Your tire pressure light just turned on, and now you’re left wondering what to do next. Ignoring it is not an option – low tire pressure can be dangerous and negatively affect your vehicle’s handling and fuel economy. So how do you proceed? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to clear your tire pressure light and make sure your vehicle is both safe and efficient to drive.
Table of Contents
1. Check your tire pressure
When your tire pressure warning light turns on, the first thing to do is to check your tire pressure including the spare tire present at the back. You can use a tire pressure gauge to check the level of air in each tire. The recommended pressure for your car’s tire is usually found in your car owner’s manual or on a label inside the driver’s door. If your tire pressure is low, fill them up with air inflator as soon as possible.
2. Drive for a few miles
After filling your tires with air, drive your car for a few miles until the tire pressure warning light turns off. This allows the car’s computer system to recognize the change in pressure. If the warning light persists, Drive at 50 mph (80Km/hr) or above for at least 10 minutes. This will help your sensor reset.
3. Reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
If the tire pressure warning light reappears after inflating the tires, it may be necessary to reset the TPMS. The TPMS is a system that alerts you when there is a change in tire pressure. The process of resetting the TPMS can vary depending on the car model. You can refer to your owner’s manual for the specific instructions. Typically, you’ll need to press the reset button located under the dashboard or in the glove box to reset the system.
Insert the car key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position (Do Not start the engine). Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light flashes three times. Release the button, then start the car. The light should vanish within 20 minutes.
4. Disconnect Your Car Battery
If above steps failed, you could try disconnecting your car battery. Before doing so, make sure your vehicle isn’t running. Locate your car’s battery, usually located under the hood or in the trunk, and carefully disconnect the negative cable. Wait around 15-20 minutes and reconnect the cable. Your tire pressure light should disappear once you turn your vehicle back on.
5. Take your car to a professional
If the tire pressure warning light stays on even after you’ve checked your tire pressure, inflated the tires, and reset the TPMS, it’s time to take your car to a professional mechanic. They can diagnose the problem, determine the root cause of the issue, and fix it accordingly. The cause could be a damaged sensor, an electrical fault, a slow leak, or a faulty TPMS.
6. Preventive measures
To prevent tire pressure light from turning on, ensure that you regularly check your tire condition and air pressure. Ideally, check your tire pressure at least once a month or before a long road trip. Also, avoid overloading your car as it causes excess stress on your tires and could affect its pressure. Lastly, avoid driving over rough roads and potholes as it can cause damages to your tires.
Recent Article
- Beyond the Dashboard: Demystifying Your Cars Oil Light Indicator
- How to File a Car Accident Claim Successfully?
- Citroen C3 facelift in pictures: Coming to India early next year
- Everything You Need to Know About Truck Bed Liners
- Spotless and Seamless: The Importance of Attention to Detail in Car Care
FAQ’s
Why is my tire pressure light still on after filling tires?
Where is TPMS reset button?
Do all cars have a TPMS reset button?
Bottom Line
Knowing how to clear the tire pressure light is crucial for every car owner. As mentioned earlier, low tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, increased risk of accidents, and other issues.
Remember to check your tire pressure regularly and follow the necessary preventive measures to keep your tires in good condition. If the tire pressure warning light persists after you’ve tried the suggested fixes, seek help from a professional mechanic. Stay safe on the road!