Why is the vehicle tire pressure warning light on?
4 Answers
The reasons for the vehicle tire pressure warning light being on are: 1. Abnormal tire pressure; 2. Inaccurate setting of the tire pressure warning system; 3. ABS system malfunction. Methods to eliminate the tire pressure warning light: 1. Check the tire pressure when the vehicle is cold and unloaded, and adjust it to the appropriate level; 2. Reset the tire pressure warning system; 3. Inspect the ABS pump and sensors for any faults. Hazards of incorrect tire pressure: 1. Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; 2. Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; 3. Accelerates uneven wear of the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; 4. Increases vehicle body vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; 5. Overextends and deforms the tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle while driving; 6. Increases the friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption.
I've been driving on the road for over a decade, and the tire pressure light coming on is quite common. It's mainly due to low tire pressure, such as slow leaks, air contraction when temperatures suddenly drop, or rapid leaks from a nail puncture. It could also be slightly high pressure, especially noticeable when expanding during high-speed driving in summer. You should immediately pull over to a safe spot and check, using a simple pressure gauge to measure all four tires. The ideal values are listed on the label by the driver's door. If it's low, inflate to the standard value; if it's high, release some air. If the light remains on, the TPMS sensor might be faulty, the battery could be dead, or the system might be giving a false alarm, requiring a visit to the repair shop to scan for trouble codes. Don't ignore it—low pressure increases fuel consumption, lengthens braking distance, and raises the risk of a blowout. Make it a habit to check tire pressure regularly to prevent problems before they occur.
I believe the tire pressure warning light is a serious safety alert. I've encountered it several times during normal driving, most commonly due to insufficient tire pressure, which frequently occurs in cold winter temperatures. Uneven tire wear can also trigger the sensor signal. Possible causes include minor air leaks, incorrect tire pressure settings, or sensor malfunctions due to dirt blockage. My routine is to pull over immediately and manually check each tire using an inexpensive air pump tool, inflating to the recommended PSI to see if the light turns off. Never continue driving with the light persistently on - it increases the risk of skidding and loss of control. Especially before long-distance trips, make tire pressure checks a habitual practice for both fuel efficiency and safety. Remember that tire pressure rises quickly during summer highway driving, so keeping a tire pressure gauge in your car is extremely convenient for preventing potential hazards from escalating.
My tire pressure light flashes occasionally, often caused by low tire pressure, such as slow leaks from nails, air contraction due to cooler weather, or incorrect tire pressure settings. Dirty sensors or depleted batteries can also trigger false alarms. A simple solution is to pull over to a safe place, use a pressure gauge to measure each tire, and inflate them to the standard indicated on the door placard. If the light doesn't turn off, take it to a professional shop to check the sensors. Note that low pressure affects braking distance and increases fuel consumption.
