That Tire-Pressure Light: TPMS, Explained

The little horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point is your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and it confuses a lot of drivers. Here's what it's actually telling you.

Why it loves cold mornings

Air contracts as it cools, so a cold snap can drop your tire pressure enough to trip the light, even with no leak. Tire pressure falls roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F drop, which is why the light so often appears on the first cold morning of the season. Topping the tires back up to the correct pressure usually clears it.

When it means a real problem

If the light keeps coming back after you've properly inflated the tires, you likely have a slow leak, a nail, a bad valve stem, or a wheel that isn't sealing. And if the light flashes for a bit before staying on, that often points to a failing TPMS sensor (the sensors have small batteries that eventually die, usually after several years).

Why correct pressure matters

• Underinflated tires wear out faster and unevenly
• They hurt fuel economy
• They can overheat at highway speed, a blowout risk
• Correct pressure gives you the best grip and braking

Don't just ignore it

Taping over the light isn't a fix. At TAB Motors we diagnose the TPMS, find any leak, set your pressures to spec, and service sensors when needed, so the light goes off and stays off. Call (703) 243-3080.

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