Tyre Pressure Warning Light

The tyre pressure monitoring system warning light, often referred to as the TPMS light, indicates that one or more tyres on the vehicle may have low air pressure. Maintaining correct tyre pressure is important for vehicle safety, fuel efficiency and tyre lifespan.

The TPMS warning light usually appears as a horseshoe shaped symbol with an exclamation mark inside. In some vehicles the dashboard may also display a message indicating which tyre has low pressure.

Modern vehicles use sensors inside the wheels to monitor tyre pressure. These sensors transmit data to the vehicle’s electronic control unit. If the system detects that the pressure in one or more tyres has dropped below the recommended level, the warning light will illuminate.

The most common cause of the TPMS warning light is simply low tyre pressure. This can occur gradually over time as tyres naturally lose small amounts of air. Temperature changes can also affect tyre pressure, particularly during colder weather when tyre pressure tends to decrease.

Punctures or slow leaks can also trigger the warning light. If a nail or sharp object becomes lodged in the tyre, air may slowly escape causing pressure to drop below the recommended level.

In some cases the warning light may appear due to a faulty tyre pressure sensor. Sensors are powered by small batteries which can eventually wear out after several years of use. When a sensor fails, the vehicle may display a TPMS warning even if tyre pressure is correct.

If the tyre pressure warning light appears, drivers should check the pressure in all tyres as soon as possible and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level. These recommended pressures can usually be found inside the driver’s door frame or in the vehicle handbook.

Driving with underinflated tyres can affect handling, increase fuel consumption and cause uneven tyre wear. Addressing tyre pressure issues quickly helps ensure safe and efficient vehicle operation.