The TPMS light is a warning light on your vehicle’s dashboard. When your TPMS light is on, it is a sign that your tire pressure is low or the TPMS sensor is not being detected. It’s a good idea to check the pressure in your tires every time you can, but if the TPMS light turns on while you’re driving, it may be an indication of a problem with your vehicle’s tires.

The TPMS light was designed to minimise accidents caused by improperly inflated tires. This includes accidents caused by tire blowouts which tend to startle the driver and cause the driver to lose control. It is triggered when your tire pressure drops below a certain threshold. The TPMS system measures the amount of air in each of your tires, and if it detects that one of them has less than about 25% of its rated pressure (or 12 psi for most cars), then it will trigger the TPMS light to turn on.

Common Causes of TPMS Light On

• TPMS light on due to a flat tire.

If you have a flat tire, your TPMS light will turn on and stay on until you replace the damaged tire. This is because the TPMS sensor in a deflated tire already detects no air pressure and sends the information back to the computer system of your vehicle.

• TPMS light on due to leaking tires.

If you have leaking tires or a leaky valve stem area, then your TPMS light may turn on as well. The leaks cause air pressure fluctuations that are detected by the sensors. The information is then relayed to the system. This will trigger an alert that turns the TPMS light on until they are repaired or fixed by replacing lost air inside of the tire.

Check Your Tire Pressure

The first thing you should do if your TPMS light turns on is check the pressure in all four tires. It’s important that the pressure be checked in all four tires in one go as this ensures that all tires have the proper pressure levels.

To properly check your tire pressure:

• Check your tire pressure with your vehicle parked on a level surface (parking on a hill will result in incorrect readings).
• Check all four tires in one go, not just one or two of them.
• Use an accurate gauge.

If you learn that your tires are not inflated enough, bring them somewhere where you can have the tires properly inflated.

Check Your TPMS Sensors

Apart from your tire pressure, you should also ensure that your TPMS sensors are working properly. TPMS sensors can malfunction or get damaged and may not be sending the correct information to your vehicle’s computer system. One usual cause of TPMS sensor damage is driving into a deep pothole or your tire hitting the gutter.

Have you recently had your tires adjusted or replaced? Another cause of malfunction is when TPMS sensors get dislodged or damaged when the tires are not reattached properly. Have them checked by your mechanic to ensure that all sensors are working fine.

TPMS Reset

If the TPMS light remains on even after your tires are inflated and all your sensors are checked and functioning properly, the next option for you is to have your TPMS reset. Don’t worry! The good news is that most drivers can easily reset their TPMS light by following the instructions in the vehicle’s manual.

If the TPMS light is still on after doing the TPMS reset, then you may need to have it checked by your mechanic so they can conduct more checks on what is causing the TPMS light malfunction.

If you are a diligent driver who regularly checks the tire pressure and you think the TPMS light is an inconvenience, an alternative for you is to bypass your TPMS. The TPMS bypass addresses your concern regarding the TPMS warning light staying on to lessen your worries. Just keep in mind that it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle and your vehicle’s tires are all in good working condition if you decide to bypass the TPMS.

Would you like to know more about TPMS bypass? Call us today at +44(0) 77 837 25020 or click here to contact us.

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