A suggestion for improving the quality of life: add air to your car's tires by using a pump.
Consider the advantages: No waiting for the gas station's air hose. No arduous maneuvering to get close enough to the air hose. No quarters. No racing from tire to tire as time runs out. No driving off with grimy hands. And a modest addition to the day's physical activity.
Of course, you need a good pump, something better than what's found in big-box stores. I use the Goldenrod pump, purchased from a local "farm and home" store. The Goldenrod is not cheap. It's also not semi-disposable. Manufacturer Dutton-Lainson gives a detailed description of the Goldenrod's features: 
All steel joint intake valve.
Produces 200 pounds of pressure.
Intake valve designed to permit cylinder to fill with air on upward stroke with no back pressure.
30" hose with storage clip.
Hose features easy thumb lock connector.
Zinc die cast top and bottom caps.
1 3/8" x 20 3/8" heavy gauge steel cylinder, with copper bronze finish.
Overall length is 24 1/2".
Large, comfortable solid wood handle.
Replacement hose complete with thumb lock connector and hose clamp available.
The Goldenrod pump is made in the States. It lists for $56.99 ($37.99 from Amazon).
Dutton-Lainson Company (Since 1886!)[Update, 2.7.08: As Rich Stewart notes in a comment, this pump is no more. I called Dutton-Lainson to confirm that it's no longer manufactured. The reason: the company couldn't compete with imports on price.]
The Goldenrod Pump (Dutton-Lainson)
Goldenrod pump (Amazon)
comments: 5
Great suggestion. I use my hand bike pump for my car tires and it works pretty well. This is obviously a much better pump than I currently use, though.
Josh, you must have a better-than-average bike pump. Take care of it!
Michael,
I am a guy who has repeatedly tried to pump air into an auto tire with little success.
Can you give some suggestions on technique?
John, I have no technique to speak of. My best suggestion would be to try a better pump. I always found adding air to a tire by hand a struggle. With this pump, it's easy.
You were wise to get it when you could. Apparently it's no longer made. Well, it was useful, high quality, and made in the U.S., so it was only a matter of time, wasn't it?
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