MT · free air
Free air in Montana
Is air free in Montana?
Owner decidesNot by law. Montana has no free-air law, so each station owner decides. Of the 102 places with air we have mapped in Montana, 56 (55 %) are free or usually free, mostly at Pilot and Flying J, Lowe's and Costco, plus tire shops such as Les Schwab and Discount Tire that fill tires for free.
- places with air
- 102
- free or usually free
- 56
- tire shops fill free
- 33
- open 24/7 (known)
- 28
Chains with air in Montana
The brands with the most locations on our Montana map, and what to expect at each.
| Chain | Locations in MT | Free air |
|---|---|---|
| Les Schwab | 28 | Free, staff fill |
| Sinclair | 20 | Depends on the store |
| Pilot and Flying J | 14 | Usually free |
| Lowe's | 5 | Usually free |
| Discount Tire | 5 | Free, staff fill |
| Costco | 5 | Free for members |
| Exxon | 3 | Depends on the store |
| Mobil | 1 | Depends on the store |
| Kum & Go | 1 | Usually free |
Free air by city in Montana
Number of places with air per city. Cities with a link have their own page with every address.
- Missoula12
- Billings11
- Bozeman8
- Great Falls6
- Fort Benton6
- Kalispell6
- Butte4
- Dillon4
- Helena4
- Columbia Falls3
- Havre2
- Hamilton2
- Miles City2
- Belgrade2
- Sidney2
- Helena Valley Southeast1
- Sun Prairie1
- Vaughn1
- West Glacier1
- Lewistown1
- Helena Valley Northwest1
- Wolf Point1
- Troy1
- Greenough1
- St. Mary1
- Malta1
- Gardiner1
- Lolo1
- Plentywood1
- Wheatland1
- Milltown1
- Superior1
- Ronan1
- Stevensville1
- Whitefish1
- Libby1
- Glendive1
- Shelby1
- Columbus1
- Deer Lodge1
- Livingston1
- Polson1
Confirmed free air pumps in Montana
Places where drivers or the operator confirmed the air is free.
Conoco
FreeButte, MT 59701
Hours: Open 24/7
Winter tire pressure in Montana
−5 PSI
typical drop from July to January
The average temperature in Montana goes from about 68 °F in July to 22 °F in January. Tire pressure falls roughly 1 PSI for every 10 °F, so a tire set to 35 PSI on a summer afternoon reads about 30 PSI on an average winter morning.
Most tire pressure warning lights switch on when a tire is about 25 % below its recommended pressure. A cold front plus a slow leak gets there fast, so check your tires as soon as the first cold mornings arrive.
Free air in neighboring states
- Idaho184 places
- North Dakota45 places
- South Dakota77 places
- Wyoming75 places
Free air in Montana: questions
Is air free at gas stations in Montana?
Only where the owner chooses. Montana doesn't require free air, so many stations use coin or card machines that cost one to two dollars. Chains that give air away at most stores are your best bet, and some clerks switch a paid machine to free if you ask.
Which gas stations have free air in Montana?
On our map, the chains with the most free or usually free air pumps in Montana are Pilot and Flying J (14), Lowe's (5), Costco (5) and Kum & Go (1). At franchised brands like Shell, BP or Exxon, it depends on the owner.
Where can I check my tire pressure for free in Montana?
Tire shops are the easiest option: Les Schwab (28 locations) and Discount Tire (5 locations) check and fill tires for free during business hours, no purchase needed.
How much does tire pressure drop in winter in Montana?
Montana averages about 68 °F in July and 22 °F in January (NOAA, 2015–2024). At roughly 1 PSI per 10 °F, tires filled in summer lose about 5 PSI by midwinter, often enough to switch on the low-pressure warning. Top them up when the weather turns.
Which city in Montana has the most free air pumps?
On our map, Billings has the most free or usually free spots in Montana: 7 of 11 places with air.