Each time you go to a tyre shop or a gas station to top up the tyre pressure in your vehicle’s tyres, what the attendant fills into the tyre is normal compressed air. But what exactly does compressed air contain? Compressed air is made up of 78% nitrogen, about 20-21% oxygen, and the balance one percent consists of CO2, and tiny concentrations of gases such as neon, argon and water vapour.

 When you specifically fill nitrogen gas into the vehicle's tyres, then you should have 100% dry nitrogen in your tyre. Dry nitrogen denotes that no        moisture content or any other gases are present in the tyre.

 Jay Chakraborty, who recently bought a second hand car, says, “After I bought my car, I changed the tyres and I’ve heard so many people talk about  how good nitrogen has been for them that I decided to get my new tyres filled with nitrogen air. The car feels a lot better on bumpy roads, and I don’t  have to worry about checking tyre pressure every week.”

Benefits of nitrogen Vs compressed air

Nitrogen as a gas is made up of big molecules, whereas oxygen molecules are much smaller in size compared to nitrogen molecules. When compressed air is put into a vehicle’s tyres, the moisture in the tyre seeps through the rubber over time and evaporates quicker as its molecules are smaller in size. But as nitrogen molecules are bigger in size, they do not permeate the tyres rubber so easily and hence will stay in the tyre for a longer duration. This means that your vehicle’s tyres will lose less pressure over time compared to regular compressed air filled tyres.

 

For example: An inactive vehicle, whose tyres are filled with normal compressed air will lose tyre pressure every week. But a 100% nitrogen-filled tyre will lose tyre pressure a lot slower and won’t need to be topped up as frequently. 

 

Titus Remedios, “I filled nitrogen in the new tyres that  I purchased for my Maruti Ecco in June 2019. That time the tyre pressure filled with nitrogen was 35Psi. I use the car once a week and after the lockdown, the car hadn’t been used in months. I recently went back in October 2020 to the place where I had filled the nitrogen in the car tyres and the tyre pressure after 14 months had only dropped to 22Psi. .

 

Another point to note, nitrogen filled tyres get a green or blue colour valve cap. This is a universal symbol that your vehicle's tyres are filled with nitrogen and not compressed air.

Is Nitrogen right for you?

Over-inflation and under inflation of tyres make a major difference on the race track. But on your normal city road does it make a huge difference? Under-inflated tyres normally lead to less mileage, uneven wear on the tyre treads and more tyre wear and tear overall. Over inflated tyres run the risk of burning out the contact patch on the tyre too quickly, while adding more bounce vs grip to a vehicle's stability. In hot climate conditions, your vehicle's tyre pressure can jump up tremendously. Highway running speeds coupled with a harsh sun beating down, can lead to a  tear in the tyre or in extreme conditions, a tyre bursting. This is where nitrogen-filled tyres shine the most. Due to their molecular build, nitrogen molecules stay at a constant temperature in a tyre. So even if the temperature outside decreases or increases, the nirotgen in the tyre will remain the same. That is why race cars and racing motorcycles only use 100% nitrogen in their tyres all the time.

 

Now we are all not professional racers, but we do commute on a daily basis and even go for the occasional weekend drive out of the city for some sightseeing and relaxation. Will filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyre help you? There are many who swear by nitrogen-filled tyres and an equal amount who feel that regular compressed air works just fine.

Personal tyre maintenance

If you are someone who keeps a check on the vehicles tyre pressure weekly and tops up the air when needed, you won’t need nitrogen filled into your vehicles tyre. However, if you are someone who tops air pressure once a month or once in two months, then filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyres will help you reap the benefits of it. If you constantly make long highway trips and most of your time is spent behind the wheel, then filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyres will be a boon.

 

Yash Ramrakhyani from Palghar runs a big tyre shop which sells Apollo, Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin and Yokohama tyres for every vehicle from a scooter to a heavy duty tempo. He says, “I get an average of 300 customers a year who want nitrogen filled in their vehicle’s tyres. There was a big local demand in the area for nitrogen-filled tyres, hence my father and me invested in the nitrogen unit. Tyres don't get hot, and nitrogen level doesn't go down so fast is what I have heard from customers as feedback, but the fact that people think nitrogen levels in the tyre doesn't go down is false. Even nitrogen-filled tyres have to be checked for tyre pressure once a month.

Nitrogen myths busted

Myth 1: Your vehicle's mileage will increase.

 

Truth: Your vehicle’s mileage depends on a lot of factors, tyres being just one small part of that equation. Having nitrogen filled tyres only gives you the benefit of having a most constant tyre pressure. However compressed air and nitrogen filled tyres both will loose pressure after a certain amount of time.

 

Myth 2: Your vehicle's comfort will be better, it will be soft on bumps.

Truth: Compressed air or nitrogen filled tyres will react the same way when on bumpy roads. It is the rubber compound and the type of tyres that you have that will make a difference in the ride or drive quality. As long as you maintain the right air pressure in your vehicle's tyres, you’ll be good.

 

Myth 3: You won’t have to fill up the tyre pressure as frequently.

 

Truth: Well this is true. Nitrogen-filled tyres will retain the pressure in your vehicle's tyre for a longer time duration compared to tyres filled with compressed air. However, even nitrogen-filled tyres loose pressure over time and you have to get the pressure checked and topped up from time to time.

 

Myth 4: Your vehicle's tyre will last longer

 

Truth: The tyre on your vehicle rely on you to make sure you maintain the recommended air pressure inorder for it to do its job properly. Under inflated and over inflated tyres will wear out faster when compared to tyres that have been properly maintained.

 

Myth 5: The rims on your vehicle won't rust

 

Truth: There is some amount of truth in this. As nitrogen-filled tyres contain less or no water vapour, the moisture content in the tyre is less. Less moisture equals to less rust on the inside of the wheel. But that doesn’t stop the rest of the wheel from rusting due to everyday washing and climate conditions.

 

Myth 6: There are few tyre shops / fuel pumps that offer nitrogen.

 

Truth: Compressed air is mostly nitrogen gas. So even if you have nitrogen-filled tyres, but you’re running low on tyre pressure and there’s no nitrogen filling station around, you can still fill normal compressed air. It will not have any major impact on your vehicle's tyres. Maintaining the right tyre pressure is key.

The catch

The nitrogen that you get filled in your vehicle's tyres is not a 100% or even 99% pure nitrogen. A brand new or even an old tyre once deflated has some amount of air inside it. It is the atmospheric air that's already there all around us. So unless you drain all the air in the tyre out and refill it nitrogen and drain the tyre again 2-3 times, you’ll still be running your vehicle's tyres with 90% nitrogen and not 100% nitrogen. But even then you’re not guaranteed that your vehicle's tyres will be filled with 100% pure nitrogen. There is no way to measure how much nitrogen is there in your vehicle’s tyre. Nitrogen will cost you, whereas compressed air is free at most petrol pumps or Rs.1-2 at a tyre shop. Nitrogen costs on the other hand vary from place to place and the kind of machine they have. The machines that are at the tyre shops or petrol pumps that offer nitrogen, do not deliver pure 100% nitrogen! Some machines will have a percentage rating of how much nitrogen it provides to the tyre and some have no percentage levels at all. Filling nitrogen in your vehicle's tyres can cost you anywhere from Rs.150 for four tyres to Rs.50 per tyre and can go all the way up to Rs.1,500 for a set of four tyres.

Conclusion

Have you ever noticed that vehicle manufactureres never recommend nitrogen in their manuals or at their service centers. The reason behind this is your vehicle's tyres are manufactured to run on normal compressed air. As long as you maintain the right tyre pressure in your vehicle’s tyre, you’ll be fine.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has entered into a new agreement to serve as the official tyre supplier for BMW M Motorsport, the division responsible for the brand's global racing endeavours. This collaboration will debut at the prestigious Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and throughout the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie in 2026.

This renewed partnership revives a historical connection between the two companies, who previously worked together on the same iconic circuit from 1980 to 1990. During that initial decade-long stint, their combined efforts secured two overall victories. After an interval of nearly four decades, they are reuniting for the current season to compete in the premier SP9 class, fielding the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. For this campaign, Yokohama will equip the vehicle with its high-performance ADVAN racing tyres, with the shared objective of capturing another overall win.

Beyond its tie-up with the BMW team, Yokohama Rubber continues its longstanding commitment to the Nürburgring. It will provide its tyres to numerous leading teams contesting both the endurance series and the 24-hour event this season. The company is focused on achieving an overall championship victory for a vehicle equipped with its YOKOHAMA brand tyres.

Franciscus Van Meel, CEO, BMW M GmbH, said, “We are excited to welcome YOKOHAMA as Official Partner of BMW M Motorsport for our Nürburgring programme. YOKOHAMA’s technical expertise and motorsport passion strengthen our drive for maximum performance and precision. Their support allows our team to focus fully on what defines BMW M Motorsport: pushing the limits on every lap. We look forward to a strong endurance season.”

Team: Schubert Motorsport
Class: SP9
Car: BMW M4 GT3 EVO
Tyres:
ADVAN A005 (for dry conditions); Sizes: front 300/680R18, rear 330/710R18
ADVAN A006 (for wet conditions); Sizes: front 300/680R18, rear 320/710R18

Race Schedule (as of date of this release)
March 14 (Sat): NLS Round 1
March 21 (Sat): NLS Round 2
April 11 (Sat): NLS Round 3
April 18 (Sat) –19 (Sun): Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (Qualifiers) , NLS Rounds 4 & 5
May 14 (Thu) –17 (Sun): Nürburgring 24-Hour Race
June 20 (Sat): NLS Round 6
August 1 (Sat): NLS Round 7
September 12 (Sat) –13 (Sun): NLS Rounds 8 & 9
October 10 (Sat): NLS Round 10

Hankook Tire has introduced the Laufenn X FIT AT2, a new addition to its all-terrain tyre lineup aimed at drivers who require durability and adaptability without compromising on everyday driving comfort. Positioned as an affordable option, this tyre is engineered to handle a mix of on-road and off-road conditions while delivering long-lasting value.

Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the X FIT AT2 brings several performance upgrades. It features enhanced traction across varied landscapes, a 15 percent improvement in tread longevity and reliable handling in different weather conditions. The tyre is designed to fit a broad spectrum of light trucks and SUVs, with availability ranging from 15 to 22 inches to accommodate popular vehicle models in the market.

This launch reflects Laufenn’s ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings as it strengthens its presence in over 100 countries. Since its introduction in Europe, the brand has consistently expanded its range for both passenger vehicles and commercial applications, responding to shifting consumer needs. The X FIT AT2 reinforces this direction by providing a balance of rugged capability and composed road manners for those who frequently transition between highways and rougher terrain.

Engineered for resilience, the tyre incorporates a reinforced structure, including select sizes with three-ply sidewalls to resist cuts and impacts. Its tread design features directional and lateral grooves that enhance water dispersion and grip on slippery or loose surfaces. Additional protective elements such as offset shoulder blocks and rim guards help shield against debris and curb damage. A two-step deep sipe pattern promotes uniform wear, contributing to extended usability.

Certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, the X FIT AT2 offers dependable performance in dry, wet and snowy winter conditions. It comes with warranty coverage tailored to its sizing, offering 60,000 miles for P-metric versions and 50,000 miles for LT-metric options. With this release, Laufenn continues to round out its portfolio alongside existing lines such as the S FIT, G FIT and I FIT series.

KC Jensen, Vice President – U.S. Passenger Car and Light Truck Sales, Hankook Tire America Corp, said, “The X FIT AT2 represents the next step forward for the Laufenn brand as we continue to deliver practical, dependable solutions for everyday drivers who also want the freedom to explore off-road. Building on the success of the original X FIT AT, this second-generation tyre offers a stronger blend of durability, versatility and everyday comfort at an accessible value.”

Comerio Ercole is set to make a significant impact on the global stage in 2026 with its participation in two major industry exhibitions. The company will showcase its latest advancements at both Chinaplas 2026 and Tire Technology Expo 2026, highlighting a comprehensive portfolio designed to enhance precision, productivity and sustainability in polymer processing.

At Tire Technology Expo, Comerio Ercole will present integrated systems tailored for the tyre industry, focusing on high-performance rubber calendering and digital intelligence. A flagship solution is the TRIPLE 4-roll calendering unit. Its innovative "S" configuration provides remarkable flexibility by enabling the processing of both textile and steel cord, as well as the production of rubber sheeting, all within a single line. The system’s capability for simultaneous lamination ensures high precision and product stability while minimising defects. Downtime is a critical factor in tyre production, and the patented FASTEEL system directly addresses this. By automating the steel cord change process, it dramatically reduces changeover time from hours to minutes, allowing the line to continue running during preparation and thereby maximising plant availability and operator safety. Following the calendering process, the SUPERCUT system guarantees clean, precise transversal cuts for both steel and textile-reinforced rubber, integrating guillotine and high-speed rotary blades to minimise waste and streamline downstream winding.

Simultaneously, at Chinaplas 2026, taking place in Hall 2.1 at Stand C85, the company will place a strong emphasis on its patented HYDROPLUS concept for PVC and plastic calendering. This technology suite is engineered to deliver micrometric precision and robust process stability through advanced hydraulic controls. Central to this is HYDROGAP, a system that achieves exceptional thickness uniformity with high-resolution gap positioning. Complementing this are HYDROSAFE, which ensures rapid roll separation for ultimate protection, and HYDROTHERM, a feature that intelligently compensates for thermal expansion to maintain precise gap settings during fluctuating operational temperatures.

Beyond mechanical innovation, the company is driving digital transformation with its CELEMETRY and MINERV-AI platforms. CELEMETRY focuses on sustainability by converting production data into actionable insights for environmental reporting and energy optimisation. MINERV-AI captures and standardises operational expertise through artificial intelligence, supporting more effective maintenance protocols, training procedures and overall operational consistency. Through these combined efforts at both exhibitions, Comerio Ercole is demonstrating a holistic approach to advancing the plastics, rubber and tyre industries.

The seventh edition of Trelleborg Tires’ Tractor Driver of the Year competition took place at the Cremona Circuit in Italy on 28 February 2026, drawing 50 skilled participants from across the nation. Held at a venue renowned for its professional standards, the event has become a fixture in the agricultural calendar, offering a platform for drivers to demonstrate their expertise while experiencing advanced tyre technology in practical scenarios. After a demanding day of challenges, Francesco Coppe emerged victorious, distinguished by his exceptional precision and versatility across the various disciplines.

The competition featured a series of exercises designed to assess core abilities, including manoeuvring, loader operation, reverse driving and trailer handling, culminating in a field regularity test. Throughout these tasks, participants directly observed the benefits of Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction technology, which aims to boost traction, reduce soil impact and enhance overall efficiency. This year, Fendt joined as the technical partner, supplying the machinery for the event. The tractors used, such as the Fendl 300 Vario Gen5, 500 Vario Gen4 and 800 Vario Gen5 models introduced in 2025, exemplified how modern agricultural engineering supports operators in achieving high performance with comfort and ease, both on road and in the field.

Daniela Gambatesa, Marketing Manager Italy, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ once again confirms its position as a landmark event for the agricultural sector: a unique opportunity to celebrate expertise, innovation and professionalism. This 7th edition recorded a remarkable participation of tractor drivers, highlighting the growing importance of the initiative. A key highlight of the event was the new ‘5,000 Hours of Guaranteed Performance’ campaign dedicated to ProgressiveTraction® treads, originally launched in July 2025 and now featuring a customised look for Fendt tractors equipped with VarioDrive technology. This initiative allows us to prove in real working conditions the long-term durability and efficiency of our tyres, offering tangible support to agricultural professionals in their daily operations. The collaboration with Fendt as technical partner further reinforces our shared commitment to excellence, combining advanced technology with high-performing solutions for the industry.”

Silvia Uderzo, Advertising & Sales Promotion Specialist, Fendt Italia, said, “Fendt has believed in the ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ project since its early editions, reflecting the trust and importance we attribute to this initiative. Taking part again this year represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skills of tractor drivers and to demonstrate how the technology, performance and comfort of our machines play a decisive role in improving operational efficiency. The partnership with Trelleborg Tires confirms our shared commitment to delivering increasingly high-performing and sustainable solutions to agricultural professionals, combining innovation with close attention to their real operational needs.”