What does the abnormal tire pressure indicator mean?
2 Answers
The tire pressure warning light illuminates due to the following reasons: tire pressure is outside the normal range; tire deflation caused by air leakage or punctures; malfunction of the tire pressure sensor. Below are the impacts of both overinflation and underinflation: Effects of overinflated tires: Overinflation increases friction between the tire and the ground, reducing tire grip; affects vehicle braking performance and driving comfort; accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan. Effects of underinflated tires: Increases contact area between the tire and ground, causing tires to overheat; expands the tire carcass, leading to cracks on inner/outer sidewalls; accelerates rubber aging and increases tire wear.
I drive quite frequently and have encountered the tire pressure warning light several times. This indicator is usually triggered by the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system, signaling that one or more tires have abnormal pressure. The most common causes include slow leaks, such as from a nail puncture or aging valve stems; low tire pressure increases the risk of a blowout, affects handling, and extends braking distance; or overinflation, leading to uneven tire wear. Sometimes, a dead sensor battery or system malfunction can also cause false alarms. My advice is to pull over immediately when the light comes on, use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire, and refill them to the recommended levels in the vehicle manual. If the issue persists, visit a professional shop to inspect for tire damage or sensor replacement. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for road safety and fuel efficiency. Especially during seasons with significant temperature fluctuations—like winter when pressure tends to drop and summer when it rises—regular checks help prevent such issues.
