Having properly inflated tires is critical for safe driving and optimal fuel efficiency. So, when your tire pressure warning light illuminates, it’s important to take care of it right away. Yet, after checking for leaks and filling your tires, your light stubbornly remains illuminated. Sometimes, simply filling your tires isn’t enough. You may need a tire pressure warning light reset.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Since 2007, automakers have equipped cars with a TPMS to indicate when tire pressure deviates from the manufacturer’s recommended level. When it does, a dashboard indicator light will illuminate. The light may have the letters TPMS or look like a bowl with an exclamation point in the middle.
Of course, a leak will cause tire pressure to drop. Furthermore, tires slowly and naturally lose air. Plus, cold weather will cause air pressure in your tires to decrease. Usually, if the issue is low temperatures, the light will go off after driving for a few minutes.
However, consistently driving with low pressure tires has several negative effects. Thus, you’ll want to inflate your tires to the correct pressure as soon as possible. The two tools you’ll need are a tire gauge and an air compressor.
Additionally, some cars have the TPMS system connected to the spare. Therefore, check and inflate the spare as necessary. Afterward, drive your car for about 10 minutes or so to execute a tire pressure warning light reset.
Tire Pressure Sensors
Sometimes, you may fill the tires to the correct pressure, yet the TPMS light stays illuminated. If you’ve ruled out a leak, you may have a failing tire pressure sensor. Usually, once one fails, the others most likely will fail soon, too. Subsequently, you’ll need to change all your tire pressure sensors together.
Generally, automakers may use either a direct or indirect pressure monitoring system requiring different sensors:
Direct Sensors
- Manufacturers mount sensors on the valve stem or inside the wheel
- Measures actual tire pressure
- Uses battery powered transmitters to send data to the onboard computer
- Can use mechanical or electronic sensors
Indirect Sensors
- Mounted on the wheel hub or brake rotor
- Uses anti-lock brake system to measure wheel speed
- Monitors the rate of revolution per tire
Whichever type of system your car has, you need expert help to change your sensors. Today’s cars use highly computerized systems and tire sensors require programming before installation. Moreover, sensors must go through a relearning procedure. Some sensors undergo the process when you drive the car. Other vehicles require a TPMS service tool.
The Importance Of Properly Inflated Tires
Low pressure tires may not seem like an important issue that needs fixing immediately. Moreover, only about 19% of consumers properly inflate their tires. However, driving on improperly inflated tires can have several negative effects:
- Vehicle Handling
While underinflated tires result in a larger area of the tire touching the road, it’s less effective at providing traction. The tire’s sidewalls flex more creating problems with braking, cornering, and steering. You’ll also have an increased risk of hydroplaning during wet weather.
- Fuel Efficiency
Tires with low pressure also experience more friction. The increased surface area touching the road creates more drag. This increased resistance requires more power from the engine utilizing more fuel.
- Tread Wear
The increased contact with the road will cause uneven tread wear. With lower air pressure, the inner and outer shoulders will wear faster.
- Increased Risk Of Tire Blowout
In addition to increased wear, improperly inflated tires have an increased risk of a flat or blowout. Without enough air, tires will over flex. The repeated flexing of the tire beyond its design limits will weaken the internal structure. This makes the tire more susceptible to flats and blowouts.
Tire Pressure Warning Light Reset FAQs
Are you puzzled about why your TPMS light stays illuminated? Why not visit the tire shop nearby many people trust? Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville has been helping car owners for over 25 years with its fast and friendly service. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about tire pressure.
What Are The Steps To Check My Tire Pressure?
Most experts recommend checking your tires once a month and before a long trip. Use the following steps for checking and inflating tires:
- Check your vehicle owner’s manual for correct pressure
- Test cold tires
- Remove the valve cap
- Place the tire gauge on the valve stem
- If air pressure is low, use the compressor to add air
- Confirm the tire has the correct pressure with the tire gauge
Will Over Inflating My Tires Have Negative Effects?
Generally, over inflated tires will have some of the same negative effects as low pressure wheels:
- Poor vehicle handling
- Uneven tire tread wear
- Increased risk of blowout
Additionally, consistently driving with overinflated tires can damage your suspension resulting in more expensive repairs.
Where Can I Find A Reliable Tire Shop Nearby?
Although a tire shop has expertise in tires, a full-service automotive facility has everything you need to maintain your car. Moreover, Xpress Lube is a locally owned business offering reliable service for all your automotive needs:
- Tires
- Transmissions
- Exhaust systems
- Fuel systems
- Brakes
- Oil changes
- Coolant flushes
- Wheel alignments
- Electrical diagnostics
- State safety inspections and emissions
- Car wash/detailing
- And more
Don’t stress when you’re having a problem with your tire pressure warning light reset! Call Haxoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-904-6319 to have one of our experts help you.
