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Inflating tyres with nitrogen - benefits?

When I took my VW Golf for its service today I was asked if I wanted to have the tyres filled with nitrogen at a cost of £5.99 for four. The alleged benefits were 1. Safer motoring (better road holding & handling) 2. Longer tread life (up to 25% increase in tyre life) 3. Reduced fuel consumption (up to 5% reduction in fuel consumption) 4. No oxidation (No water vapour or oxygen means no corrosion of wheels). I had not seen this mentioned in your letters in The Telegraph and wondered what your thoughts on the matter were?

Asked on 21 August 2012 by Dave

Answered by Honest John
I checked with Michelin. The only slight benefit is you avoid oil contamination from a compressor pump. Bt air is 80% nitrogen anyway.

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