I prefer to change my tires at Costco when the tires are due for a change. Once in a while, if I see that my tires look a bit deflated, I bring it there to have them filled up. I just need to drive up to the Tire Center and a mechanic will fill it up. This is a better experience than I get at the gas station where I have to let in air in short bursts and check the gauge every so often. The gauge is rudimentary and prone to errors, but that is what I have to deal with.
This morning as I left my home to drop my kids off at school, I noticed that the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) light was on, and the right rear tire indicator was on. It had sufficient air, so there was no need to panic. Later I went to Costco and found a pleasant surprise waiting for me. It was the Excelbr from Pneutronic. Click on the image to see a larger version.
It was so easy to use. I could fill the air myself. I just had to set the pressure to 32 and plug in the end of the hose onto the valve. The system took over sensing the pressure and inflating the tire in short bursts and sensing the pressure again till it reached 32 PSI. Then it beeped. The entire procedure took much less time and used less air than usual.
Now I admit Costco did not invent this tire inflator. But I give them kudos for installing it all the same. Especially because only they installed it when every one else, including Chevron and Shell which I frequent had the opportunity to install it but did not.
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