A man’s video about basic automotive maintenance sparked a social media debate. TikTok user Nick Gadsby (@the_not_so_great_gadsby) recorded himself filling up his car’s tires. Parked directly across from him is a Nissan with a visibly flat tire.
According to Gadsby, the vehicle's owner asked him to fill her tires.
"This [expletive] really just asked me to fill her tire. And I’m like, 'No. I’ve got mine to fill, and it’s not my problem that your [expletive] tire’s flat. Learn how to be a [expletive] adult!'" he says at the end of the clip.
Commenters who replied to Gadsby’s video were divided. "I respect this man," one person said. Another echoed, "I’m with him. I’ll fill my own tires." Some explained that they agreed with Gadsby’s sentiment because filling up one’s tires is considered the bare minimum of vehicle maintenance. "I can't imagine owning a car and not knowing how to fill the [expletive] tires up," they wrote.
Others thought that Gadsby could’ve been a bit kinder. "Depends how she asked. What happened to people helping people?" one asked. "What kind of person can’t help someone in need with something so simple? That would only take maybe a couple minutes," another said.
However, further in the comments section, another topic of conversation in the air debate came up: payment. One TikTok user was bewildered by the thought of anyone paying to put air in their tires. "Being an adult is knowing not to pay for air," they wrote. Another in the thread added, "Most gas stations have free air." But Gadsby didn’t agree, and went back and forth with other TikTokers about different gas stations giving free air to customers. He added that he lives in Florida and visited a Wawa, which he says charges customers to use its compressors.
Paying for Air?
Gadsby’s assertion that pay-to-use air compressors are common in Florida appears to be supported by the Tampa Bay Times. The outlet wrote in 2019, "Air may be free, but not at most of the machines where you pump it into your tires." However, the same piece noted that many Wawa stations in Florida were indeed installing complimentary air compressors at their locations.
According to the news agency, installing these units did indeed increase traffic at these stores. "Free air is so popular, in fact, lines often form at the Wawa machines," the Times wrote.
A Virginia Tech forum post also included a list of different stations that offer this service to guests. Both Sheetz and Wawa were named in this compendium.
And if you’re looking for places that offer kiosks that allow you to keep your tires topped off, there are resources online that will show you where and how to do just that.
Freeairpump.com provides a map of locations where you can find free-use compressors. Money Talks also compiled a list of businesses and chains that’ll help you keep your tires inflated at no cost. Various bulk retailers, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, often include air compressor use and tire pressure checks as part of their memberships. Wawa was mentioned in this list, as was Discount Tire, Firestone, Goodyear, Les Schwab, Sheetz, Stewart’s, Hy-Vee, GetGo, Big O Tires, and QuikTrip, among others.
There are also portable air compressors you can use.
Why Tire Air Pressure is So Important
There are numerous benefits to ensuring your vehicle is rolling on the correct tire pressure. Evans Tire & Service Centers writes that doing so can help with fuel economy as it "create[s] minimal friction with the road." This helps minimize drag and wind resistance on your vehicle, allowing your car to drive more smoothly and increasing your miles per gallon.
The proper PSI for your car’s tires is usually posted on the driver’s side door jamb. Or, refer to your owner’s manual to know the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for your car’s tires.
Auto enthusiasts stress keeping one’s tires at appropriate levels for safety. Under- or over-inflating one’s tires can lead to blowouts, which is both frightening and dangerous when you’re barreling down the highway.
Motor1 has reached out to Gadsby via TikTok direct message for further comment. We'll update this if he responds.
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