oxidisation’ or rusting which begins to
deteriorate the rubber as it begins to lose its elasticity and
strength. This increases the inner rusting of alloy wheels affecting
the tyre structure and ultimately the tyre’s performance.