What does it mean when the TPMS warning light is on?
3 Answers
If the TPMS warning light is on, it indicates that the pressure in one of the tires is too low. If the light comes on while driving, stay calm and avoid panic. Immediately reduce your speed and avoid sharp steering or sudden braking, then check the tire pressure. Effects of low tire pressure: Pressure is the lifeblood of a tire. Both excessive and insufficient pressure will shorten the tire's lifespan. Low pressure increases tire deformation, making the sidewalls prone to cracking. It also causes excessive flexing, leading to overheating, which accelerates rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layers, and cord breakage. Additionally, low pressure increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear on the tire shoulders. Excessive pressure, on the other hand, overstretches the tire cords, reducing the tire's elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle while driving. In case of impact, it may cause internal cracks or blowouts. High pressure also accelerates tread wear and reduces puncture resistance. Normal tire pressure: The standard tire pressure for most passenger cars is approximately 2 kg to 2.5 kg. Based on the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, in summer, the pressure can be adjusted 0.1-0.2 kg lower than the standard value, while in winter, it can be adjusted 0.1-0.2 kg higher.
While driving on the highway that day, I suddenly noticed a yellow exclamation mark with wavy lines light up on the dashboard, which gave me quite a scare. After quickly checking the manual, I realized it was just the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alert. Modern cars are equipped with TPMS, which has electronic sensors embedded in all four tires—the warning light comes on if the tire pressure is too high or too low, or if a sensor’s battery dies. I’ve experienced the light turning on when the pressure difference reaches just 0.5 atmospheres. In such cases, it’s best to pull over safely and use a portable tire pressure gauge to check each tire. If the pressure is normal but the warning persists, chances are a sensor’s battery is drained or damaged, and you’ll need to visit a repair shop with specialized equipment for a proper diagnosis.
As a seasoned driver, I've seen the tire pressure warning light come on too many times—it's basically alerting you to an issue with your wheels. The sensor might have been damaged by a roadside rock, or a sudden drop in tire pressure in cold winter weather can also trigger the alarm. Don't panic—first, find a gas station to check the actual pressure of all four tires and adjust them to the recommended values listed on the door label. If the light stays on, it's usually a problem with the monitoring system itself, like a faulty dashboard module that receives the signal or failing to reset the sensor data during a tire change. Older cars are most prone to this issue—last year, my colleague's SUV needed two new sensors before the light finally went away.
