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How to put air in tyres at a petrol station?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 3 industry sources
To put air in your tyres at a petrol station, check your car's recommended tyre pressure, drive to the air machine, remove the valve cap, attach the airline hose firmly, and inflate to the target PSI. The whole process takes around 5 minutes and most petrol stations charge 20–50p per use, though some supermarket stations offer it free.
Before You Start: Find Your Correct Tyre Pressure
Check the placard first:
Your car's recommended tyre pressure (in PSI or BAR) is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, the fuel filler cap, or in the owner's manual. Never guess — over- or under-inflation affects handling and fuel economy.
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Front and rear may differ:
Many cars specify different pressures for front and rear tyres, and a higher pressure if you're carrying a full load. Check both figures before you start.
Check tyres cold:
Tyre pressure reads higher when the tyre is warm from driving, so ideally check and inflate after a short journey of under 2 miles, or before setting off.
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Step-by-Step: Using the Air Machine
Pay and set the pressure:
Insert coins or a card (most machines cost 20–50p for around 3–5 minutes of air), then use the dial or digital display to set your target pressure in PSI or BAR — most UK machines let you switch between the two.
Remove the valve cap:
Unscrew the small plastic or metal cap from the tyre valve and keep it safe in your pocket — it stops dirt entering the valve.
Attach the hose firmly:
Push the airline connector straight onto the valve stem and press firmly until it clicks or seats securely. A hissing sound means it is not fully seated — reposition until the hissing stops.
Inflate and check:
Most machines inflate automatically and beep or stop when the target pressure is reached. If using a manual machine, inflate in short bursts and check the gauge frequently. Release air using the small bleed button on the connector if you overshoot.
Common Questions and Pitfalls
Don't forget the spare:
Many drivers overlook the spare tyre — check it at the same time so it is ready if you need it. The correct pressure is usually in your owner's manual.
TPMS warning light:
If your car has a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the warning light stays on after inflating, drive a short distance at over 20 mph — the system usually resets automatically within a few minutes.
Free air at supermarket stations:
Some supermarket petrol stations offer free air as a customer perk. It is worth checking before paying at an independent or branded station nearby.
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Finding a Petrol Station Near You
Most stations have an air machine:
The majority of UK petrol stations — including supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons as well as branded sites like Shell and BP — have forecourt air and water points.
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Compare stations while you're at it:
If you need to find a petrol station with facilities nearby, CheckFuelPrices lists 4,000+ UK stations updated every 30 minutes — useful for finding both the cheapest fuel and a convenient forecourt with air.
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Sources
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