Tire pressure season approaches

Tire pressure season

To the right is a large version of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) warning light. The tell-tale comes on during tire pressure season, when the air outside begins to cool and shrink.

More precisely, the symbol will be seen when the inflation on at least one of the tires is reduced about 25% or more. In most cases, that will be about eight pounds.

And, as it points to what is your car’s equivalent of Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is also the most misunderstood symbol you will ever see on your instrument panel.

First and foremost, even if there is a bad tire, there is nothing wrong with your car. One way or another, it’s a tire issue.

The cause

As the weather cools with the onset of Autumn, the air in the tires shrinks. This is the most common reason why one of the two TPMS warning indicators will attempt to get your attention.

Drivers most commonly describe the lights as horseshoes with exclamation points or arrows in them but they are actually a “slice” of a tire. The second version is shown to the right and has mostly fallen into disfavor.

Remember, shrinking air is a natural phenomenon in the cold, so please know that your tires are not leaking. In colder climates, you will likely be prompted to add air to your tires two or three times before the onset of spring.

Note that tires will warm while driving, and so the light may resolve itself after a few miles. You will see the light again once the tires cool down. Also, if you garage your vehicle at night, you may only see the light while out and about in the cool air, which can be confusing.

A fault warning

Finally, if the symbol is blinking, then there is a problem with the TPMS system, which IS a problem with the car!

But in the vast majority of cases, all you need is some air added to the tires, particularly in cooler weather.

And if your car is NOT equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, your tires will still need some hands-on seasonal help. Check your pressure in your tires — the air behaves the same way, TPMS or no! And your tires will last longer properly inflated.

You can find much more at our TPMS page here.

——————————————————————-

The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Privacy Policy