Can You Continue Driving When the Tire Pressure Warning Light Is On?

[DiCora]

Tire pressure warning light is on indicates abnormal tire pressure, and you should not continue driving. Abnormal tire pressure is generally caused by the following 3 reasons: Tire pressure abnormality: Usually, the system will alert when the pressure is below 1.8 bar or above 3.0 bar. At this time, tire inspection and pressure adjustment are required. Tire pressure monitoring system not reset: After inflating the tires, if the tire pressure is not reset in time, the system will still record the previous data, causing the tire pressure monitoring indicator light to turn on. In this case, simply reset the tire pressure. Damaged tire pressure sensor: The tire pressure sensor is used to monitor tire pressure and is installed directly inside the tire, connected to the tire inflation port. If the sensor is damaged due to impact while driving, it will also cause the tire pressure warning light to turn on. For sensor damage issues, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.

[SanCali]

Never ignore the tire pressure warning light when it illuminates. This light indicates abnormally low pressure in one or more tires, possibly due to air leakage. Driving at high speeds with underinflated tires can cause severe sidewall deformation and dangerous temperature spikes, significantly increasing the risk of a blowout - especially during summer when road surfaces are extremely hot. If the warning light comes on, I recommend immediately easing off the accelerator, activating hazard lights, and pulling over to a safe location for inspection. After stopping, visually inspect all tires for obvious deflation and use a tire pressure gauge for accurate measurements. I've witnessed numerous cases where drivers ignored the warning, resulting in blowouts - minor cases costing hundreds in tire replacement, while severe incidents led to loss of control and expensive repairs from collisions. If your spare tire is in good condition, you may use it to slowly drive to a repair shop; otherwise, or if the leak is severe, calling for roadside assistance is the safer option. Developing a monthly habit of checking cold tire pressures can help prevent such emergencies.

[MacAlexa]

I've been driving for over a decade and have seen the tire pressure warning light come on several times. Once on the highway, I stubbornly drove 50 kilometers with the light on, only to find the right rear tire nearly worn through when I got out, forcing me to spend 800 yuan on a new tire. Later, a mechanic told me that when tire pressure is insufficient, rolling resistance increases dramatically, fuel consumption can surge by 20%, and the internal tire cords are prone to breakage. Never continue driving in this situation—find a service area or gas station to pull over and check. If the tire doesn't look visibly flat, it might be a slow leak, and you can drive to a repair shop at 50-60 km/h. If the tire is severely deformed, call for roadside assistance immediately. Keep a portable air pump in your glove box—it can be a lifesaver for emergency inflation. Also, have the shop check the tire pressure sensor batteries during regular maintenance to avoid false alarms.

[LeMiles]

The tire pressure warning light indicates the tire pressure is below the safe threshold, typically 25% lower than the standard value. Driving with low pressure increases the tire's contact area with the road, significantly boosting rolling resistance, which not only wastes fuel but also rapidly raises tire temperature above 100 degrees Celsius. High temperatures soften the rubber, making the cord layers prone to delamination and breakage, greatly increasing the risk of a blowout. Additionally, insufficient pressure leads to heavier steering and extends braking distance by over ten meters, posing greater danger in rainy conditions. Therefore, when this light comes on, you should immediately slow down, stop, and check the tires. Generally, if the pressure loss is around one-quarter, you can drive slowly to a repair shop, but if it exceeds one-third, you must use the spare tire or call for a tow. Regularly avoid potholes and curbs, as these are the most common causes of sidewall damage leading to slow leaks. Keeping a tire pressure monitoring cap can help you visually track real-time pressure changes.