Keeping vehicles moving through the workshop efficiently is a daily priority for tyre centres. With tight booking schedules, rising energy costs and fixed overheads, every element of the operation needs to work reliably in the background.
Two of the most critical workshop utilities, compressed air and nitrogen, often receive little attention once installed. They are essential to almost every task, yet because they are always “there”, they can easily be overlooked. Over time, this can lead to unnecessary energy use, inconsistent performance and avoidable disruption to day-to-day operations.
Compressed air: essential, but often overlooked
Compressed air supports a wide range of tyre centre activities, including tyre changing, wheel balancing, inflation and the operation of air tools. Despite this, many systems are still selected based on initial purchase cost or motor size, rather than being matched to how the workshop operates.
In reality, air demand is determined by flow and pressure, which fluctuate throughout the day depending on the number of bays in use, the type of tools being run and peak workload periods. When a compressor is not correctly sized for these conditions, it can cycle too frequently, operate under strain and consume more electricity than necessary.
Over time, these inefficiencies can show up as:
- Rising energy bills
- Increased servicing and maintenance requirements
- Unstable pressure at the point of use
Pressure fluctuations are more than just an inconvenience. Drops in pressure can slow down tyre fitting, reduce tool performance and introduce delays during busy periods. A common response is to increase system pressure to compensate, but this only increases energy consumption further and accelerates wear across the entire compressed air network.
Because these issues often develop gradually, the additional cost is absorbed into general running expenses rather than being clearly linked back to the air system itself.
Matching equipment to real operating hours
Duty cycle is another important factor. While piston compressors can be suitable for light, intermittent use, many tyre centres now operate extended opening hours with near-continuous demand for compressed air.
In these environments, equipment designed for short bursts of operation can struggle to cope. Overheating, reduced reliability and unexpected downtime are common outcomes. Systems designed for continuous operation provide a more stable air supply and help maintain consistent workflow during peak trading periods.
Space, noise and system layout
Workshop layout also plays a role in overall efficiency. In many tyre centres, compressors are installed close to the working area, making noise levels, footprint and service access key considerations.
Quieter, more compact systems offer greater flexibility in where they can be installed. This can reduce the need for long pipe runs, which are a frequent source of pressure loss and wasted energy. A well-planned installation not only improves efficiency but also makes ongoing maintenance simpler and less disruptive.
The role of nitrogen in tyre inflation
Alongside compressed air, nitrogen inflation is increasingly being used to improve consistency and reduce rework. Nitrogen is dry and inert, meaning it expands and contracts less with temperature changes and permeates more slowly through tyre walls.
For tyre centres, this can result in:
- More stable tyre pressures over time
- Fewer corrective top-ups
- Reduced repeat checks and adjustments
From an operational perspective, fewer interventions translate into time savings and more predictable service outcomes. Nitrogen can also help reduce internal moisture and oxidation within the tyre and wheel assembly, supporting longer component life.
On-site nitrogen generation
Advances in compact nitrogen generation systems have made on-site production a practical option for many workshops. Generating nitrogen as required removes the reliance on delivered cylinders, reduces handling and storage concerns, and ensures consistent availability - even during peak periods.
This approach also helps streamline workflow by eliminating delays caused by empty cylinders or delivery scheduling.
Reviewing what runs in the background
As tyre centres look to control costs while maintaining service levels, it’s worth reassessing the systems that operate continuously behind the scenes. Reviewing compressed air supply, ensuring equipment is correctly sized for actual demand, and considering alternative inflation methods can uncover incremental efficiency gains that make a real difference over time.
Individually, these improvements may seem small. Taken together, they can support better reliability, lower energy consumption and smoother day-to-day operation.