A tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, monitors the air in your tires. It consists of sensors on each tire to calculate and send real-time information to the car's computer. Once one or more of your tires have lost over 1/4 of its recommended psi, it will trigger a TPMS warning light to come on your dashboard. On the other hand, if the TPMS light is blinking, it means that the sensors are malfunctioning. Today, we will be going over some commonly asked questions regarding the TPMS.
What Can Cause the TPMS Sensor to Fail?
- Collisions
- Potholes and Curbs
- Sensor Battery Failure - not common as sensors are expected to last 7 to 10 years
Does a TPMS Replace Manual Tire Pressure Checks?
Absolutely not! Tire pressure checks are still a driver's responsibility, and they should be done manually with proper tools. It is not a replacement for regular tire pressure monitoring because the light does not come on until the tires meet the 25% threshold. Furthermore, the sensors may inaccurately send false information. Instead, you should routinely monitor your psi and make adjustments to avoid having this light come on in the first place.
What Are the Dangers of Ignoring the TPMS Light?
Because proper tire pressure is needed to ensure safe and reliable rides, you may experience negative consequences if you ignore the TPMS light.
- Decrease in fuel efficiency
- Premature tire wear
- Poor vehicle handling
- Diminished braking performance
What Should You Do When the TPMS Light Comes On?
The overall purpose of the TPMS is to alert you when your tire pressure is too low and could present unsafe driving conditions. If the light comes on, indicating insufficient tire pressure, you should inspect your tires and top it off with air if needed. If the light still becomes a problem, you should take it to a professional auto repair shop. It could be more than your tires themselves, but a sensor problem.
For reliable TPMS repairs in Broomfield, CO, please do not hesitate to call or visit Rocky Mountain Car Care.