Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light: What You Need To Know

Why Is My TPMS Light On? Blain's Farm & Fleet Blog from www.farmandfleet.com

If you own a car, you've probably seen the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on your dashboard at some point. This light indicates that the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high, which can affect your car's handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. In this article, we'll explain what the TPMS warning light means, why it's important, and what you should do if you see it on.

What is the TPMS warning light?

The TPMS warning light is a small icon that appears on your dashboard when there is a problem with your car's tire pressure. It typically looks like a horseshoe-shaped object with an exclamation point in the middle. When the light comes on, it means that the pressure in one or more of your tires is outside of the recommended range. In some cases, the light may blink or flash to indicate a more serious problem.

Why is the TPMS warning light important?

The TPMS warning light is important because it alerts you to potential problems with your car's tires. When your tires are underinflated or overinflated, they can wear out more quickly, cause your car to handle poorly, and even lead to a blowout or other safety hazard. By monitoring your tire pressure and alerting you when there is a problem, the TPMS warning light helps you keep your car safe and your tires in good condition.

What should you do if you see the TPMS warning light?

If you see the TPMS warning light come on, the first thing you should do is check your tire pressure. You can do this using a tire pressure gauge, which is a small tool that measures the pressure inside your tires. You can find the recommended tire pressure for your car in your owner's manual, on the driver's side door jamb, or on the tire itself. If your tire pressure is too low, you'll need to add air to your tires to bring them up to the recommended level. You can do this using a portable air compressor or by visiting a gas station with an air pump. If your tire pressure is too high, you'll need to let some air out until it reaches the recommended level. Once you've adjusted your tire pressure, the TPMS warning light should go off. If it doesn't, it may indicate a more serious problem with your TPMS system. In this case, you should take your car to a mechanic to have it inspected and repaired.

Tips for maintaining your tire pressure

To avoid seeing the TPMS warning light come on, it's important to maintain your tire pressure on a regular basis. Here are some tips to help you do that: - Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and before long trips - Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended level - Don't rely on the TPMS warning light to tell you when your tires are low – it's better to check them yourself - Consider investing in a portable air compressor to keep in your car for emergencies - Have your TPMS system inspected and maintained regularly by a qualified mechanic

Conclusion

The TPMS warning light is an important safety feature that helps you keep your car's tires in good condition. By monitoring your tire pressure and alerting you to potential problems, it can help you avoid accidents and costly repairs. If you see the TPMS warning light come on, don't ignore it – check your tire pressure and take action to correct any problems. With a little maintenance and attention, you can keep your car's tires in great shape and stay safe on the road.