Would You Actually Pay For This?
By EvrWonder
@EvrWonder (3571)
Canada
February 9, 2010 10:00pm CST
Floored. I am out, driving. I have a full tank of gas so no problem there but my tires could use some air. I pull into my favorite gas station, enroute to the grocery store. I get parked and hop out of the car and to my demise the gas stations air is Out of Order. Great. So I get back into the car and proceed to head across town where I know there is an air pump but on my way I seen another one, much more convenient. I pull up and to my surprise, the sign says that I must pay $0.50, for Air!
Not.
I mean if it was the only source for miles and miles, then maybe but not that day. I just went about 1/2 a city block and foound a really cool air pump like I have never saw before. You actually set the psi and let 'er rip. Once the pressure reaches the psi that you have set, the machine beeps. Presto. Tires now topped with air. I love that machine and will return. Somehow, I just can not see myself paying $0.50 for air. How about you? have you ever paid for air at the gas station?
5 people like this
25 responses
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
10 Feb 10
Wow! $0.75? Amazing. This is a real eye opener. I am glad we are not the only ones charging for "Air". How ridiculous to me. Just seems rather strange to say the least but I guess the machines need to be paid for as does the running of and maintenance. Thank you for your response.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
16 Feb 10
Yeah and it seems kind of bizarre to be paying for air doesn't it? Truth is, so I have learned through this discussion that there is a cost involved for the stations to provide air for us. Costs I overlooked. Such as the nozzles, the electricity, the machine itself, the installation and maintenance plus the hoses as well. Apparently it all adds up. Thank you for your comment.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
11 Feb 10
Really? Wow, .75.. didn't know this thing exists before. Thanks for telling..
@rushelle0927 (23)
• United States
11 Feb 10
It is 75 cents for air at our local gas station. I do believe it is ridiculous that we have to pay for it, but if I don't pay for it, I'll be paying alot more cash for a new tire/rim...so I choose to take the lesser of the two evils. As ridiculous as it is, everyone seems to be out to make a quick buck nowadays.
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Good point. If we need air, we need it regardless. I guess we are rather lucky it is only $0.50 rather than $0.75. It does seem ridiculous but if it were an emergency and no other station for miles and miles, I wouldn't have a problem paying for the air either. Just floored me to see that. Thank you for your response.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
19 Feb 10
I was getting fuel one day and decided to get air as well. I pulled over to where the equipment was and discovered it was broken. I went back inside to tell the guy and he said he knew about it and apologised. He explained that customers are always breaking the equipment and it was costly to keep replacing and repairing it. So actually I can understand the charge.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
24 Feb 10
I understood after another Mylot member explained since their friend has a station that provides paid air. I get the point of charging for air now but the first time I seen the pumps that cost $0.50 for air, really floored me. I laughed actually. I couldn't believe my eyes. Thank you for your response.
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
9 Mar 10
Hey, that's a good point MsTickle, thanks for the comment.
I never thought of it that way but come to think of it, stands to reason. I hope it isn't at the pump but rather with items inside or at the cash window, like peanuts, gum etc.
I knew of a station that screwed with their meters and well, was basically ripping the customers off. They would pump and see what the pump said but in fact they were getting less gas .. Can you imagine? Always Buyer Beware, isn't it?
Thanks again.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
24 Feb 10
The first time I saw someone charging for air, I was disgusted and drove off. I was also disgusted when one of my regular stops never had working equipment. Being a business person I totally understand. Beware though, those servos NOT charging for maintaining the air equipment are hitting you up elsewhere, probably at the pump. They have to make the overheads up somehow.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
10 Feb 10
Welcome to the real world, in more and more places there is a charge for air. Here it's a seperate machine that takes quarters before it works.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Thanks for your response savy. It is all new here in Canada where I reside. I understand it is becoming more common however. So how much are the machines where you are?
Have you used them?
Was one payment enough to do the tires that needed air?
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
11 Feb 10
No I would not pay either. That is nearly $5 in our currency! It is robbery. I would do the same as you and find a gas station where I could put air in my tyres without paying.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Hi cyntiann, I agree to find a station that provides air at no cost, especially when this pay for air is the only one in our community so far. I found it quite surprising to say the least and is why I just had to take a picture of it. Thank you for your response.
@Biomechanoid (2923)
• Estonia
5 Mar 10
In our country there is no charge for air in gas stations. I think that it shows the attitude of the gas station towards the client. Some of the gas stations just seem to be plain greedy, they want to get paid for everything, I wonder if there are any stations that will demand money for using their bathroom too?
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
10 Mar 10
Oh my, I wonder. It wouldn't surprise me at this point. I can understand in some sense that there is a cost involved to purchase,install and maintain the air pumps but as some have reported within this discussion $1.50 is a bit steep. We pay $0.50.
That's if you want to pay. Personally, I don't at this time. If I were in a real pinch I likely would pay.
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
10 Feb 10
In my neck of the woods, you are hard pressed to find a gas station that doesn't charge for air. There is a store down the street from my grandmother's house that they have a button inside that turns on the air, yet there is still a slot for a quarter outside for the people they don't like (I guess lol) But usually, around here, you will need a quarter or two for air. Seems funny because air should be free, yet you have to think it is the gas station's electricity that runs the pump.
I like the air pump you found, they need more of those for people with not much experience in putting air in their tires. Would have less blow outs.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Hello and thank you for your response. The new machine is fabulous. Super handy too.
No tire gauge needed there, yippie!
I have heard that if you go into the station and ask tem for air, they will flip the switch for you so you don't have to pay. I just went to a free pump so didn't bother going in and asking for them to turn the air on but apparently that is all it takes. perhaps some of the employees think it is strange to charge for air also.
I guess free air is going to soon be a ting of the past..?
Funny how that cool machine that measures the psi for you, doesn't charge for that air because in my opinion, it is a way better and more up to date in technology than the one that was $0.50!
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
10 Feb 10
Hi EvrWonder, It's amazing what some people will do for a few extra dollars! I have never paid for air at a gas station and agree with you on that. Surely a gas station can give free air to their customers. If I were you I'd give some business to the new place you found, they deserve it. Blessings.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Hi Pose, absolutely, the air pump at the new place is totally awesome. So convenient too! I will be back. I have frequented their store before, when i was walking. I never noticed the pump until I drove there looking for one. pleased with what I found also. If I had to pay for air because there were no stations within many miles, i would likely do so. Thank you for your response.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
11 Feb 10
I cannot see myself paying .50 for air as well. That's ridiculous in my opinion. In my country's context, that is. Because if I'm right, all gas stations here do not charge for air. Even in bicycle kiosks, one is able to pump air for free. Air is everywhere, it's meant to be free. In a humor sort of thought, I think if we live in outer space then air should be charged, LOL..
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Lol, Good one and I agree. Only in a case where we all reside in outer space or the like, should we be charged for air but we don't and we're getting charged for it out here, on earth! What is this world coming to? This is the first pay for air I ave seen in this area and we live in a community of about 5K population and are many gas stations. Thank you for your response.
@thedailyclick (3017)
•
10 Feb 10
Here in the UK some petrol stations charge for air whilst others don't. The ones which usually charge are the ones where there is no other petrol station nearby and so can capitalize on it's customers needs due to limited resources elsewhere. It is usually these petrol stations which are also dearer for petrol.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Ah yes, I can understand that about the ones that are charging are the ones out of the way and those who require more petrol.
I think it is disgraceful but then again, everybody has to find a way to pay the bills.
Kind of like the guy in Haiti, who is making money by charging peoples cell phones for them. A business he started after the earthquake.
Tank you for your response.
@HansonFan (1653)
• United States
10 Feb 10
I have never paid but I have seen pumps where you are supposed to pay 25 or 50 cents. Its not expensive - but its just the idea. Why are we expected to pay for something that is all around us? Its just silly and another way for people to make money off of us. I will not pay for air unless its an emergency or all of them become a pay only thing.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Hi, exactly, it isn't the cost of the air so much as it is the idea. Like, what is this worked coming to? I agree that it is odd to pay for air when it is all around us but as some have already said, it cost them money to install and maintain. I can understand that but then why do some not charge for air? I opted for the free air machine around the corner from the one that prompted this discussion. I can not bring myself to buy air, unless of course it were the only station within miles and miles and I needed air.
@MrKennedy (1978)
•
10 Feb 10
That is ridiculous. Air should ALWAYS be free at gas stations. Putting a price on air just seems like a downright disgraceful way to line their pockets with even more money
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Lol, I agree. Putting a price on air is ridiculous. Like how can they? But they do and people actually buy it! Do you have pay for air pumps in your area? We have very few pay pumps compared to the free air. The one in the picture is the only one I have seen so far and I live in a community with just over 5K population and many a gas station.
I am just having a hard time swallowing the fact that if i want air I must pay for it. Money isn't the issue but the idea is. Thank you for your response.
@malamar (779)
• Canada
11 Feb 10
We have only two service stations in my quiet little burg that have this service and they have both had a fifty cent charge for years. I guess at first I was a little surprised since it had always been free before.
But, when you think about it, that station has to buy, install, maintain and possibly repair that compressor on occasion. So let me see now.... flat tire, fifty cents, hmm.... yep! I pay!
If I could drive around the corner and get it for free, I would certainly do so however.
@laura_lmaxi (678)
• United States
10 Feb 10
I once had to pay for air in a gass station, it was an emergency, my tires were in need of air. So I pull over there and I think it was really expensive, I really don't remember very well the amount of money but it was not cheap, in normal circumstances I wouldn't pay for it, but that day I was in need of pull over in the first gass station that I see. Sometimes we really don't have a choice, and that's where business in general take advantage of the situation.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
I don't think the cost is so huge one could not manage it and I would pay for air in case of an emergency also. The idea just floored me. I think that you are right, that in some cases stations do take advantage of say being the only one within mile so can charge what they want for whatever but for now I will go an extra 1/2 block to get free air. Thank you for your response!
@coffeeshot (3783)
• Australia
10 Feb 10
Well if I was desperate I would. I'm not a fan of paying extra just because something is convenient and easy, or fun or cool or whatever. So if my tires were really low and beginning to affect my driving performance I would pay the 50c, begrudgingly, but it seems that there is a petrol station on every corner these days so I'd wait til I found some free air!
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Hello coffee; Thank you for your response. I agree. There are other stations that do not charge for air. I can not bring myself to pay for air. It just seems so ridiculous to me. Especially when just around the corner is the new pump that measures the psi for me too boot! Nice.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
10 Feb 10
I have had to pay for air before. I paid for it when I was going on vacation and had no idea how many more miles until the next station. I was not happy about it though. I think it's crazy to have to pay for air. I guess they'll make a dollar off of us anyway they can.
@Tallygirl09 (1380)
• United States
10 Feb 10
Nope! I have seen the air pump machine that charges for air and I'd have to be almost desperate to use it. I keep on top of the air pressure since it really impacts how long the tires last, how even the treads wear and MOST importantly proper pressue means savings on gas!
I haven't been so lucky as to see or use the new one that allows me more control of the PSI but now that I know it's out there, I'll be checking for it!! Take care.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Hello Tally; Thank you for your response. The new pumps that allow you to set the psi are really very sweet. How convenient! It was great to hear from you, that you have not seen the pay for air pumps. That is good news to know tat they are not everywhere, yet! Cheers.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
10 Feb 10
Hello Evr,
If it has to be paid,i will since it is badly needed.
And with that kind of innovative air pump,it's just worth to pay i guess.
Here in my country,you can easily found petrol station and can have air solution anywhere.
And,with this discussion...i am looking forward for any petrol station with air pump for pay...(at least i am aware though)
Nice information here 
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
10 Feb 10
Hi jaiho; I will pay for air if it is the only air I can find and if I needed it badly. The air pump that regulates the psi and beeps when your tire is full is the free air pump. I have no idea how the pay one works, the one in the picture because I never used it. Yes, good to be aware. Thank you for your response.
@jho2010 (155)
• Philippines
10 Feb 10
hi!
every gas station in our country has free air pump, and the service attendant may also ask and assist you if you want your tires done.And yes they never charge even a cent for the air, but i give tips for the service of the attendant, because he will be the one who put air to my tires, i dunno how to do it, that's why.
There were also some vulcanizing stations nearby that charge a fee for air, but i never go there, i always go to the nearest gas stations for air.But when the time comes that i really have no choice but to pay for air, then i will pay also, its better to loose some cents than to have an accidents on the road.
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
10 Feb 10
Hi jho, tips are good and behold, a country that doesn't charge for air! Yeah!
I agree it is best to pay for air to avoid accidents later. Once you pay for the air, you must fill your own tires. No attendant at those pumps.
We have both paid and free air pumps here as well. Thank you for your response.
@msjanetjones (99)
• United States
10 Feb 10
I have always found the fact of paying for air a joke but I must admit that I have more than once found myself in a position where I have to pay it. It does drive me nuts!
My uncle and I have always had this sarcastic response to this: Take a bag and run it through the air quickly grasping it closed. This will fill it full of air. Then we say SAIL BOAT FUEL!!! Wonder if we could sell that and people would fall for it?? ROFL!
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
12 Feb 10
Lol. I imagine bottles filled with air, for sale. I hope it never comes to that.
I find it a joke also. Still, I can hardly believe it.
Crazy stupid but like others ave said, it costs them to install and maintain the pumps but then like someone else said, what about courtesy to the customers, providing air and water.. Why charge for it? Surely they make enough to be able to swallow the cost of maintaining the air pump. How much have you had to pay and is it enough, at one shot to do all the tires? Thank you for your response.
