What does TPMS malfunction mean?
4 Answers
TPMS malfunction refers to a Tire Pressure Monitoring System failure. The illumination of the TPMS warning light alerts the driver to abnormal tire pressure, which may be caused by low pressure in one or more tires. When this warning light appears, the tire pressure should be checked as soon as possible. If the TPMS warning light comes on while driving, remain calm, do not panic, immediately reduce speed, avoid sharp steering and sudden braking, and then check the tire pressure. The hazards of low tire pressure include: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface: leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy: resulting in factors such as veering that are detrimental to driving safety; 3. Increases the movement of various parts of the tire: excessive rolling causes abnormal heat generation in the tire; 4. Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber: leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; 5. Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground: causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving under these conditions may lead to a tire blowout; 6. Low tire pressure increases tire body deformation: the tire sidewalls are prone to cracking, and flexing movements occur, leading to excessive heat generation, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layers, and cord breakage, while also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground and accelerating shoulder wear.
A few days ago, this warning light suddenly appeared in my car, and I was completely confused at the time. It wasn't until I asked the mechanic at my regular repair shop that I learned TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which specifically monitors tire pressure safety. The most common issue is when a tire's pressure is too low or too high, or it could be that the battery in the tire pressure sensor is dead. Once in winter, my tire pressure light suddenly came on, and after checking, I found it was due to a sudden temperature drop causing insufficient tire pressure. This feature is actually quite practical, especially when driving on highways, as it can help detect dangerous situations like a punctured tire in advance. If the light comes on and you continue driving, not only will it waste fuel and damage the tires, but it could also lead to a blowout. It's recommended to pull over immediately and check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is fine, then you should take it to an auto repair shop to check the sensors.
I encountered this situation just last year when a warning light with an exclamation mark suddenly appeared on the dashboard while driving. After checking the manual, I realized it indicated a tire monitoring system malfunction. The main issues usually occur in three areas: actual abnormal tire pressure, sensor failure, or system matching problems. I remember when I took it to the 4S shop for inspection, the technician used specialized equipment to scan for a long time and found that the left front wheel's sensor circuit had poor contact. During the repair, I learned that each wheel hub contains a miniature sensor that transmits data back to the vehicle's computer via wireless signals. Now, every time I wash the car, I also check the tire pressure status of all four tires. Such minor issues should never be overlooked.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts should indeed be taken seriously. Common causes include slow leaks from punctures (like nails), leaking tire valves, or poor sensor contact. Once after rain, I got an alert and found the sensor inside the wheel hub was clogged with mud, interrupting the signal. If the light comes on, first find a safe spot to stop and manually check tire pressure – that's the most reliable method. If tire pressure is normal, get it inspected the same day. While replacing a faulty sensor might cost a few hundred bucks, it's worth it for safety. Modified wheels are most prone to this issue – my friend had constant system errors after changing rims, requiring recalibration.
