Australian Drivers Appreciate Free Air at Petrol Stations Compared to US Costs
Jesse and Camille, travelling in Australia, highlight the benefit of free tyre air at petrol stations compared to the US, where drivers pay for this service, sparking discussions online.
It's not uncommon to hear drivers across the country complain about the rising cost of filling up at the petrol station, but it's worth remembering it could always be worse. One travelling couple has helped provide that perspective after realising servos do provide one free perk that's perhaps taken for granted Down Under.
Jesse and Camille, who are currently driving their 4WD around the country, highlighted the surprising find when compared to Camille's home country of the United States. Along their travels, they've been able to fill up their tyres with free air - something they would have to pay for in the same situation in the US, at a cost of about $4 AUD.
“So here in Australia, they have free air for your tyres, and free water,” she said in a video posted to followers online.
“If you want to put air in your tyres you have to pay for it,” she continued, showing an equivalent device at a 7Eleven petrol station in the US fitted with a card payment system.
The clip has been watched nearly 2 million times, with many Australian viewers surprised to learn this wasn't a “universal freebie” in service stations and called the idea of paying for air “ridiculous”.
“Paying for air, are you kidding? That's insane,” one Aussie wrote, while another said America continues to “amaze” them and jokily asked if drivers have to “give the air machine a tip as well”, referring to the country's widely adopted gratuity system.
“Don't give Australian government any ideas, please,” another person joked.
Responding to the surprise, Camille lamented how the price had apparently climbed in recent years. “Worst part is it used to be 25c now [it's] $2.50 for 2 tyres,” she said.
However, some Americans did jump in and explain that some service stations in the country do provide free air for tyres, but you have to ask staff to access it.
