Easy lifehacks

Does low tire pressure mean I need a new tire?

Does low tire pressure mean I need a new tire?

If the light comes on and all your tires are within the acceptable range, there’s a chance that you have a malfunctioning tire-pressure monitoring sensor that needs to be replaced.

What does the low tire pressure light mean?

When the car starts, the TPMS light will normally illuminate for a second or two. This indicator often looks like a tire viewed from the front with an exclamation point inside it. Sometimes it will simply say “TPMS”. If a tire has low pressure, the dashboard TPMS light will illuminate. It may flash or stay on.

What should I do if my tire pressure is low?

If a tire has low pressure, the dashboard TPMS light will illuminate. It may flash or stay on. If you see this while you’re driving, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, and check the tire pressure on all wheels. Fill each tire to the pressure specified in the manual or the information panel on the inner door jamb.

Can a spare tire have a tire pressure light?

Not all vehicles have TPMS in the spare tire, but those that do can sneakily throw a tire pressure light when this tire is inevitably forgotten. This is not a bad thing, though; it’s always a good idea to keep the spare inflated properly in case you need it.

Why is my pressure sensor not working after a tire change?

It could be that they replaced your pressure sensor with a non-factory sensor. And perhaps that after-market sensor just doesn’t communicate with your car’s computer. Or, if they damaged one of the sensors when they changed the tires, they easily could have damaged another one (or more than one) and not known about it at the time.

Is there a way to tell if your tire pressure is low?

Fortunately, there are modern pressure monitoring systems to help the driver informed. The user will instantly know the air pressure condition in the tires. However, the system may fail and send wrong signals to you. Typically, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will illuminate. It happens should the tire pressure drop.

How does a low tire pressure light work?

The TPMS (or Tire Pressure Monitoring System) uses sensors on the vehicle to determine when a tire has low pressure and alerts the driver with a warning light so the tires can be checked out.

What to do when you get a tire pressure warning light?

Tips for TPMS and good tire care Have a tire gauge and a portable compressor in your car. Check your tires at least monthly and maintain the correct pressures. Always check tires when they are cold, before driving on them, for the most accurate readings. The TPMS will only alert you when your tires are dangerously low.

What to do if your tire pressure is below 25%?

Alternatively, go to the tire shop and determine the air pressure. If your tire pressure is below 25 % of the recommended pressure, the lights will illuminate. Cold weather may compromise the tire pressure. As you take a short drive, the tires may heat up and restore the pressure.

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Ruth Doyle