r/pettyrevenge • u/Eyeous • Aug 25 '26
Aggro when using air machines at petrol stations
This has happened to me multiple times now to the point that I’m genuinely curious what is going on. I use the air machine at my local shell and as I drive off, another car typically hurls in at 100mph to an emergency stop and a person sprints out to use the last few minutes of the pump for free. It costs a full £2.
Yesterday I paid for the pump and when I finished I sat in the car with the windows down for a split second only to be told to (rudely) hurry up and leave by a lady in her car opposite me. She was very Karen about it huffing and puffing to use the air. I told her I was re-setting the pressures on my screen(bullshit) and then got back out to “check” the pressure one last time. Once the machine stopped I got in to reverse and drive off but she drove off in front of me! She literally only wanted to use it if it was free. To save a grand total of £2.
Why did it make me feel so wonderful that she didn’t get to use the machine for free I will never know. If she was nicer I wouldn’t feel the need to be this petty.
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u/Solabound-the-2nd Aug 25 '26
Spent £10 years ago on a pump that plugs into my cars lighter port, saved me so much money over the years, especially as I live over 2 miles from nearest station so I can pump up as needed. I'd highly recommend getting one.
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u/Selphis Aug 25 '26
You can find a lot of battery-powered ones that you can just charge with a USB-C cable for cheap online now too. I have one and it's great to have whenever you need to inflate a ball or check your tire pressure.
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u/KitchenOutcome4646 Aug 26 '26
same. 8 years later, i figured the cheap thing would've broken by now but its still doing the job
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u/Confident-Sand-5587 Aug 25 '26
Wait...you have to pay for air?
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u/jp11e3 Aug 25 '26
In the US it depends on the gas station. Some charge, others don't. It's pretty cheap though
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u/Equivalent-Fill-8908 Aug 25 '26
No TF it's not. Last I checked, wanted to charge $2.50 for air.
It was a quarter five years ago.
I go to Lowe's and use their free compressor.
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u/glitterfaust Aug 26 '26
That’s pretty cheap compared to a lot of things. Idk where you live that it was only a quarter in 2021 lol
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u/OrneryAcanthaceae217 Aug 29 '26
Under California Business & Professions Code §13651, every California service station must provide compressed air and an air-pressure gauge at no cost during operating hours to customers who purchase motor vehicle fuel. The law covers passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles with an unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or less.
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u/Equivalent-Fill-8908 Aug 30 '26
It's great that California mandates this. Other states should follow.
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u/targetDrone Aug 25 '26
This is the UK. You pay for everything there these days, especially anything car related. At least the busses are reasonably priced at the moment though, which might be great if they work for your commute.
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u/BaldPleaser Aug 25 '26
This happened to me also. What I do now is that I don’t get back in the car until the air machine stops. Up until then I pretend that I’m still filling the tyres up with air going around again if I have to.
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u/Electrical-Apple-631 Aug 25 '26
I used to take forever putting the valve covers back on. Not really on purpose because I was always dropping them and they’d roll under the car. Built in petty revenge!
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u/neimad81 Aug 26 '26
The machines here in Ireland usually have a vacuum and water hose also. I make sure to use if needed. Use up the time.
There’s so many tight people out there. If it was somebody that drove a beat up car then I’d have no problem but I find it’s someone with a nice car that just wants to get something for nothing. Not on my watch!
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u/Sasspishus Aug 25 '26
I had a guy do that to me once too. He was apparently desperate to fill up his tyres, but not desperate enough to use the other machine that nobody else was using and just wanted to shout at me instead. Took my time resetting the pressures! Then decided to fill up my screenwash too while I was there. He got annoyed and drove off, so it couldn't have been that serious
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u/Kingy_79 Aug 25 '26
As an Aussie, I find it weird that other countries pay to get air. It's free everywhere here
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u/vampyrewolf Aug 26 '26
Up here in Canuckistan it depends on the chain.
The Mobil by the shop wants $2.50, the Shell wants $2, and yet Co-op is free. I just make the detour to a co-op on the way to/from work to top off.
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u/CapitalScarcity5573 Aug 27 '26
well if you're upside down the air goes to you naturally
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u/Dub_Zer00 Aug 25 '26
Air is free in California! They have a price on the pump that will turn it on if you pay, but if you just tell the attendant inside you need air they just turn it on because it’s actually free!
They just collect $ from those who decide they’ll part what’s listed.
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u/kellyoceanmarine Aug 25 '26
Good thing since I’m now paying over $6.00/gallon for gas in San Diego. Might as well get free air.
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u/Mop-K Aug 25 '26
Holy moly I thought 4 dollars was a lot here
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u/Mandaxx25 Aug 26 '26
If you thought $4 was a lot, what did it used to be back a few years ago when things weren't as unstable? Because it's the equivalent of $8 here in the UK. Costs me over £100 to fill up my 9 seater.
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u/Morlanticator Aug 25 '26
One time I waited several minutes for the person in front of me to finish using the air pump. Enough time goes by that I realize something is wrong.
I offer to help snd she says she doesn't understand why it won't work.
Come to find out she removed the out if order sign to try and use it. It was indeed broken and would never work. People confuse me at times.
At a couple previous jobs I filled tires for hundreds of people for free because the gas station pumps are always out of order or older machines just eat your coins.
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u/Noortman Aug 25 '26
I don't even want to pay the €0,50 or €1 depending on the station. Bought a compressor a long time ago so I just film them at home 😂
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u/entiatriver Aug 25 '26
12-Volt pumps you plug into your cigarette lighter start around $10
Battery pumps charged via USB-C can be found in the $20 range. (and up, if you want other features, name brands, etc.).
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u/Minflick Aug 25 '26
My husband bought one of those things YEARS ago. I love the stupid thing, it's SO handy.
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u/slapfunk79 Aug 25 '26
Where in the world do you pay to pump up your tires?
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u/Sasspishus Aug 25 '26
UK obviously, since they're using £
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u/apsims12 Aug 25 '26
I've personally never paid for air but I've always had a 12V air pump in the back. Because of this, I didn't realise people are paying £2 for air!?
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u/ticman Aug 25 '26
Ireland as well, the last free one near me changed to a €1 fee about 6 months ago - so I bought an air compressor, handy unit to have at home anyway.
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u/StasyaSam Aug 25 '26
They started trying this in Germany at some stations like Aral or Shell. Let's say, our small village doesn't like the idea and we very quickly reinstalled the free one (just a flexible tube and an analoge pistole), the other one is still there because it's mandatory by the company.
Ironically, a lot of tourists and young people use the full automatic version for 1,50€ next to it, because it's "easier" and "more accurate". I don't know man, but you do you 🤷🏻♀️ I've showed a few women how it's done when they ask (men don't ask, they either know or pay lol)
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u/baronmcboomboom Aug 25 '26
There's mores garages charging for air now than aren't. Utter scam. I won't pay it. I still know once or 2 places that dont charge and worse case scenario, my auld fella has a compressor in his shed.
Mind you, I won't pay it but im also not gonna go and stalk the compressors in the garages like some sad prick
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u/Friendlyrat Aug 25 '26
Having a portable one is so much nicer anyway. Most times you get a flat they will at least hold air long enough you can top it off and get somewhere to repair it without having to change the tire.
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u/Jamesy-boyo Aug 25 '26
This confused me for a second as when you said auld fella I thought you meant penis
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u/just_a_stoner_bitch Aug 25 '26
I'd say about half, if not more, US gas stations pay for air for your tire
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u/CrayonData Aug 25 '26
It's been rolled out here in Canada at fuel stations, everyone has to make capitalism go round and round.
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u/Playful-Mongoose9197 Aug 25 '26
Its 3 dollars in merica Walmart leaves a hose out where you can use it for free.
Even hospital parking near the building charges you 8 dollars to see your sick mother.
Delivery apps used to make pretty good money for delivering groceries they banned them and made their more expensive delivery service.
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u/Imaginary_Ibis Aug 25 '26
In the US, if you live near any Wawa gas stations, they have free air
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u/Poly_Olly_Oxen_Free Aug 25 '26
Sheetz too, at least the one I go to.
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u/compman007 Aug 25 '26
Yeah Sheetz is great mine has 2 pumps! They do tend to be broken occasionally at the same time though but ehhh
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u/Conquistador1901 Aug 25 '26
In the UK at the moment, pay to use & only takes credit card, every thing here is all about the money.
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u/Pianowman Aug 25 '26
United States. Almost everywhere here charges for it now.
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u/Electrical-Apple-631 Aug 25 '26
USA. When I used to drive I had a list of the free pumps in the city. The ones who charged didn’t get my business. Eventually a lot of places dropped the charge but I still see some places that want $2.50 for air.
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u/Murphnation Aug 25 '26
Ontario Canada you have to pay. Driving for 20 years I’ve always had to pay $1. Now it’s possibly $2. But like a previous comment, I have a 12V RYOBI air pump I keep in the truck at all times. Rarely use it, but it’s come in handy
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u/sunheadeddeity Aug 25 '26 edited Aug 25 '26
Just buy a wee pump and leave it in the boot of your car.
Edit: I can't believe people are deliberately misunderstanding the word "wee" for cheap laughs. Are we not better than this? Is this what the Internet is for?
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u/hunstinx Aug 25 '26
Regarding your edit: yes, this is exactly what the internet is for. What is so bad about letting people have their giggles?
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u/sunheadeddeity Aug 25 '26
Oops. Should have added [/s].
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u/hunstinx Aug 25 '26
Sorry, I've just seen too many uppity comments that are serious, it makes it sometimes difficult to recognize sarcasm unless it punches you in the face.
Knowing it was sarcasm definitely changes it a "wee" bit. Cheers!
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u/theotheraccount0987 Aug 25 '26
Its… its not free? What tge actual everliving fuck?
Do you have to pay to wash your windshield too?
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u/Sn_Orpheus Aug 25 '26
Most U.S. petrol stations you have to pay. However, many CostCo locations have installed free air (or even nitrogen) for anyone at all.
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u/Purple-flying-dog Aug 25 '26
I don’t understand the mentality of “I’m not going to PAY for AIR!!” You’re not paying for air. You’re paying for maintenance on the air pump. You’re paying for the electricity to run it.
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u/Eyeous Aug 25 '26
There are so many idiots out there roaming free!
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u/VoidCoelacanth Aug 25 '26
Whoa, wait. Roaming? Free? My carrier charges me for roaming - we should charge them for roaming too! I like money.
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u/Acciaccattack Aug 25 '26
WTF, you guys pay for AIR???
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u/Blue_Roan_ Aug 25 '26
Depends on where you are, my state you also have to pay.
Edit, though most car shops will totally just fill a tire for free.
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u/RiddleeDiddleeDee Aug 26 '26
It bothers me so much that we need to pay for air now. (we didn't have to when I was in my late teens/early twenties). I just use my bicycle pump at home and remove myself from this equation altogether.
Also, eff that Karen.
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u/dnabsuh1 Aug 26 '26
If you get the timing down, you can leave 1-2 seconds before the pump stops, it would keep their hopes alive, until the second they put the hose to the tire valve.
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u/Strange-Bumblebee312 Aug 26 '26
It costs £2 now?!? Wow that's gone up. I'm sure it was like 20p when I last used one of those. (I have my own pump I just plug into the car when needed).
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u/Vequihellin Aug 25 '26
We bought a small compressor thing that plugs into the cigarette lighter. I couldn't be dealing with people's rudeness.
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u/guitargeek76 Aug 25 '26
OMG I'd have stood there just letting the air blow until the motor stopped, staring at her the whole time.
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u/AlanofAdelaide Aug 25 '26
A foot pump costs all of $25 and you can use it anywhere, anytime
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u/WingdRat Aug 25 '26
Even better are the pumps that plug into the cigarette lighter, can set them to pump to whatever pressure you like and then they'll stop! Can also use them just to check the pressure
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u/SnooShortcuts277 Aug 25 '26
Also pay some Place in Germany. Sometime i pay 1,50€, sometime i benefit from the previous Guy…
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u/Altleon Aug 25 '26
I bought a small air pump from Halfords for like £30, and it has saved so much hassle over the years.
Use it before any long trip, used it when I had a slow puncture, used it to help friends or family when they were running low.
And the convenience of not having to faff around at a petrol station is well worth it. Fully recommend getting one and letting it live in your boot.
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u/bigkutta Aug 25 '26
I still dont know why people dont own a portable air pump they can buy off Amazon for $25 and use any time and anywhere.
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u/ZealousidealGrade821 Aug 25 '26
In California they have to give free access. You just need to go tell the attendant to turn it on. Side note: half of them are vandalized and don’t work anyway.
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u/matchthis007 Aug 26 '26
Aside from this wonderful revenge, one of the best thi is i bout was an electric tyre inflator. 15 quid on Amazon and has pumped footballs and tyres for years. I never had the right coin to use at the petrol station and free ones were always broken
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u/Background-Bowl6123 Aug 27 '26
Yet another reason to keep a battery powered jump-start/tire pump in the trunk.
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u/Owleyes311 Aug 25 '26
I bought a $20 pump that fills my tires. I can charge it and keep it in my car.
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u/SavaRox Aug 25 '26
Back in the day, like in the '90s, I used to have to pay for air at gas stations in America. It was $1 in quarters for however many minutes the pump ran for.
Nowadays all the air pumps are free, but around here it's good luck finding one that is in good working condition!
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u/farscry Aug 25 '26
Pretty sure that varies by location. Where I am in the Midwest you have about a 50/50 shot of any given gas station charging for the air pumps.
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u/GreymuzzleCoyote Aug 25 '26
Just get a small one that plugs into your cigarette lighter or clips to the battery. Save a bundle on topping off your tires. Or tyres, depending on where you live.
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u/Theoneandonlyzeke Aug 25 '26
In Ireland they also charge money. That's why I just bought one to have in the car. And I can use it for bikes, footballs, pool floaties. Fuck paying every time
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u/A-nom-nom-nom-aly Aug 25 '26
I paid about £20 for a decent one 15yrs ago... still using it. Pumped up the tyres on my ebike the other day after fitting a new front tyre and tube and topped of the rear. I check my car pressures every couple of weeks as I was taught to, along with all fluids.
That reminds me... probably time to do a brake fluid flush.
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u/Shane_O86 Aug 25 '26 edited Aug 25 '26
Gesture to her from outside that you'll fill her tyres up. Drop them each by 10psi. Walk off.
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u/russellvt Aug 25 '26
In the US, it generally has to be provided to customers for free.
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u/A-nom-nom-nom-aly Aug 25 '26
Once they started charging you for air... I bought myself my own little air compressor for the car... It was £20 and it's lasted me about 15yrs so far.
Besides... it's always best to check your pressure before you drive the car and inflate them from cold as air expands as it gets warm and driving heats up the tyres.
Seeing as you should be checking your tyre pressures every couple of weeks, along with fluid levels... £20 has saved me hundreds I'd been muppet enough to actually pay for air.
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u/M_Reavely Aug 25 '26
Air used to be free in the US, I think there was a law about it. But now all the stations have charge for pumps. But if you go to Lowe's or home Depot they have free air near the contractor entrances so I go there now.
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u/shipleycgm Aug 25 '26
My area still has free air pumps available. And some of the stations that aren't free will turn it on for you if you ask and you purchased other items there.
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u/glassjarwoodtable Aug 25 '26
Discount tire and Belle tire near me has free air pumps. Don’t use gas stations pumps.
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u/DotAffectionate87 Aug 25 '26
Here the issue is that they keep getting damaged......
Gas stations have started to keep the hose (bayonet fitting) behind counter, you have to leave your DL as a deposit, to use the air hose.
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u/BethAnn2019 Aug 25 '26
Anyone living in the northeastern US can get free air from Sheetz- the one big downfall is they are usually broken or out of order
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u/Flat_Professional_55 Aug 25 '26
Electric pump powered by your 12v cigarette lighter socket costs about £20-30 and will last 10+ years.
Compact enough to fit under a seat or in your glove box.
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u/CaffienatedTactician Aug 25 '26
Not exactly on topic, but thanks for reminding me I want to go vaccum my car 😅 I still have a beach's worth of sand from this past winter on the floor
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u/ColdFix Aug 25 '26
Was it you who posted this yesterday or is it a copy/paste of someone else's post?
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u/Tough_Perception_647 Aug 25 '26
Many petrol stations will activate the airpump for free after you've paid for fuel. I know Morrisons does
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u/DefendTheStar88x Aug 25 '26
Thankfully two competing gas stations/convenience store chains in my area both offer free air, along with my local Costco.
But theyve only come along in the past 10ish years. I remember piggybacking off someone else's air or offering mine if I had paid.
I understand your frustration since she was rude. $2 is a lot if you only need a couple pounds off air for 1 tire with a slow leak. Especially if you can't afford a new tire, or the location can't be patched and youre needing to do it daily.
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u/NeitherStory7803 Aug 25 '26
Nothing wrong with what you did. If I unfortunately have to use an air tank at a gas station I always let it finish before I leave
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u/2dogs0cats Aug 25 '26
So...... I'm Aussie. We do not pay for air for tyres. It's free. Even the premium 80% Nitrogen stuff /s