Four Things to Know About Your Tire Pressure Warning Light

Without a set of properly inflated tires, your car isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Fortunately, thanks to special equipment in our wheels, it’s easier than ever to know when your tire pressure is too low. Learn more about your tire pressure monitoring system with help from your friendly tire service in Gary, IN by reading the guide below!

What is the tire pressure monitoring system?

Your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) constantly checks your tire pressure to ensure the pressure is right where it should be. Each wheel has its own monitor, and when the pressure changes in one of the tires, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, informing you that something is amiss. Since there are numerous warning lights on your dash, it may be helpful to know that the TPMS icon in most vehicles looks like a tire with an exclamation point on or near it. This icon will pop up when the pressure in your tire is 25 percent lower than the manufacturer recommends for cold tires (a tire that’s been sitting idle for at least three hours).

Why does tire pressure change?

Your tire pressure can change for a number of reasons other than running over a nail or piece of glass. The main reason for deflation is natural and has to do with the outside temperature. The air pressure in your car’s tires typically drops one to two pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Now that it’s starting to get chilly out, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure more often than you would in the spring or summer. If you’re not sure what your tire pressure should be, bring your vehicle in for tire service in Gary, IN. We’ll check your tire pressure and let you know if any of your tires are underinflated.

What do I do if the light comes on?

As we know, your TPMS light comes on when your tires’ air pressure level is 25 percent below the manufacturer’s recommendation. But what should you do if you’re driving down the road when that icon flashes on your dashboard? Although it might be tempting to chalk an illuminated icon up to a fault in the system, you ought to pull over to check that your tire pressure isn’t too low. As quickly as you can, pull off to the side of the road and inspect each of your tires. If the pressure in one or more of your tires is visibly low, bring your car to the nearest gas station to fill them up with air. If you check and everything appears normal, you may want to bring your car to a specialist to check your TPMS, because something may be wrong with the system.

Does a TPMS replace regular tire pressure checks?

While your TPMS is an incredibly valuable tool, it doesn’t replace checking your tires with your pressure gauge. Your TPMS might not light up when your pressure is low, so it’s always a good idea to double check the old fashioned way.

Remember to keep an eye on your TPMS light this winter. Driving around with underinflated tires is dangerous and robs your vehicle of fuel economy. Visit Miller Brakes and Mufflers, Inc. for tire service in Gary, IN, or if you believe your TPMS might be malfunctioning.

Categorised in: Tire Service

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