Are the days of 'free air' at petrol stations over?

whisky_galore

Have noticed less and less of these as the Mom and Pop filling stations are closing and the multi nationals are taking over.

zilog_jones

In my experience working in a petrol station, there was general disregard for the free air pump - often thrown on the ground, driven over, etc. Needless to say it was broken half the time. I'm not surprised at all that many are no longer free.

I just use a bicycle track pump at home.

J. Smith

Not yet, I don't think – but the day will come, and it will be dark. It will be a dark, dark day for us all. Paying for air is [expletiving] ridiculous. It disturbs me greatly that some see it as perfectly reasonable. It is this attitude that will allow this dark day upon us. And it will be dark. Mark my words, it will be dark.

Alun

Air just doesn't fall from the sky you know ...

wexie

J. Smith wrote: »

Paying for air is [expletiving] ridiculous. It disturbs me greatly that some see it as perfectly reasonable.

You're not paying for air, the air is free and you can take as much of it as you want. But the machine to put it into your tires isn't.

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Who pays for the machine upkeep? Who pays for the repair for when it breaks? Oh thats right the garage

Exactly!!!

FrancieBrady

My local Circle K has a system like a shopping trolley, put your euro in to release the equipment and get it back when you return it.

TheShow

tis a bit of a pain, but the new machines are a lot more accurate, and they work.
Nothing worse that trying to use a pump where the guage is all steamed up or broken and your playing russian roulette pumping up your tyres.

J. Smith

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Who pays for the machine upkeep? Who pays for the repair for when it breaks? Oh thats right the garage

wexie wrote: »

You're not paying for air, the air is free and you can take as much of it as you want. But the machine to put it into your tires isn't.

That's not the point, I'm not paying for the upkeep of the toilet either, should I start paying for EVERYTHING – or am I just looking for a blast of AIR? If the toilet breaks – is it really me who should have to pay for a plumber? You're right actually – we should start charging for use of the toilet. Or what about the actual petrol pumps – they break down too, I know this for a fact. Is it REALLY fair that the owners should have to pay to get the pump fixed? I propose a small usage fee for using the pumps – just in case they break down. It's not fair on the multinational petrol station to pay – when the customer can pay...

duffman3833

get one of these
Digital Tyre Inflator Air Pump
I invested in one as i had a slow puncture and was fed up going to garage (needed new tyre)
now with the new tyre my slow puncture is no more but i have this device handy if it ever happens again. Only takes few min to pump up a tyre and you can set a limit and leave it running

J. Smith

OSI wrote: »

There it is, the crux of many an Irish argument. "Them mulitnationals!!"

That isn't an Irish argument – it is an argument. What about the rest of my argument? Should I pay for the upkeep of EVERY machine – or just the one that provides air?

L1011

J. Smith wrote: »

It's not fair on the multinational petrol station to pay – when the customer can pay...

The majority of stations in Ireland are Irish brands (Applegreen, Maxol, Emo, Top and a bundle of little ones); and quite a lot of the CircleK and Texaco (only multi-nationals in the game here) stations are franchises owned by locals.

wexie

J. Smith wrote: »

That isn't an Irish argument – it is an argument. What about the rest of my argument? Should I pay for the upkeep of EVERY machine – or just the one that provides air?

You don't think you pay towards the up keep of the pumps every time you use them?

That is of course on the assumption you pay for your fuel.

J. Smith

wexie wrote: »

You don't think you pay towards the up keep of the pumps every time you use them?

That is of course on the assumption you pay for your fuel.

Friend – we will NEVER agree on this issue, and that's ok.

Agent Smith

FrancieBrady wrote: »

My local Circle K has a system like a shopping trolley, put your euro in to release the equipment and get it back when you return it.

Local stations beside me is the same, Circle K (Will always be "The BP" to me) Texaco and Applegreen's all give you the euro back

kirving

My biggest expense is fuel, normally €200, but up to €300 per month for the past 5 years.

Given that I pay the vast majority of this to the garage local to my house, then I absolutely expect a few little conveniences like free air, gloves, tissue to be there when I look for it.

Some will say you shouldn't be driving if you can't afford a few quid for air. I have an compressor with tank at home, a 12V compressor in the car, and a few manual pumps around the place.

That isn't the point though, a compressor is a minimal cost to a garage, and just strikes of meanness when they charge for it.

FrancieBrady

J. Smith wrote: »

That isn't an Irish argument – it is an argument. What about the rest of my argument? Should I pay for the upkeep of EVERY machine – or just the one that provides air?

That's a crazy argument in fairness. Of course you pay for the overhead of running any business. It's built into the pricing.

You can pull into the forecourt for the rest of your life and take advantage of the 'free' air and never contribute a penny to the overhead of the station. Not very fair that is it, or even good business sense?

biko

Only one station in the city charges for air afaik, I don't go there anymore.

J. Smith

FrancieBrady wrote: »

That's a crazy argument in fairness. Of course you pay for the overhead of running any business. It's built into the pricing.

You can pull into the forecourt for the rest of your life and take advantage of the 'free' air and never contribute a penny to the overhead of the station. Not very fair that is it, or even good business sense?

What about the stations that give you the euro back?

Anybody care to explain? If they're giving you the euro back – does it REALLY cost to maintain it?

FrancieBrady

J. Smith wrote: »

What about the stations that give you the euro back?

Anybody care to explain? If they're giving you the euro back – does it REALLY cost to maintain it?

Businesses will give freebies.

I was just saying the claim that 'you don't contribute to the overhead of maintaining the toilets' is a nonsense. Of course you do.
Any business operates on it's running costs being covered by the price of what it sells.

The issue here is, is it reasonable that a business charges for the use of a piece of equipment that has a running cost and a capital cost. And providing air has a cost, like it or not.

J. Smith

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Yup zero maintenance on those special pumps. These particular pumps are one of a kind they don't require any maintenance or repairs. They will continue to work long after the sun has burnt out and all life in this solar system is gone. They will outlive us all thanks to the designed used in their construction (magic + adamantium)

It's easy to be sarcastic – I would know, can you give me a serious answer please? Genuinely – I would appreciate a serious answer. I actually don't know everything – maybe you can teach me something...

lawred2

FrancieBrady wrote: »

That's a crazy argument in fairness. Of course you pay for the overhead of running any business. It's built into the pricing.

You can pull into the forecourt for the rest of your life and take advantage of the 'free' air and never contribute a penny to the overhead of the station. Not very fair that is it, or even good business sense?

slightly contradictory

if it's built into the pricing then why advocate charging extra for it?

FrancieBrady

lawred2 wrote: »

slightly contradictory

if it's built into the pricing then why advocate charging extra for it?

Because so many are using the free air and not contributing to the overhead. You see it every time you pull in to a station. People using the equipment and driving on without buying anything.

McGrath5

To be honest, the first time I saw a charge to use the air pump at a garage, I thought meh, we've had it for free for long enough.

It wouldn't outrage me enough to start a new thread on a internet forum though :rolleyes:

lawred2

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Because so many are using the free air and not contributing to the overhead. You see it every time you pull in to a station. People using the equipment and driving on without buying anything.

fair enough but for most people it will be their local station and the majority of which will return regularly for something..

People don't usually make a habit of only ever going to a filling station for free air.

I don't actually care to be honest.. if it costs a quid to have a clean and functioning system then so be it.

FrancieBrady

McGrath5 wrote: »

To be honest, the first time I saw a charge to use the air pump at a garage, I thought meh, we've had it for free for long enough.

It wouldn't outrage me enough to start a new thread on a internet forum though :rolleyes:

I think the ones where you set the pressure and it's done are well worth the euro.

FFS a bottle of screenwashing fluid costs that.

J. Smith

McGrath5 wrote: »

To be honest, the first time I saw a charge to use the air pump at a garage, I thought meh, we've had it for free for long enough.

It wouldn't outrage me enough to start a new thread on a internet forum though :rolleyes:

First it's air. Next it will be watering cans.

Before you know it – we will be literally on our knees begging the forecourt attendant for the honour of using their service station.

A dark day is coming, mark my words. A dark, dark day.

FrancieBrady

J. Smith wrote: »

First it's air. Next it will be watering cans.

Before you know it – we will be literally on our knees begging the forecourt attendant for the honour of using their service station.

A dark day is coming, mark my words. A dark, dark day.

I read that in the tone of this fella's voice.

listermint

It's a value add not a value generator and should be seen as such.

People come to use it they may buy something else if 20 per cent don't then 80 per cent do.

I've actually avoided stations that charge for it if there's 2 or 3 stations locally.

And that's what the bean counters dont realise .

J. Smith

I'm just gonna say one more thing on the matter – just in case any of you service station owners out there reading... There are 3 stations in the town I live – all three charge for air, actual not get your money back charge – and for this reason I do not shop/buy fuel there EVER. There are 2 or 3 stations about 20 minutes away – in another town, that provide air for free. THESE are the stations that get my money. And they've gotten plenty of it! Reward me with air, at no extra cost – and I WILL reward you with my loyal custom.

bazz26

Of course the equipment costs money, it costs money to buy and it costs money to maintain because of wear and tear along with careless idiots who keep breaking it. I know a few filling stations who have got rid of their air equipment because it was costing them too much to maintain it and too many whingers coming in moaning about having to pay a euro to use it. The air is free but the machinery that puts it into your tyres isn't.

If your not happy with that then go somewhere else or buy your own air compressor. Most filling stations are happy to lose a few whingers who think they are entitled to free air from a machine over the cost of the equipment itself.

J. Smith

bazz26 wrote: »

Of course the equipment costs money, it costs money to buy and it costs money to maintain because of wear and tear along with careless idiots who keep breaking it. I know a few filling stations who have got rid of their air equipment because it was costing them too much to maintain it and too many whingers coming in moaning about having to pay a euro to use it. The air is free but the machinery that puts it into your tyres isn't.

If your not happy with that then go somewhere else or buy your own air compressor. Most filling stations are happy to lose a few whingers who think they are entitled to free air from a machine over the cost of the equipment itself.

I can't understand how these machines get broken? Serious question... Take the air thing, from the wheel on the wall – put it on to the valve, press the button until required pressure is achieved – and wrap the air thing back round the wheel on the wall? It's a genuine question. I worked at services stations for YEARS as a young man – I never once encountered a problem with air machines...

And I personally would NEVER whinge to any business about ANYTHING. I just don't return.

TheShow

J. Smith wrote: »

I can't understand how these machines get broken? Serious question... Take the air thing, from the wheel on the wall – put it on to the valve, press the button until required pressure is achieved – and wrap the air thing back round the wheel on the wall? It's a genuine question. I worked at services stations for YEARS as a young man – I never once encountered a problem with air machines...

And I personally would NEVER whinge to any business about ANYTHING. I just don't return.

thats an an ideal world you speak of, but most people just throw them back on the ground and drive over them as they pull off. hence they get broken and then must be repaired or replaced at a cost to the garage.

J. Smith

TheShow wrote: »

thats an an ideal world you speak of, but most people just throw them back on the ground and drive over them as they pull off. hence they get broken and then must be repaired or replaced at a cost to the garage.

There are some absolute bastards out there alright.

draiochtanois

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J. Smith

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Yeah well – y'know, ahh – that's just like, your opinion, man...

bazz26

J. Smith wrote: »

I can't understand how these machines get broken? Serious question... Take the air thing, from the wheel on the wall – put it on to the valve, press the button until required pressure is achieved – and wrap the air thing back round the wheel on the wall? It's a genuine question. I worked at services stations for YEARS as a young man – I never once encountered a problem with air machines...

And I personally would NEVER whinge to any business about ANYTHING. I just don't return.

The hose gets thrown on the ground instead of put back on the reel. Idiots drive over the hose left on the ground or yank the reel too far because they didn't park close enough. People who don't pay for stuff generally don't put any value on it. I've seen plenty of them wrecked or broken.

As for not just returning, your really not getting one over on the business, still works out cheaper than them repairing or replacing the air machine. It would take a lot of customers to walk away before it would be viable to keep an air machine. Driving around wasting time to find a filling station with free air to save a euro doesn't add up for lots of people. I'll happily pay €1 to put air in my tyres from a fully working air machine as I might only use it twice a year, it's no big deal to me.

zilog_jones

J. Smith wrote: »

I'm just gonna say one more thing on the matter – just in case any of you service station owners out there reading... There are 3 stations in the town I live – all three charge for air, actual not get your money back charge – and for this reason I do not shop/buy fuel there EVER. There are 2 or 3 stations about 20 minutes away – in another town, that provide air for free. THESE are the stations that get my money. And they've gotten plenty of it! Reward me with air, at no extra cost – and I WILL reward you with my loyal custom.

OK, so let's assume this 20 minute drive is about 25 km away (don't know how urban an environment you're talking about, so assuming average speed of 75 km/h), and a typical diesel fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km - for a round trip that's 2.75 litres of fuel you're using to get your "free" air.

Well done.

J. Smith

zilog_jones wrote: »

OK, so let's assume this 20 minute drive is about 25 km away (don't know how urban an environment you're talking about, so assuming average speed of 75 km/h), and a typical diesel fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km - for a round trip that's 2.75 litres of fuel you're using to get your "free" air.

Well done.

Let's just say I have to go to this town, Mr. Numbers!! EVERY day anyway! You literally don't know a thing about me! Why so much contempt? Seriously.

Voodoomelon

What would you be fillin' yer own tyres for, sure is that not for the NCT to check.

J. Smith

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I think your trolling us either that or you need to lay off the cough syrup. Its a service they provide, its not being forced on you. And what has watering cans got to do with anything? Do you carry watering cans around with you at all times?

I'm not trolling anybody – I'm just a bit mad in the head. I do have a serious point – I'm just not able to articulate it. I believe in what I'm saying – I think air should, and the machine that provides it – should be free. I understand that other people have different opinions – but I disagree with them. Watering cans – you know the green plastic boys that sit on petrol forecourts, for the customers to top up their water? Traditionally water – like air, has been provided for free to the customer – an act of GOODWILL in my opinion, and something i GENUINELY APPRECIATE and VALUE.

Sofiztikated

zilog_jones wrote: »

OK, so let's assume this 20 minute drive is about 25 km away (don't know how urban an environment you're talking about, so assuming average speed of 75 km/h), and a typical diesel fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km - for a round trip that's 2.75 litres of fuel you're using to get your "free" air.

Well done.

I think his point is because of the free air, he'll go to that shop, and spend money on fuel, and whatever bits in the shop.

I just use whatever is there. And you'll find that the vast majority of motorists only use it once in a blue moon.

TallGlass

Suppose then we should start paying for the use of the fuel pump to put the fuel into our cars too going by the logic in here.

Never understood it. Never seen a petrol pump left on the ground, yet air pumps just chucked to the side. Or some people's weird fetish with smashing them up and cutting them in halve. So guess it was only time. Euro is a bit ****ing steep in fairness maybe 20c or something.

Regardless. I took matters into my own hands. Got an Air Hawk Pro from Argos 50€, absolutely great piece of kit. Well worth my 50€. Can run it on battery or off the engine, does the car, motorcycle, bicycle and footballs or whatever you can blow air into

FrancieBrady

TallGlass wrote: »

Suppose then we should start paying for the use of the fuel pump to put the fuel into our cars too going by the logic in here.

You do. Just like you pay for the signage and the wages and everything else. It's called business.

Sofiztikated

J. Smith wrote: »

I'm not trolling anybody – I'm just a bit mad in the head. I do have a serious point – I'm just not able to articulate it. I believe in what I'm saying – I think air should, and the machine that provides it – should be free. I understand that other people have different opinions – but I disagree with them. Watering cans – you know the green plastic boys that sit on petrol forecourts, for the customers to top up their water? Traditionally water – like air, has been provided for free to the customer – an act of GOODWILL in my opinion, and something i GENUINELY APPRECIATE and VALUE.

Air and water machines my friend. Ireland has had them for years now.

But using your example of a tap and watering can, a tap is an inexpensive piece of kit. It's reasonable hard to accidentally break it.

A compressor with an airline isn't.

If it's free, that's great, but people are ****wits, and they're always breaking them.

I'd rather pay a quid for one that's working, than have a free, broken one.

J. Smith

FrancieBrady wrote: »

You do. Just like you pay for the signage and the wages and everything else. It's called business.

Francie – I liked you in the Butcher Boy, but I think this is not a fair point – it's too simplified. Have we not all been brought up on free air and free water, tissues, gloves and the like? We're not looking for a free litre of oil. ALL of US HERE were raised with free air and water!?! EVERY one of US! Since forever. Look we all clearly have different opinions – I just think there's some things that should be offered, at a cost to the owner – to the customer. As I said – first it'll be air...

Say what you want about me folks – but it is YOU and ME, EVERYDAY people who are NOT wealthy, that are paying for it. Next it will be the tissues – mark my words. Dark, dark days are coming.

Not trolling – just a bit mad.

J. Smith

Sofiztikated wrote: »

Air and water machines my friend. Ireland has had them for years now.

But using your example of a tap and watering can, a tap is an inexpensive piece of kit. It's reasonable hard to accidentally break it.

A compressor with an airline isn't.

If it's free, that's great, but people are ****wits, and they're always breaking them.

I'd rather pay a quid for one that's working, than have a free, broken one.

I DO understand your points. It's just I personally look after the compressor – I treat it with respect, and appreciate it. So it's a hard pill to swallow for me...

Sofiztikated

J. Smith wrote: »

Francie – I liked you in the Butcher Boy, but I think this is not a fair point – it's too simplified. Have we not all been brought up on free air and free water, tissues, gloves and the like? We're not looking for a free litre of oil. ALL of US HERE were raised with free air and water!?! EVERY one of US! Since forever. Look we all clearly have different opinions – I just think there's some things that should be offered, at a cost to the owner – to the customer. As I said – first it'll be air...

Say what you want about me folks – but it is YOU and ME, EVERYDAY people who are NOT wealthy, that are paying for it. Next it will be the tissues – mark my words. Dark, dark days are coming.

Not trolling – just a bit mad.

Tissues?

ohnonotgmail

Sofiztikated wrote: »

Tissues?

I cant remember the last time i seen paper towels or gloves in a service station.

bazz26

TallGlass wrote: »

Suppose then we should start paying for the use of the fuel pump to put the fuel into our cars too going by the logic in here.

Never understood it. Never seen a petrol pump left on the ground, yet air pumps just chucked to the side. Or some people's weird fetish with smashing them up and cutting them in halve. So guess it was only time. Euro is a bit ****ing steep in fairness maybe 20c or something.

Regardless. I took matters into my own hands. Got an Air Hawk Pro from Argos 50€, absolutely great piece of kit. Well worth my 50€. Can run it on battery or off the engine, does the car, motorcycle, bicycle and footballs or whatever you can blow air into

You already pay for using the fuel pump, it's built into the price of the fuel and the profit the filling station makes after the Government take their chunk of tax. Would you prefer the euro to use the air machine be hidden in the price of a litre of fuel instead? Out of sight, out of mind?

J. Smith

Sofiztikated wrote: »

Tissues?

Somebody else pointed out we get free tissues at service stations, maybe tissues isn't the right term – paper towels! That's the one... My bad.

First it'll be air – next, it'll be paper towels...

50c for a sheet of paper towel. After all – we can't expect the business to cover the cost of providing paper towels...

Mark my words. Dark, dark days are coming...

draiochtanois

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