What Causes the Tire Pressure Warning Light to Flash?
4 Answers
Tire pressure warning light flashing can be caused by the following reasons: Punctured tire: This situation usually results in very slow air leakage, making it difficult to immediately identify which tire is affected. In this case, you can use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure (front: 2.3, rear: 2.5). If the pressure is low, inflate the tire to the proper level and then observe the tire pressure warning light. If it lights up again after a few days, you may need to remove the tire for inspection. Overinflated tire: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9bar; Maximum pressure: should not exceed 3.5bar. Therefore, if any tire exceeds 3.0bar, it may trigger the tire pressure monitoring light. Prolonged driving with low tire pressure: This usually occurs when a tire has significantly low pressure, and high-speed driving causes the tire temperature to rise, leading to increased tire pressure. In such cases, you should promptly stop to rest or replace the tire with a spare.
After driving for so many years, the most common issue when the tire pressure light flashes is that the tire pressure is either too low or too high. It could be due to significant temperature changes, such as thermal expansion and contraction in winter causing unstable pressure, or a slow leak from a nail puncture in the tire. Sensor problems are also frequent—after a few years, the battery may die or the sensor may get damaged, preventing the system from reading data properly. Sometimes, flashing occurs if the system isn’t recalibrated after changing to a spare tire or modifying the rims. Last month, I encountered this situation—I pulled over, checked the tire pressure with a gauge, and found one tire was indeed flat. After inflating it, the light stopped flashing. I recommend regularly checking tire conditions to avoid trouble on the road.
A flashing tire pressure warning light typically indicates that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has detected an abnormality. The most common cause is tire pressure deviating from the standard value, either too low or too high, which directly affects driving stability. Another frequent issue lies with the sensors—their built-in batteries last several years but will eventually deplete and fail, leading to signal interruption and inability to transmit data to the vehicle's computer. System learning errors can also occur, requiring recalibration after installing new tires or changing tire positions. Other interference factors, such as electromagnetic signals or extreme environments, may trigger false alarms. If the light flashes, immediately check the tire pressure and attempt to reset the system. If the issue persists, it's advisable to visit a professional repair shop for a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the exact cause.
A flashing tire pressure warning light must be taken seriously, as it usually indicates a tire pressure issue that could compromise safety. Low tire pressure increases the risk of blowouts or loss of control, while high pressure reduces ride comfort. Sensor malfunctions, such as dead batteries or damage, are also common causes. Upon noticing the flashing light, immediately slow down and pull over to a safe location to manually check the pressure with a handheld gauge. If the pressure is normal, don't ignore it—there may be a system issue requiring repair. Addressing the problem before driving helps prevent greater risks.
