What causes the tire pressure light to come on?
2 Answers
The tire pressure light usually comes on due to either low tire pressure or high tire pressure, in which case tire inspection and pressure adjustment are necessary. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and makes the vehicle prone to drifting, among other factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heat generation in the tire; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to a tire blowout; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracking, while generating flexing motion that leads to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layer, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear on the tire shoulder.
After driving for so many years, I've seen quite a few instances of the tire pressure warning light coming on. The main reason is usually that the tire pressure is too low, which is the most common scenario—like when sudden temperature changes cause pressure to drop, or prolonged driving leads to air leakage. Overinflated tires can also trigger the light, especially in summer due to thermal expansion. Sensor issues aren't uncommon either; modern cars are equipped with TPMS sensors, and when their batteries reach the end of their lifespan, they may send false signals. Damage to the tire itself, such as a nail puncture causing air loss, will definitely set off the alarm. Another situation is failing to reset the system after changing tires, so the car still operates on the old settings. I recommend keeping a portable tire pressure gauge handy. If the light comes on, pull over to a safe spot immediately to check the pressure and ensure it's within the recommended range to avoid the risk of a blowout.
