Why Your Car’s Tire Pressure Light is On Despite Proper Inflation
As a responsible car owner, you probably know the importance of taking care of your vehicle. Regular maintenance tasks like changing the oil and checking your lights are crucial to keep your car in good shape. Part of being a responsible driver is understanding the warning lights on your car’s dashboard. One of these warning lights is the TPMS light, which stands for “tire pressure monitoring system.” You might recognize it as the orange tire symbol with an exclamation point in the middle.
When the TPMS Light First Appears
When the TPMS light first comes on, the usual advice is to check the air pressure in each tire. This helps make sure none of your tires are quickly losing air. If you find a tire that’s significantly underinflated, it’s essential to switch it out with your spare tire and get the problem fixed right away. But what do you do if the TPMS light stays on, even when your tire pressure seems fine? Let’s explore the possible reasons and solutions.
Solving the Mystery
Before getting too worried about a persistent TPMS light, consider that there might be external factors causing it. One common factor is temperature changes. When the weather gets colder, the air inside your tires contracts, making your tire pressure drop. In such cases, the solution is pretty simple: just inflate your tires to the psi (pounds per square inch) recommended by the manufacturer to bring them back to the correct pressure.
However, if your tire pressure remains in the recommended range, but the TPMS light stays on, it could suggest a problem within the TPMS system. Some newer cars with advanced TPMS can show each tire’s exact psi readings. If there’s a sensor issue, these readings may appear as blank spaces, indicating a problem with the sensors.
Understanding TPMS Sensors
Your car’s TPMS system relies on sensors, usually called TPMS sensors, installed inside each wheel. These sensors play a critical role in keeping track of your tire pressure and sometimes even the temperature. When a tire’s pressure drops 25% below the recommended psi, these sensors trigger the TPMS light as a warning sign.
These sensors have batteries that typically last about six to ten years or between 90,000 to 120,000 miles. Unfortunately, you usually can’t replace the batteries in these sensors. So, when dealing with a persistent TPMS light, the best solution is to replace all the sensors. This is important because if one sensor’s battery dies, the others might follow suit soon.
The Cost of Replacing TPMS Sensors
The average cost of replacing TPMS sensors is roughly $300, but the exact cost may vary depending on your car’s make and model. Various factors, like the type of sensors needed and labor costs, can influence the final price.
When you see your TPMS light staying on, there’s no need to panic. Understanding the possible reasons and solutions can help ease your worries. Whether it’s a simple adjustment due to temperature changes or a more complicated sensor problem, addressing it promptly ensures your car stays safe and reliable. If your TPMS light remains on continuously, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your car performs well, and you have peace of mind while driving.
Watch the following video to learn more about why your tire pressure light is on and how to fix it.
California Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Northern California car accident lawyer. In your time of need, we are here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact us. Your initial consultation is free, and we are ready to listen, advocate for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Please call us today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Your call could be the first step towards the justice and recovery you deserve.
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