Each time you go to a tyre shop or a gas station to top up the tyre pressure in your vehicle’s tyres, what the attendant fills into the tyre is normal compressed air. But what exactly does compressed air contain? Compressed air is made up of 78% nitrogen, about 20-21% oxygen, and the balance one percent consists of CO2, and tiny concentrations of gases such as neon, argon and water vapour.

 When you specifically fill nitrogen gas into the vehicle's tyres, then you should have 100% dry nitrogen in your tyre. Dry nitrogen denotes that no        moisture content or any other gases are present in the tyre.

 Jay Chakraborty, who recently bought a second hand car, says, “After I bought my car, I changed the tyres and I’ve heard so many people talk about  how good nitrogen has been for them that I decided to get my new tyres filled with nitrogen air. The car feels a lot better on bumpy roads, and I don’t  have to worry about checking tyre pressure every week.”

Benefits of nitrogen Vs compressed air

Nitrogen as a gas is made up of big molecules, whereas oxygen molecules are much smaller in size compared to nitrogen molecules. When compressed air is put into a vehicle’s tyres, the moisture in the tyre seeps through the rubber over time and evaporates quicker as its molecules are smaller in size. But as nitrogen molecules are bigger in size, they do not permeate the tyres rubber so easily and hence will stay in the tyre for a longer duration. This means that your vehicle’s tyres will lose less pressure over time compared to regular compressed air filled tyres.

 

For example: An inactive vehicle, whose tyres are filled with normal compressed air will lose tyre pressure every week. But a 100% nitrogen-filled tyre will lose tyre pressure a lot slower and won’t need to be topped up as frequently. 

 

Titus Remedios, “I filled nitrogen in the new tyres that  I purchased for my Maruti Ecco in June 2019. That time the tyre pressure filled with nitrogen was 35Psi. I use the car once a week and after the lockdown, the car hadn’t been used in months. I recently went back in October 2020 to the place where I had filled the nitrogen in the car tyres and the tyre pressure after 14 months had only dropped to 22Psi. .

 

Another point to note, nitrogen filled tyres get a green or blue colour valve cap. This is a universal symbol that your vehicle's tyres are filled with nitrogen and not compressed air.

Is Nitrogen right for you?

Over-inflation and under inflation of tyres make a major difference on the race track. But on your normal city road does it make a huge difference? Under-inflated tyres normally lead to less mileage, uneven wear on the tyre treads and more tyre wear and tear overall. Over inflated tyres run the risk of burning out the contact patch on the tyre too quickly, while adding more bounce vs grip to a vehicle's stability. In hot climate conditions, your vehicle's tyre pressure can jump up tremendously. Highway running speeds coupled with a harsh sun beating down, can lead to a  tear in the tyre or in extreme conditions, a tyre bursting. This is where nitrogen-filled tyres shine the most. Due to their molecular build, nitrogen molecules stay at a constant temperature in a tyre. So even if the temperature outside decreases or increases, the nirotgen in the tyre will remain the same. That is why race cars and racing motorcycles only use 100% nitrogen in their tyres all the time.

 

Now we are all not professional racers, but we do commute on a daily basis and even go for the occasional weekend drive out of the city for some sightseeing and relaxation. Will filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyre help you? There are many who swear by nitrogen-filled tyres and an equal amount who feel that regular compressed air works just fine.

Personal tyre maintenance

If you are someone who keeps a check on the vehicles tyre pressure weekly and tops up the air when needed, you won’t need nitrogen filled into your vehicles tyre. However, if you are someone who tops air pressure once a month or once in two months, then filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyres will help you reap the benefits of it. If you constantly make long highway trips and most of your time is spent behind the wheel, then filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyres will be a boon.

 

Yash Ramrakhyani from Palghar runs a big tyre shop which sells Apollo, Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin and Yokohama tyres for every vehicle from a scooter to a heavy duty tempo. He says, “I get an average of 300 customers a year who want nitrogen filled in their vehicle’s tyres. There was a big local demand in the area for nitrogen-filled tyres, hence my father and me invested in the nitrogen unit. Tyres don't get hot, and nitrogen level doesn't go down so fast is what I have heard from customers as feedback, but the fact that people think nitrogen levels in the tyre doesn't go down is false. Even nitrogen-filled tyres have to be checked for tyre pressure once a month.

Nitrogen myths busted

Myth 1: Your vehicle's mileage will increase.

 

Truth: Your vehicle’s mileage depends on a lot of factors, tyres being just one small part of that equation. Having nitrogen filled tyres only gives you the benefit of having a most constant tyre pressure. However compressed air and nitrogen filled tyres both will loose pressure after a certain amount of time.

 

Myth 2: Your vehicle's comfort will be better, it will be soft on bumps.

Truth: Compressed air or nitrogen filled tyres will react the same way when on bumpy roads. It is the rubber compound and the type of tyres that you have that will make a difference in the ride or drive quality. As long as you maintain the right air pressure in your vehicle's tyres, you’ll be good.

 

Myth 3: You won’t have to fill up the tyre pressure as frequently.

 

Truth: Well this is true. Nitrogen-filled tyres will retain the pressure in your vehicle's tyre for a longer time duration compared to tyres filled with compressed air. However, even nitrogen-filled tyres loose pressure over time and you have to get the pressure checked and topped up from time to time.

 

Myth 4: Your vehicle's tyre will last longer

 

Truth: The tyre on your vehicle rely on you to make sure you maintain the recommended air pressure inorder for it to do its job properly. Under inflated and over inflated tyres will wear out faster when compared to tyres that have been properly maintained.

 

Myth 5: The rims on your vehicle won't rust

 

Truth: There is some amount of truth in this. As nitrogen-filled tyres contain less or no water vapour, the moisture content in the tyre is less. Less moisture equals to less rust on the inside of the wheel. But that doesn’t stop the rest of the wheel from rusting due to everyday washing and climate conditions.

 

Myth 6: There are few tyre shops / fuel pumps that offer nitrogen.

 

Truth: Compressed air is mostly nitrogen gas. So even if you have nitrogen-filled tyres, but you’re running low on tyre pressure and there’s no nitrogen filling station around, you can still fill normal compressed air. It will not have any major impact on your vehicle's tyres. Maintaining the right tyre pressure is key.

The catch

The nitrogen that you get filled in your vehicle's tyres is not a 100% or even 99% pure nitrogen. A brand new or even an old tyre once deflated has some amount of air inside it. It is the atmospheric air that's already there all around us. So unless you drain all the air in the tyre out and refill it nitrogen and drain the tyre again 2-3 times, you’ll still be running your vehicle's tyres with 90% nitrogen and not 100% nitrogen. But even then you’re not guaranteed that your vehicle's tyres will be filled with 100% pure nitrogen. There is no way to measure how much nitrogen is there in your vehicle’s tyre. Nitrogen will cost you, whereas compressed air is free at most petrol pumps or Rs.1-2 at a tyre shop. Nitrogen costs on the other hand vary from place to place and the kind of machine they have. The machines that are at the tyre shops or petrol pumps that offer nitrogen, do not deliver pure 100% nitrogen! Some machines will have a percentage rating of how much nitrogen it provides to the tyre and some have no percentage levels at all. Filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyres can cost you anywhere from Rs.150 for four tyres to Rs.50 per tyre and can go all the way up to Rs.1,500 for a set of four tyres.

Conclusion

Have you ever noticed that vehicle manufactureres never recommend nitrogen in their manuals or at their service centers. The reason behind this is your vehicle's tyres are manufactured to run on normal compressed air. As long as you maintain the right tyre pressure in your vehicle’s tyre, you’ll be fine.

Nokian Tyres has formally released its climate transition plan, a comprehensive roadmap guiding the company’s decarbonisation efforts. This strategy is anchored in the company’s near- and long-term climate objectives, which received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative in 2024. Crucially, the organisation’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 aligns with the stringent requirements of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as dictated by contemporary climate science.

The company has already made significant progress, particularly within its own operations. By the close of 2025, Nokian Tyres had successfully reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 38 percent relative to the 2022 baseline, edging closer to its interim target of a 42 percent reduction by 2030. The newly published plan elaborates on this trajectory, detailing the primary sources of emissions and the essential strategies for reduction both internally and across the broader value chain. These actions are designed to meet the 2030 benchmarks while maintaining a clear pathway towards the ultimate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Endorsed by the company’s Board of Directors, the plan is a living document subject to updates as emission-reduction technologies and methodologies evolve. Further details are accessible on the corporate website. This strategic approach is already yielding tangible results and external recognition. The company’s Romanian facility stands as the world’s first full-scale tyre factory to achieve zero CO2 emissions in its own operations. Furthermore, this commitment to sustainability was acknowledged in 2025 by TIME Magazine, which named Nokian Tyres one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies, and by CDP, which awarded the firm its sixth consecutive leadership-level score for climate action.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “Our work towards net-zero emissions is not only about us but also about drivers worldwide. Through our actions and innovations, we reduce the environmental impact of tyre manufacturing while delivering the safety and quality that define Nokian Tyres.”

As temperatures drop and road conditions become increasingly unpredictable, ensuring vehicle safety demands more than cautious driving. Giti Tire, drawing on over seven decades of global expertise, offers both advanced tyre technology and practical guidance to help drivers navigate winter’s challenges with confidence. Their latest winter offerings, the Giti Winter Comfort WT26 and the Giti Winter Control WT80, cater to a wide range of vehicles with sizes spanning R15 to R22. These tyres, developed under the AdvanZtech platform with Ice Surface Adhesion Technology 3.0, demonstrate how innovation can directly enhance grip and stability in icy and snowy conditions.

However, even the most sophisticated tyres require proper maintenance to perform effectively. Giti highlights that drivers frequently overlook how colder weather affects their tyres. A significant drop of 10°C can cause tyre pressure to decrease, which in turn impacts braking and handling. Checking pressure monthly when the tyres are cold helps maintain optimal performance. Tread depth is another critical factor; once it nears the wear indicators, replacement is essential. Additionally, the condition of the rubber itself matters – prolonged exposure to moisture, harsh sunlight or road chemicals can accelerate aging. Simple habits like parking carefully and clearing debris from the tread grooves can prevent damage and extend tyre life.

When temperatures consistently hover below 7°C, or when frost and snow coat the roads, switching to dedicated winter tyres becomes a necessity rather than an option. Unlike all-season alternatives, winter tyres retain their flexibility in extreme cold, offering superior traction on slippery surfaces. This translates to more controlled acceleration, braking and cornering. The WT26, for instance, is engineered for comfort and quiet operation. Its specialised rubber compound works to absorb the thin water layer on ice, while interlocking tread blocks and dense sipes provide secure footing without compromising cabin serenity. For those who prioritise dynamic handling, the WT80 employs a bionic tread pattern and tightly packed sipes that act like brushes on ice, sharpening steering response and braking precision. Advanced groove designs also boost snow traction, while noise optimisation technology ensures a refined ride even at higher speeds.

Beyond tyres, a holistic approach to winter preparation is vital. Drivers should verify that lighting, brakes and steering systems are in peak condition before the season sets in. Choosing the right windshield washer fluid, one rated for local low temperatures, prevents freezing and maintains visibility. On the road, managing fogged windows, using lights appropriately and keeping a steady rhythm on slick surfaces are key defensive driving techniques. Electric vehicle owners face unique considerations; preserving battery health means avoiding extended parking in extreme cold with a low state of charge. Even routine car washing matters – opting for warmer parts of the day and using warm water reduces stress on paint and glass caused by rapid temperature changes.

These combined efforts, from high-tech tyre selection to mindful daily habits, form a comprehensive safety net. By attending to both the obvious and easily missed details, drivers can significantly reduce risk and maintain control throughout the winter months.

Dunlop Tyres South Africa has announced that from 1 February 2026, its 18-month Dunlop Sure Tyre Insurance has become a standard feature included with every tyre purchase across its entire range. This decision follows an overwhelmingly positive response from South African motorists to a previous limited-time promotion that extended the cover period.

The original promotion, which added an extra six months of protection to the standard 12-month policy, was introduced as a temporary measure. However, it quickly became evident that South African drivers highly valued the extended security and long-term peace of mind it provided against unforeseen tyre damage.

Lubin Ozoux, the CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, explained that the feedback from their dealer network, who interact with customers daily, highlighted a clear demand for a robust safety net. Motorists are seeking reassurance that they are protected should a tyre suffer irreparable damage from common road hazards. Responding to this consumer need, the company has taken the significant step of embedding the 18-month cover as a permanent, no-cost feature. This move underscores the brand's confidence in its product quality and its commitment to delivering genuine added value.

By standardising this extended protection, Dunlop aims to reinforce its market leadership, offering a comprehensive package that goes beyond premium performance and safety. The proposition now provides continuous support and value for drivers long after their initial purchase. To activate the cover, customers simply need to buy their Dunlop tyres from a Dunlop-branded store and register them on the official Dunlop website within seven days. This free insurance provides crucial financial protection against the cost of replacing tyres damaged beyond repair by hazards on the road.

Ozoux said, “By making 18 months of Dunlop Sure standard, we’re reinforcing our confidence in our products and raising expectations of what tyre ownership should deliver – safety, value and reassurance.”

Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, has taken a significant step forward in its environmental strategy by activating a new on-site solar energy system at its facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This installation, developed in partnership with Iberdrola México, is part of a broader commitment to reducing the company's carbon footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources. It marks the ninth solar project completed by Maxion Wheels worldwide.

The newly commissioned photovoltaic system boasts a capacity of 499 kilowatts, enabled by the installation of 1,073 solar modules. It is projected to generate around 919 megawatt-hours of clean electricity on an annual basis. This initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 617 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, an environmental benefit comparable to the carbon sequestered by more than 10,200 trees over a decade. The clean energy produced will directly support the decarbonisation of the plant’s manufacturing processes.

This project in San Luis Potosí is one element of a three-part solar collaboration between Iochpe-Maxion and Iberdrola within Mexico. It follows the activation of a similar system at the company’s Chihuahua plant in 2024 and precedes another photovoltaic project at the Castaños, Coahuila facility, which is anticipated to come online soon. These investments are integral to Maxion’s global sustainability framework, known as Roadmap Zero, which sets the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions across all company operations by 2040.

The Maxion Wheels plant, which began operations in 1996, is situated in the capital city of San Luis Potosí state. The expansive facility covers roughly 70,000 square metres and specialises in producing steel wheels for both light and commercial vehicles, supplying a diverse portfolio of leading international automotive manufacturers. The recent inauguration of the solar project was marked by the presence of company leaders Alexandre Becker and Alfonso Campos, alongside local dignitaries including Sonia Mendoza Díaz, the Secretary of Ecology and Environmental Management for the state, and César Lara from the CROM labour confederation, as well as the plant’s manager, Hugo Soriano.

Alfonso Campos, Commercial Director, Iberdrola México, said, “Through this partnership, we are supporting Maxion Wheels in its transition towards cleaner and more environmentally responsible processes. On-site photovoltaic energy enables lower emissions, greater cost stability and direct positive impact across the entire value chain. It is a tangible benefit for both industry and the planet, and it motivates us to continue growing together.”

Alexandre Becker, Business Unit President Americas, Maxion Wheels, said, “The inauguration of the photovoltaic solar panel system at our San Luis Potosí plant marks a decisive step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental responsibility. This project is the result of a collective effort across multiple teams, united by a shared purpose and a common vision.”