Gas Station Now Charging More Money for Air in the Hudson Valley

If you need to put air in the tires on your vehicle, be aware that some gas stations in the Hudson Valley are charging a lot more than a few quarters to fill up.

Oftentimes, around this time of year, many Hudson Valley residents will get into their vehicles in the morning hours, ready to drive to work and be welcomed by something none of us likes to see.

Low Tire Pressure Light

Yes, the dreaded tire pressure light, which commonly comes on around this time of year because it's colder in the morning than it has been in months. At least that's the reason I was given when I asked a few auto-friendly friends why it happens.

Whatever the reason is, it's important to NOT ignore the light and check the tire pressure on each of the tires on your vehicle. Experts say if a tire isn't properly inflated, it won't last as long as it should, and you won't get the best gas mileage.

Two things we can agree on that are important!

If your tire light does come on and you need to put air in the tires, you'll probably do what most of us do and head to a nearby gas station to fill them up. That's what I had to do earlier this week, and I was shocked by how much air actually costs.

Air Isn't Free at Most Gas Stations in New York

After the light came on, I decided to stop at the closest gas station to my house to check all four tires. When I pulled in, I grabbed the hose to use the check pressure air gauge and noticed that it was broken and wouldn't be of any help.

Which is illegal in New York, by the way(more on that below).

So I get back in my car and drive up the street to the next gas station. As I pulled in, I found the air pump and pulled up in front of it to fill the tires. Once I got out of the car, I grabbed the hose to use the gauge and checked the first tire's pressure.

It was low, so I assumed all of them would be, and walked back over to the air dispenser to see how much it would cost to fill up the tires, and that's when it happened.

Why is Air So Expensive in the Hudson Valley?

As you can see in the picture above, it costs $3 for 5 minutes of AIR!!!! I'm not one to complain about the cost of things, but when did air get so expensive? I understand that some gas stations use the money made on the air dispensers to pay for the air compressor, but $3 seems excessive.

FREE Air at Stewart's Shops in New York

In the past, anytime I needed air, I would use the FREE air at my local Stewart's Shop, but since moving, there isn't one nearby.

SEE ALSO: Poughkeepsie Joins 4 Other New York Cities on the 'Best Cities' in America List

I did pay the $3 bucks and used every last bit of time the machine provided...LOL!

New York Gas Stations Are Required by Law to Have Air

Fun fact: In New York State, any gas station that has four or more gas dispensing nozzles must provide a working air compressor, air, and a gauge to check pressure according to New York General Business Law.

Any gas station that fails to provide a working air dispenser could be fined anywhere from $25 to $50 per day.

I wonder if any gas station can be fined for overcharging for AIR?