The tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, light is designed to alert drivers when their vehicle's tire pressure is too low or considered unsafe. It doesn't take a car expert to know that tire pressure is integral to your vehicle's safety and performance. It is your responsibility to have correctly inflated tires to extend the life of your tires, promote fuel efficiency, and prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning.
In rare cases, a TPMS light may come on due to an error in the tires' sensors. However, that typically doesn't occur until a vehicle has significantly aged. Below are the steps you should take when you catch the TPMS light on your dashboard.
Check Your Tire Pressure
After seeing the warning, the first thing you should do is check your tire pressure manually. Gauges are accessible and a great item to keep in your car at all times. However, gas stations with air pumps will also have them on the hose. Once you have the gauge in hand, you should find the recommended psi level for your vehicle. You can find the stats on the inside of the driver's door jamb.
Adjust the Air in Your Tires
Once you read your gauge, you may need to make adjustments to the air. You can take an air compressor to refill your tires. Afterward, the TPMS light should go off, signaling that you're good to go. However, if it remains on, the problem may lie with the sensor.
Go to a Trusted Auto Repair Shop
If you cannot repair or reset the TPMS yourself, please bring your vehicle to Parker Tire & Alignment for a proper diagnosis. We can examine your tires' sensors and tell you whether they will need to be replaced. We'll also happily recheck your tire pressure, as you could never do it too often.
Don't neglect your TPMS light any further, and call or visit our auto repair shop today!