Can I Still Drive If the Tire Pressure Light Comes On?
3 Answers
If the tire pressure light comes on, you should not continue driving. If the tire pressure light illuminates while driving, remain calm and avoid panic. Immediately reduce your speed, avoid sharp steering and sudden braking, and check the tires. Generally, auto repair shops, car beauty shops, and roadside car washes have air pumps that can inflate your car tires. While inflating, observe the indicator lights on your vehicle's dashboard. Stop inflating once the tire pressure light turns off. If overinflated, release the excess air. If the tire pressure light remains on after inflation, it may need to be manually reset. You can find the settings in the car's central console, under vehicle settings, to recheck the tire pressure. The light will turn off once the pressure is detected as normal.
Having driven for many years, the tire pressure light always alerts me to potential safety hazards. That time on the highway when the light suddenly came on, I ignored it and kept driving, only for the tire to blow out within ten minutes. Thankfully, I was driving slowly and avoided an accident. Low tire pressure increases friction and heat, leading to blowouts, and extends braking distance, especially in rainy conditions. Modern car monitoring systems are quite sensitive—the light typically indicates pressure is at least 10% below the standard, with recommended values (like 220 kPa) often listed on the door frame. You should pull over immediately to check with a pressure gauge or drive slowly to a repair shop at speeds below 60 km/h. Keeping a portable air pump (costing just a few dozen yuan) in the car can help in emergencies—don’t overlook this small issue, as it affects safety. Regularly checking tire pressure, rather than waiting for the light, saves hassle, money, and reduces risks.
Last week my tire pressure warning light came on while driving in the suburbs. At first I panicked a bit, but after calming down I slowed down and pulled over to check for any visible tire damage. The pressure was only slightly low so it wasn't critical. Without tools available, I carefully drove to a gas station 3 kilometers away, keeping speed below 50 km/h and avoiding sharp turns. After refilling air, the warning light turned off. Driving cautiously worked out safely. When tire pressure is low, rolling resistance increases significantly - fuel consumption can rise over 10% and tires wear faster. I recommend buying a simple tire pressure gauge to check monthly. If the warning light comes on, don't panic excessively but don't ignore it either - just handle it promptly at the nearest available location. This approach is simple, practical and cost-effective.
