How to Deal with Continuous Tire Pressure Monitoring Alarm?
3 Answers
Ways to handle continuous tire pressure monitoring alarm: The driver should first slow down the vehicle gradually and drive to a safe area to park, then inspect the tires by the roadside. If a nail is found in the tire, the driver can go to the nearest tire repair shop or car wash for a patch. Since it is not a tire blowout, there won't be significant air pressure loss. The system will automatically alert when the tire pressure is too low or there is a leak. Direct tire pressure monitoring systems use pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure the tire pressure. The pressure information is transmitted wirelessly from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which then displays the pressure data for each tire. The system will automatically alert if there is any change in pressure. Indirect tire pressure monitoring systems work by detecting when the air pressure in a tire decreases, causing the vehicle's weight to reduce the rolling radius of that tire, which in turn makes it rotate faster than the other wheels. By comparing the rotational speed differences between the tires, the system monitors the tire pressure. Indirect tire pressure alarm systems essentially rely on calculating the rolling radius of the tires to monitor air pressure.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered several instances where the tire pressure monitoring warning light kept staying on, usually due to low tire pressure or sensor malfunctions. I remember one winter when temperatures dropped too quickly, causing the air in the tires to contract and trigger a low-pressure alert. After pulling over, I used a portable tire pressure gauge to check and found the right rear tire was only at half the normal value. I quickly went to a gas station to refill the air, which solved the problem. If the light remains on after refilling, it might be due to a slow leak from a nail puncture or a dead sensor battery that needs replacement. Safety should never be compromised—immediately pull over and inspect. Driving at high speeds with such issues can be extremely dangerous and may lead to a tire blowout. I recommend that car owners always keep a tire pressure gauge in their vehicle and perform regular self-checks, especially before long trips. If the warning light comes on, don't delay until the next day when repair shops open—address it promptly. Some vehicles also require a system reset, and the method is usually outlined in the user manual—it's quite simple to follow.
As a DIY car repair enthusiast, when the tire pressure monitoring system keeps alarming, I usually perform a simple self-check first to save a trip to the shop. I use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure of all four tires one by one. If one is significantly low, it might indicate a leak or puncture—just top it up with air and see if the warning light goes off. If the pressures are normal but the light remains on, it's likely a sensor issue, such as aging or water damage. In this case, try restarting the vehicle or resetting the system as per the manual, which usually resolves occasional false alarms. I once had a persistent flashing alarm that was fixed by replacing the sensor. For tools, I recommend a digital tire pressure gauge—it's much more accurate than mechanical ones and affordable too. Remember to make it a habit to quickly inspect your tires for bulges or foreign objects before driving to avoid major hazards.
