Save Gas: Inflate Tires With Nitrogen

Gas mileage is king these days. People are buying fuel-efficient cars, taking less road trips, anything to reduce money spent on gas. But one of the real culprits may be under-inflated tires, which can decrease gas mileage up to 10 percent.

Tennesse-based GoNitroTire takes tire efficiency one step further, providing a product to fill your tires with nitrogen instead of oxygen. We discussed this technology with GoNitroTire Founder Ken Lawton:

Product Overview

GoNitroTire offers two different products:

1. The UltraFill 99+ system that allows you to replace the oxygen in your tires with up to 95 percent nitrogen
2. The TireXtender aerosol top-off product for refilling your tires with nitrogen when they lose pressure

Where it's Found

You can find an affiliate for the UltraFill 99+ system through GoNitroTire's site. TireXtender is available at many automotive stores. This technology is currently utilized by both NASCAR and the airline industry for their tires.

Eco-Benefits of Nitrogen-Filled Tires

There has been some debate about whether nitrogen powered tires will improve gas mileage. However, Lawton points out several other benefits of tires filled with nitrogen:

1. Nitrogen makes up almost 80 percent of our air, making it a naturally-occurring element that we're exposed to every day
2. Because it is a dry gas, nitrogen is more stable than oxygen and will cause less leaks and rust
3. Nitrogen lasts longer in your tires (up to six months without a top-off), allowing you more leeway with tire pressure
4. You can expect up to 30 percent better tire wear if they are properly inflated with nitrogen, meaning less tires to dispose of (use Earth 911 to find out where to recycle tires near you)
5. Nitrogen can also be used to fill non-car tires, so you can improve the life of bicycle and motorcycle tires

Decision to Start GoNitroTire

"I had been aware that NASCAR was using nitrogen in its car tires," says Lawton. "After a little investigation I learned that fleet groups were also taking advantage, and I wondered why consumers were not aware of it. GoNitroTire started to help with the transition from these specialized groups to consumers."

Special Disposal Procedures

Lawton says that recycling tires is the same process whether they're filled with oxygen or nitrogen. He also wishes to dispel the theory that nitrogen-filled tires are more prone to explosion.

"The parallels to nitrous oxide are misleading," says Lawton. "Nitrogen does not support combustion, making it even safer than oxygen when it comes to blown tires."

The TireXtender comes in an aerosol can, and you can find out where to recycle aerosol cans using Earth 911.

Eco-Evolution of Company

"With more concern about gas prices, the advocacy has been very gratifying," says Lawton. "We've identified who the biggest beneficiaries are of this technology, and are excited for more consumers to learn about the benefits of nitrogen-filled tires."

He adds that one of the major goals was the creation of the top-off product so do-it-yourself (DIY)ers can maintain their tires. His new goal is to make nitrogen available everywhere, and the build out will start this year.

Most Exciting Part of Running GoNitroTire

"I like that we are a big part of helping consumers save money," says Lawton. "We are giving back through savings on driving and car care while helping the environment at the same time. The environmental impact of driving is very important to me."
Favorite of the Three R's

"I would say recycle because of how many tires (over 300 million) are disposed of annually in the U.S.," Lawton explains. "We have a graphic of a football field covered in disposed tires that really shows the environmental footprint of what we landfill."

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