You’re driving along when your tire pressure warning light illuminates on your dashboard. While rubber tires have low permeability, over time some air will naturally escape lowering air pressure, triggering the light. Thus, routinely checking your tires with a tire gauge and replacing lost air is important.
Moreover, you may notice your tire pressure changes with the seasons. Especially, this is true when temps get cooler in the evenings. Generally, you can fix the issue by adding a little air to the tires to make up for the change in temperature (which affects pressure).
TPMS Light On The Dashboard
The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) alerts you to incorrect tire pressure that may create unsafe driving conditions. This system became a requirement in all cars following a massive Firestone tire recall in 2000. Typically, this dashboard indicator light will illuminate when tire pressure is about 25% above or below the manufacturer’s recommendation. Usually, most cars suffer from underinflation rather than overinflation.
A TPMS uses sensors to determine air pressure in your car’s wheels. One type, indirect, monitors the rate of revolution per tire. Typically, underinflated tires spin slower than correctly inflated wheels due to increased resistance. To determine the size of each tire, the onboard computer compares the data on spin revolutions.
Whereas the other type of TPMS, direct, uses a pressure sensor mounted on the inside of each tire. Once the air pressure drops, the dashboard light will illuminate.
Like other dashboard indicator lights, the TPMS may appear as a steady, flashing, or intermittent illumination. Each one may indicate a different problem:
- Steady Illumination
When your TPMS light illuminates, you should check your tire pressure and add air as soon as possible. Although driving with underinflated tires is cause for concern, it’s usually safe to drive short distances.
- Blinking Light
Sometimes, you may experience a flashing indicator pressure light. Often, this indicates a problem with one or more tire pressure sensors.
- Illuminates Temporarily Then Goes Out
Cold weather greatly affects your tire pressure. Thus, when temperatures cool, your tire pressure will drop. Then, as you begin to drive, your tires will warm causing pressure to increase. Nonetheless, you should still get your tire pressure checked as a precaution.
Problems With Underinflated Tires
Manufacturers design tires requiring a specific air pressure as outlined in your owner’s manual. Driving with low pressure tires can have these negative consequences:
- Affects Handling Of The Vehicle
Automobile tires have treads to siphon water away during inclement weather. When your tires are underinflated, the tread collapses slightly preventing moisture removal. This increases your risk of hydroplaning and losing control of your car.
- Increase Fuel Consumption
An underinflated tire has a greater resistance to rolling than a properly inflated one. Thus, your engine will have to work harder to move your car using more gas. NHTSA estimates saving as much as 11 cents per gallon of gas with properly inflated tires.
- Uneven Tread Wear
Underinflation will also cause more of the tire’s surface area to come into contact with the road. Then, the outer edges of the wheel experience increased friction and wear. This will cause your treads to deteriorate unevenly requiring a tire replacement sooner rather than later.
- Tire Blowout
Tires need flexibility to meet the road and absorb bumps. However, underinflated tires will cause tires to flex beyond their design limits. Repeated over-flexing will weaken the tire’s structure.
Additionally, your tire will overheat from increased friction. The combination of over-flexing and overheating will cause further deterioration that can lead to a blowout.
Tire Pressure Warning Light FAQs
Are you experiencing chronic low tire pressure and don’t know how to fix it? Call the experts at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-904-6319. Below we answer a few commonly asked questions about tire pressure.
When Should I Check My Tire Pressure?
Generally, you should check your tires at least once a month and before long trips. The best time to check pressure is when your tires are cold. You’ll need a tire gauge and your manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. Usually, you can find this information on the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. To check the pressure, remove the valve cap and press the tire gauge on the valve stem.
How Do I Turn Off The Low Tire Pressure Warning Light?
Always begin by checking your pressure first. If your pressure is low, use an air compressor to inflate the tire, stopping occasionally to recheck the pressure. After reaching the correct level, replace the valve cap.
Often, you’ll have to drive your car for a bit for the sensors to read the new pressure. Once they do, the TPMS light will usually go off. If it remains on, bring your car to a tire shop nearby, like Xpress Lube.
Can Filling My Tires With Nitrogen Help Keep My Tires Properly Inflated?
Although rubber has low permeability, some air naturally leaks out. Since nitrogen has larger-sized atoms than air, less will leak out. This means your tires will stay properly inflated for a longer time than air.
Where’s The Best Tire Shop Nearby?
If you’ve filled your tires with air and your tire pressure warning light is still on, you need an expert. For example, your tire may have a puncture or damaged valve stem. You may also have one or more faulty sensors.
An auto repair shop like Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville can find and fix your problem quickly. Our ASE-certified technicians do everything from regular servicing like coolant flushes to major repairs like fuel systems. We’ve been helping car owners for over 25 years with quality repairs and friendly service.
Call us today at 336-904-6319 to secure your appointment or use our online form.
