Can You Still Drive with a Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
2 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring system failure means you should not drive and should inspect and address the issue as soon as possible. The functions of the tire pressure monitoring system are: 1. It will promptly alert you in case of rapid or slow air leakage when the tire is punctured; 2. It will warn you when tire loosening causes uneven friction, leading to high tire temperatures reaching 70 degrees Celsius to prevent blowouts; 3. It will alert you when the tire pressure is below the vehicle's set limit due to prolonged lack of inflation, preventing low pressure from causing tire temperature rise and blowouts. The method to reset the tire pressure monitoring system is: 1. Ensure the vehicle's tire pressure is within the normal range; 2. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and turn off the engine; 3. Power on the vehicle, press and hold the tire pressure monitoring button, and after 5 seconds, you will hear an alarm sound—release the button to complete the reset.
I'm a seasoned driver with years of experience, and I've encountered the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light coming on multiple times. The car drives fine—the engine runs smoothly, and the handling feels normal. But this system acts like a sentinel; if it fails to detect changes in tire pressure, the risks are significant. For instance, low pressure without an alert can lead to blowouts or affect braking, especially dangerous at high speeds where loss of control is a real threat. Once, I ignored it during a long trip and nearly lost control due to a slow leak—thankfully, city speed limits saved me. Since then, I've learned my lesson and always keep a tire pressure gauge handy. When the light comes on, I first manually check all four tires to ensure their pressure is normal. If everything seems fine, short trips to the repair shop are acceptable, but avoid highways or long journeys. Repair costs are usually low, and fixing it early saves money and hassle compared to an accident. Regular checks also extend tire life. Remember: safety first—don't take it lightly.
