Wheels/Tires - Nitrogen Usage Recommendations

Date: May 2008

Order No.: S-B-40.10/60

Supersedes:

Group: 40

SUBJECT:
MY-All, Models All

Nitrogen Use in Tire Inflation

Original equipment and approved replacement tires for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and light trucks are designed to be inflated with ordinary compressed air, which generally contains approximately 80% nitrogen. Inflation with ordinary compressed air provides the expected operating performance for these tires so long as the operator regularly checks and maintains the air pressures as recommended by Mercedes-Benz on the vehicle's fuel filler door or the driver-side B-pillar.

In normal vehicle use, nitrogen offers negligible benefits and is rarely cost effective. Although, the physical properties of nitrogen can reduce inflation pressure losses due to the permeability of tire materials and thus, improve the damping behavior; the existence of several other possible sources of leaks, such as tire/rim interface, valve, or rim/valve interface can significantly limit the effectiveness of nitrogen in maintaining tire pressure in ordinary vehicle use.

In summary, all tires approved for use on Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles are designed to deliver their expected performance when inflated with ordinary compressed air. Mercedes-Benz does not require or recommend the use of nitrogen as the results and benefits derived from its use are not in proportion to the expense.