As a responsible driver, you know that keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. But did you know that it can also have a big impact on your gas mileage?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 3%, while overinflated tires can decrease it by up to 0.6%. That may not sound like much, but over time it can really add up. In fact, the DOE estimates that the average driver can save up to 11 cents per gallon of gas simply by keeping their tires properly inflated!
Of course, keeping your tires inflated requires access to a reliable air source. But where are the best places to Get Free Air for Your Tires?
Well, I decided to take a look at some of the best places to fill up your tires without spending a dime. So buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
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Google is Your Friend
If you’re on the hunt for free air, one of the easiest ways to find it is with Google Maps. Simply open the app or website, type in “free air near me,” and hit enter. Google will then show you a map with the locations of nearby gas stations, tire shops, and other businesses that offer free air.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all businesses that offer free air may be listed on Google Maps. So if you strike out with your search, don’t hesitate to ask around. Local mechanics, tire shops, and auto parts stores may also offer free air, even if they’re not listed on Google.
With a little bit of effort, you can find free air for your tires no matter where you are. So next time you need to top up, whip out your phone and let Google be your guide!
FreeAirPump.com
Another great resource for finding free air is the website freeairpump.com. This site is dedicated to helping drivers locate free air pumps across the United States and Canada.
To use the site, simply enter your zip code or city and state, and click “Search.” Freeairpump.com will then show you a list of nearby locations that offer free air, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and business hours.
One of the great things about freeairpump.com is that it allows users to submit new locations or report when a pump is out of order. That means the site is constantly being updated with the latest information, ensuring that you always have access to reliable and accurate data.
So if you’re looking for free air, be sure to check out freeairpump.com. It’s a quick and easy way to find the nearest location and keep your tires properly inflated.
The Best Places to Get Free Air for Your Tires
Ready to hit the road and save some cash on gas? I’ve rounded up a list of the best places to find air for your tires for free. From gas stations to auto parts stores, these locations offer reliable air pumps that won’t cost you a dime. Let’s get started!
1 Goodyear Auto Service Centers
If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient option for free air, look no further than Goodyear Auto Service Centers. These centers offer complimentary tire inflation at all of their locations, making it easy to keep your tires properly inflated no matter where you are. Plus, their experienced technicians can also provide expert advice on tire maintenance and repair.
2 Firestone Complete Auto Care
Another great option for free air is Firestone Complete Auto Care. With over 1,700 locations across the United States, you’re likely to find a Firestone center near you that offers complimentary tire inflation. They also offer a free tire inspection.
3 Kroger Grocery Stores
Check out your local Kroger grocery store. Many Kroger locations offer free air pumps in their parking lots, making it easy to inflate your tires while you’re running errands. With over 1,200 stores with fuel pumps across the country, chances are good that there’s a Kroger near you that offers this service.
4 Discount Tire
With over 1,000 locations across the United States, their air pumps are available to both customers and non-customers alike. Plus, if you’re in the market for new tires or other auto services, their knowledgeable staff can provide expert assistance and advice.
5 QuikTrip
If you live in one of the 11 states where QuikTrip operates, you’re in luck! This convenience store chain offers free air at all of their locations, making it easy to keep your tires properly inflated while you’re on the go. With over 850 stores across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, you’re likely to find a QuikTrip near you that offers this service.
6 Costco
If you’re a Costco member, you can take advantage of free tire inflation at any of their tire service centers. These are staffed by experienced technicians who can provide a wide range of tire-related services, from inflation to rotation to repair. Plus, if you’re in the market for new tires, Costco’s selection and prices are hard to beat.
7 WaWa
WaWa is a convenience store chain with over 900 locations across the East Coast of the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington D.C. All WaWa stores offer free air pumps in their parking lots, making it easy to keep your tires properly inflated while you’re on the go.
8 Sam’s Club
If you’re a Sam’s Club member, you can take advantage of free air at any of their Tire and Battery Centers. With over 600 locations across the United States, the odds are good that there’s a Sam’s Club right around the corner from where you live.
9 National Tire and Battery (NTB)
National Tire and Battery (NTB) is another great option for free air and tire services. With over 600 locations across the United States, NTB offers a range of tire-related services, including free tire inflation, at all of their locations.
10 Sheetz
This convenience store chain has over 600 locations across Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina, and all of their stores offer free air pumps in their parking lots. So next time you’re running errands or on a road trip in these areas, be sure to keep Sheetz in mind as a convenient option for keeping your tires properly inflated.
11 Just Tires
Just Tires is a tire and automotive service chain with over 500 locations across the United States. While they primarily offer tire-related services for a fee, all of their locations offer free tire inspection along with free tire inflation
12 Big O Tires
Much like Just Tires, Big O Tires is another nationwide service center with 400 locations spread across 25 states. Free air is one of their services.
13 Hy-Vee Grocery Stores
Hy-Vee is a grocery store chain primarily located in the Midwest with over 280 stores across eight states. While they are best known for their groceries and other household items, all of their stores also offer free air pumps in their parking lots as a convenience to customers.
14 Royal Farms
Royal Farms is a convenience store chain with over 200 locations located in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. All of their stores offer free air pumps and other convenient amenities.
15 Gate
Gate is a gas station and convenience store chain with over 150 locations primarily located in Florida and surrounding states. Free tire inflation is available at all locations.
16 KwikTrip & KwikStar
These guys offer free air at all their locations around the Midwest. You can also join their rewards program for savings on gas and free food items.
17 Kum & Go
Go to any one of the 400 stores located across the American Midwest, and you’ll be able to fill your tires at no cost.
Gas Stations and Stores That Have Free Air at Limited Locations
All of the following gas stations and stores offer free tire inflation but only at some of their locations. Use FreeAirPump.com to find out which sites provide this service.
- 7-Eleven
- BP
- Chevron
- Citgo
- Conoco
- ExxonMobil
- Gulf Oil
- Marathon
- MotoMart
- On the Run
- Phillips 66
- RaceTrac
- Shell
- Sinclair
- Speedway
- Sunoco
- Texaco
Other Potential Sources of Free Air
If you’re due for an oil change, it’s worth checking with your local oil change shop to see if they offer a free air check as part of their service. Many oil change shops offer this service free to their customers, so it’s a great way to ensure that your tires are properly inflated while also getting your regular maintenance done.
Some popular oil change shops that offer free air checks include Jiffy Lube and Valvoline, so be sure to check with your local shop to see if they offer this service as well. Not only will you get peace of mind knowing your tires are properly inflated, but you’ll also be extending the life of your tires and improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
RV Lanes
If you own an RV or other large vehicle, you may find that it can be difficult to find a free air pump that can handle your tires. However, many gas stations offer RV lanes that are specifically designed for larger vehicles and often include free air pumps.
These pumps typically have a higher PSI rating than standard pumps, making them suitable for inflating the larger tires found on RVs and other similar vehicles. You can even use the free air on at an RV lane even if you own a smaller vehicle.
Every Gas Station in Connecticut and California
In California and Connecticut, there is actually a law that requires gas stations to provide free air to customers. This means that any gas station in these states that has an air pump is required to make it available to customers free of charge.
Additionally, they are also required to have the pump in working order and clearly labeled with instructions on how to use it. So if you’re in California or Connecticut, you can rest assured that you won’t have to pay for air at any gas station with a pump.
Get Your Own Air Compressor
If you have access to an air compressor at home, you may be able to save time and money by inflating your tires yourself. While this option may not be practical for everyone, it can be a great option for those who frequently need to inflate their tires or for any other uses. By having your own air compressor, you can inflate your tires at any time without having to worry about finding a free air pump or paying for one at a gas station.
Need Nore Car Maintenance Services?
Then it’s well worth knowing Does Walmart Balance Tires, Does Walmart Fix Flat Tires, Does Walmart Install Tires, Does Walmart Do Wheel Alignments, or the Costco Tire Center Hours?
And for non-tire maintenance, How Much Is An Oil Change At Walmart, Does Walmart Do Car Inspections, Does Walmart Replace Brake Pads, Does Walmart Install Car Stereos, as well as all the info you need on the Walmart Everstart Battery Warranty or the Walmart Car Battery Return Policy in 2023.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for both the safety of your vehicle and the efficiency of your fuel consumption. More importantly, it can also save lives. Fortunately, there are many places where you can find free air to inflate your tires. From gas stations and grocery stores to auto service centers and online resources, there are numerous options available to ensure that you have access to the air you need.
Whether you’re on a road trip, commuting to work, or just need to top off your tires, it’s always a good idea to have a plan in place for finding free air. By taking advantage of the many resources available, you can save time and money while keeping your tires in top condition.
So the next time you need to inflate your tires, be sure to check out some of the options I’ve mentioned and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with properly inflated tires.
Happy inflation!
