What Causes the Tire Pressure Monitoring Warning Light to Illuminate?
2 Answers
Car tire pressure monitoring warning light comes on due to abnormal tire pressure, which may be caused by either overinflation or underinflation. Whenever there is a change in the tire pressure, the tire pressure warning light will illuminate. In such cases, it is recommended to pull over safely and check the tires. If you have a tire pressure monitoring tool, you can check whether the pressure in all tires is normal. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the normal tire pressure for different types of tires is as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5 bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9 bar; Maximum pressure: should not exceed 3.5 bar. In winter, the tire pressure should be adjusted slightly higher than the standard, by about 0.2 bar. In summer, the tire pressure can generally be set to the lower limit of the standard tire pressure, such as 2.4 bar for standard tires. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can generally be 0.1 bar lower than the standard to avoid tire blowouts due to high temperatures.
Hey, as a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I remember one time on the highway when the tire pressure monitoring light suddenly came on—it was really nerve-wracking. The most common reasons are low tire pressure, which could be due to a slow leak or a puncture. Another possibility is a malfunction in the monitoring system's sensors, like a dead battery or misalignment. Big weather changes can also cause pressure fluctuations; cold winter air can reduce tire pressure. Ignoring it not only accelerates tire wear and increases fuel consumption but also raises the risk of a blowout, endangering safety. I always advise pulling over to check immediately when the light comes on. Use a simple tire pressure gauge to see if the pressure meets the standard, which is listed on the label by the car door. If the pressure is fine but the light stays on, it’s likely a system issue, and you’ll need a repair shop to recalibrate the sensors. Remember to check your tires regularly, especially during seasonal changes—it saves a lot of hassle.
