The Experts at Hooper’s Tire Outlet Tell You What To Do

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is there to alert you of a tire’s low pressure. If the light comes on, DON’T IGNORE IT! One or more of your tires may be underinflated which can lead to greater tire wear and unsafe driving conditions.

Overinflation will cause the center of the treads to show wear prematurely. Underinflated tires will cause a slow tire response, decreased fuel economy, heat buildup, and tire overload. It will show wear on both sides of the tread edges.

If you don’t know what the TPMS indicator looks like, it’s either the letters “TPMS” or it’s the horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point in the center, typically located in the cluster of gauges of an automobile's dashboard. 

The light will illuminate when the air pressure in one or more tires is not in the recommended range. You may not notice that a tire is losing air. That’s because the light may go on when the pressure has dropped a mere 10%. 

There are different scenarios that will prompt the light to come on. Low pressure could result from a slow leak or a drop in temperature. However, if a tire is properly inflated during the summer, the light may come on when colder weather hits. Tires warm as you drive which raises their internal pressure, so your TPMS warning light may be on when you leave in the morning but off on your way home.

You can buy a tire-pressure gauge for $5 at any auto parts store. A monthly check of all tires keeps them properly inflated and enables you to catch a slow leak - even before your TPMS alerts you. 

What To Do If Your TPMS Warning Light Comes On

At the first sign of your TPMS warning light, get to a service center and check the pressure of all four tires. For recommended tire pressure, check the user’s manual. Or in newer cars, there should be a placard on the driver’s side door jamb. In older cars, check the trunk lid, fuel door, glove box, center console lid, or passenger side door jamb.  

The light may go off after driving a few miles; however, if you’re driven about 10 miles it doesn’t, the system may need to be reset. You can find those directions in the owner’s manual of the vehicle. If after you've reset the system and the light is still on, you may have a sensor that needs to be replaced. 

Most cars made before 2000 don’t have TPMS. If you are driving a car that doesn't have one, it’s an easy installation. These kits consist of four sensors that are installed onto the valve stem of each wheel well. The tire pressure reading will show on a display for each individual tire, which is actually better than factory systems since you know exactly which tire is underinflated.

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to check your tire pressures monthly or have someone else check for you. The TPMS is there merely as a warning. The rest is up to you.

For quality used tires, check out Hooper's Tire Outlet in Rochester and Syracuse.