The Tire Pressure Monitoring System light, or TPMS light, is an important dashboard indicator that signals issues with your vehicle’s tire pressure or with the tire pressure monitoring system. Proper tire pressure is essential for safe handling, efficient braking, and optimal fuel economy. When the TPMS light illuminates, it’s important to get the issue handled in a timely fashion. At Fremont Auto Center we can inspect and repair TPMS problems – whether they are due to tire condition or the condition of the TPMS system itself.
What the TPMS Light Indicates
The TPMS light activates when one or more tires fall outside the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range. Modern vehicles use sensors to continuously monitor tire pressure and send data to the vehicle’s computer. If a sensor detects that the tire pressure fell more than 25% below manufacturer recommended pressure, the TPMS light turns on. When the light comes on, but there has been no blowout, it’s best to stop where it’s safe to do so and inspect the tires. If you have tire pressure gauge, check the tire pressure. If the pressure is indeed low, you can try to add air to the tire using a portable tire inflator. If the air escapes quickly, it’s time to replace the tire with a spare, or call roadside assistance. Fortunately, often you will find that the tire pressure is low, but it is not escaping rapidly, in which case you have a choice to proceed carefully to your destination or the nearest tire repair shop. We do not recommend driving at freeway speeds with underinflated tire(s).
Another reason for a TPMS light might be totally “benign” – there is nothing wrong with your tires, it’s a problem with the TPMS system. Over time TPMS system can malfunction, sending wrong information to the onboard computer. A common cause is a dead TPMS sensor battery. These batteries can last 5-10 years, but eventually they will die, causing the TPMS light to come on. Another reason could be the failing sensor itself. In either case, the sensor will need to be replaced, since the battery is not replaceable by itself. If failing battery is the culprit, we recommend replacing all four TPMS sensors as it is likely that other sensor batteries will fail soon.
Most common reasons for the TPMS light coming “on” include:
- Low tire pressure due to air leaks
- Temperature changes affecting tire pressure
- Punctures from nails, screws, or road debris
- Damaged or failing TPMS sensors
- Weak or dead sensor batteries
- Improper tire pressure after rotation or service
- New tires installed without proper sensor calibration
At Fremont Auto Center we can inspect your vehicle, find the exact cause of the TPMS light, and have your vehicle repaired. Call us to make an appointment.