What Causes All Four Tires to Suddenly Display Low Pressure?
3 Answers
If your vehicle's dashboard suddenly indicates low pressure in all four tires, it is highly likely that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has malfunctioned, causing confusion in the tire pressure data. Resetting the TPMS should resolve the issue. Another possible reason could be weather-related, as tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes. If the issue is weather-related, there is no need to worry—once temperatures rise, the tire pressure will increase accordingly. Lower temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, while higher temperatures lead to increased tire pressure. Tire pressure monitoring involves real-time automatic monitoring of tire pressure during vehicle operation, alerting drivers to leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. There are three common methods of tire pressure monitoring: Direct TPMS: This system uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure air pressure. The data is transmitted wirelessly from inside the tire to a central receiver module, which then displays the pressure for each tire. The system automatically alerts the driver if the pressure is too low or if there is a leak. Indirect TPMS: When a tire's pressure drops, the vehicle's weight causes its rolling radius to decrease, making it rotate faster than the other wheels. By comparing the rotational speed differences between tires, the system monitors tire pressure. Indirect TPMS essentially relies on calculating the rolling radius to detect pressure changes. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This hybrid system combines the advantages of both direct and indirect systems. It equips two diagonally opposite tires with direct sensors while incorporating a four-wheel indirect system. Compared to a full direct system, this composite approach reduces costs and overcomes the indirect system's inability to detect simultaneous low pressure in multiple tires. However, it still cannot provide real-time pressure data for all four tires as effectively as a full direct system.
I think the most common reason for all four tires suddenly showing low pressure is a rapid drop in temperature. Cold weather causes the gas inside the tires to contract, naturally reducing the pressure. I remember one morning when I drove out, the outside temperature had dropped a few degrees, and my car immediately gave an alarm. Don't rush to the repair shop; first, manually check the actual pressure of each tire with a tire pressure gauge. If it's indeed low, just find an air pump to top it up. If the manual measurement is normal, it might be an issue with the TPMS sensor, such as a dead battery or signal interference. In that case, it's best to go to a professional shop for inspection. Insufficient tire pressure can accelerate tire wear and increase fuel consumption, so handling it early ensures safety and peace of mind.
I've been driving for over ten years and encountered this issue several times. Most often, it's due to tire pressure fluctuations caused by colder weather, such as during the transition from summer to autumn or on winter mornings when starting the car. Additionally, if all four tires alarm simultaneously, it could indicate synchronized sensor malfunctions or natural air leakage from prolonged parking. My advice is not to panic immediately—find a safe spot to pull over and manually check the tire pressure. If the pressure is indeed low, it suggests a serious problem like a nail puncture or other damage; if normal, there's an 80% chance it's a false alarm—try restarting the engine. Addressing this promptly helps prevent blowouts and ensures road safety.
