What is the reason for the low tire pressure warning light to illuminate?
3 Answers
The reasons for the low tire pressure warning light to illuminate are: 1. The tire has been punctured or is leaking, resulting in prolonged low-pressure driving; 2. The tire pressure has not been checked or replenished for an extended period. When the low tire pressure warning light comes on, it is necessary to address the issue promptly. Only after resolving the low-pressure condition and turning off the warning light should you continue driving to prevent potential safety hazards. The tire pressure monitoring system sensors monitor the air pressure in the vehicle's tires and transmit the tire pressure readings to a receiver inside the vehicle. By illuminating the tire pressure monitoring system warning light, it alerts the driver to check the tire pressure. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire, which is essentially the 'blood pressure' of a car. The level of tire pressure plays a crucial role in the vehicle's performance and power.
Don't ignore the tire pressure warning light! I once encountered this situation during a long-distance trip and eventually found that the right rear tire was punctured by broken glass. The most common cause of insufficient tire pressure is slow leaks caused by nails or glass shards puncturing the tire. Additionally, sudden temperature drops can reduce tire pressure due to thermal contraction of the air. Aging valve stem seals can also cause chronic leakage, or deformation at the tire-rim interface may be the culprit. If you've just had a tire repaired, the technician might have forgotten to reset the tire pressure monitoring system. When this happens, pull over immediately and check each tire by stepping on it to feel which one is flat. If it's not visibly obvious, drive slowly to an auto repair shop for inspection—never push your luck, as it wastes fuel and damages tires.
It can be quite frustrating when the tire pressure warning light suddenly comes on. I dealt with a similar issue just last month. The most likely cause is a puncture from something like a nail, leading to air leakage, especially for vehicles frequently driven on construction sites. Cold weather can also cause tire pressure to drop, typically decreasing by about 7 kPa for every 10-degree temperature drop. Additionally, check if the valve core is loose, if the wheel rim is deformed from impact, or if the tire pressure sensor is clogged with mud causing a false alarm. It's advisable to keep a simple tire pressure gauge in the car. When the light comes on, first measure the pressure of all four tires yourself to confirm any abnormalities before heading to the shop for repairs, saving both money and time.
