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TPMS Dash Light: Do I have a flat tire?

posted on 3/15/2022 3:07:32 PM

TPMS stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”. This feature, created with safety in mind, helps to alert you when the pressure in one or more of your tires falls outside the optimal range.

The system was first seen in European luxury cars in the 1980s. Here in the United States, the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette was the first model to include factory installed TPMS. This system is a fairly recent addition to vehicles, and it wasn’t until 2007 when all cars were required to have TPMS. With the push of a major tire recall, light trucks then followed suite in 2008. Listen to the new TPMS podcast episode at AllAboutTheCarPodcast.com! For additional information on the history of the tire pressure monitoring system, Click Here.

How does this System Measure Tire Pressure?

TPMS comes in two distinct varieties: Indirect and Direct systems. Indirect TPMS works by using the speed sensor from the anti-lock brake system to measure the miles per hour each tire is traveling. If a variance in MPH is detected between the four tires, the TPMS dashboard warning light will come on to notify you of the discrepancy. One fallback, however, is if all four tires are low in air pressure; in this instance, the system may not notice a discrepancy and will fail warn you of low air pressure.

Direct TPMS is the more accurate of the two systems and can often tell you the specific tire that is low. Some vehicles can also display the air pressure of each tire, although not all do this. Direct TPMS systems typically work by warning you if one or more tires lose 25% of the air pressure within them. It is important to remember that outside factors, such as temperature, can impact the air pressure in your tires. It is common for air pressure to drop during autumn, causing the TPMS light to come on. Additionally, tires can lose air pressure at different rates. When this occurs, topping off low tires with air is typically all that is needed. To learn more about tire pressure monitoring systems, Click Here.

Does my Vehicle have TPMS?

If your vehicle was manufactured after 2007, it will have TPMS installed. If it was made before 2007, however, it may or may not have this system. Being that the average car is 11 years old, this means some drivers may not have the benefit of this safety feature on the road. The easiest way to tell whether your vehicle is equipped with this system is to examine the dash for the TPMS indicator light. You can also find this information in your owner’s manual.

The Tire Pressure Warning Light Came on – What Now?

If your TPMS warning light illuminates, the first thing to do is get out of the car and examine your tires. This light can come on for any number of reasons, such as a slow leak, an object lodged within the tire, a large injury to the tread, or even just dropping temperature. Because of this range, physically looking over the tires is necessary to judge the situation and whether or not you can continue driving. If your TPMS system tells you the tire pressure within each tire, you can use this feature to monitor how fast the tire is deflating. In the case of rapidly dropping air pressure or serious damage to the tire, pull over to the side of the road as quickly and safely as you can.

Psst – if you’ve got a leak, stop by Hartje Tire & Service for FREE auto and light truck tire repair!

Although the TPMS system can be inconvenient (like when cold weather triggers the dash light), it is important to keep in mind this system is installed for the safety of you and your family. Additionally, we recommend checking the air pressure in your tires once a month. The TPMS system should not replace manual checks, and this small inconvenience can help prevent potential tire problems down the road.

Can the System be Turned Off?

While there’s not a handy “off” switch for this system, your TPMS may stop working due to a dead sensor battery. There is a rule in place that all auto shops must follow: If a vehicle comes in with a nonfunctional TPMS, it can leave the shop without being repaired. But, if the system is in working condition when it enters the shop, it must also leave in working condition. It is best to keep the TPMS functional for your safety.

Are there any Additional Benefits?

Besides keeping you safe and monitoring the air pressure within your tires, the TPMS system offers a few other perks:

Direct systems often display the pressure in each individual tire – very handy!

TPMS alerts you of a potential issue right away, allowing you to quickly address any service needs, which ultimately:

Cuts down on potential tire wear
Decreases the chance of tire failure
Increases fuel economy
Can save you from bigger expenses later on
Keeps you safe!

What Maintenance is Needed?

The TPMS is a self-contained system and requires very low maintenance. Some vehicles require the TPMS to be reprogrammed after tire rotation or installation, but this is easily completed by mechanics as needed. Other systems will reset automatically after driving 10-15 miles.

Typically, the only components that will wear out are the sensor batteries. These batteries were initially thought to have a life of 5-7 years, but it is common for them to last about 10-12 years. When the battery eventually dies, you’ll be notified by a static or blinking dash warning light and the sensor will need to be replaced.

Can this System be Installed in my Vehicle?

If your vehicle does not have a tire pressure monitoring system, it is possible to have this feature installed. There are kits available for purchase, and TPMS can be used on trailers, RVs, and even semis. It works on nitrogen-filled tires, too! Click Here for additional information regarding TPMS installation.

Have questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us on Facebook or shoot us a message by emailing [email protected]. We’ll see you next time!

Categories: Tires 101 | View Count: (89) | Return

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TPMS Dash Light: Do I have a flat tire?

TPMS stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”. This feature, created with safety in mind, helps to alert you when the pressure in one or more of your tires falls outside the optimal range.

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