What does the tire pressure and temperature warning mean?
3 Answers
It may be due to abnormal tire pressure in some of the car's tires. If the air pressure in a tire is too low, it will trigger an alarm. It is recommended to get out of the car and check if any of the four tires are leaking. Below is an introduction to the two types of tire pressure monitoring systems: 1. Indirect Monitoring: This system determines if a tire is abnormal by detecting differences in the rotational speed of the tires. 2. Direct Monitoring: This system involves installing four tire pressure monitoring sensors inside the tires. These sensors automatically monitor the tire pressure and temperature in real-time, whether the car is stationary or moving, and promptly alert the driver to high pressure, low pressure, or high temperature in the tires. This helps prevent traffic accidents caused by tire failures and ensures driving safety.
Once while driving on the highway, I suddenly saw a yellow exclamation mark with a tire icon pop up on the dashboard—that's the tire pressure and temperature warning! It means at least one of the tires has an issue with pressure or temperature. A tire pressure alert could indicate a slow leak from a nail puncture or a significant pressure drop due to cold weather; a tire temperature alert usually means prolonged driving has caused excessive friction heat, especially when hauling heavy loads in summer. Never ignore this warning, as unstable tire pressure can increase braking distance, and overheating may lead to a blowout. I recommend slowing down immediately and pulling over to a safe area to check the tires—feel their temperature and use a tire pressure gauge for the most accurate reading. If the warning light keeps flashing, the sensor might be clogged with mud.
Last time the tire pressure light came on during a road trip, I realized it was the vehicle's active safety protection feature. When you see a tire icon with wavy lines on the dashboard, it means the system has detected an abnormality. Tire pressure warnings commonly occur during seasonal transitions due to significant temperature differences causing pressure changes, or from slow leaks after a puncture. Tire temperature warnings are more frequent when driving on mountain roads or during continuous hard braking. This alert system operates via sensors in the wheel hubs and is quite accurate. If this happens, never continue speeding—it's crucial to pull over at a service area. Check if the tires feel hot to the touch with the back of your hand, and visually inspect the sidewalls for any bulges.
