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 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.

Why is my TPMS warning light on my spare tire?

Don’t Forget The Spare. If your vehicle has a TPMS, it’s probably monitoring the pressure in your spare tire. Therefore, if you get a low tire pressure warning light, and if you’ve checked all four tires that are touching the ground, than you might need to put some air in the spare.

What to look for when your TPMS light is on?

Check for any signs of sagging or deformities in your tires’ shape. Also look for an “egg” in your tire sidewalls…a tire with a damaged sidewall can fail without warning at any speed above 25 mph. As you can imagine, surprise tire failures at high speeds can be a bit dicey. So check your tires carefully.

How do you turn off low tire pressure light?

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the “on” position, but do not start the car. Press and hold down the reset button (sometimes located under the steering wheel) until the low-pressure light blinks three times. Release the button.

What does the low tire pressure light mean?

Low Tire Pressure Means You Need to Put in More Air. Think of it like this: The low tire pressure light is like a low fuel light. When it’s on, it means you need to put air in your tires, just like you would put more fuel in your car if it was low on fuel.

How do I get my low tire pressure warning light to turn off?

Turn the ignition key to “ON”. If the low tire pressure warning light comes on, push the reset switch for a few seconds and make sure the warning light goes off. Push and hold the reset switch until the low tire pressure warning light blinks three times.

What are the dangers of low tire pressure?

Tire failure is one of the biggest dangers of low tire pressure. When the surface of the tire contacts the road more than it should, the friction increases. Friction caused additional heat, which can further cause the tire to blow up or the tread to separate.

What does low tire pressure but tires are fine mean?

As a result, this turns on the low tire pressure light but tires are fine, for a while but disappear once the tires are warmed. However, if it doesn’t turn off, measure the pressure of tires.

Do you need to rotate tires with pressure sensors?

If your vehicle tires have the older type of pressure monitoring system that uses the anti-lock brake system, there is no requirement for reprogramming the system after rotating the tires. Hailing out of Pittsburgh, Pa., David Stewart has been writing articles since 2004, specializing in consumer-oriented pieces.

Do you need to reset TPMS after rotating tires?

Refer to the instructions in your operating manual and follow the procedure specified to reset the TPMS unit. If your vehicle tires have the older type of pressure monitoring system that uses the anti-lock brake system, there is no requirement for reprogramming the system after rotating the tires.

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 does the 04 / 05 tire pressure system do?

The 04/05 TPS system is the same; it looks at wheel rotation speed to check for a low tire. Double check that your tire pressures are equal and reset the TPS (read manual for procedure) to recalibrate it.

As a result, this turns on the low tire pressure light but tires are fine, for a while but disappear once the tires are warmed. However, if it doesn’t turn off, measure the pressure of tires.

When to check tire pressure with the TPMS?

While every time you start the car and the pressure light turns on and stays lighted, this means the TPMS is not functioning properly. However, before consulting the mechanic regarding this issue, do check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is fine, the TPMS needs to be repaired. 2. Extreme Cold Weather

Why is my tire pressure sensor warning light on?

Disturbed or Tripped Sensor. If you’ve recently had your vehicle serviced and the tire warning light activated immediately or shortly after, it’s likely that something tripped one or more of the tire pressure sensors. Some models require the TPMS to be reset after adding pressure.

What happens if the TPMS light comes on while driving?

TPMS light turns on while driving: If the TPMS Light comes on while you are driving, at least one of your tires has incorrect air pressure. Find the nearest gas station and check the pressure of the tires. Driving too long on underinflated tires can cause the tires undue wear, reduce gas mileage, and present safety hazards.

What does it mean when your TPMS warning light is on?

So check your tires carefully. If your vehicle has a TPMS, it’s probably monitoring the pressure in your spare tire. Therefore, if you get a low tire pressure warning light, and if you’ve checked all four tires that are touching the ground, than you might need to put some air in the spare.

How can I Reset my tire warning light?

Instructions for how to reset your tire warning light vary from model to model. Consult your owner’s manual to find the exact steps. Remember – under-inflated tires wear out more quickly, are less fuel-efficient, and more likely to cause an accident. Your TPMS is helping to make you safer, but it can’t do all the work.

When does the low tire pressure light turn off?

The low tire pressure light, also know as the TPMS system, on your car should turn off when you have filled your tires to the proper pressure, or “PSI.” Sometimes, it just doesn’t work though.

Why is there a TPMS warning light on my tire?

The TPMS warning light can sometimes be triggered when there is no problem with your tire pressures. This may be caused by a faulty sensor, located either inside a tire or in the anti-lock braking system. Your mechanic will need to take a look. Run-flat tires are tires that you can drive on for a limited distance after they lose their air pressure.

What does the tire pressure light look like?

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”.

When to turn off tire pressure monitoring light?

In the U.S. at least, “TPMS isn’t required to issue a warning until pressure is 25 per cent below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation” writes Popular Mechanics’ Mac Demere. “TPMS is intended as a last-minute warning before imminent tire failure, not as a monitor to make sure your tires are properly inflated,” Demere says.

What happens if you take off tire pressure sensor?

“If you take away the sensors and don’t replace them, it will be interpreted as a lost signal and the tire pressure warning light will stay on.” His advice would be the same for any vehicle with a direct system, but not all vehicles use a direct TPMS. An indirect system doesn’t use special sensors in each wheels.

How can I Turn Off the TPMS light?

Turning the light off is simple. All you have to do is hold in the TPMS button typically located to the left of your steering wheel. After holding it in for a few seconds, your car will let you know that it’s reset with a beep, and then you can release.

Can you turn off TPMS?

The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that all vehicles manufactured after 2008 include a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Although you cannot disable the TPMS in a General Motors (GM) vehicle, you can reset the system if you recently checked your tires and inflated them properly. If you do not adequately inflate the tire, however, the TPMS trouble light will remain on.