What is the problem when the tire pressure warning light flashes?
2 Answers
The flashing of the tire pressure warning light is generally caused by either excessively low or high tire pressure, at which point tire inspection and pressure adjustment are necessary. Hazards of excessively low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and increases the risk of veering, among other factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heat generation; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; 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; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire sidewalls prone to cracking, while also generating flexing motion that leads to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord fabric, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear on the tire shoulders.
I noticed the tire pressure warning light flashing, which usually indicates the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected an issue. The most common cause is underinflated or overinflated tires, possibly due to weather changes, a puncture leak, or prolonged lack of inflation. Abnormal tire pressure increases the risk of a blowout and reduces fuel efficiency. Every time I see this light flash, I first pull over to check if any tire looks visibly flat and use a tire pressure gauge to ensure each tire’s pressure is between 2.3 and 2.5 bar. If all seems normal, the issue might be a dead or faulty TPMS sensor battery—these are installed inside each tire’s wheel hub and require a repair shop visit for replacement. Never ignore this warning, as unstable tire pressure can lead to loss of control, especially in rainy conditions or at high speeds. I recommend checking tire pressure regularly—once a month is sufficient—using an affordable tire pressure gauge. Addressing issues promptly can save you major trouble.
