What Does a TPMS Warning Light Mean?

Before speaking about what the TPMS does, it's important to understand why vehicles have it in the first place. Even tires that are working perfectly will bleed a small amount of air each day, which is no cause for concern that day. Over time, however, that tiny amount adds up and lowers your tire pressure. Additionally, cold weather can also change your tire pressure. A general rule of thumb is that for every ten degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature drops, your tire pressure will drop one pound per square inch (PSI), and the same for every increase in temperature. For example, say you fill your tires when it is 80 degrees out. After two months, the temperature drops to 60 degrees, your tires will be deflated by two PSI. Moving on a couple of months, you've hit 30 degrees, and you're now down 5 PSI. Having properly inflated tires is crucial for your safety, as underinflated tires wear down faster, provide less traction, and reduce your gas mileage. However, maintaining your tire pressure isn't about having as much air as possible, as overinflated tires cause similar risks, it's about having the correct pressure for your tires and vehicle. You can find this correct pressure on a yellow placard inside your driver's door jamb.

When you boil it down, a TPMS light tells you when your tire pressure is too low or too high. However, it also serves different functions, and how the light illuminates will tell you what the system is detecting. When the light comes on and stays on, it means one or more of your tires are experiencing tire pressure too low or too high. If the light turns on intermittently, it typically means that your tire pressure is on the borderline of being too low. For example, you wake up on a cold morning and your tire pressure is 2 PSI low, which trips your TPMS light. However, when your tires warm up from the friction while driving, the light may go off. Or, when the temperatures rise later in the day, the light may turn off. Finally, while less common, your TPMS may flash for a minute before staying on. This indicates that something is wrong with your TPMS system. It could be a faulty wire, a computer issue, or an issue with an individual sensor.

If you see your TPMS light come on and stay on, you should visit an air compressor found at many gas stations or visit a service center like the one here at Reedman-Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Springfield to have the pressure corrected. If the light comes back on after a few days, you should bring it into our service center to have the tires inspected for a slow leak. If it comes on intermittently in colder weather, as long as it goes back off, there is no cause for concern. If your TPMS light flashes for a minute and then stays on, this is a clear indication that the vehicle should be brought into a service center for diagnosis. 

Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures a safe, fuel-efficient drive. To help keep your tires in good condition, the Reedman-Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Springfield service center is standing by! If you have any questions regarding your vehicle's TPMS, please use the contact form below to reach us. We look forward to serving you!