Five Causes Of A Low Tire Pressure

Having the low tire pressure light on can be a dangerous indicator in most cases. But can the pressure light automatically turn on even when the tires are fine? Yes, it can happen!

What Is TPMS, And How It Works?

In most of the updated and automatic cars that are coming on the market, a TPMS is a crucial part. The TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which indicates the air pressure in car tires in real time.

The TPMS works on a model of multiple sensors that detect air pressure and then coordinate with the main TPMS program to indicate air pressure in tires.

The TPMS also involves displaying tire temperature and air pressure within the spare tire that isn’t under use for the time being.

TPMS And Its Check Lights

TPMS works through a series of check lights. Like obviously, there is a centralized program that will influence the whole operations of the TPMS in the first place. But for most TPMS installed in cars, the main source through which the user gets to know that something isn't right is the series of check lights on the front right next to the odometer.

If the TPMS is being compromised, you will watch all sorts of indicator check lights on the front, even when everything seems fine. This indicates that it is time it to be checked.

Major Causes Of A TPMS Indicator Activation, Even When The Tires Are Fine

Considering how much technology has progressed over the years, it is still quite uncertain to state one or two causes that may affect the TPMS performance.

Like any in-car operational program, the TPMS heavily relies on the input acquired through the installed sensors. If the sensors are compromised, the TPMS is also compromised.

But designers and automotive engineers these days are working to ensure that such compromises of the TPMS don't happen too often.

Here are some of the major causes that may cause a TPMS indicator to activate even when the tires are fine in the first place,

• Faulty Indirect Systems

  The indirect systems in a car concerning the TPSM are the systems that may impact the TPSM and the pressure sensor output indirectly. Why indirectly? Well, the TPSM won't ever work independently as a system.

  It requires inputs from multiple systems to maintain an environment that indicates an imbalance in the tire pressure. If the indirect systems aren't working properly, the TPSM won't work either. Common indirect systems include ABS, ECU, Wheel Speed Sensor, etc.

• Faulty Direct Systems

  As the name indicates, the direct systems are the exact opposite of the indirect ones. The direct systems involve car systems that directly impact the output as well functioning of a TPSM. Any minor fault in the direct systems may cause direct damage to the TPSM.

  The direct systems are even composed of sensors that aid the normal functioning of the TPSM. The tire air pressure sensor is a prominent example of this, as the sensor directly influences the TPSM's ability to detect a change in tire pressure.

• Tire change

  This might be the very first time you have heard about this. But it happens. When you change the car tires, there is a great chance that the low tire pressure light may start indicating something isn't right.

  The tire change can have two possible outcomes. The first one is that you haven't got a new tire compatible with the tire pressure monitoring technology in the first place.

  The second one can be a scenario in which the new tire doesn't have the required variant of the TPSM, and the air pressure sensors just keep indicating faulty readings. All of this is because you didn't ask the manufacturer about the tire variant that will be most compatible.

• Temperature change (ambient)

  Temperature plays a great role in determining the ideal air pressure in car tires. Have you ever noticed advisory boards mentioned alongside highways and motorways indicating that you shouldn't fill the tire with maximum air pressure?

  As the car moves over a surface for an extended period, the air within the tire starts to expand due to extremely high temperatures. Now, you need to keep in mind the temperature factor as well. If the ambient temperature change reaches a certain limit, there will come the point when the low tire pressure light may start to indicate that something isn't right.

• Low pressure in spare tires

  Most modern cars making their way to the market contain TPSM features that also impact the spare tire. The spare tire, as we all know, isn't used that common and is usually put in the trunk just in case of an emergency.

  But if the spare tire has a low air pressure, the low tire pressure light will remain on. This can be a bit confusing for the users who don't know about this feature and are constantly being told by the car guys that the air pressure of tires is optimum.

How Can You Overcome The Low Tire Pressure Indicator Fault?

There are many ways to overcome the low tire pressure indicator fault, from changing the tires to removing the faulty air pressure sensors. But the best one is to get your car TPSM checked by a certified professional.

Why? Well, there are still many loopholes in the TPSM that you may not be fully aware of. Chances are that by simply visiting the mechanic, you can reduce your bill of changing the tires completely to merely replacing a few worn-out switches/fuses.

Do You Need To Claim The Warranty For The Maintenance?

That depends upon the warranty provided for the car. If you have a warranty claim offered by the car manufacturer, we won't advise you to go and claim the warranty for the check light issue. But if some service station is offering, it is a good option to get things checked.

Final Note

Well, we hope that now you have a solid idea about the low tire pressure light issue and how to tackle it. If something is still not clear, we are here to answer any questions you have as well.