Your TPMS light is a key safety feature that warns you when your tire pressure is too low. Ignoring it can lead to unsafe driving conditions and dangerous blowouts. Knowing what the TPMS light means and how to respond helps keep you safe on the road. This guide explains the different ways the TPMS light may turn on and what steps to take to keep your tires properly inflated.
What Does the TPMS light mean?
The TPMS light stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System” light. It is a safety feature that uses a TPMS sensor in your tires to track air pressure. If the TPMS light turns on, it means one or more tires are underinflated and need more air. If the TPMS light appears, pull over safely and check your tire pressure with a gauge. Inflate the tires to the recommended level in your vehicle’s manual. Ignoring this warning can lead to unsafe driving conditions and increase the risk of a blowout and accidents.
Related: Car Warning Lights and Indicators – What Do They Mean?
TPMS Light Turns On While Driving
If the TPMS light turns on and stays illuminated while driving, it means that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. Driving on underinflated tires can can lead to unsafe driving conditions and increase the risk of a blowout and accidents.
What to do: Pull over safely as soon as possible and check your tire pressure using a gauge. Determine the cause of pressure loss—whether it’s due to a slow leak, puncture, or natural pressure loss. Inflate the tires to the recommended level specified in your vehicle’s manual.
TPMS Light Turns On and Goes Off
If your TPMS light turns on temporarily and then goes off, it could be due to fluctuating temperatures. Tire pressure naturally decreases overnight in cold weather and can rise as the tires heat up while driving.
What to do: Use a gauge to check the pressure in all four tires. If any tire is below the recommended level, add air to reach the proper inflation. Even if the light goes off after driving, it’s important to ensure your tires are at the correct pressure to prevent future issues.
TPMS Light Flashing and Stays On
If the TPMS light flashes for about 60 to 90 seconds when you start your vehicle and then stays illuminated, it indicates a malfunction in the TPMS system. This usually means that one or more TPMS sensors are failing or not communicating properly with the vehicle’s computer.
What to do: Take your vehicle to an automotive service center or contact a mobile mechanic for an inspection. Until the TPMS issue is repaired, you should manually check your tire pressure with a gauge and add air as needed, since the TPMS may not be accurately detecting low pressure.
Summary
Knowing what a TPMS warning light means and how to respond is an important part of being a responsible driver. If the TPMS light turns on, safety should always come first. If you’re unsure what to do, call Neighborhood Roadside Assistance for quick and reliable help to get you back on the road safely