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.

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Hankook Tire has once again demonstrated its standing as a global quality leader, having been presented with the 2025 QR ZERO AWARD by the American automotive brand Ford. The formal recognition took place on 25 March 2026 at Technoplex, the company’s headquarters in Pangyo, South Korea, underscoring the strength of its manufacturing and quality management systems on an international stage.

This accolade represents the highest form of quality recognition from Ford, reserved exclusively for supply partners that achieve exceptional performance over the course of a year. The criteria are deliberately stringent, requiring zero quality rejections in parts supply alongside a complete absence of warranty claims. Winning the award signals Ford’s full endorsement of Hankook Tire’s advanced quality control processes and its proven ability to deliver products with unwavering reliability.

A central contributor to this achievement was the Geumsan Plant, which supplies original equipment tyres for the Ford F-150, a top-selling pickup truck. This facility distinguished itself as the first among Hankook Tire’s eight global manufacturing sites to earn the QR ZERO AWARD, driven by a company-wide ‘Quality No.1’ strategy that leverages artificial intelligence and big data analytics. The honour further validates Hankook’s expertise in product development and its capacity to meet the demanding standards of a major automotive partner.

The relationship between the two companies extends back to 1999, when Hankook became the first Asian tyre maker to form a strategic partnership with Ford, followed by original equipment supply for the F-150 beginning in 2003. Over the years, this collaboration has expanded to include key models such as the Mustang, Explorer and Ranger, as well as the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, showcasing Hankook’s advanced capabilities in electric vehicle tire technology. Reinforcing this legacy of excellence, all eight of Hankook’s global manufacturing facilities have now attained Ford’s Q1 Award, a designation reserved for partners meeting the automaker’s most exacting standards in quality, production systems and innovation.

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Bridgestone has entered a new market segment with the introduction of its inaugural tyre designed specifically for motorhomes, the Duravis Camper All Season. This product marks the company’s first foray into catering to recreational vehicles, offering a solution that balances year-round versatility with the structural demands of motorhome travel. Engineered for safety, durability and long-term peace of mind, the tyre is built to handle heavy loads while remaining compatible with electric vehicles.

Performance across changing weather conditions is a central feature. The tyre achieves the highest possible EU label A-grade rating for wet grip while also delivering excellent dry braking performance. Its winter capability is certified through the 3PMSF and M+S markings, ensuring reliable traction in snow. These characteristics are supported by technical elements such as a silica-enriched compound for wet conditions, shoulder slots that efficiently channel water away and a directional V-shaped tread pattern that aids mobility on snow-covered roads. Dry braking performance is similarly enhanced through refined pattern stiffness.

Constructed to manage significant weight, the tyre incorporates a reinforced carcass to promote longevity, alongside an optimised tread design suited for extended stationary periods common to motorhome use. Its sidewall bears the CP marking, confirming it is specifically engineered for the unique demands of camping vehicles. Wear is evenly distributed thanks to balanced contact pressure and high pattern stiffness, contributing to cost savings over time. A sidewall protector rib offers additional defence against curb impacts.

Rolling resistance is rated B on the EU label for impressive energy efficiency, while cabin comfort benefits from a best-in-class A-grade rating for exterior noise. The tyre’s integrated capabilities, including its EV-readiness, are enabled by Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology platform. Developed at the company’s Italian research and development centre, the Duravis Camper All Season is scheduled for release in June 2026 across four sizes in 15- and 16-inch rim diameters, tailored to meet growing demand across the European market.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President – Consumer Replacement, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “From solo travellers to families, camper users seek safety and unhindered mobility on the road above all else – whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. The Duravis Camper All Season is built around these needs enabling drivers to live memorable adventures across the seasons. By combining durability and mileage capabilities, the Duravis range is known for innovations tailored to motorhomes. It gives camper users the confidence to journey further, whenever and wherever they choose.”

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Hankook Tire has seen its summer tyre range validated this spring by three independent testing authorities. In the Auto Bild summer tyre test from the 10/2026 issue, the Ventus evo claimed overall victory in the 245/45 R19 size with a score of 1.1 and an ‘Exemplary’ rating, while the same model also won the Auto Bild allrad summer tyre test in the 255/45 R19 size from the 12/2026 issue, achieving a 1.2 score. Meanwhile, the Ventus Prime 4 earned strong praise in the AvD summer tyre test.

The Ventus evo’s success in the Auto Bild test began in qualification, where it secured a spot among 20 finalists from a field of 50, thanks in part to the second-best braking distances recorded. In the final dry handling assessments, it delivered the shortest braking distance and the highest average handling speed, while on wet surfaces it posted the fastest lap time on the aquaplaning circuit and the quickest speed in wet handling. The tyre also offered the best price-to-mileage ratio among all finalists.

In the separate Auto Bild allrad test, conducted in a size common for modern SUVs, the Ventus evo demonstrated strength both on and off the road. It led the field in wet braking and wet handling, achieved the highest traction on gravel and wet grass, and remained competitive on dry surfaces with low noise levels and short stopping distances. The test jury concluded it was the most convincing all-rounder for all-wheel-drive SUVs.

In the AvD summer tyre test, conducted with test specialist Tempotire in the 215/55 R17 size, the Ventus Prime 4 delivered a ‘Very good’ overall result. Its performance was particularly notable in wet conditions, where it recorded fast lap times, balanced handling and short braking distances while providing clear steering feedback and safe aquaplaning reserves. On dry roads, it offered reliable handling and strong rolling comfort. The tyre also earned high marks for sustainability, with production in Europe ensuring short transport routes and its EU label ratings reflecting modern construction. The jury highlighted its durability and cost efficiency, reinforcing Hankook’s reputation for delivering premium quality at a competitive price.

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AZuR partner NEW LIFE initiative is set to host the inaugural Municipal Climate Dialogue on 22 April 2026, coinciding with International Earth Day. This free online forum, beginning at 10:00 a.m., is designed for municipal decision-makers to connect with experts and editors from the trade journal KOMMUNALWIRTSCHAFT. The event is structured around three focused 30-minute sessions, each dedicated to exploring proven strategies and concrete implementation methods for developing urban spaces that are both liveable and climate-friendly.

A central theme of this digital expert discussion is the critical role of sustainable building materials, with particular prominence given to high-quality recycled products derived from tyre rubber granulate. These solutions directly address the objectives of a climate-resilient city: reducing CO₂ emissions, minimising waste and conserving natural resources. Furthermore, the use of tyre rubber granulate obtained from end-of-life tyres aligns with the German Circular Economy Act (KrWG), which mandates public contracting authorities to prioritise recycled and durable materials. The dialogue will highlight how such products are instrumental in sustainable urban development.

Following a brief opening plenary, the event will feature three parallel 30-minute sessions, allowing participants to easily navigate between online rooms dedicated to distinct urban development topics. The morning begins at 10:10 a.m. with a focus on sustainable urban development, covering building protection through green roofs and photovoltaic systems, impact sound insulation for various construction types and vibration isolation. At 10:40 a.m., the discussion shifts to playgrounds, sports facilities and green spaces, addressing impact-absorbing flooring, playing field surfaces and green area reinforcement. The final session at 11:10 a.m. centres on transport and sustainable mobility, exploring traffic noise protection, recycled rubber asphalt for roads and traffic calming measures.

Products made from tyre rubber granulate offer municipalities a combination of ecological and economic advantages. Their use helps reactivate open spaces and reduce surface sealing, improving the urban climate through applications like water-permeable paving and rainwater-retaining green roof layers. These solutions are weather-resistant, slip-resistant and customisable while also providing long-term economic benefits due to their durability, low maintenance requirements and reduced need for repairs. Such high-quality recycled products are already being successfully implemented in urban development and municipal renovation projects nationwide.

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