What Does a TPMS Warning Light Mean? Get Up to Speed on Tire Pressure Monitoring
Modern vehicles make issues easier than ever to spot with indicator lights on the dashboard. Your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is one of these modern alert systems and It’s purpose is to warn you when any tire is 25% over- or under-inflated. When your TPMS is functioning correctly, the indicator light turns off after starting your car. If the indicator light stays on or flashes, that could suggest a flat tire or another issue requiring your attention. Here’s what to know about your vehicle’s TPMS to ensure vehicle safety.
Flashing Vs. Solid TPMS Warning Light
Understanding the warnings associated with TPMS light can help determine your next steps. If a Solid TPMS light is on, the first step is to check your tires for proper inflation or damage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly inflating your tires. Typically the correct PSI for your make and model can be found on the inside of the driver door. If your tires appear to be properly inflated with no damage, or ff you’ve inflated your tires and the light remains on, it's time to bring your vehicle in for service. If the TPMS light is flashing, this can indicate a system failure or a bad sensor. Our ASE-certified professionals at AutoPro can perform further diagnostics to get to the root of the issue.
Common Causes of TPMS Light
- Tire is 25% over- or under-inflated
- Failure to reset the TPMS after tire rotation
- TPMS sensor failure in one or more tires
Common Causes of TPMS Sensor Failure
Damage from collisions, potholes, tire punctures and other road hazards Sensor battery failure. Keep in mind TPMS sensor batteries are not serviceable or replaceable and have a life expectancy of approximately 7-10 years or 100K+ miles.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a TPMS Warning Light
Whenever you see a warning light on your dashboard, it's better to err on the side of caution and have one of our technicians take a look. Remember if your TPMS isn't functioning correctly, it may not retrieve and provide accurate data. This means alerts, whether minor or critical potentially can go unnoticed. Other risks of ignoring a TPMS warning light include:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Premature tread wear resulting in a shorter tire life
- Poor braking performance
- Compromised vehicle handling
- It is a violation of federal law to render a TPMS inoperative
Need TPMS Service Near Champlin, MN?
Seeing a TPMS warning light doesn’t need to be stressful. Our highly trained technicians at AutoPro Auto Service will run full diagnostics to service and repair your TPMS, ensuring your tires are properly monitored. We include a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on both auto parts and labor which is three times the warranty than most dealerships and facilities offer in the Hennepin County area.
Call (763) 703-6172 for TPMS Service