What to Do When the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Shows Left and Right Reversed?
2 Answers
Tire pressure monitoring shows left and right reversed. The owner can readjust the tire pressure sensors and reinstall them in the correct left and right positions. If reinstallation is not preferred, a rematch can be performed. There are three common types of tire pressure monitoring methods: Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring: Direct tire pressure monitoring devices use pressure sensors installed in each tire to directly measure the tire pressure. The pressure information is transmitted from inside the tire to a central receiver module via a wireless transmitter, and then the tire pressure data for each tire is displayed. When the tire pressure is too low or there is a leak, the system will automatically issue an alert. Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring: When the pressure in a tire decreases, the vehicle's weight causes the rolling radius of that wheel to become smaller, resulting in a higher rotational speed compared to the other wheels. By comparing the differences in rotational speeds between the tires, the system monitors the tire pressure. Indirect tire pressure alert systems essentially rely on calculating the rolling radius of the tires to monitor pressure. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This system combines the advantages of the two aforementioned systems. It is equipped with direct sensors in two diagonally opposite tires and a four-wheel indirect system. Compared to using only a direct system, this hybrid system can reduce costs and overcome the limitation of indirect systems, which cannot detect when multiple tires simultaneously have low pressure. However, it still cannot provide real-time data on the actual pressure in all four tires as a direct system does.
I've been driving for years, and one of my biggest fears when changing tires is the tire pressure monitoring system getting left and right reversed, like displaying the left front tire as the right front tire. This situation is quite common after maintenance, possibly due to sensors being installed backward or the reset procedure not being executed correctly. The solution is straightforward: first, park and turn off the engine, then check the manual to find the tire pressure reset button and follow the instructions to learn each wheel's position. If you can't figure it out yourself, don't force it—quickly visit a professional shop to reconfigure the system with diagnostic tools. Ignoring this issue is very dangerous, especially on highways where false low-pressure warnings could lead to unstable handling or even a tire blowout. During regular maintenance, ask the technician to synchronize the sensor positions to prevent this problem. Remember, safety comes first—don't risk major consequences for minor issues.
