For a long time compressed air has been used in a variety of ways, Compressed air drives some tools. It's used in tires and many more ways that I don't know.
A special pump fills a tank with air. There are valves that let the air out to run things. The tanks and pumps can develop a very high pressure. It used to be that there were corner garages. For courtesy they always had a line outside that their customers could use. Now we don't have corner garages but just gas stations and they don't need compressors. So they charge for the air.
Now I happen to need air pressure from time to time to fill up my bike tires. Bike tires work best with pressure of around 40 psi. I bought a small pump to pump up my bike tires. However, the pump got old and I had to go somewhere you could get your bike tires filled with air.
Since I hadn't done this for some time I was very surprised to find that you had to put coins in a slot to make the pump work. I hadn't taken any money and had to ride back home. This situation irked me to some degree.
Three days ago I had to fill trailer tires with air. I got to the place that sells air and found out that they don't accept coins anymore but only cards. You had to tap your card on a screen. Guess what? I didn't have a card. I was about to go back home when a guy driving a motorcycle showed up. He said, " Don't worry . I'll use my card." Now that is a supper gesture. The air costs $1.50 for three or four minutes. Between the two of us it cost $3.00. I offered him money but no way was he accepting money.
Now my faith in humanity was strengthened when I was helped by a stranger.
But what about selling air? That seems a little funny to me.
Hello, we have been paying for air for some time now. It is nice to be helped by a stranger! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteI think they've been paying for air a long time here too.
DeleteWhat a kind person!
ReplyDeletehe was a Harley rider so we swapped some Harley stories.
DeleteI totally agree! My husband bought himself a little air compressor so he can fill our tires at home. He was unwilling to pay for air at the gas station. :-)
ReplyDeleteI had a little compressor but it died.
DeleteI agree. I remember when it was free at any gas station -- as it ought to be!
ReplyDeleteMoney rules (or ruins) everything.
DeleteSelling air sounds crazy to me too! You are so lucky to have crossed paths with such a kind stranger.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about money.
DeleteGood on that rider!
ReplyDeleteYes, we swapped a few stories.
DeleteWhat a nice person and yes, acts such as that do renew your faith in humanity! These days you do have to pay for anything - air, dirt, water, etc. I think the power of money has truly gotten out of hand these days.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the power of money.
DeleteAt east they don't charge for the air we breathe. :) You met a fine kind man that took care of your problem. The first time I saw that you had to pay, I was not happy either.
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about it it makes sense that you pay because the businesses don't need a compressor.
DeleteYep, we've been paying for it for awhile now. Can't say I'm happy about it - resigned, is more like it :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll buy another little compressor!.
ReplyDeleteThey are not called "service stations" any more for a reason.
ReplyDeletei am not surprised dear Red!
ReplyDeleteeven here my youngest son go to fill his bike tires often and they take 20 rupees each visit
long ago it was different i mean free :)
people want to make money in every possible way and air is also a way now
yes ,such amazing people still exist and they are reason that world is still liveable
What a nice guy to treat you to the cost of air, I think you both felt happy.
ReplyDeleteNice guy! We still have a couple places where you can get free air, but you really have to search because most of them charge. $1.50 seems expensive. I know we have paid quite that much.
ReplyDeleteWe still have free air locally:) Maybe you need an old bicycle pump:)
ReplyDeleteFor my bike tyres I have a large capacity pump because using the pump that used to come with the bike in the old days took for ever (and we are much less patient these days). My last thee cars have come with electric pumps which fit into the car's auxiliary socket (ie what used to be for the 'cigar lighter'). Air used to be free at garages here too Ostensibly only for customers of the garage but of course everyone ignored that so, as the garage wasn't getting custom because of it, they started charging.
ReplyDeleteI get what you mean about selling air. But heck, we pay a dollar or two for a bottle of water these days, so it's not the most ridiculous thing I've heard of. But ... they should accept coins. Anyway, three cheers for the guy who helped you out -- may be we all live up to his example!
ReplyDeleteDon't tell the government or there'll be a tax on it as well.
ReplyDeleteThe longer we live, changes are inevitable.
ReplyDeleteI've always said the nicest, friendliest people live in Canada.
ReplyDeleteair free at gas stations and car washes around here!! You can even borrow a tire gauge!
ReplyDeleteYes it is unfortunate that gas stations charge for compressed air because years ago it was no charge. We have a small compressor that plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter slot, which is how we fill any low tires. Nice that someone helped and didn’t accept payment as it shows there are good people all around.
ReplyDeleteThese small kindnesses mean a lot. Does sound a little strange paying for 'air'. In our multi-story parking yesterday they don't accept money any more either, it's all credit cards. I suppose actual money will go the way of the dinosaurs, and then credit cards will go away one day. It will all be face recognition.
ReplyDelete