NitrogenMan has started marketing its nitrogen-inflated tires to the trucking industry for the first time.


The Phoenix-based company most recently inflated Safeway grocery stores' truck fleet's tires to reduce road calls due to tire failures. The grocer expects to equip its fleet of 320 trailers and 80 tractors with the nitrogen tires by August.

"Nitrogen is a smart alternative to compressed air, it keeps tires at a consistent pressure, which directly impacts blow outs and other tire-related issues that reduce the productivity of our trucks," said Brea Gifford, truck repair manager for Safeway in Tempe, Ariz. "Because nitrogen keeps tire pressure consistent, we expect to see a reduction in inconsistent tire wear. Studies that have been conducted on tread depth have shown that nitrogen-inflated tires last longer because they wear more evenly."

According to NitrogenMan, tests of nitrogen tire inflation have found that tires have up to a 40 percent longer tread life because they run cooler and maintain a more consistent tire pressure, reducing blowouts and maintenance.

The company says nitrogen doesn't pass through tire rubber as quickly because it's an inert dry gas and the molecules are larger than compressed air. According to a study conducted by Dependable Highway Express, nitrogen-inflated tires saw zero tire pressure reduction, while those with compressed air experienced losses off up to 5 percent over three months. Studies have also reported that tires filled with nitrogen can improve fuel economy by four to 10 percent.

NitrogenMan supplies nitrogen-tire inflation for organizations including Central Arizona Projects, Total Transit, Pima County and the Arizona Department of Transportation.

More info: www.nitrogenMan.com.