Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Warning Light
What is TPMS?
A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety feature in most modern vehicles that monitors the air pressure inside your tyres. TPMS uses sensors that detect when a tyre’s pressure falls below a certain threshold, typically around 25% lower than the manufacturer’s recommended level. When this happens, the system triggers a warning light on your dashboard to alert you.
There are two types of TPMS:
Direct TPMS: This system uses pressure sensors mounted inside the tyre to measure the pressure directly and provide real-time data to the vehicle’s computer.
Indirect TPMS: This system measures the rotational speed of the tyres, and if it detects a tyre is rotating faster than the others (because it has less air pressure), it triggers a warning.
Why Should You Never Ignore the TPMS Warning Light?
Ignoring the TPMS warning light can have serious consequences. Here's why:
Safety Concerns The most important reason not to ignore the TPMS warning light is safety. Under-inflated tyres can drastically affect your car’s handling, especially in wet conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. When a tyre’s pressure is too low, the tyre has less contact with the road, which compromises your braking, traction, and overall stability.
Increased Tyre Wear Driving on under-inflated tyres accelerates tyre wear. The tyres wear unevenly, with more wear on the edges, reducing their lifespan. This could mean you need to replace your tyres sooner than expected, which leads to extra costs.
Poor Fuel Efficiency Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. As a result, fuel efficiency decreases, and you end up spending more money at the pump. Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure can improve your fuel economy by up to 3%.
Risk of a Blowout One of the most dangerous risks of driving with low tyre pressure is the potential for a tyre blowout. When a tyre is under-inflated, the extra heat generated by the friction between the road and the tyre can cause it to burst, leading to a sudden and hazardous blowout.
What Should You Do When the TPMS Light Comes On?
When the TPMS light comes on, it’s essential to take immediate action. Here’s what you should do:
Check the Tyre Pressure First, find a safe location to pull over and check the air pressure in all your tyres using a tyre pressure gauge. If any of the tyres are significantly under-inflated, it’s time to inflate them to the recommended level. You can usually find the recommended pressure on the inside of your driver’s side door frame or in your vehicle’s manual.
Inspect for Visible Damage If a tyre looks flat or damaged (like having a puncture or tear), it’s crucial to address the issue before continuing your journey. Continuing to drive on a damaged tyre can lead to further complications.
Visit a Professional If the TPMS light stays on even after inflating the tyres or if you notice any other tyre issues, it’s time to visit a professional. A qualified technician can inspect your tyres for damage, check if the sensors are working properly, and repair or replace any tyres that are too damaged to be safe.
How Mobile Tyre Services Can Help
Not all tyre issues can be solved with a quick stop at a petrol station. If the TPMS warning light persists after you’ve checked your tyre pressure or if you notice a puncture, a mobile tyre service can come to your rescue.
Mobile tyre services offer:
On-Site Tyre Pressure Checks and Adjustments: Our technicians can come to your location, check your tyre pressure, and adjust it if necessary.
Tyre Repairs and Replacements: If your tyres are damaged and need repairs or replacements, we can take care of everything at your location, so you don’t have to worry about driving to a garage.
TPMS Diagnosis and Repairs: If the issue is with the TPMS sensor or system itself, mobile tyre services can diagnose the problem and get your system functioning properly again.
With our mobile tyre service, you can get back on the road safely and quickly without the hassle of visiting a garage. We bring the expertise to your doorstep, saving you time and energy.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the TPMS Warning Light
The TPMS warning light is there for a reason—it’s designed to keep you safe and ensure your tyres are in optimal condition. Never ignore it. Regularly check your tyre pressure, maintain your tyres, and get professional help when needed to avoid the serious risks of under-inflated or damaged tyres.
If you see the TPMS warning light, don’t wait—contact a mobile tyre service today to get your tyres checked, adjusted, or replaced. Your safety and savings are worth it!
Contact Us Today! If your TPMS light is on and you’re not sure what to do next, get in touch with us! Our mobile tyre service is available to help you with tyre pressure checks, repairs, replacements, and more—right at your doorstep. Stay safe and keep your car running smoothly!
