Driving in the dark can be a scary experience, but it’s not just the lack of visibility that can make it difficult to keep your car on the road. Low tire pressure can also lead to dangerous driving conditions. To help you stay safe while driving, learn how to check your tire pressure and what to do if it’s low.
What is the TPMS?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system used in modern automobiles to monitor the air pressure in the tires. When the air pressure within a tire falls below a certain threshold, the TPMS will illuminate the “TPMS” light on your dashboard. This warning will allow you to replace the deflated tire before it becomes a safety hazard.
The TPMS is an important safety feature of your car and should be regularly checked. If your TPMS light is illuminated, check the air pressure in all of your tires and replace any that are low.
How do TPMS work?
TPMS stands for tire pressure monitoring system. A TPMS uses sensors to monitor air pressure in the tires and sends alerts when the air pressure in a tire falls below a certain level. This system is designed to help drivers maintain correct tire pressure, which can prevent …
TPMS stands for tire pressure monitoring system. A TPMS uses sensors to monitor air pressure in the tires and sends alerts when the air pressure in a tire falls below a certain level. This system is designed to help drivers maintain correct tire pressure, which can prevent tire blowouts and other safety issues.
What to do if your car has a TPMS problem?
If your car has a TPMS problem, you might be wondering what to do. Here are some tips:
1. Check the pressure in all of your tires. If one or more of your tires is under-inflated, the TPMS will not be able to detect it and the light will stay on.
2. Reset the TPMS. To do this, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds while turning the key in the ignition. The light will go off and you’ll need to reset it each time you get a new tire.
3. Replace the defective sensor. If none of these solutions work, you may need to replace the defective sensor. To do this, remove the wheel and tire, then use a screwdriver to remove the three screws that hold the sensor in place (see photo). Once out, replace with a brand new sensor and replace screws.
How to reset your TPMS
If you have a tire pressure warning light on your dashboard, there is a good chance your tire pressure sensors are not working properly. In order to reset your TPMS and clear the warning light, follow these steps:
1. Park your car in a level area with the engine off.
2. Remove the negative battery cable.
3. Disconnect both tire pressure sensor connectors.
4. Reconnect the two connector cables and tighten by hand only as much as is necessary to hold them in place (do not over-tighten).
5. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine.
6. Within 2 minutes of starting the engine, check the TPMS readings on all 3 tires using a temperature gauge or a digital readout on your dashboard (if equipped). All 3 readings should be within 3 PSI of each other. If any one reading is outside of this range, repeat steps 4-6 until all readings are within 3 PSI of each other.
How often should you check your tire pressure?
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Checking your pressure can help ensure that your tires are properly inflated and performing as they should. A properly inflated tire will have a normal, flat appearance and feel firm when you press down on it with your finger. If your tire is under-inflated, it will be soft and easily deflated. A over-
In general, the answer to this question is yes. However, there are a few scenarios in which you might need to check your tire pressure before you can drive your car. If you have recently gone on a long trip and your tires were properly inflated when you left, you should be able to drive with the pressure light off. If your car has been in an accident or if it has been sitting for a long time with the air compressor running, it may be necessary to inflate your tires to their proper pressure before driving.