The right air pressure is important for the ride quality and control of your vehicle.
The good news is that there are a number of places where you can find free air for your tires.
Below are some of the best places where you can find a place to fill up your tires.
Where to get free air for tires
While there are a number of independent garages and destinations that may offer free air, we wanted to provide a list of major retailers, gas stations and stores that offer free air.
Local Tire Shop
If you take your car to a nearby tire shop, you can have your tires inflated for free. Most tire shops, including dealerships and service centers, provide this service using an outdoor hose or machine.
They not only inflate your tires but also ensure that they reach the correct pressure, reset any warning lights (if necessary), and usually have more accurate pressure gauges than those found at gas stations.
In addition, I used to replace any missing valve caps whenever I came across them.
Costco
Costco is a membership warehouse with locations all across the country that offers free air. Of course, you will have to pay for the membership.
However, if you already have a Costco membership card, you will be able to get free air anytime that you need it.
WaWa
You may know WaWa as the place where you get your gas as well as some great prepared food. However, just about all WaWa locations also offer free air.
You can find WaWa locations all across the country. You can check their site to see which location is closest to you.
Sheetz
Just like WaWa, Sheetz is also a well known gas station that is known for its great prepared food. You can also get free air at most Sheetz locations.
The next time you get gas at Sheetz, go ahead and make sure that your tires are properly inflated.
READ: 7 Ways to Sell Used Tires for Cash
Royal Farms
If you live in the mid-Atlantic, then you may be familiar with Baltimore, MD based Royal Farms. This chain of convenience stores has over 200 locations and offers free air.
Whether you live in the Mid-Atlantic area or you are driving through, be sure to stop by Royal Farms if you want to get free air for your tires.
Discount Tire
Discount Tire is the largest independent tire and wheel retailer in the world. There are Discount Tire locations in 36 states. Also, you can get free air at all of their locations.
GetGo
If you live in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, then you can get free air at GetGo. This popular convenience store offers free air at just about all of their locations.
If you are looking to get some morning coffee at GetGo, don’t forget to take advantage of their free air.
Hy-Vee
If you live in the midwest, then you can get free air at supermarket chain Hy-Vee.
With about 245 locations in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, you should have no problem finding a Hy-Vee supermarket if you live in the midwest.
QuikTrip
If you are looking to fill up your tires at a convenience store, then check out your closest QuikTrip location.
You can find QuikTrip convenience stores in Midwestern, Southern, and Southeastern United States as well as in Arizona.
If you don’t live in these areas, be sure to keep QuikTrip on your list in case you are driving through these regions.
Kroger
Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. In fact, Kroger is the largest supermarket retailer when it comes to revenue.
The good news is that you can also get free air at your local Kroger location. It’s a good idea to take advantage of that free air the next time that you are on a shopping trip.
Auto Zone
You are probably familiar with AutoZone. After all, they are one of the largest auto parts stores in the country. You can also get free air at your local AutoZone location.
So, the next time you need a part for your car or your SUV, go ahead and take advantage of the free air for your tires.
BP Gas Stations
If you get your gas at a BP Station, then you will be happy to know that you can also get free air.
You can find BP locations all across the country. This is good to know the next time that you are on your next road trip.
Some States are Required to Offer Free Air
Did you know that there are a couple of states where all gas stations are required to offer free air.
That’s right.
If you live in Connecticut or California, then your local gas station is required to offer you free air. This is also good to know if you are traveling through each of those states.
Secret Tip: This website can help you find free air near your address
Want to know where you can find free air near your home or your current area?
Then you can check out the site FreeAirPump.com. With this site, you simply enter your location and you will get a list of stores, gas stations, garages, and supermarkets that offer free air in your area.
The results even offer a map to help you find these locations faster.
Tips for Keeping Your Tires Filled
Do you know when to fill your tires? Here are some tips that will help you detect when your tire’s air pressure needs attention.
1). Look for signs of low air pressure
The first thing that you need to do is look for tell-tale signs that your vehicle’s tires have low air. Some of the best clues that your tires are low on air is the level of your vehicle. Do you notice it leaning to one side? There’s a good chance that you have a low tire on one side. Also, do you notice that your car is sluggish when accelerating from start? Low pressure tires lead to lower performance.
2). Test your tire pressure
Sometimes your tire will look fine but will still be low on air. That’s why it is a good idea to keep a tool – in your vehicle – that will allow you to test your tire’s air pressure. Keeping this tool is especially important if you are going on a road trip or if you drive long distances.
3). Check for ride quality
How is the ride quality of your vehicle? If you feel like your vehicle is riding lower than usual, then there could be an issue with your tire’s air pressure.
4). Check your tire pressure monitor
Some newer vehicles will have a tire pressure monitor and low tire warning indicator in the driver display cluster. Be sure that you know where your tire pressure monitor and low tire pressure warning indicator is located.
5). Listen to your tires
If you suspect that your tires are low while on the road, lower your windows and listen to the sound coming from your tires. If your tires are emitting a louder than usual sound, then that means there is more of the tire making contact with the road. This is a tell-tale indicator that your tire pressure is low.
What causes low tire pressure?
Your tires will normally lose air pressure over time. However, there are certain situations that can accelerate a loss of tire air pressure. Here are some causes of low tire pressure:
1). Leaks
You may not know it, but there may be a leak or multiple leaks on your tires. These leaks will not lead to a flat tire. Over time, however, these leaks can lead to a significant loss of air pressure in your tires. You can check for tire leaks by running water over your tires and checking for bubbles emitting from your tire.
2). Change in temperature
A change in temperature can also cause a loss of air pressure. Typically, a tire will lose about a pound of air for every 10 degree (Farenheit) drop in temperature. When winter comes, be sure to check your tire pressure to ensure they are at proper levels.
3). Bent wheels or rims
If you live in an area with rough roads or lots of big potholes, then your wheels may become damaged or bent. This causes your tires to become damaged as well. This can lead to a loss of air pressure. Be sure to check your wheels to see if they are bent or damaged in any way.
4). Foregin object stuck in the tire
Many tires end up with objects in them. For instance, there are many tires that end up with nails and screws in them. While the nail or screw does not result in a flat tire, the foregin object can lead to an accelerated loss of air pressure.
5). Old tires
If you have older tires on your vehicles, then they will be less likely to hold air for a longer period of time. Typically, a new tire will lose one pound of air each month. This level can accelerate as the tire ages.
Keeping Your Tires Filled for Free
The right tire pressure is important for the overall safety of your vehicle. Be sure to check your tire pressure on a regular basis. Also, take advantage of the free air located in your area.
Related: Guide to buying a used car
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