Nitrogen for Tires

The Ken Bensinger Los Angeles Times article, "Buyers In The Dark About Tires" [page E1], you published May 8 included a sidebar that suggested that filling vehicle tires with nitrogen rather than air may not be worth the cost. The first item in the sidebar, however, indicated underinflated tires are the most prevalent cause of wasted fuel.

I'd like to share some facts about the benefits of nitrogen inflation.

Nitrogen molecules are more stable than those of oxygen, so it does not leak through the walls of tires as quickly, helping maintain proper tire pressure. In addition to saving gasoline, properly inflated tires produce better handling, braking and vehicle stability.

Tire wear also is reduced (25 percent, according to a University of Bologna Mechanical Engineering Department study), which can result in significant savings on replacement costs - not to mention the environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions.

Americans waste 10 million gallons of fuel every day by driving on underinflated tires, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A Michigan Department of Transportation publication states that 5 percent underinflation increases fuel consumption 1 percent.

Annually, this amounts to 3.6 billion gallons of wasted fuel and 77 billion pounds of greenhouse gases needlessly dispersed.

Before jumping to conclusions, we ask that people consider the positive effects of nitrogen.

ROBIN PEARL

President & CEO

PurigeN98

Former President

Nitrogen Tire Inflation Counsel

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