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Comment by Cd00d | Hacker News Reader

Re: gas stations for tire pressure - it's the worst! They'll charge an exorbitant rate, the timer cuts out before you get to your fourth tire, someone is parked in the way or the machine is down - filling the tires was literally my least favorite part of car ownership for years, and I tend to do most of my own simple maintenance like oil changes.

I bought this tool on the battery platform of the rest of my power tools: https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/DMP180ZX

Best $120 I've ever spent! Can't recommend enough. Also great for inflatable mattresses, kiddie pools, basketballs, and shuts off automatically when it gets to the pressure you set.

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In California the coin-op air/water are a scam. They'll take your money, but if you ask the attendant they can turn it on from the booth. Some may even have a secret button on the side to turn them on [1]. Unfortunately for EVs, the law only applies if you are purchasing fuel.

> California law requires that station operators provide free air and water to customers who purchase gasoline or diesel fuel. [2: Complaint form if you were denied]

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/3sp0jj/fyi_gas_sta...

[2] https://apps4.cdfa.ca.gov/AirWaterComplaint/#:~:text=Califor....

Looks nice, but a cheaper alternative is this one that can be plugged into the car battery. If you don't trust the pressure gauge, you can buy a nice one and still have some money left over.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QR4Q42L

I got a small 18V Ryobi thing. Have used it on car tires, bicycle tires and for inflating an inflatable pool and beach toys and a mattress. Best thing I’ve bought this year.

Gas stations charge for air?

Does your place of business have an air compressor outside, an air hose and fittings for the public to use for free?

Yeah, more or less every manned gas station in Sweden has that.

No, I meant non gas station providing air for free... Since we're on the topic of businesses giving free services only tangentially related to what they sell.

I guess one example is bikeshops providing air for bikes for free. But I agree, not many services provide things for free. I’m assuming gas stations see it as a way to draw in customers, many also have bathrooms for free.

Yes it’s common to have a timed payment machine for air. Usually dual purpose with a vacuum machine as well.

Interesting, here in Sweden air is always free, however vaccums cost money (but way less stations have vaccums).

A $10 manual, high-volume bicycle pump works fine.

It doesn't actually take very long even from nothing and since it's designed for high pressure it doesn't even take much effort to get up to normal car tire pressures.

Small, battery powered inflators are pretty nice to have around.

But FYI for anyone else who is having this struggle: most tire places will check and fill up your tires for free (even if you didn't buy tires from them).

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