Why is the tire pressure monitoring light on?
3 Answers
The reasons for the tire pressure monitoring light being on are: 1. The tire is punctured; 2. The tire pressure is too high; 3. Driving with low tire pressure for too long; 4. The tire pressure has been low for a long time without being refilled. TPMS, which stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, functions to automatically monitor the tire pressure in real-time while the car is in motion and alerts the driver to tire leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. As an important component of a vehicle, the primary factor affecting tire performance is tire pressure. Both excessively low and high tire pressure can impair the tire's performance and reduce its lifespan, ultimately compromising driving safety.
The tire pressure monitoring light coming on usually indicates an issue with tire pressure, possibly due to a leak or the pressure being too high or too low. I've encountered this several times while driving, often caused by significant temperature changes in winter or summer leading to unstable tire pressure. For example, last time on the highway, the light suddenly turned on, scaring me into pulling over immediately. Using a spare tire pressure gauge, I found the right front tire was 20% underinflated due to a small nail puncture. A quick fix is to inflate the tire at a gas station or switch to the spare. Remember, ignoring this can lead to blowouts or poor handling. It's advisable to check tire pressure monthly and keep a car tire pressure gauge handy. Be extra cautious during sudden temperature changes—safety outweighs saving money. If issues arise, visit a repair shop promptly.
Don't panic when the tire pressure light comes on. As a long-time driver, I've encountered this frequently, mostly caused by insufficient tire pressure. Low pressure leads to faster wear, increased fuel consumption, and affects steering stability. Common causes include cold weather contraction, tire punctures, or depleted sensor batteries. Immediately slow down and find a safe place to stop, then manually check each tire's pressure. If the pressure is normal, it might be a false alarm from the tire pressure monitoring system, aging sensors, or wiring issues, requiring professional diagnostic code reading. Preventive measures include checking tire pressure at every fuel stop and maintaining the recommended values in the manual, which can significantly extend tire life.
