What Do Green Caps On Tires Mean?

When your car has returned from the shop, you might notice emerald caps on the tires. What does this mean? Is there anything particular about green?

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• The manufacturers or mechanics have put nitrogen in the tires instead of air.
• They’ve randomly chosen to place green valve caps on.

So, does this make any distinction? Should you be worried?

This handbook should put all your concerns to rest.

Does A Green Cap Mean Nitrogen?

A verdant cap could mean that the tires contain nitrogen. Then again, maybe not.

Emerald caps are likely to mean nitrogen if you’ve just picked up your new car straight from the dealership. They could also have “N₂” written on them.

However, emerald valve stem caps can be bought in bulk online, just like any other color. The shop may have unintentionally purchased a batch or had them donated.

If your car went in for a repair or service with ordinary valve caps and has returned with green ones, they could be just that. Green and typical. Ask your mechanic by giving them a ring if you’re still uncertain.

Some corners of the internet might tell you that “many mechanics use nitrogen instead of air in tires.” That’s not true. It is far better for them, as will be explained later in this article, but although nitrogen is growing in popularity, using it in tires is still the exception, not the standard.

How Do I Know If My Green Tire Caps Mean Nitrogen?

Nitrogen isn’t used in the vast majority of automobiles. Restricted practicality means you’ll only find it on performance cars and specialized packages.

Does your car resemble a Corvette Stingray, Audi R8, Ford GT, or Nissan GTR? If affirmative, the tires might necessitate nitrogen.

These high-performance vehicles will often come with Direct TPMS. These sensors measure the tire’s atmospheric (or nitrogen!) pressure.

As such, a verdant tire cap covering a metal valve stem on a high-performance car almost definitely signals nitrogen.

If you drive an older hatchback or a typical SUV, then no. Unless it specifically tells you in the owner’s manual, there’s no need to use nitrogen.

But, if the caps are bright green and look very similar to normal, don’t worry. They’re most likely just green valve caps.

Why Is Nitrogen Better For Tires?

Nitrogen is desirable for tires because it’s more stable than air.

Air does contain nitrogen. 78% nitrogen, in fact. The remaining particulates are 21% oxygen and 1% everything else.

“Pure” nitrogen is around 95% nitrogen. Because it’s more stable without oxygen, the particles have less kinetic energy. As a consequence, you’ll see a performance increase. Also, less nitrogen escapes the tire during everyday use than the equivalent amount of air.

Finally, it contains almost no water particles, so you won’t find any moisture in the tires.

Can You Fill A Green Cap Tire With Air?

Although your tire may recommend nitrogen, topping it up with air isn’t hazardous.

As mentioned, air isn’t as suitable for tires as pure nitrogen. However, it does the job for the vast majority of us.

Air is mostly nitrogen anyway, remember. Combining the two won’t lead to any poisonous or hazardous reaction. You’ll be diluting the nitrogen’s purity, but that’s it.

Use ordinary air if you need to inflate your tires up, but there’s no nitrogen accessible.

How Much Does It Cost To Fill Tires Up With Nitrogen?

How much would it cost you to top your tires up with air? $1? Maybe $2 if the gas station’s gouging you off?

Well, a top-up with nitrogen will probably come to around $5 per tire. Okay, not too bad? Still a lot more than $1 for all four, though!

However, the supplementary choice at the beginning for the vehicle (when purchased) has an approximate price of $150 to $200. Furthermore, if you choose to remove the air from your current standard tires and change to nitrogen gas, it will cost about $100 to $150.

Utilize this apparatus from Nitrofill to discover nearby locations for nitrogen gas refills.

So, is it worthwhile? Perhaps time will reveal.

Should I Use Nitrogen?

As always, stick to what your owner’s manual recommends. If it says to use ordinary old air, use ordinary old air. If it says to use nitrogen, use nitrogen.

If you visit a tire center, you can get your tires filled with nitrogen. All the air will need extracting first, though.

Experts agree that nitrogen promotes improved performance, tire wear, fuel economy, and a smoother ride.

The downside? It’s rather expensive and a bit nit-picky. You can’t fill up your tires at home, for example. You’ll have to go to a tire shop or dealer.

Nitrogen also shouldn’t take away from regular tire maintenance. Although it’s kinder to the rubber, the gas will still escape over time! You should check your tires just as often – every week or so.

So, is nitrogen for you? Perhaps. But, for most average drivers and commuters, there isn’t much necessity.

Call your dealership or mechanic if your car has emerald valve stem caps. They’ll give you your answer.