Tyre Pressure Warning Light
Tire pressure warning light will illuminate when your car's tire pressures are too low or too high. Most modern vehicles have a built in tire pressure monitoring system which detects under inflated tires which would cause unsafe driving conditions.
Proper tire pressure is essential for a car to drive properly. Both over inflation and underinflation have harmful consequences. Low tire pressure (under inflation) can increase the friction resulting in overheating which eventually lead to premature wear of the tires. It also causes lose of control, leading to accidents. Similarly, overinflated tires reduce traction and performance, affecting the handling of the car. Over inflation can also cause cause premature wear of the tires.
Reasons for the tire pressure waring light?
Tire pressure is too low or too high - This is the commonest reason for the TPMS light to come on. It usually comes on when the pressure drops below 75% of the recommended specification. Tire pressure could be low for a long time before the light actually starts lighting.
Change in weather temperature - Cold temperature can lower the pressures. Driving the car for a few miles, will heat up the tires to gain the pressure will solve the problem.
The TPMS sensor is faulty - The light will flash for a 60-90 seconds and and keep illuminated. You might need to take the car to a mechanic to inspect the system and address the problem.
What to do next?
The first thing to do is to check your tire pressures with a manual gauge. (There are instances where you can't rely on the cars pressure monitoring system). If the tire pressures are really low, you need to inflate to reach the manufactures specifications. The recommended tire pressures are mentioned in the car user manual or on the driver side front door pillar. If the TPMS light is still illuminated you might need to take the car to a mechanic for an inspection.
You should be warned that the tire pressure warning system cannot maintain your tire pressure, that it is only a monitoring system which warns your when the pressures are too low or too high.
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