I’m calling on that great philosopher, Gomer Pyle, to help me explain what’s gotten my dander up this morning.

Gomer, as you probably all remember, worked at Wally’s filling station in Mayberry. In one episode of “The Andy Griffith Show,” Gomer explained Wally’s business philosophy to Andy and Barney.

“Me, I don’t do no engine work,” Gomer said. “Just gas and oil, water and air. Water and air are free. We don’t make a charge for it. Now you take gas and oil. That is a different proposition entirely. We make a charge for that … depending on how many times the pump out there goes ding-dong. It’s thirty cents a ding.”

That a perfect philosophy. Air and water are free, but you have to pay for the gas.

Of course, it’s not exactly the same as it was at Wally’s. First, the pump doesn’t go ding anymore. And if it did, it would be three bucks a ding, not 30 cents.

There’s another difference, too. Apparently, now, they do make a charge for the air.

I’ve known several gas stations that charged for people to put air in their tires. But I’ve always successfully managed to avoid those places. The gas station closest to my house is where I usually fill up my car – and, if needed, get air for my tires.

That’s because the station didn’t charge me for the air. I simply pull up next to the pump, press a button and get all the air I needed.

Last week, I noticed one of my rear tires needed air. I stopped by the station on the way to work, pulled up next to the pump and pressed the button. Only this time, nothing happened.

I pressed the button again.

Nothing happened. Again.

Then I saw it. A new sign, attached to the side of the pump, said I needed to pay 75 cents to put air in my tire.

Because I really didn’t want a flat tire, I went inside, got change for a dollar and put three quarters in the machine. But I won’t do it again, at least not if I can find another place that won’t charge me for air.

Growing up in small town Georgia, I remember filling stations like Wally’s. My mother bought gas at Mr. Billy’s station. While the car’s tank was filling with gas, Mr. Billy would check the oil, wash the windshield and check the tire pressure.

He didn’t make a charge for air or water, either.

I know things change. I know businesses have to make decisions, and I respect those decisions, even if I don’t like them. I know businesses need to make money to stay in business.

And it’s not about the cost. Seventy-five cents really isn’t that much money. It just seems we are being nickeled and dimed to death over little things.

There are signs now at some fast-food restaurants that say condiments are extra. So I can get fries with that, but it’ll cost me if I want to put some ketchup on them.

I ordered a salad at a restaurant the other night. It was one of those places that brings you a salad in an enormous bowl because they have used about a head and a half of lettuce to make the salad.

The waitress brought me one small cup of dressing. I asked for a little more dressing. She happily brought me another small cup of dressing.

When I got the bill, I noticed that they charged me 50 cents for the extra dressing.

Again, it’s not about the cost. But if you’re going to serve me an enormous salad, shouldn’t I get enough dressing to go with it?

So far, I haven’t found another place to get air for my tires. I may have to give in and pay.

I’m sure Gomer is ashamed.

Mitch Clarke is executive editor of The Times. His column appears Sundays. Read previous columns at gainesvilletimes.com/mitch.