One of the key benefits of nitrogen tire inflation is Consistent Pressure Retention, a by-product of nitrogen’s substantially larger molecular structure. While this property will greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, pressure loss from permeation, nitrogen, like all compressed gases, is subject to temperature related expansion and contraction. This is important to remember in winter; when temperatures around the country drop you can expect to see many illuminated TPMS lights.
Expect to lose some pressure
Even though nitrogen is not as “reactive” as regular compressed air, you can still expect to lose about 2 percent of a tire’s total pressure for every 10 degrees in temperature reduction. For example, if a customer’s tires were inflated to 35 psi on a 90 degree summer day and now the temperature is 30 degrees, that 35 psi has diminished to only 30.8 psi, low enough to illuminate their vehicle’s TPMS light … and to measurably increase its fuel consumption and tire wear.
To counteract the negative effects of seasonal temperature related pressure loss, many recommend that nitrogen-filled tires always be inflated to a pressure value that is 10 percent higher than the pressure value suggested by the vehicle manufacturer (usually listed on a placard located on the left front door jamb), making sure, however, that in all cases the tires are “cold” and to never exceed the maximum inflation value printed on the tire itself. For example, if the suggested inflation value is 30 psi, inflate the tires to 33 psi, again, always measuring and inflating “cold” tires and making sure to never exceed the maximum inflation value listed on the tire itself. This has not only been found to produce superior performance and economy, but also provides a 50 degree “cushion" for seasonal temperature fluctuations … almost eliminating the potential for a “non-leak related” illuminated TPMS light.
Information provided by NitroFill.
