Can I drive with a blinking tire pressure light?
The short answer is no, you should not drive with a blinking tire pressure light. A blinking tire pressure light indicates a serious issue with your vehicle's tire pressure system that requires immediate attention.
Understanding the Tire Pressure Warning Light
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your vehicle is designed to alert you when the air pressure in one or more of your tires drops below a certain level. A solid tire pressure warning light means the pressure in one or more tires is low, but you can typically continue driving to a safe location to add air. However, a blinking or flashing tire pressure light is a more serious warning that something is wrong with the TPMS itself.
Reasons for a Blinking Tire Pressure Light
There are a few common reasons why the tire pressure light may be blinking on your dashboard:
- Faulty TPMS sensor: The TPMS sensor, which monitors the air pressure in each tire, may be malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Damaged TPMS wiring: The wiring that connects the TPMS sensors to the vehicle's computer may be damaged, causing the system to malfunction.
- Incorrect tire size or replacement: If you've recently replaced your tires with a size that doesn't match the TPMS specifications, the system may not be able to properly monitor the pressure.
Driving with a blinking tire pressure light can be dangerous, as it indicates a more serious issue that could lead to a sudden tire failure or other problems. It's important to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
What to Do If the Tire Pressure Light is Blinking
If you see the tire pressure light blinking on your dashboard, follow these steps:
- Safely pull over: Find a safe place to pull over and stop your vehicle as soon as possible.
- Check the tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in all four tires. If any tire is significantly underinflated, add air to bring it up to the recommended pressure.
- Inspect the tires: Visually inspect the tires for any signs of damage, such as punctures, bulges, or uneven wear.
- Contact a mechanic: If the tire pressure is correct and the tires appear to be in good condition, the issue is likely with the TPMS system itself. Contact a qualified mechanic to have the system diagnosed and repaired.
Ignoring a blinking tire pressure light can lead to serious consequences, such as a sudden tire blowout or loss of vehicle control. It's important to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
What is the lowest tire pressure you can drive on?
20 PSI
Tire pressure between 32 to 35 PSI is suitable for most vehicles. However, one can go as low as 20 PSI (although that is not recommended). Anything below 20 PSI is considered a flat tire. PSI stands for pounds per square inch.
How urgent is the tire pressure light?
WHAT IT MEANS & WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. The purpose of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low and could create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire failure.
Is it okay to drive with slightly low tire pressure?
Driving With Low Tire Pressure Can Be Dangerous
The most dangerous issue caused by driving with low tire pressure is a tire blowout. As mentioned, under-inflated tire sidewalls flex more than usual and cause heat to build up.
How much does it cost to replace a tire pressure sensor?
In the event TPMS sensors need to be replaced, the cost can range from approximately $50-$100 each depending on vehicle type.
Why is my tire pressure light blinking and then solid?
A TPMS warning light that illuminates solid and remains solid usually means that one or more of the tires has low air pressure and needs to be inflated to the correct placard pressure. However, a light that flashes for 60-90 seconds and then illuminates solid is signaling that there is a problem with the TPMS system.
How long can I drive after the tire pressure light comes on?
You don't need to pull over immediately if you see it come on, but you should take action as soon as possible. If you're on the highway or in heavy traffic, it's generally safe to drive for a short distance (a few miles at most) to find a safe place to pull over and check your tires.
Where is the TPMS reset button?
Set the parking brake. Look for a button to the left of the steering column labeled with the TPMS icon if it's there push and hold it until the TPMS indicator in the instrument panel blinks twice.
Can I drive 20 minutes with low tire pressure?
If your TPMS has indicated low tire pressure, your vehicle is not considered safe to drive. We recommend pulling over and checking your tire pressure as soon as you're able. And if you aren't able to do so right away, then try to find a safe place to stop as soon as possible.
Why is my low tire pressure light on but tires are fine?
One of the most common reasons for a TPMS light staying on despite the tires being properly inflated is a sensor malfunction. TPMS sensors are typically located inside the tire and can wear out or become damaged over time, particularly if you've hit a curb, driven through a pothole, or been off-road.
Can a tire pressure light be false?
False Light: Sometimes, the TPMS sensor itself is acting up. It might be sending false warnings or incorrect pressure readings. Low Battery: Some TPMS sensors have their own batteries that need replacing every few years. If they've fizzled out, the system can go haywire.
