About Free Air Near Me

Hi,
I'm Tom, a data scientist and programmer passionate about building apps. I created this website out of frustration with the idea of paying for something that should be free. The database is maintained thanks to many extraordinary people adding new locations and updates almost daily. So, this website is built upon User-Generated Content^{1, 2}.

It's essential to keep growing our database. If you have any information about businesses that provide free compressed air, use this form to let me know. I will review all submissions and try to add new locations on a weekly basis.

Below, I've added some general information on where to find free air pumps. Additionally, you can find a quick summary of states that have laws requiring certain businesses to provide free compressed air for customers.

Drive safely!
Tom

What Businesses Offer Free Air for Your Tires

Big O Tires

Big O Tires is a trusted name in the automotive industry. Their history dates back to 1962. You can perform your monthly tire pressure check and refill for free. Big O Tires is one of the largest independent tire and auto service operations with over 460 locations in 25 states. They offer a wide range of diagnostic, repair, and routine maintenance services for vehicles. Tire and wheel services are available for all types of vehicles. Additionally, they offer wheel alignment, brake repair, and oil changes. You can also rely on them for suspension and front-end services, along with various routine auto checks and repairs.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-based warehouse club that offers numerous benefits to its members. Among these benefits is access to free air pumps, ensuring your tires are properly inflated. Additionally, members can enjoy fuel discounts and store savings on a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics and home essentials. BJ’s Wholesale Club features dedicated BJ’s Tire Centers, where various maintenance services are available, including some offered for free.

BP Gas Stations

British Petroleum (BP) is widely recognized for its significant engagement in the exploration, extraction, refining, and selling of oil and gas resources. The company primarily operates within the energy sector and does not specialize directly in automobile tires. However, selected BP gas stations offer air pumps for tire inflation as part of their customer-centric approach. For comprehensive information about tire-related services, we recommend checking with individual BP gas stations. We have included those verified by our customers in our database.

Costco

Costco is a prominent player in the retail warehouse club scene and has a thriving presence in the realm of car tires. Many Costco warehouse locations have free air pumps available in their parking lots. They offer a wide range of car tires for various vehicles. Customers can choose from reputable brands and take advantage of affordable pricing. They also provide tire installation services and offer tire maintenance like tire rotation, balancing, and pressure checks. At the heart of Costco's tire business is a commitment to provide excellent tires, competitive prices, and skilled services, all aimed at meeting the unique needs of its members. With over 500 locations you’re likely to find a Costco tire center near you.

Discount Tire

Discount Tire is an independent tire and wheel retailer. The company does not only sell new tires and wheels but also provides various services to keep them in good condition. Discount Tire can install, rotate, balance, repair, and dispose of tires. The company also offers a road hazard protection plan for customers who want to avoid unexpected costs from tire damage. Customers can also get a free air check and tire inspection at any Discount Tire store.

Exxon Mobil

Exxon Mobil is mainly recognized as an energy company. They are involved in various aspects of the energy industry, such as exploration, production, refining, marketing, and chemical manufacturing. The company does not directly engage in car tire-related services. Free air pumps for tire inflation are available at several Exxon or Mobil petrol stations. For availability, you should contact each station separately. Of course, you can also search in our database for locations checked by our users.

Firestone Complete Auto Care

Firestone Complete Auto Care is a car service company that offers a wide range of services for your vehicle. They offer new tires, oil changes, brakes, batteries, alignment, or engine repair. Firestone Complete Auto Care can help you keep your car running smoothly and safely. The company offers a free tire inspection and no-cost refill so it's worth checking them. They have more than 1700 locations so it should be easy to find them.

Goodyear Auto Service Centers

Goodyear, a leading tire and rubber company in the USA, operates over 2,400 Goodyear Auto Service locations across the country. With a rich history of innovation and technology, Goodyear provides high-quality tires and services for various vehicles and industries. Their offerings include tire installation, rotation, balancing, repair, and disposal, as well as wheel alignment, mounting, and other services. Additionally, they provide tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) service and reset, along with a road hazard protection plan. Goodyear also offers complimentary tire inspections and air checks to ensure optimal performance.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee is a supermarket chain present in the Midwestern and Southern United States. They provide a range of products and services including groceries, bakery items, catering, sushi, pharmacy services, liquor, floristry, and more. Some Hy-Vee locations feature gas stations and convenience stores, giving customers the opportunity to fuel up their vehicles while grabbing snacks and drinks. Some of these gas stations also offer free compressed air for tires.

Just Tires

Taking care of your tires is vital, and at Just Tires, they make it easy by offering complimentary pressure checks and tire health assessments when you schedule an appointment. Just Tires is a prominent tire and auto services company that operates a network of over 250 locations nationwide. They provide a comprehensive array of services for those seeking new tires or aiming to maintain their current ones. Just Tires services encompass tire installation, rotation, balancing, repair, and environmentally-friendly disposal, as well as wheel alignment, mounting, and accurate lug nut torque. Additionally, they have expertise in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) service and reset, along with a safeguarding road hazard protection plan.

Les Schwab

Les Schwab, a well-known tire retailer and service provider that has over 400 locations, is a go-to destination for car tire needs. Their focus on customer satisfaction is evident through a range of offerings that cater to different vehicle types and performance requirements. With a variety of tire brands available, Les Schwab excels in tire sales, installation, and upkeep services, encompassing tire rotation, balancing, and necessary repairs. Customers can take advantage of the offered compressed air to have their tire pressure checked and adjusted, usually without incurring any extra charges. Moreover, Les Schwab is renowned for its complimentary tire inspections, which go beyond just pressure checks – ensuring your tires are optimally inflated and ready for the road ahead. We recommend contacting a nearby Les Schwab location to verify their range of services and policies, as these could differ based on the specific location.

Love’s Travel Stops

Love's Travel Stops operates a vast network of convenience stores, gas stations, and truck stops across the country. They provide fuel options for both cars and trucks, from diesel to gasoline and natural gas. Their convenience stores are well-stocked with snacks, drinks, groceries, and merchandise. Their truck service centers cover tire care, oil changes, repairs, and roadside assistance. Truck parking spaces come with extras like showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and TV. Spread across 41 states, with over 550 locations, finding a nearby Love's Travel Stop is hassle-free. They are truck oriented, but some locations offer free air for tires. Remember, services can vary, so it's wise to check if a specific location meets your needs.

Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J operates an expansive network of travel centers, gas stations, and truck stops spanning the United States, with over 750 locations. Their comprehensive services encompass fueling for cars and trucks, including diesel, gasoline, biodiesel, and propane. The convenience stores within their establishments offer an array of snacks, drinks, groceries, and merchandise. With truck service centers available, they cover tire care, oil changes, mechanical repairs, and roadside assistance. Truck parking spaces come with added facilities such as showers, laundry amenities, Wi-Fi connectivity, and television access. An array of restaurants and fast-food outlets present a diverse range of cuisines and beverages. Some Pilot Flying J locations offer free air for tires. It's recommended to verify the services offered at a specific location before visiting. Keep in mind that they are oriented toward professional truck drivers.

QuickChek

QuickChek operates a chain of convenience stores and gas stations, with a strong presence across over 150 locations in New Jersey and New York. Customers can find a variety of products and services. From fresh food and beverages, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and coffee, to a wide range of essential groceries such as snacks, drinks, dairy, frozen foods, and health and beauty products. They also provide fuel and car wash services and even electric vehicle charging stations. QuickChek also ensures access to ATM services. In addition, some QuickChek locations also provide free compressed air for tires.

QuikTrip

Customers can choose from a wide range of goods and services from QuikTrip, a firm that runs convenience stores and petrol stations all throughout the USA. QuikTrip provides fuel and car wash services, with options for ethanol, diesel, and gasoline. Customers can also purchase tickets and withdraw cash thanks to their lottery and ATM services. QuikTrip gas stations often have air pumps available for customers to use at no charge. They have over 1000 locations in 11 states.

Royal Farms

Royal Farms is a privately owned chain with over 240 stores in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia. Many of the stores have gasoline and electric vehicle charging. Royal Farms also offers free air at its gas stations.

Sam’s Club

Sam's Club, a membership-based warehouse club with over 600 locations across 44 states, serves as a hub for a variety of products and services in the USA. Bulk selling items at economical prices spans groceries, electronics, furniture, clothing, and more. In addition to these offerings, Sam's Club provides an array of services from optical and pharmacy services catering to eye care and medications to their tire and battery center for tire purchases and installation. The photo center handles printing, custom gifts, and photo books, while their fuel station offers convenient refueling for both gasoline and diesel vehicles. Many Sam's Club warehouse locations have air pumps in their parking lots for free tire refills. You can find more on Sam's Club Tire & Battery Center Services here.

Sheetz

Sheetz has over 600 locations in six states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina. The company operates a chain of convenience stores and gas stations. It offers a variety of products and services for its customers. Fresh food, groceries and essentials, lottery and ATM services. They also offer fuel and car wash services, including gasoline, diesel, and ethanol. Sheetz also offers free compressed air for tires at most of its locations.

Shell

Shell is a leading global energy company that operates internationally. Their broad spectrum of offerings is designed to meet varied customer needs. From fuel and lubricants covering options like gasoline, diesel, ethanol, and synthetic oils, to convenience stores and restaurants providing snacks, drinks, groceries, and hot food. Moreover, their commitment to sustainability is evident through Shell Energy, which empowers customers to switch to renewable electricity and natural gas for homes and businesses. While complimentary tire air isn't offered everywhere, service stations provide air pumps for a nominal fee. Shell has over 14,000 locations across the country. It's not a company-wide policy, but some Shell gas stations also offer free air pumps for tire inflation. It's recommended to verify with specific locations whether the air pump is free to use or not.

TA-Petro

TA-Petro is a company that operates a network of travel centers, gas stations, and truck stops in the USA. The company has over 290 locations in 44 states. Some of the services that TA-Petro provides include fueling services for cars and trucks, convenience stores and restaurants, truck service centers that offer tire care, oil changes, mechanical repair, and roadside assistance. They also offer truck parking spaces with amenities such as showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and TV. Additionally, TA-Petro provides free compressed air for tires at some of its locations. It's better to verify with specific locations whether the air pump is free to use.

Walmart

Walmart is a retail giant with more than 4,500 locations spread out across the country. This retail powerhouse caters to a wide array of needs, offering everything from groceries and electronics to clothing, furniture, toys, and more, all priced affordably. Beyond the products, Walmart goes the extra mile by providing essential services. These include a pharmacy, an optical center, a photo center, and a money center to handle various financial tasks. At their Auto Care Center, customers can buy and fit tires, batteries, wiper blades, and even change oil. Speaking of tires, they offer an extensive variety of car tires for sale, including trusted brands and their own private-label tires. They're environmentally conscious too, accepting used tires for proper disposal. If you're looking to inflate your tires, some Walmart stores have free air pumps right in their parking lots.

Wawa

The Wawa company runs well over a thousand convenience outlets, with more than half of them having gas stations. They have stores and gas stations in several states, including Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. While a good number of Wawa's gas stations provide free air pumps for tires, it's important to note that due to high demand, there might be instances where some pumps are out of order.

Free Air for Tires: A State-by-State Law Overview

Tire pressure plays an important role in vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. However, not all drivers have convenient access to air pumps or tire gauges for monitoring and adjusting their tire pressure. As previously mentioned, while some businesses offer free tire inflation services, certain gas stations or service stations may impose fees for using their air pumps, which can deter drivers from maintaining the ideal tire pressure.

To tackle this issue, several states have enacted legislation requiring gas stations or service stations to provide complimentary tire inflation services to their customers or the general public. We will examine the current status of such laws in three states: California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We will also highlight the similarities and important differences among these laws.

California

California is one of the first states to pass a law that obligates gas stations or service stations to supply free tire air to customers who purchase motor vehicle fuel. The law was passed in 1999 and went into force in January of 2000.

"On and after January 1, 2000, every service station in this state shall provide, during operating hours, and make available at no cost to customers who purchase motor vehicle fuel, water, compressed air, and a gauge for measuring air pressure, to the public for use in servicing any passenger vehicle, as defined in Section 465 of the Vehicle Code, or any commercial vehicle, as defined in Section 260 of the Vehicle Code, with an unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or less."

The law also requires service stations to post a sign in a conspicuous location informing the public of the availability of free water, air, and pressure gauge. The sign must also state that if these services are not available during operating hours, the customer has the right to call a toll-free telephone number to file a complaint with the Division of Measurement Standards of the Department of Food and Agriculture. The department is responsible for enforcing the law and imposing penalties for violations. You can also file your complaint online by filling this form.

Connecticut

Connecticut is another state that requires licensed fuel retailers (gas or service stations) that sell motor gasoline to the public to offer free tire air to anybody who requests it. The law was enacted in 2013 and amended in 2015.

"Any person licensed under section 14-319 to dispense motor fuel for sale to the public for any motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, shall provide for free public use an air compressor for the purpose of tire inflation during the hours such premises are open for business. Each such licensee shall post a sign in a conspicuous location upon the premises and in such form as the commissioner may require, informing the public of the availability of an air compressor for free public use during the hours such premises are open. Such compressor shall be capable of producing at least eighty pounds per square inch pressure at the outlet."

The law requires businesses that sell gasoline to post a sign in a visible location stating that they offer a free air compressor for public use during business hours. The Department of Consumer Protection enforces the law and brings complaints under section 14-319 of the statutes.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a state that addresses the provision of air pumps at gas stations or service stations. The law was enacted in 2008 and amended in 2010. According to the Rhode Island General Laws:

"Every retail dealer shall display and maintain a compressed air pump which shall be available during the hours the business is open whether the business is an attended or self service gas station. The division of motor vehicles of motor vehicles, safety and emission control unit, shall be responsible for the enforcement of this section and the bringing of complaints under § 31-37-17."

The law requires gas stations to provide free air pumps for customers, regardless of whether they purchase fuel. The law does not require any signage or enforcement mechanism. The Division of Motor Vehicles, Safety and Emission Control Unit, enforces the law and brings complaints under section 31-37-17 of the statutes.

Disclaimer:
Keep in mind that I'm trying as much as I can to provide accurate information, but some information may be outdated, and I encourage you to let me know using the Add New button at the top of this page. Be precise as much as you can in describing what should be updated and why.