What to Do When the Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator Light Comes On?
2 Answers
The solutions for when the tire pressure monitoring indicator light comes on are: 1. Stay calm and do not panic if the light comes on while driving, immediately reduce speed and avoid quick steering and sudden braking, then check the tires; 2. If the owner has a portable inflator, they can pull over to the roadside to measure and inflate each tire; 3. Drive slowly to the nearest service station or auto repair shop; 4. If the tire pressure is confirmed to be normal, use a diagnostic tool to clear the fault code. The reasons for the tire pressure monitoring indicator light coming on include: 1. A punctured tire; 2. Excessive tire pressure; 3. Driving with low tire pressure for too long; 4. Tire pressure becoming low due to prolonged lack of inflation.
When I see the tire pressure monitoring indicator light up, I immediately pull over to a safe spot and personally check each tire. If a tire looks flat or has a nail stuck in it, I need to change to the spare tire or call for roadside assistance. If the tires appear normal, I slowly drive to the nearest gas station to check the pressure with a gauge, making sure it’s not below the recommended value on the door pillar (usually around 30-35 PSI is fine). After inflating, the indicator should turn off—if it stays on, there might be a sensor issue or a slow leak, requiring a visit to the repair shop. Having driven older cars, I know that temperature drops or tire aging can trigger this issue, so I make it a habit to check the tire pressure monthly to prevent problems. Never ignore this—low tire pressure makes driving unstable, increases accident risks, wastes fuel, and shortens tire life. Developing good habits ensures safety, saves money, and avoids emergencies.
