Can I drive with a tire pressure sensor fault?
Yes, you can usually drive for a short distance, but you should not rely on the TPMS to monitor tire pressure. A sensor fault means the system can’t read one or more tires, so you risk driving with unmonitored or underinflated tires and should have the issue checked promptly.
What a tire pressure sensor fault means
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) use wheel-mounted sensors to transmit tire pressure data to the vehicle’s computer. A fault can occur if a sensor’s battery dies, a sensor is damaged, the receiver or wiring is faulty, or the system loses calibration. When the dash shows a TPMS or sensor fault, it indicates the system cannot reliably read tire pressures, even if some tires may appear normal.
Difference between a low tire pressure warning and a TPMS fault
A low tire pressure warning typically triggers when a tire is underinflated beyond a threshold. A TPMS fault means the system cannot read the sensors at all, so you may not know which tire (if any) is low. In some vehicles, a fault can coexist with occasional pressure readings, but generally the fault disables reliable monitoring.
Driving implications
With a TPMS fault, you lose real-time monitoring of tire pressures. If you cannot confirm pressures manually, you risk driving with underinflated tires, which can affect handling, tire wear, fuel economy, and the chance of a tire failure. Treat the fault as a maintenance issue and address it promptly.
Should I drive right now?
If you can manually verify that all tires are within the recommended pressure range and you can reach a service facility safely, you may drive to get the system diagnosed. If any tire appears low, damaged, or if you cannot verify pressures, minimize driving and seek assistance. Any signs of unusual handling or vibration warrant stopping and assessing the vehicle.
To guide you through immediate checks, use the following steps.
- Check all tires with a reliable gauge and compare readings to the recommended pressures printed on the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
- Inspect tires for obvious damage, punctures, bulges, or slow leaks, and check wheel rims for damage.
- Check the spare tire as well; note that many spares do not have a TPMS sensor.
- If you recently had tires changed or wheels serviced, confirm you were re-learned or recalibrated for the TPMS system.
- If any tire is underinflated or you cannot confirm condition, avoid long trips and seek professional service.
These steps help you assess risk and prepare for service. Do not rely solely on the TPMS while it is malfunctioning.
What to expect at a service visit
Technicians will diagnose the fault with a scan tool, verify sensor IDs, and check sensor battery status. They may replace a faulty TPMS sensor or its battery, recalibrate or relearn the sensors to the vehicle, and inspect or replace related components. In some cases, the wheel must be removed to access the sensor, and a TPMS reset or software update may be required.
Costs and timing
Costs vary by vehicle and location. Common scenarios include sensor replacement (parts and labor) and any required relearn calibration. An independent shop is often less expensive than a dealership, and some vehicles allow reprogramming without sensor replacement. It’s wise to get a quote before work begins and to confirm that the service includes TPMS relearn/calibration.
Regulatory context and safety implications
In many regions, TPMS is a mandated safety feature for new passenger vehicles, designed to prevent underinflated tires and improve road safety. A TPMS fault is treated as a maintenance issue: it does not automatically make the vehicle illegal to drive, but it does mean you may be driving with a less-reliable tire-pressure monitoring capability. Addressing the fault promptly aligns with safety standards and routine vehicle inspections.
Summary
A tire pressure sensor fault means the TPMS cannot reliably read tire pressures. You can often drive a short distance if you manually verify that all tires are properly inflated and you drive cautiously, but you should prioritize diagnosing and repairing the fault to restore full monitoring. Regular maintenance—checking pressures manually, inspecting tires, and having sensors tested or replaced as needed—helps protect tire life, handling, and safety on the road.
Can you drive with a TPMS fault?
In conclusion, driving a car with a bad TPMS sensor is not advisable due to the associated safety risks, reduced fuel efficiency, accelerated tyre wear and potential legal consequences.
How serious is a tire pressure sensor fault?
Yes, a tire pressure sensor fault can be dangerous because it means you won't be alerted to a real issue, like a tire that is dangerously low on air. Driving with a faulty sensor increases the risk of poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and potentially catastrophic tire blowouts, especially if the underlying problem is an underinflated tire. While it may be safe to drive short distances to get the issue checked, a TPMS fault should not be ignored.
Risks of a faulty TPMS sensor
- Tire blowout: The most significant danger is that the system won't warn you if a tire is severely underinflated, which can lead to a dangerous blowout, particularly at high speeds.
- Poor handling: Low tire pressure negatively affects your vehicle's handling, making it less responsive and stable, especially during sudden stops or turns.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: Underinflated tires have higher rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
- Increased tire wear: Driving with improper tire pressure can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.
What to do
- Inspect your tires visually: Check your tires for any visible signs of underinflation, such as a sagging or bulging appearance. If they look low, do not drive further than necessary.
- Get a manual pressure check: Use a tire pressure gauge to manually check all your tires to see if they are properly inflated. The TPMS light can sometimes come on for a simple low-pressure issue, but a faulty sensor may not be able to provide that information.
- Take it to a professional: A faulty TPMS sensor needs to be diagnosed and replaced by a professional to ensure your safety. Ignoring the issue can lead to more costly repairs down the line.
How much does it cost to fix a tire pressure sensor fault?
Fixing a tire pressure sensor fault typically costs between $50 and $250 per sensor, depending on parts and labor costs, but the total can be higher. The final price depends on the type of vehicle, the specific sensor required, and where you have the work done. It's often best to replace all four sensors at once, especially if their batteries are old, which could add to the overall cost but prevent future replacements.
Cost breakdown
- Part cost: A single TPMS sensor can range from about $20$ 20$20 to $150$ 150$150 or more, with options available from auto parts stores or dealerships. Dealership parts are often more expensive but may be of higher quality.
- Labor cost: Professional installation typically costs between $50$ 50$50 and $150$ 150$150 for labor. This cost includes the work of removing the tire, replacing the sensor, and rebalancing the tire.
- Total cost:
- Single sensor: Expect to pay anywhere from $50$ 50$50 to $250$ 250$250.
- Four sensors: Replacing all four can cost between $100$ 100$100 and $200$ 200$200 in labor alone, plus the cost of the new sensors.
Tips to save money
- Replace when getting new tires: If you are due for new tires, replace the TPMS sensors at the same time. This can save you a future labor charge since the tires will already be off the wheels.
- Consider a full set: Since the sensors' batteries tend to die around the same time, replacing all four at once is often a cost-effective long-term solution.
How long can you drive with a bad tire pressure sensor?
You can drive with a bad TPMS sensor for a short period, but it's best to have it fixed as soon as possible because the light could also be indicating a dangerously low tire pressure. A bad sensor means you won't get a warning for actual low pressure, which can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and a risk of tire failure. You should manually check your tire pressure with a gauge to ensure all tires are properly inflated and drive cautiously until you can get a professional to replace the sensor.
Risks of driving with a bad TPMS sensor
- Loss of safety warning: The main risk is losing the warning for actual low tire pressure. You won't know if a tire is dangerously underinflated until it's too late.
- Tire damage: Driving on an underinflated tire, even if it's not a complete blowout, can cause internal damage to the tire's structure that is not visible, potentially leading to failure.
- Poor vehicle performance: Incorrect tire pressure can affect your vehicle's handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.
What to do
- Check your tires immediately: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires. Compare the readings to the recommended PSI on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb.
- Inflate if necessary: If any tires are low, inflate them to the recommended pressure. The TPMS light may turn off after a short drive once the pressure is correct.
- Drive cautiously: Until the sensor is replaced, drive with extra caution. Avoid high speeds and sudden movements.
- Get the sensor replaced: Schedule an appointment with a mechanic to diagnose and replace the faulty sensor to restore the system's function.
