Using Nitrogen to Inflate Tires
Nitrogen inflation replaces most of the oxygen and moisture found in regular air with dry, inert nitrogen. Because nitrogen molecules permeate rubber more slowly and carry no water vapor, tires typically hold their set pressure longer and internal components—including TPMS—see less moisture exposure. All Performance Plus Tire wheel-and-tire packages include FREE Nitrogen filling.
Measurements
- Set pressure cold: Use the driver-door placard as your baseline and check pressures when tires are cold (parked 3+ hours or before driving <1 mile).
- Purging & filling: To reach a high nitrogen purity, evacuate and refill in a few cycles, then set final PSI to the placard specification.
- Top-offs: Topping with nitrogen is preferred, but mixing with air is safe; re-check monthly and before trips.
- TPMS care: Dry nitrogen reduces moisture exposure inside the tire, which is helpful for in-tire TPMS sensors.
Clearance Checks
- Nitrogen does not change tire size or wheel clearance. After service, verify valve caps are secure and not interfering with wheel covers.
- Confirm no leaks at the valve core or TPMS stem using a mild soap solution; re-seat if bubbles appear.
Safety & Load Ratings
- Follow OE specs: Use the vehicle placard PSI unless a qualified professional advises otherwise. Nitrogen does not change a tire’s load or speed rating—see Tire Load & Speed Ratings.
- Heat and handling: Maintaining correct pressure helps reduce heat build-up and supports even tread wear.
- After service: Re-check pressures after temperature swings and after the first 50–100 miles of driving.
Professional Fitment Advice
Whether you run standard air or nitrogen, the right wheel-and-tire fitment is critical. Start with our vehicle-specific fitment to shop wheels and tires we stand behind for your exact year/make/model: Buy Tires, Wheel & Tire Packages. Questions about nitrogen fills or TPMS? Contact Us.
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Reviewed by the Performance Plus Tire Fitment Team.
