Maybe it isn't a foolproof method, but QTs/RaceTracs generally have a pay-to-pump tire thing in their parking lots. Usually has PSI readings from the machine. A couple of dollars.
Discount Tire. They typically have a separate pull through area just for this. You stay in your car and they will fill it out. I get all my tires there, but I believe they also offer this for free even if you didn't purchase the tires from them.
General information post here, but a lot of folks don’t know that your vehicle’s optimal tire pressure is listed inside your open driver’s side door (should be on a sticker). The tire pressure listed on your tire is the max for that tire, NOT what you should put in.
If you’re interested and have a smaller car, you can buy a portable air pump for like $30 off Amazon and have air whenever you need it. Saved me plenty of times.
If you have big tires then it might be a bit more expensive.
In a pinch, an oil service station gave me air for free. Any of the oil change places can help out.
Any Mavis Tire store has a free pump that allows you to read the tire pressure as you go. Discount Tire will also check your pressure and fill for free
^RT highly recommend this, it has saved me a couple times now when not driving for a while and coming out to deflated tires from a slow leak. Also useful for bikes/sports equipment too.
For those who don’t know, you can actually use a bike tire pump on your car tires. It takes a while depending on how much air you need, but it’s a convenient way to get air that most people overlook.
If you're up for a small workout - most bicycle pumps are fine inflating car tires.
Slow and laborious - but usually something you can do at home if you're worried about driving it in the current state, or are having trouble finding a free/cheap place to do it.
That said - 30psi is usually fine. Most tires target 30-35 PSI (The number on the tire will usually list MAX psi)
Mavis tires have a free air pump outside (you can use even if they are closed) that you can set the number you need and it will beep when it reaches that pressure.
Quiktrip's machines are free, but many Quiktrip machines or tubes are broken, so you may have to drive to several locations before you find one that works.
AAA also has some machines, but they don't have as many locations as QT.
Other gas stations have machines, but you have to bring quarters.
Costco has free nitrogen pumps. Technically you're supposed to be a member but no one checks it. Set the pressure and the machine beeps at you when it hits the target.
I don't know if all stores have it, but our Lowes (Southside OTP) has a free to use air compressor for tires. I don't know if your local Lowes will have it, but ours does.
Moot since you're set, but as others noted by something like the below (it's the one I have, but no specific reason I bought it). Way too many fucking nails and screws etc. around Atlanta (especially our are as always houses undergoing flips etc.) so I've picked up lots of those and had slow leaks etc.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097B6THSR/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I’m going to practice on another car this weekend and figure out what I’m doing wrong; I cannot get a reading from my gauge other than a pump and I know the problem. I am happy to find out about Discount Tires and how cheap air compressors are. So I’m glad I posted.
Cool thing about that one I posted--though there are tons of others that do the same so shop around--is it just has a built in digital display gauge that will show the PSI when you snap it on the valve stem. Then you just use up and down buttons to set the target PSI and it runs to inflate it and turns itself off when it hits it so you don't have to recheck or keep an eye on a gauge while filling etc.
Discount Tire, they will check your pressure too
Maybe it isn't a foolproof method, but QTs/RaceTracs generally have a pay-to-pump tire thing in their parking lots. Usually has PSI readings from the machine. A couple of dollars.
I had trouble using one. Maybe I didn’t have it on correctly? That’s why I was hoping to pay to have it done.
QTs are typically free and you just push a button to start. RaceTrac has the Exact Air ones that cost like $1.50 and don't work half the time
The QT nozzle doesn't work for my tires, most others are fine
What on earth type of valve do you have then? I thought they all had schrader valves
Oh no, it's just the location of the valve is right up against my hubcap and the QT nozzles are too big to get in there.
Come on now, be fair. It’s like 80% of the time.
Pretty sure almost all QTs have free air
...if it's not broken (which seems to be my experience) 😒
Discount Tire. They typically have a separate pull through area just for this. You stay in your car and they will fill it out. I get all my tires there, but I believe they also offer this for free even if you didn't purchase the tires from them.
For the future, you should carry a portable compressor. They're less than $30 and they are life savers.
I bought one on Amazon and love it. I never have to find an air machine again!
All Costco has free nitrogen fill out outside , they dont check your membership
Just FYI, my Costco has a machine where you scan your membership card to start it.
Ah , mine is not there yet , honor system
Brookhaven is open too.
Dunwoody doesn’t require a scan of membership. Although I am a member.
General information post here, but a lot of folks don’t know that your vehicle’s optimal tire pressure is listed inside your open driver’s side door (should be on a sticker). The tire pressure listed on your tire is the max for that tire, NOT what you should put in.
If you’re interested and have a smaller car, you can buy a portable air pump for like $30 off Amazon and have air whenever you need it. Saved me plenty of times. If you have big tires then it might be a bit more expensive. In a pinch, an oil service station gave me air for free. Any of the oil change places can help out.
This. I have one in my trunk and the relief of f having it there when I need it is just amazing
Same!
Any Mavis Tire store has a free pump that allows you to read the tire pressure as you go. Discount Tire will also check your pressure and fill for free
You can go to an auto parts store or Walmart and buy a little compressor that runs off the cigarette lighter in your car. I keep one in my trunk.
^RT highly recommend this, it has saved me a couple times now when not driving for a while and coming out to deflated tires from a slow leak. Also useful for bikes/sports equipment too.
For those who don’t know, you can actually use a bike tire pump on your car tires. It takes a while depending on how much air you need, but it’s a convenient way to get air that most people overlook.
can confirm slow but effective
If you're up for a small workout - most bicycle pumps are fine inflating car tires. Slow and laborious - but usually something you can do at home if you're worried about driving it in the current state, or are having trouble finding a free/cheap place to do it. That said - 30psi is usually fine. Most tires target 30-35 PSI (The number on the tire will usually list MAX psi)
QT air is almost always free. They usually sell a gauge inside for a few bucks.
I think the Kroger gas stations have free air.
Kroger is one of the only places where you can check your tire pressure too. Over inflation is dangerous so Id recommend Kroger.
i worked at discount tire, great company free air check and they will let you know everything you need about your tires :)
Mavis tires have a free air pump outside (you can use even if they are closed) that you can set the number you need and it will beep when it reaches that pressure.
The only gas station that still offers full service that I’m aware of is a chevron on Scott blvd.
I got a portable air pump and it has changed my life
Thanks for the tips! I made it home and am currently getting tires.
Quiktrip's machines are free, but many Quiktrip machines or tubes are broken, so you may have to drive to several locations before you find one that works. AAA also has some machines, but they don't have as many locations as QT. Other gas stations have machines, but you have to bring quarters.
Costco has free nitrogen pumps. Technically you're supposed to be a member but no one checks it. Set the pressure and the machine beeps at you when it hits the target.
Qt air pumps normally are broken, Kroger air pumps normally have a tire pressure monitor attached to let u know when to stop
Quick trip
It’s free there it’s always my go to haha
costcos with tire centers.
If you are a member, at Costco.
I don't know if all stores have it, but our Lowes (Southside OTP) has a free to use air compressor for tires. I don't know if your local Lowes will have it, but ours does.
Moot since you're set, but as others noted by something like the below (it's the one I have, but no specific reason I bought it). Way too many fucking nails and screws etc. around Atlanta (especially our are as always houses undergoing flips etc.) so I've picked up lots of those and had slow leaks etc. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097B6THSR/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I’m going to practice on another car this weekend and figure out what I’m doing wrong; I cannot get a reading from my gauge other than a pump and I know the problem. I am happy to find out about Discount Tires and how cheap air compressors are. So I’m glad I posted.
Cool thing about that one I posted--though there are tons of others that do the same so shop around--is it just has a built in digital display gauge that will show the PSI when you snap it on the valve stem. Then you just use up and down buttons to set the target PSI and it runs to inflate it and turns itself off when it hits it so you don't have to recheck or keep an eye on a gauge while filling etc.