What Causes the Tire Pressure Warning When There's No Air Leak?
3 Answers
The reasons for the tire pressure warning when there's no air leak are: 1. The tire pressure monitor or receiver module may be malfunctioning, possibly due to signal interference, which can cause the tire pressure monitor to give false alarms; 2. When the car quickly drives over uneven road surfaces, the internal tire pressure may increase due to the high-speed impact, especially when driving in summer, as the thermal expansion and contraction of air can trigger the tire pressure warning; 3. Sometimes, the tire may be punctured or slowly leaking due to aging. Such minor pressure fluctuations may not be visibly noticeable, but the tire pressure monitoring system can detect them. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for ground rolling.
I just experienced this last month - the tire pressure warning light suddenly came on while driving normally. After checking all four tires, none were leaking. Turns out the autumn temperature drop caused tire pressure to decrease by 0.3bar compared to summer levels. Although not flat, it fell below the system's preset threshold. Modern TPMS systems are extremely sensitive - just 5℃ temperature fluctuation can alter pressure by 0.1bar. I recommend developing a monthly habit of checking with a mechanical gauge, always measuring when tires are cold for accuracy. If pressure is normal but the warning persists, it's likely the wheel sensor battery needs replacement - these typically last 5-6 years before failing.
That day, while picking up my child from school, the tire pressure warning light suddenly came on. I quickly pulled over and checked each tire by stepping on them—they all felt rock hard. When I drove to the repair shop, the mechanic said it was a common false alarm. The tire pressure monitoring module can trigger the warning light when it detects pressure fluctuations during high-speed wheel rotation. Another possibility is that driving over rough roads causes slight tire deformation, which can also set off the alarm. Many modern cars use this indirect monitoring system—it’s convenient but prone to false alarms. It’s best to keep a portable air pump in the trunk. If the warning light comes on, check the pressure and top up the air first.
