1. TPMS LIGHT ON? WHAT IT MEANS & WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
The purpose of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is to alert you when tire
pressure is too low and could to create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it
means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire
failure. It's important to understand the importance of proper tire inflation, and how TPMS
can help you maintain your tires.
Maintaining proper tire inflation is essential to vehicle handling, overall tire performance,
and load carrying capability. A properly inflated tire will reduce tread movement, reduce
rolling resistance, and increase water dispersion. Reduced tread movement gives the tire a
longer tread life. Reduced rolling resistance, the force required to roll a loaded tire, results
in increased fuel efficiency. Increased water dispersion decreases the possibility of
hydroplaning.
Both overinflation and underinflation can cause premature treadwear and possible tire
failure. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and the inability to
absorb road impact. Overinflated tires will show premature wear in the center of the tread.
On the other hand, underinflation will cause sluggish tire respose, decreased fuel economy,
excessive heat buildup, and tire overload. An underinflated tire will show premature wear
on both outside shoulders.

2. The TPMS warning light will help warn you when your tire pressure is too low. Your TPMS
has various illumination patterns that mean different things. Keep reading to find out what
they mean.
If you’re learning about tire pressure sensors for the first time, finding the TPMS indicator
on your dashboard is simple. It’s a horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point in the
center.
Do you know what to do when the low tire pressure TPMS symbol illuminates? The first
thing to do is manually check your tire pressures with a gauge and add air until the
pressures reach the vehicle manufacturer specification. Keep in mind, your TPMS does not
replace routine tire pressure maintenance. It’s a tool that can help alert you when pressure
is low, but a tire may drop below proper inflation long before the TPMS warning light comes
on. The TPMS light comes on when the tire pressure gets too low or too high.
What Does a TPMS Warning Light Mean?
1. TPMS Light illuminates while driving – When the TPMS light comes on – and stays on
– at least one of your tires is at a low pressure level. Check the pressure of all of the
tires with a gauge and determine the cause of pressure loss and add air or service the
tire(s) as appropriate.
2. TPMS Light goes on and off – When tire pressure(s) are near the level that triggers an
alert, fluctuating temperatures may be causing your TPMS light to turn on and off.
This typically occurs when pressure decreases over night due to a drop in ambient
temperature that causes the light to turn on; the light may turn off when pressure
increases during the day due to rising ambient temperature and/or heat generated
from the driving the vehicle. Use a gauge to check the pressure of all of the tires and
add air to any tire that is low
3. TPMS Light flashes and then stays on – If the light flashes for approximately 60 to 90
seconds every time you start your car and then remains illuminated, this means the
TPMS isn’t functioning properly and you should take it to an automotive service
center for an inspection. Until repaired, the TPMS is out of order and is not able to
warn you of low tire pressure. Check the air pressure of all of the tires with a gauge
and add air to the tires that need it.
Does a TPMS Replace Regular Tire Pressure Checks?
No! Understanding what a TPMS warning light means and what to do when it illuminates is
an important part of a driver’s responsibility. However, TPMS is not a replacement for
regular tire pressure checks. Why? Depending on the situation, the TPMS may have
limitations such as:

3. 1. The TPMS warning light may be set to illuminate below the tire pressure needed to
carry the load in the vehicle.
2. The sensor(s) may not be accurately transmitting tire pressure data to the on-board
computer.
3. The system may not be able to accurately determine if a tire is too low if other tires
are losing pressure at the same rate.
Therefore, even with TPMS, manual tire pressure checks with a gauge are important to
caring for your tires and vehicle, especially for your safety and that of others. You should
check tire pressure once a month, and before a long trip or when carrying extra load.
Source:http://www.bridgestonetire.com/
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