Does AutoZone Fill Tires for Free In 2024? (Try This Instead)
Driving with underinflated tires puts you at risk for blowouts, uneven treadwear, and costly damages. Checking and filling your tire pressure regularly is a must for safety. But does AutoZone offer free air for your tires? Here‘s what you need to know about getting your tires filled up at AutoZone in 2024.
Why AutoZone Doesn‘t Fill Tires
While AutoZone sells tire accessories, they do not provide free tire filling services in their stores. There are a few key reasons why:
AutoZone focuses on selling auto parts – their staffing and operations are built around retail sales, not tire services. Filling tires would take employee time away from helping customers.
Employees at AutoZone stores are not trained as certified tire technicians. According to the Tire Industry Association, tire service requires extensive technical knowledge to be done properly.
Liability concerns also factor in. Improperly filled tires could result in safety issues and damages. AutoZone avoids this liability by not providing filling services.
The Importance of Proper Tire Inflation
- Underinflated tires can cause handling problems, blowouts, and uneven treadwear.
- According to the AAA Federation, almost 20% of vehicles have at least one underinflated tire.
- Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by up to 3.3%. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that driving on underinflated tires is a leading cause of tire failure incidents.
Proper tire pressure recommendations:
| Vehicle Type | Recommended PSI |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars | 30-35 psi |
| Light trucks & SUVs | 30-33 psi |
| Full-size trucks | 50-80 psi |
How AutoZone Can Help Check and Fill Tires
While AutoZone doesn‘t directly fill tires, they provide a range of products to help you monitor and fill your own:
Digital tire pressure gauges – Get an accurate digital gauge from AutoZone to check your tire PSI whenever needed. Prices start around $20.
Tire inflators and compressors – AutoZone has portable air compressors to keep in your car for emergency tire filling on the road. Prices range from $20 for inflators to $150 for full compressors.
Tire sealants – AutoZone stocks DIY tire repair sealants to temporarily seal small punctures and hold air. Prices start around $10.
TPMS – Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems – You can find easy-to-install monitoring systems at AutoZone that constantly read your tire pressure. Prices start at $50.
AutoZone staff can provide guidance on picking the right tire accessories and using them properly.
What Does It Cost to Fill Tires Elsewhere?
Most gas stations, repair shops, and auto dealerships charge a small fee for air compressor use, typically $1-3. This helps offset electrical and equipment costs.
Membership warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam‘s Club offer free air compressor access for members – just show your membership card. Discounts may also be available with a recent purchase of tires or service.
As a budget option, you can buy a portable compressor for your vehicle for $30-60 online or at auto parts stores. This allows you to fill up any time without paying fees.
Filling Your Own Tires
With some basic equipment and caution, you can easily inflate your own tires:
Check your current tire pressure with an accurate pressure gauge. Compare to the recommended PSI.
At the compressor, inflate slowly to the proper PSI. Do not overfill – this can cause blowouts.
Recheck the pressure with your gauge periodically as you fill. Stop when you reach the correct pressure.
When using a compressor on your own vehicle, turn the engine off first.
Refer to your owner‘s manual or door jamb sticker for the right PSI for front and rear tires.
Always follow safety precautions – tires contain a large volume of compressed air and can explosively rupture if overfilled.
Other Stores Offering Free Tire Air
Some auto service center chains will check tire pressure and top off your tires free of charge, including:
Jiffy Lube – No appointment needed for a free pressure check and fill-up.
Big O Tires – Free air checks and fill-ups come included with any service.
Firestone – Most locations will inflate tires for free, even without any work done.
When researching shops, call ahead to confirm free inflation policies. Proper tire inflation is too important to ignore – inspect and fill your tires monthly!
