[James Matthew Najera]

A Different Kind of Air​

Here’s a fun fact for you—airplane tires aren’t filled with the same air we pump into our car tires.

Image Credit: Unsplash/antony whittaker

Nope, they’re inflated with nitrogen! Why? Because nitrogen doesn’t hold moisture like regular air does, which helps prevent freezing or expansion at high altitudes. Plus, these tires handle way more pressure than car tires—think six times the pressure!

Next time you see a plane touch down smoothly, just remember—those tires are tougher than they look!