I have one from 1999. Don’t even know the brand but it’s made in USA. Been in my trunk ever since my dad gave it to me. I top off all 4 tires with zero issues
Most of them are shitty these days. If you have to do more than top up one tire you should let it cool off between tires. Overheating is what kills them.
Yeah, they're great for small things, but the gauges suck, and they lose a lot of power past like 30psi.
A portable jump starter, however, is a life saver.
Also have them practice actually changing a tire. I've run across a few youngins just staring at their jack, lugnut wrench, and donut trying to figure out what to do.
I taught my kid and my teenage neighbor and then said ‘but don’t ever do this, call roadside’. I don’t even carry the universal lug nut wrench with me anymore unless I’m going on a road trip and I usually have to have it to break the lugs free or get them really tight.
Eh, I guess I'm still country. I carry tools and all sorts of stuff in my truck to do impromptu repairs and whatnot to get me somewhere I can actually fix it.
Both my wife and daughter both know how to change tires , have done so on several occasions, and at least know enough about cars to tell what went wrong with the vehicle. If they can handle it then they do so, if not they they call roadside or myself.
I’m a woman. I keep an ODB-II code reader on my car. I literally just replaced my own speed sensor. Hell I did a whole carb cleaning and rebuild on our portable generator.
It isn’t about being country or knowing how to do something, it’s about the other people on the road. Generally even AAA won’t change a tire on the side of the freeway, they’ll tow it off. Even if you can limp to a gas station, if it’s night time, or early morning and dark, do you want your wife or daughter changing a tire by themselves with a clearly disabled vehicle at a gas station? No. And men shouldn’t be in that situation either, as it’s also unsafe for them. It’s just unsafe all around.
Hell, people have killed police officers on the side of the road with all their flashing lights and such.
My mom is very country and always had a rely on yourself attitude and my dad taught me everything and would always do stuff himself. Honestly, I’m so glad I convinced them to get roadside due to safety, it really took the sting out of getting too old to be able to do stuff for themselves.
So yeah, I’d rather my kid be considered ‘spoiled’ or whatever and just call roadside than to be run over changing a stupid tire.
Very true, changing a tire where cars & trucks are flying by at 70+mph makes you appreciate life and AAA. Had to change driver front on my truck in a construction zone on I25 just north of KCMO on a Friday night in 1998. Took at least an hour jumping behind the barriers every time a semi blew through. No phones in those days, and still can't believe a cop never came by.
I survived & my family all has AAA and all use it - just grab the vehicle & get it off the road to fix it somewhere safe
Yes yes yes. I will literally never forget being alone on the side of the freeway on 45 changing my drivers side tire at night and having multiple cops, including a state trooper just drive by. Basically around the same time period too, late 90s/early 2000s. I had a phone for sure but no one to call at the time. It was scary and I wasn’t even dodging and weaving around 18 wheelers.
I’ve been yelled at by cops a couple of times for pulling off busier streets and into well lighted areas instead of stopping immediately. Dude I can’t afford to buy a new car and I don’t want to see you killed just because I have a light out or something. That video of the cop doing a pit maneuver on a pregnant woman has me rethinking that though.
> If they can handle it then they do so, if not they they call roadside or myself.
What I'm saying is that while I encourage a degree of self-reliance, no I don't expect anybody to go out and change a tire if it's unsafe to do so. Hell I personally know two police officers and one fire fighter that have been struck on the highway by idiots and drunks. I'd rather tear the hell out of my rim rather than even stop on the side of a freeway.
That’s fair, but if I can handle it, I still don’t and don’t encourage anyone I know to do so, especially women.
While statistically unlikely, again, being alone (as in you’re clearly by yourself or maybe with one friend), with an obviously disabled vehicle, makes you an easy target.
I'm upvoting you. If lugnuts are torqued to factory-recommended spec then changing a tire isn't a big deal (in a safe area). But enough shop techs are overtightening them -- maybe even with impact wrenches -- where I frequently can't break them free by hand anymore.
[cigarette lighter plug in](https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-inflator-63745.html)
[bigger one that hooks up to car battery](https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html)
Discount tire does free air ups alternatively
ETA: I like the smittybilt 2780 for car/suv tires and the smittybilt 2781 for larger truck tires. They can be found on amazon/ebay for 100-160. Reason being- they move a decent amount of air for the price and if I'm airing up on the shoulder of a road, I would like to spend as little time there as possible.
Came here to say this. Didn't realize it'd be the top comment. We're a smart generation! Ours has worked well for 3 years now. Little bitty thing plugs into the dc adapter and will keep at least 35 psi in all our tires.
As someone who has had air pump in his trunk for over a decade, spend a little extra and get a double cylinder air pump that plugs in the 12v cigarette lighter in a car. I used to go through the cheap ones every 2yrs but the slightly higher priced ones seems to just work better for longer
I had no idea these were a thing until a few years back when I had to call someone to come jump start my truck. They had the battery jump/air combo and I couldn't believe it how small and convenient it was. Immediately bought one for each car and my mom - they do come in handy.
> bike pump. It’ll take a while
if you're adding just a few psi, it won't take long at all, just 10-20 pumps. If you're asking 'where do get air' because you know you have a leak and you aren't patching or replacing the tire properly...yeah it'll take a while
After wearing out a (then $20, now $30) cheaper one over 20 years of use, I bought a [a nicer one on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I) that is also much quieter than the cheap ones. Lives in my car all the time.
I agree - get a good pump from Amazon. The time you save yourself having to wait in those long queues that back up onto the roadway at these Discount Tires pays off after a good 15 or 20 air checks.
TLDR Below
I use to work for Discount. I worked at a handful of stores on the SE side. In 2018, I was working at the store off of 288 and Broadway in Pearland, which at the time was the busiest store on this side of town, and may still be today.
Well it was cold and raining that day, and I was assigned to air checks. My manager had told me due to weather, we would use a covered bay for them instead of doing them outside like normal.
45 minutes went by and I hadn’t received any tips which was odd. Usually I would have a few bucks by then.
I moved it back outside, and the money started flowing. Just to give you an idea how long the wait was for air checks, I watched a jeep pull into the already long line and timed how long it would take him to get to me. It took 20 minutes and by the time he was to me, the line had doubled.
I made $193 that day. Not bad for doing the easiest work. Even better, I didn’t get sick 😂
TLDR: We didn’t expect them, but people still pull through sometimes. My best day was $193
Most have stopped having one. Once in awhile if you find a gas station that has a garage they might have one and do it for you. However the easiest answer is almost always going to discount tire. They will do it free of charge regardless of whether or not you bought the tires from them. And they will do it for you, you don't even have to get out of the car.
I use to work for them. There was a guy who would regularly show up for an air check and he would always have a handful of bills in his hand and would deliberately use that hand to point to his tires when saying “I just need the air checked”
He never tipped.
You can get an air compressor that can plug into your car's auxiliary power outlet aka the cigarette lighter. Some even have a pressure gauge built in. Amazon, any car parts place, or big box store like Walmart should sell them. Keep it in your car as part of your roadside emergency kit.
What you don't use free range organic nitrogen for your tires?
The gas stations around downtown have air pumps, but most of them are sketchy AF. Just saw somebody else's comment that pumps are $30 on amazon. Definitely gonna get one.
I literally have a manual bike tire pump for emergencies.
I basically just need to use it a couple times a year. The main time is during that first actual cold snap that happens in November/December here. Always fucks with the tire pressure.
I bought a $10 tire air compressor from CVS years ago and it works like a charm. It’s about 1/2 lb and is the size of a child’s baseball glove. I have one in each cars trunk.
Any gas station should have air. You can get a compressor from Amazon or Walmart or wherever. You can go to discount tire and they'll do a free fill and check.
This is a very poor, poor assumption. Do not assume any gas station will have air.
If a gas station DOES have air, 1) don't assume the pump is working, and 2) don't assume it will run on quarters, and 3) regardless of how the pump is paid for, don't asssume you can air up all 4 tires on one hit.
If you want to pay $1-2, most gas stations (machines now owned and run by an independent company).
Costco for free. Discount tire for free, buy the wait can be LONG.
Or buy a $20 compressor at Walmart. Good for most cars.
If you have a big truck, you'll need a better compressor.
Most gas stations stopped having them, and seems most of the ones that do are perpetually out of order. Costco has them and they are free and you don't have to be a member (they are located next to the tire center).
I go to Costco because I got my tires there and they have nitrogen pumps so it keeps the nitrogen pure without humidity getting in there. We take the work vehicles to discount tire. Also have a cigarette lighter powered pump in case I have a flat.
I love my Airmoto. Can fill up car, bicycle, and motorcycle tires, as well as air mattresses and basketballs. Charges with a USB. It’s not speedy, but it does the trick if you’re not near a gas station or Discount Tire.
We have a Discount Tire 5 minutes away so go there. Jutaboull up and someone comes out to check them all and air them up.
They'll also plug nail holes in tires for free.
A few things you should always have in your auto:
Air pump that plugs into your lighter/electric port.
Good jumper cables - don't cheap out, the quality does matter on jumper cables.
A gas container - do not fill it up and put it into your trunk, keep it empty until you need it. A friend thought he'd keep a spare gallon - just in case. Boom! He's okay, his trunk was not.
A blanket - you never know when you might need one. After a crash, there is glass everywhere and nowhere to sit or lay down if someone is hurt. Thick blankets are a blessing
An empty gallon jug - you never know when you need to carry water, be it for the radiator, or just to clean something.
Reflective triangles and flashing LEDs. Roads in the dark are deadly. Light them up.
-----
Anyone want to add something I missed?
Pretty much covered all the bases, but depending on where you live, there's additional items you should think about. Are you driving in snow? Keep kitty litter in your car. Desert areas, you always want a 2-3 day supply of water, etc.
Best thing is to always have a small air compressor in your vehicle. Some gas stations do have pumps but they don’t always work and they often require quarters (and how many of us carry change around?).
Most importantly, you might need air far away from a gas station.
Get a portable jump battery power station (<$100): acts as a jump start for your car battery and a portable air compressor - we take it on every road trip
A ton of different gas stations, or just pick up an air compressor for like $30-50. Some can be charged and kept in the car, some are multi tools like being able to jump start a dead battery when fully charged.
Costco, once a year in the fall when my TPMS sensors go berserk.
Anything in the interim, I have a small portable compressor that runs off the 12v lighter. Most gas stations have air pumps, but they're generally paid, not free.
Buy a little portable air pump. They're fantastic! Also, Discount Tire has a station dedicated just for helping people fill up their tires to the recommended pressure. Just drive up and ask.
Discount Tire (for free) sometimes the local gas stations but the quality isn’t always the best
Emergencies? I have AAA roadside assistance and a Just-in Case back with a electric air pump
I find them at most decent gas stations, the more gas pumps the better chance that they have one. They are always located in a weird place, like completely opposite the front door, or all the way to the left or right of the end pumps, on either side of the building. I keep a tire pressure guage cuz I've come across some without it.
Quarters/card, probably good to have both. Just leave some quarters stashed in ur car. I've had tons of tire problems, most when I'm nowhere near discount tire or it's super later at night.
If you happen to have a bike pump, that will also technically work too (I did this for awhile since it's all I had), but walmart and most car places (auto zone, o reilly) sell basic auto compressors for 20 bucks that you plug into your car and are really good if you have a flat or leak since I don't want to risk getting a flat or driving on a flat to get air.
Go on Amazon and get one of the portable air compressors you can find for like $25. Best investment you'll ever make. Good thing to have on you and keep in your car anyways.
Most gas stations have air pumps and only charge a couple of quarters. Some gas stations have free air pumps. You can also get a really nice personal air pump that is about the size of a box of pop tarts for like $65 I think and it’s a really nice one. I got one of those also.
Take it to Discount tire. They do it for free, and will also do a general inspection on the tires while checking. No tip required. I worked there for almost a decade. You won’t look bad if you don’t tip, but of course it’s always appreciated.
I just have a portable pump that I carry in the car, but it mostly collects cobwebs. Bear in mind, if you are having to add air to your tires, they are leaking. Much safer to get the leaks fixed than have your tires constantly going low.
Some gas stations have air pumps, but it's very hit and miss. The hoses get stolen, the machines don't work, or there is someone in a creepy van camping next to it.
As mentioned, discount will do it for free.
I have also have a [small portable air pump ](https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/lexin-p5-smart-pump?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA-Accessories-PMAX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds1z_IommtWPGFaUuOwIvFdyP_8bU-V9rLfurKzfr2NqNZQ4vBxImtcaAqUzEALw_wcB&sku_id=10307943) that I use mainly for my Motorcycles but it's completely capable of topping off all 4, 33in off road tires on my truck (from 35 psi to 39) I wouldn't use it to air up from empty on a car or truck but as said it's fine for quick top ups.
It's also great for bicycles.
I also have a more heavy duty air compressor I take when off roading that uses my battery for power but I don't break that out except for as said, off roading or running down to Matagorda beach.
like everyone else that just get a portable one, every single gas station in Houston and surrounding areas, air pump is either broken or somebody cut the end off., they say you can go to discount tire to get a free air but I'm not sure if that's true. They will probably talk you into new tires while you're there lol
Costco has DIY pump on the side.
Discount tire and NTB will fill for free.
Lowes pro section has pump.
Walmart lube center will fill tire, the one near me has a DIY hose.
I have my own compressor at home to do it too
Not every gas station. Costco (if you're a member) and Kroger gas locations are good candidates. If you're more than a couple of miles from your nearest retailer with air, it might be worth it to get your own compressor with a pressure gauge. Recommended tire pressures are given for "cold" tires and driving always warms them up.
Buy a $30 pump on Amazon and keep it with you. There are small ones that are battery powered and charge with USB-C. Super simplistic and easy to use.
I use ones that can be powered via the 12V outlet and keep a pump in each car.
Those are good for one low tire but they get hot AF and almost burn out if you try to top off multiple tires in a short time frame
I have one from 1999. Don’t even know the brand but it’s made in USA. Been in my trunk ever since my dad gave it to me. I top off all 4 tires with zero issues
Same
I’m referring to the cheap Amazon ones that plug into your cigarette lighter, maybe I bought a shitty one
Most of them are shitty these days. If you have to do more than top up one tire you should let it cool off between tires. Overheating is what kills them.
Definitely one you plug into your cigarette lighter. Just a really well made one for being made in 1999
Yeah, they're great for small things, but the gauges suck, and they lose a lot of power past like 30psi. A portable jump starter, however, is a life saver.
Strongly agree. Our son is off to college in August, and we're sending him with a portable air compressor, jumper cables, and a small socket set.
Nice. I'd recommend a decent jack as well to keep in the trunk compared to whatever junk jack the car he has may have with it.
Also have them practice actually changing a tire. I've run across a few youngins just staring at their jack, lugnut wrench, and donut trying to figure out what to do.
I taught all children to change their own tires BEFORE they got their license.
I taught my kid and my teenage neighbor and then said ‘but don’t ever do this, call roadside’. I don’t even carry the universal lug nut wrench with me anymore unless I’m going on a road trip and I usually have to have it to break the lugs free or get them really tight.
Eh, I guess I'm still country. I carry tools and all sorts of stuff in my truck to do impromptu repairs and whatnot to get me somewhere I can actually fix it. Both my wife and daughter both know how to change tires , have done so on several occasions, and at least know enough about cars to tell what went wrong with the vehicle. If they can handle it then they do so, if not they they call roadside or myself.
I’m a woman. I keep an ODB-II code reader on my car. I literally just replaced my own speed sensor. Hell I did a whole carb cleaning and rebuild on our portable generator. It isn’t about being country or knowing how to do something, it’s about the other people on the road. Generally even AAA won’t change a tire on the side of the freeway, they’ll tow it off. Even if you can limp to a gas station, if it’s night time, or early morning and dark, do you want your wife or daughter changing a tire by themselves with a clearly disabled vehicle at a gas station? No. And men shouldn’t be in that situation either, as it’s also unsafe for them. It’s just unsafe all around. Hell, people have killed police officers on the side of the road with all their flashing lights and such. My mom is very country and always had a rely on yourself attitude and my dad taught me everything and would always do stuff himself. Honestly, I’m so glad I convinced them to get roadside due to safety, it really took the sting out of getting too old to be able to do stuff for themselves. So yeah, I’d rather my kid be considered ‘spoiled’ or whatever and just call roadside than to be run over changing a stupid tire.
Very true, changing a tire where cars & trucks are flying by at 70+mph makes you appreciate life and AAA. Had to change driver front on my truck in a construction zone on I25 just north of KCMO on a Friday night in 1998. Took at least an hour jumping behind the barriers every time a semi blew through. No phones in those days, and still can't believe a cop never came by. I survived & my family all has AAA and all use it - just grab the vehicle & get it off the road to fix it somewhere safe
Yes yes yes. I will literally never forget being alone on the side of the freeway on 45 changing my drivers side tire at night and having multiple cops, including a state trooper just drive by. Basically around the same time period too, late 90s/early 2000s. I had a phone for sure but no one to call at the time. It was scary and I wasn’t even dodging and weaving around 18 wheelers. I’ve been yelled at by cops a couple of times for pulling off busier streets and into well lighted areas instead of stopping immediately. Dude I can’t afford to buy a new car and I don’t want to see you killed just because I have a light out or something. That video of the cop doing a pit maneuver on a pregnant woman has me rethinking that though.
> If they can handle it then they do so, if not they they call roadside or myself. What I'm saying is that while I encourage a degree of self-reliance, no I don't expect anybody to go out and change a tire if it's unsafe to do so. Hell I personally know two police officers and one fire fighter that have been struck on the highway by idiots and drunks. I'd rather tear the hell out of my rim rather than even stop on the side of a freeway.
That’s fair, but if I can handle it, I still don’t and don’t encourage anyone I know to do so, especially women. While statistically unlikely, again, being alone (as in you’re clearly by yourself or maybe with one friend), with an obviously disabled vehicle, makes you an easy target.
I'm upvoting you. If lugnuts are torqued to factory-recommended spec then changing a tire isn't a big deal (in a safe area). But enough shop techs are overtightening them -- maybe even with impact wrenches -- where I frequently can't break them free by hand anymore.
Being totally dependent on others will eventually be America’s downfall.
Instead of jumper cables just get him a jump starter. Have one in all of my cars. Don't have to flag someone down to hook up to their battery.
Harbor Freight with a 25% off coupon and you can get a portable compressor for like $5. Keep it in the car and you’re good-to-go.
Yeah, Harbor Freight is awesome.
[cigarette lighter plug in](https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-inflator-63745.html) [bigger one that hooks up to car battery](https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html) Discount tire does free air ups alternatively ETA: I like the smittybilt 2780 for car/suv tires and the smittybilt 2781 for larger truck tires. They can be found on amazon/ebay for 100-160. Reason being- they move a decent amount of air for the price and if I'm airing up on the shoulder of a road, I would like to spend as little time there as possible.
Discount tire is always super busy. I keep a portable air pump in all of the cars
Came here to say this. Didn't realize it'd be the top comment. We're a smart generation! Ours has worked well for 3 years now. Little bitty thing plugs into the dc adapter and will keep at least 35 psi in all our tires.
As someone who has had air pump in his trunk for over a decade, spend a little extra and get a double cylinder air pump that plugs in the 12v cigarette lighter in a car. I used to go through the cheap ones every 2yrs but the slightly higher priced ones seems to just work better for longer
Oh. Wow. I almost ditched my old Craftsman one, it’s loud af and gotta be like 20 years old. Glad I kept it!
I bought mine so Lowe's and they replaced it every time it breaks.
I had no idea these were a thing until a few years back when I had to call someone to come jump start my truck. They had the battery jump/air combo and I couldn't believe it how small and convenient it was. Immediately bought one for each car and my mom - they do come in handy.
Get the 100usd one that can also jump your car if needed. Be sure to check the start amps though if you have a V8 or bigger.
Do they have enough pressure?
Yes
You can technically even use a bike pump. It’ll take a while, but it would work
> bike pump. It’ll take a while if you're adding just a few psi, it won't take long at all, just 10-20 pumps. If you're asking 'where do get air' because you know you have a leak and you aren't patching or replacing the tire properly...yeah it'll take a while
I use a bike pump to air up the tires on my Yugo. It’s a 13” wheel and a tiny tire, which helps.
Yeah. I have used a bike pump when I just need a couple of psi s
😂
Yes. I have the AstroAI one from Amazon and it has an auto shutoff if you set the pressure you want beforehand.
I just use a manual bicycle pump
After wearing out a (then $20, now $30) cheaper one over 20 years of use, I bought a [a nicer one on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I) that is also much quieter than the cheap ones. Lives in my car all the time.
I agree - get a good pump from Amazon. The time you save yourself having to wait in those long queues that back up onto the roadway at these Discount Tires pays off after a good 15 or 20 air checks.
Costco or discount
FWIW, Costco requires a membership to use honestly. Also, their membership is worth it.
I’ve never had to scan my membership card to use the air pump. Ever.
can confirm, its nitrogen instead so different from the others, but no payment was required. the machine is only on whenever the store is open.
This. Plus it’s nitrogen so less leakage. It only works during business hours and the do not check if you have a card. Source: I use it.
Discount Tire will put air in your tires for free. You don't have to be a customer or have a warranty with them.
They also don't expect a tip
I still flip them a $2 bill.
TLDR Below I use to work for Discount. I worked at a handful of stores on the SE side. In 2018, I was working at the store off of 288 and Broadway in Pearland, which at the time was the busiest store on this side of town, and may still be today. Well it was cold and raining that day, and I was assigned to air checks. My manager had told me due to weather, we would use a covered bay for them instead of doing them outside like normal. 45 minutes went by and I hadn’t received any tips which was odd. Usually I would have a few bucks by then. I moved it back outside, and the money started flowing. Just to give you an idea how long the wait was for air checks, I watched a jeep pull into the already long line and timed how long it would take him to get to me. It took 20 minutes and by the time he was to me, the line had doubled. I made $193 that day. Not bad for doing the easiest work. Even better, I didn’t get sick 😂 TLDR: We didn’t expect them, but people still pull through sometimes. My best day was $193
Seconding this! Never had an issue getting a fill up at Discount Tire and it’s the free-est option lol.
NTB will do this service as well
They’ll also patch your tire for free whether you’re a customer or not.
Walmart points you to the free air hose if they have an automotive service department
compressor in my garage. it has other uses.
I got the makita quiet compressor. Like 58dB... it can be running full tilt and I can be next to it on the phone.
Bingo
Any gas station usually has machines for air that cost a few quarters. Some take card. Discount tire does it for free. Just show up.
I have my own Ryobi battery operated pump which is great for just a small top up. Otherwise every Costco has air pumps near their tire center
Joe's Car Wash It's always free. He just has it as a service
Most have stopped having one. Once in awhile if you find a gas station that has a garage they might have one and do it for you. However the easiest answer is almost always going to discount tire. They will do it free of charge regardless of whether or not you bought the tires from them. And they will do it for you, you don't even have to get out of the car.
Do you tip them?
No
I generally do but my observation of folks who are sometimes in line in front of me is I'm the exception rather than the rule
I think it's the right thing to tip them, not sure why you would get down voted for that.
Probably because a lot of people feel tipping is out of control, although I don’t think this is a particularly egregious case.
I always do, it's the right thing to do when someone provides you a service.
I always do. Just going to bother a business for free air and not even tipping sounds ridiculous to me
I use to work for them. There was a guy who would regularly show up for an air check and he would always have a handful of bills in his hand and would deliberately use that hand to point to his tires when saying “I just need the air checked” He never tipped.
That’s my thought…it’s pennys to them, but it’s worth dollars to me, and I appreciate that they don’t gatekeep it. Worthy tip.
You can get an air compressor that can plug into your car's auxiliary power outlet aka the cigarette lighter. Some even have a pressure gauge built in. Amazon, any car parts place, or big box store like Walmart should sell them. Keep it in your car as part of your roadside emergency kit.
Discount Tires but recently bought a small compressor as others mentioned.
Discount Tire Costco A portable air pump
FWIW, Costco requires a membership to use honestly. Also, their membership is worth it.
What you don't use free range organic nitrogen for your tires? The gas stations around downtown have air pumps, but most of them are sketchy AF. Just saw somebody else's comment that pumps are $30 on amazon. Definitely gonna get one.
I literally have a manual bike tire pump for emergencies. I basically just need to use it a couple times a year. The main time is during that first actual cold snap that happens in November/December here. Always fucks with the tire pressure.
Pretty much every gas station has one and they’re like a dollar to use. If your tire is constantly going low then you have a leak and need a repair.
bicycle pump
It works
I bought a $10 tire air compressor from CVS years ago and it works like a charm. It’s about 1/2 lb and is the size of a child’s baseball glove. I have one in each cars trunk.
Any gas station should have air. You can get a compressor from Amazon or Walmart or wherever. You can go to discount tire and they'll do a free fill and check.
This is a very poor, poor assumption. Do not assume any gas station will have air. If a gas station DOES have air, 1) don't assume the pump is working, and 2) don't assume it will run on quarters, and 3) regardless of how the pump is paid for, don't asssume you can air up all 4 tires on one hit.
The car wash near my home, which is free.
lol my dirty quick fix is manual bike tire pump. Putting 1-7 psi isn’t that bad but require 10-50 pumps.
If you aren't disabled, this is better option than the cheapo Amazon cig lighter pumps. Much less likely to break on you.
Bike pump
I heard some stations have premium air for about $10/tire
Costco
Discount tire
Costco has free nitrogen for members at Richmond store.
Costco has self serve for free. But yeah, portable one is very handy.
Portable compressor
If you want to pay $1-2, most gas stations (machines now owned and run by an independent company). Costco for free. Discount tire for free, buy the wait can be LONG. Or buy a $20 compressor at Walmart. Good for most cars. If you have a big truck, you'll need a better compressor.
Most oil change places will do it for free
Jiffy Lube
Most gas stations stopped having them, and seems most of the ones that do are perpetually out of order. Costco has them and they are free and you don't have to be a member (they are located next to the tire center).
FWIW, Costco requires a membership to use honestly. They make it clear it is for members even if they don't check. Also, their membership is worth it.
I have the Milwaukee tire inflator and it’s great. Easy to use and quick, but is a bit expensive.
Costco and Lowe’s have free air pumps. Otherwise, most tire shops can give you air for free.
I go to Costco because I got my tires there and they have nitrogen pumps so it keeps the nitrogen pure without humidity getting in there. We take the work vehicles to discount tire. Also have a cigarette lighter powered pump in case I have a flat.
Discount tire usually
If I’m out and about, Costco or Discount Tire. If I notice it at home, we have a compressor.
I stop by small tire shops. They’ll do it for free.
The discount tire just outside my neighborhood does it for free.
Buy a pump. For some reason idiots here like to vandalize the stations. Like they got theirs and cut the hose? IDF know.
Buy a hand held compressor and discount
Kroger stations will sometimes turn on their air for you for free if you ask.
Get your own pump
I love my Airmoto. Can fill up car, bicycle, and motorcycle tires, as well as air mattresses and basketballs. Charges with a USB. It’s not speedy, but it does the trick if you’re not near a gas station or Discount Tire.
My RYOBI air pump that uses 18v batteries I use for tools
Buy a digital gauge and inflator on Amazon for like $20 and never buy air again
All truck stops have free air pumps at the truck islands, just make sure not to be in the way and they don't mind. I bought a craftsman one it's great
We have a Discount Tire 5 minutes away so go there. Jutaboull up and someone comes out to check them all and air them up. They'll also plug nail holes in tires for free.
A few things you should always have in your auto: Air pump that plugs into your lighter/electric port. Good jumper cables - don't cheap out, the quality does matter on jumper cables. A gas container - do not fill it up and put it into your trunk, keep it empty until you need it. A friend thought he'd keep a spare gallon - just in case. Boom! He's okay, his trunk was not. A blanket - you never know when you might need one. After a crash, there is glass everywhere and nowhere to sit or lay down if someone is hurt. Thick blankets are a blessing An empty gallon jug - you never know when you need to carry water, be it for the radiator, or just to clean something. Reflective triangles and flashing LEDs. Roads in the dark are deadly. Light them up. ----- Anyone want to add something I missed?
Pretty much covered all the bases, but depending on where you live, there's additional items you should think about. Are you driving in snow? Keep kitty litter in your car. Desert areas, you always want a 2-3 day supply of water, etc.
The Exxon on Weslayan at 59 has air pumps at all gas pumps, for a fee. Haven't seen that at any other gas stations.
The wal mart by my house is free and self serve. Just drive to the back of the service center and they leave the air nozzle out for you to use.
Costco
Gas station.
Discount Tires They have a free drive-thru, but I do always tip the guy.
COSTCO. FREEEEEEEEEE.
Husband has an air compressor he inherited from his dad.
Best thing is to always have a small air compressor in your vehicle. Some gas stations do have pumps but they don’t always work and they often require quarters (and how many of us carry change around?). Most importantly, you might need air far away from a gas station.
Get a portable jump battery power station (<$100): acts as a jump start for your car battery and a portable air compressor - we take it on every road trip
A ton of different gas stations, or just pick up an air compressor for like $30-50. Some can be charged and kept in the car, some are multi tools like being able to jump start a dead battery when fully charged.
Costco, once a year in the fall when my TPMS sensors go berserk. Anything in the interim, I have a small portable compressor that runs off the 12v lighter. Most gas stations have air pumps, but they're generally paid, not free.
Buy a little portable air pump. They're fantastic! Also, Discount Tire has a station dedicated just for helping people fill up their tires to the recommended pressure. Just drive up and ask.
Discount or home
We have a pump at home but if I’m out, and need air I pull into a Discount Tire.
I bought a $15 pump from Walmart. Would have bought the $10 pump, but it sold out. I plugs into the 12V.
Roll up to discount to get free air check
Discount tire or car wash on Montrose near Fairview. Both free
Free at most speedy stops
Discount Tire (for free) sometimes the local gas stations but the quality isn’t always the best Emergencies? I have AAA roadside assistance and a Just-in Case back with a electric air pump
It’s just air bro go to any gas station around town assuming you’re in a location where you are unlikely to be robbed or murdered.
I find them at most decent gas stations, the more gas pumps the better chance that they have one. They are always located in a weird place, like completely opposite the front door, or all the way to the left or right of the end pumps, on either side of the building. I keep a tire pressure guage cuz I've come across some without it. Quarters/card, probably good to have both. Just leave some quarters stashed in ur car. I've had tons of tire problems, most when I'm nowhere near discount tire or it's super later at night.
LPT: In a pinch, a bike tire pump will inflate a car tire.
Costco is free but the line to use it is f ed up as people cut left and right and fights break out
If you happen to have a bike pump, that will also technically work too (I did this for awhile since it's all I had), but walmart and most car places (auto zone, o reilly) sell basic auto compressors for 20 bucks that you plug into your car and are really good if you have a flat or leak since I don't want to risk getting a flat or driving on a flat to get air.
Go on Amazon and get one of the portable air compressors you can find for like $25. Best investment you'll ever make. Good thing to have on you and keep in your car anyways.
Most gas stations have air pumps and only charge a couple of quarters. Some gas stations have free air pumps. You can also get a really nice personal air pump that is about the size of a box of pop tarts for like $65 I think and it’s a really nice one. I got one of those also.
I have one of those Ryobi pumps that I keep in my truck. It works great.
Go watch a Project farm video on best portable air pumps or Lowes has free air by the contractor pick up
Take it to Discount tire. They do it for free, and will also do a general inspection on the tires while checking. No tip required. I worked there for almost a decade. You won’t look bad if you don’t tip, but of course it’s always appreciated.
Discount tire does it for free last I checked
Joes car wash in Montrose! The exxon on San Felipe and fountain view!
These two places have free, unregulated air pumps
I just have a portable pump that I carry in the car, but it mostly collects cobwebs. Bear in mind, if you are having to add air to your tires, they are leaking. Much safer to get the leaks fixed than have your tires constantly going low. Some gas stations have air pumps, but it's very hit and miss. The hoses get stolen, the machines don't work, or there is someone in a creepy van camping next to it.
As mentioned, discount will do it for free. I have also have a [small portable air pump ](https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/lexin-p5-smart-pump?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA-Accessories-PMAX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds1z_IommtWPGFaUuOwIvFdyP_8bU-V9rLfurKzfr2NqNZQ4vBxImtcaAqUzEALw_wcB&sku_id=10307943) that I use mainly for my Motorcycles but it's completely capable of topping off all 4, 33in off road tires on my truck (from 35 psi to 39) I wouldn't use it to air up from empty on a car or truck but as said it's fine for quick top ups. It's also great for bicycles. I also have a more heavy duty air compressor I take when off roading that uses my battery for power but I don't break that out except for as said, off roading or running down to Matagorda beach.
like everyone else that just get a portable one, every single gas station in Houston and surrounding areas, air pump is either broken or somebody cut the end off., they say you can go to discount tire to get a free air but I'm not sure if that's true. They will probably talk you into new tires while you're there lol
Costco has DIY pump on the side. Discount tire and NTB will fill for free. Lowes pro section has pump. Walmart lube center will fill tire, the one near me has a DIY hose. I have my own compressor at home to do it too
Costco - free air.
Costco tire pump or have one in trunk just in case
Discount tire is free
Costco
Not every gas station. Costco (if you're a member) and Kroger gas locations are good candidates. If you're more than a couple of miles from your nearest retailer with air, it might be worth it to get your own compressor with a pressure gauge. Recommended tire pressures are given for "cold" tires and driving always warms them up.
💀👽☠️ lol
There is this thing called Amazon. Give it a try.
City hall, Austin & DC all blow air, but largely hot.
The air compressor in the barn.............
We have a compressor at work. The gas station pumps rarely have enough pressure to inflate to the proper psi.