You may turn your car on one morning or be heading to work when you see the TPMS light appear.
As soon as you notice the dashboard light, a few questions may run through your mind. If you don’t know much about this symbol, you might wonder, “What’s that light? What does it mean?” If you know it well, the question may be “Do I have a flat?”
Whatever your familiarity level, this warning light can be concerning for those who see it.
What does the TPMS light mean?
Two types of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) can be found on vehicles today.
Some cars have direct TPMS systems where there are sensors on each wheel. Batteries and circuit boards can be found on these TPMS sensors.
There are also Indirect TPMS systems. Rather than using sensors, this setup goes based on the ride height.
The TPMS light clues you in on a few tire problems. It can mean that the tire pressure is low for one or multiple tires. This light can also indicate that something is wrong with a sensor.
What causes the TPMS light to come on?
Sensor problems: If your car features a direct TPMS system, the problem may lie with a sensor.
It’s possible that it has a bad battery or circuit board.
Flat tire: A flat tire is another common reason why the TPMS light turns on. One of your tires might have picked up a nail in your travels.
In certain cases, tire injuries can be fixed with a patch plug.
We aren’t able to repair tires with damage on or near the sidewall or when the punctures exceed 45 degrees.
Drop in outside temperatures: Are all of your tires low? It probably has something to do with the weather.
The pounds per square inch (PSI) tend to go down with the temperature.
How do I know if I have a flat tire?
When you have a flat, the tire pressure will normally be low for one (or a couple) of the tires – not all of them.
You could see one indicator if you take a close look at your tires. The sidewalls might be wider at the ground level.
To confirm whether it’s low, you can check the tire pressure using a tire gauge.
If you have a newer vehicle, it may come with a multi-information display that shows you the tire pressure.
What should I do if my TPMS light appears?
Did your TPMS light make an unwelcome appearance?
The first step is ruling out the cause. Start by checking the tire pressure. You can also take it by an auto repair shop if you need help or want a little extra peace of mind.
A flat tire should be repaired or replaced.
For weather-related tire pressure problems, you will want to get your tires checked and refilled.
The appropriate tire pressure is found on the tire sidewall and driver’s side door jam.
If there’s plenty of air in your tires, a sensor could be failing. In this case, TPMS sensor replacement is needed.
By making sure your tire pressure is where it needs to be, you help prevent your tires from wearing out too early.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.