Nitrogen-Filled Tires Becoming Popular

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Story Published: Nov 20, 2009 at 6:53 PM PST

By Ryan Simms

YAKIMA -- In the grind of everyday life, it can take too much time to make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Inside tires across Washington, it's a case of technology mixed with chemistry.

"We all want to save fuel, we all want to save money, we all want to be safer on the road," says Rob Hendrix, of Carey Motors.

At Cary Motors, "safer on the road" could come in the form of nitrogen-filled tires.

"It's more difficult for nitrogen-filled tires to leak," says Hendrix.

In addition, nitrogen increases mileage by as much as three percent. And as normal tires deflate with frigid temperatures, nitrogen is proving to be a convenient solution.

"Nitrogen is less susceptible to temperature changes, and will hold the tire pressure longer between checks," Hendrix tells Action News.

So far, the only sticking point for drivers has been the cost of nitrogen-filled tires. In small cars, the typical price tag is more than $40. Still, officials at Cary Motors insist the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.

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