Do Canadian tyres use the same Schraeder valve that we use in UK?

Strange question maybe but prompted by an upcoming trip to Canada during which we will have a car for an extended hire.

Yes. Gasoline (petrol) stations will also provide air, usually for free, although the accuracy of the pressure gauges are a bit dodgy.

Thanks for response. We'll be over there for six weeks and I was comtemplating bringing a small compressor I have as insurance. I'd assumed valves would be the same but it seemed prudent to check.

Last week, air was fifty cents at Esso and a dollar at PetroCanada.

I can notimagine in my wildest dreams any need for a compressor, unless the plan is to be in real wilderness.

Rental cars come with spare tires if there's a major tire failure, and for slow leaks, there's lots of gas stations with air pumps.

That said, I have a leaky tire and keep a hand pump in the car, but we are replacing the tire next week.

As you may have noticed from BAK'S reply, the only thing different is the spelling of TIRE. Some gas stations provide free air if you buy gas there. Don't bother with the compressor. In the 43 years since I moved from tyres to tires, I have never had a flat.

Pay for air? What city/province makes you do that? I live in Calgary (and have lived in Edmonton and Vancouver) and have never seen a gas station that charges for air, regardless of whether you buy gas or not.

A local Esso in Victoria has a sign on the airpump. Air is free, if you need us to do it for you it is $2.
I do not know if that is a joke or not.

Yes that is a new one on my - never have seen a charge for air in the West anyway. I always carry an emergency aerosol can that you can buy at Canadian tire or other automotive stores that is supposed to inflate a tire for a short period of time - just in case you are in the wilderness. Haven't had to use it so don't know if it works but I do replace it every so often just in case.

Again you can go to Canadian Tire and pick up a small compressor for about 5 pounds. This just plugs into your lighter. If you are really afraid you can also buy some tire plugs again around 3-4 pounds so if you get a nail you just plug it and fill the tire and drive forever. I work in construction and my tires are always picking up nails. If you talk to your rental company they may even provide it if you give them enough time.

Charging for air is starting to creep into the Vancouver area, free with a fill up but $1 otherwise.

One station had it's machine vandalised so many times it's free again-at the two others I know of employees cringe when you mention anything to do with the fee.

You shouldn't need to bring a pump: the rental company will have checked pressures before you leave and that should be good until you return the car. If nervous you can get a pressure check (and top up) at any filling station or garage. Don't worry about it.

I have seen pumps in Vancouver where you have to put your quarters in to get air. I would just drive down the street. I would not bring a compressor unless you were planning to go somewhere quite remote.