What does 'Check TPMS' mean?
2 Answers
The 'Check TPMS' warning indicates that the pressure in one of your tires may be too low. Immediately reduce your speed and avoid sharp steering or sudden braking, then check the tire pressure. Here is some relevant information: 1. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. 2. There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems based on different monitoring principles. 3. The first is a direct TPMS, which uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure tire pressure. The system transmits pressure information from inside the tire to a central receiver module via wireless transmitters, then displays the tire pressure data for each tire. The system will automatically issue an alert when tire pressure is too low or if there is a leak. 4. The second is an indirect TPMS. When the pressure in a tire decreases, the vehicle's weight causes that tire's rolling radius to become smaller, making it rotate faster than the other wheels. By comparing the rotational speed differences between tires, the system monitors tire pressure. Indirect tire alert systems actually rely on calculating the tire's rolling radius to monitor pressure.
Yesterday my neighbor asked me what that little exclamation mark with parentheses on the dashboard meant—it was actually the TPMS warning light. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is now a standard feature in most new cars. It's like having a pair of little eyes on each wheel, constantly monitoring whether the tire pressure is normal. If the pressure drops suddenly or a tire is noticeably off, it immediately lights up the dashboard to alert you. Especially during seasonal changes when it gets cold or before long trips, tire pressure can fluctuate easily. Having this system helps you avoid potential hazards in advance. But remember, it only alerts you and doesn’t fix the problem itself. If the light comes on, you should immediately check your tires or refill the air—safety first!