Can the car still be driven when the tire pressure warning light is on?
4 Answers
When the tire pressure warning light is on, you should not continue driving. Immediately reduce your speed, avoid sharp steering and sudden braking, and stop in a safe place to check the tires as soon as possible. Reasons for the tire pressure warning light to illuminate include: 1. A punctured tire, which usually causes a very slow leak and can be measured with a tire pressure gauge. 2. Overinflated tires: when the tire pressure exceeds 3.0 bar, the tire pressure monitoring light will be triggered. 3. Driving with low tire pressure for an extended period: if the tire has not been inflated for a long time and the pressure drops below 1.8 bar, the tire pressure monitoring light will come on. 4. A malfunction in the tire pressure sensor: use a diagnostic tool to read the fault code.
The tire pressure light being on indicates there's an issue with the tire pressure. The car can still be driven temporarily, but it must be at low speed and you should stop to check as soon as possible. Safety is the top priority—low tire pressure can lead to faster tire wear, unstable handling, or in the worst case, a blowout, especially dangerous at high speeds. I've seen a friend experience this; after the light came on, he continued driving on the highway, resulting in sidewall damage to the tire, and the repair cost was expensive. It's advisable to drive the car only for short distances at a slow pace, such as to the nearest gas station or repair shop. After parking, manually check each tire and use a tire pressure gauge to see if the readings are normal; the standard values are usually listed on a sticker on the door frame. If the pressure is low, inflate immediately; if you can't find the tools, don't push it—call for a tow truck. Develop a habit of checking tire pressure monthly to avoid such troubles. Remember, tires are the feet of your car—keeping them in good condition ensures safe travels.
The tire pressure light indicates low pressure or a system alert. You can drive at low speed to a safe place to handle it. Here's what I recommend: First, stay calm, reduce your speed to below 60 km/h, and avoid sharp turns or high-speed driving. Second, find a gentle area to park and turn off the engine, then manually check each tire for obvious damage like nails or bulges. Third, use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure. If the value is below the recommended level—for example, in summer, heat can increase tire pressure, while cold weather can decrease it, causing the light to come on—you can inflate the tires yourself if you have a portable air pump. If not, drive to a repair station. Remember, don’t ignore it or drive long distances, as this risks overheating the tires, leading to blowouts and shortening tire life. Also, keeping a simple toolkit in your car, including a tire pressure gauge and inflation equipment, can help handle minor issues. Maintaining your tires saves fuel and ensures safety—just stay attentive.
The tire pressure light indicates that the sensor has detected low tire pressure, which may be caused by a leak, temperature changes, or sensor malfunction. The system is designed to alert the driver for safety reasons. The vehicle can be driven for a short distance but should be inspected as soon as possible. Direct TPMS relies on readings from in-wheel sensors, while indirect TPMS uses ABS to monitor speed differences. Driving with excessively low pressure can reduce handling performance, accelerate tire wear or even cause blowouts, and may also increase fuel consumption. It is recommended to drive at low speed to a repair shop for inspection and avoid taking risks on highways.
