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GO NEW MEXICO
ESSENTIAL OVERLAND NEEDS: Air
Published
Every gas station used to have a free air compressor to fill your tires. That past is gone along with full-service fuel pumps.
A quick trip to any Discount Tire not only gets you access to air but a quick, free inspection of your tires. But what do you do when your check air pressure light displays on a Sunday when Discount is closed, and you don’t want to pull your air compressor out of the rig to refill?
Freeairpump.com offers a map of user-generated spots with free places.
Some gas stations still offer air, but at a price. The Chevron on Alameda Boulevard costs $1, paid with four quarters, for a quick refill. It also offers sewage and gray water dump station for $10.
I had hope when I saw a free air station near the contractor door at Lowe’s hardware stores, but it was a bust. The one at Paseo del Norte lacked a hose, and the customer service desk offered no solution. Reports from other of the hardware stores’ locations on Freeairpump website said the same.
Always use these do-it-yourself stations with care. If the device malfunctions, your rig will have flatter shoes than when you started. You can always purchase your own portable air compressor online, starting around $20, and be ready for top-offs.
