What Is The TPMS Light | All About TPMS Light

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What Is The TPMS Light | All About TPMS Light

TPMS light is very important for some people. And if you are the one wondering what is the TPMS light? Then this article is for you. So start reading and find out all about TPMS light.

What Is The TPMS Light-A Complete Guide

Driving an Italian or Audi from the early 2000s means you're probably used to the worry that comes with seeing all the small lights go out. A caution light, though, can seem like a major problem to absolutely anyone else. The tire pressure monitoring system is one of them, and it serves to notify you when your tires require maintenance.

Many different systems are installed in modern vehicles to ensure that you are aware of any problems. The technology in your automobile keeps you informed, whether through an audio warning or a light on the dashboard. The TPMS light and system is one of these crucial alarm systems. However, it's crucial to first consider what the TPMS tire pressure light is and what it accomplishes in order to understand TPMS light's meaning.

TPMS Light Meaning

The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is designed to notify you when a tire's pressure is too low and may result in hazardous driving situations. If the indicator is on, your tires may not be properly inflated, resulting in premature tire wear and even tire failure. It's critical to comprehend the value of correct tire inflation and how TPMS might prevent a potentially hazardous situation.

Both excessive and inadequate tire pressure can result in early tread degradation and potential tire failure. Increased traction, early wear, and an inability to withstand impact from the road can all be effects of overinflation. The center of the tread on tires with excessive air pressure may prematurely wear out. However, underinflation results in slow tire reaction, reduced fuel efficiency, excessive heat buildup, and tire overload. An underinflated tire will exhibit early tread edge or SHOULDER wear on both sides.

Finding the TPMS indication on your dashboard is easy for someone learning about tire pressure sensors for the first time. The light has a horseshoe shape with an exclamation point in the middle.

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When The TPMS Light Is Illuminated, You Can Experience The Following

When The TPMS Light Is Illuminated, You Can Experience The Following
  • The TPMS light flashes and then stays lit. When this happens, the pressure in at least one of your tires is too low or too high. It's worth looking for a slow leak in your tire if this happens frequently. As soon as possible, make a pit stop at a service station with an air compressor and make any necessary pressure adjustments.
  • The TPMS light flashes on and off. This usually occurs when the tire pressure is on the verge of becoming too low. Imagine waking up in the morning to find it 40 degrees outside with a 2 PSI low pressure. Driving to work, you notice that the TPMS light is on. The temperature is 60 degrees when you leave work. The TPMS light is off and the pressure is now ideal. Due to the friction created by driving, the light can even go out mid-drive.
  • The TPMS light flashes for a minute before remaining on. Although this is a less frequent warning, it indicates that your TPMS system is malfunctioning. One of the sensors, malfunctioning wiring, or the computer could all be to blame. To get the problem diagnosed, you need to take it to a mechanic.

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A TPMS Light Warning: What Does It Mean?

A TPMS Light Warning: What Does It Mean?

Do you know what to do if your TPMS light illuminates due to low tire pressure? The first step is to manually check the pressure in each tire with a gauge, then add air as necessary to get the pressure up to the manufacturer's recommended level. (You won't find the correct pressure on the sidewall of the tire—that's the tire's maximum pressure.) Instead, check the driver's door jamb or the owner's handbook. 

Remember that your TPMS does not substitute for regular tire pressure checks. Although it is a device that can help notify you when pressure is low, a tire may deflate below the recommended level of inflation long before the TPMS warning light illuminates. When the tire pressure is either too low or too high, the TPMS light illuminates.

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How Can A TPMS Warning Light Be Fixed?

How Can A TPMS Warning Light Be Fixed?

A TPMS light can be "fixed" in a number of different ways. To fill the tire or let out enough air to get it to the right inflation level, you can drive the car to a service station. You could wonder, "How do you know what that level is?" The temperature of the cold air should be indicated on a little white and yellow label inside the driver-side door of your car. In other words, you'll need to wait a little while for the tires to cool off in order to acquire a precise reading. 

The number on the sidewall of your tires indicates the maximum inflation level that a tire can withstand; do not inflate your tires to that level. You will have a rough ride and possibly a blowout if you fill to that level.

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Do I Still Need To Check The Pressure Manually?

Do I Still Need To Check The Pressure Manually?

Although a TPMS warning light is useful, it is still only a tool. Before making any adjustments, you should always personally check the pressure of your tires. In the same vein, it's a good idea to frequently check your pressure even if the warning light is not on. There are several valid explanations for this:

  • There could be a bad sensor preventing the detection of a pressure drop.
  • The TPMS system may not be adjusted correctly for the vehicle load when carrying or towing.
  • The signal is merely a broad warning. It doesn't indicate which tire is underinflated, whether there are multiple tires, or whether the pressure is excessively high or low.
  • In other words, learning how to physically check your tire pressure is still crucial.

You'll need a tire pressure gauge, which you can purchase at any automotive shop for a few dollars, to check the pressure in your tires. Additionally, you'll need to be aware of the appropriate pressure. Usually, a decal with this image can be seen inside the driver-side door jamb. You can also locate it in your owner's manual. Once the pressure is correct, check it again and add or remove air as necessary. And if the TPMS light remains on, keep calm. It may take the computer up to 200 miles to restart and turn off the light.

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Conclusion

Always strive to maintain your tires inflated to the level advised by the manufacturer of your car. Tires used in underinflated conditions run the risk of having their sidewalls flex and developing damage to the belting structure. This harm, which might worsen over time, might be invisible to you.  If you must travel a short distance on a tire with extremely low pressure, proceed with utmost caution and drive gently. Before traveling, the tire should be filled or replaced.