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Can you drive with a broken tire pressure sensor?

A broken tire pressure sensor can be driven around, but it’s not safe or recommended. A faulty TPMS may fail to warn you about underinflated tires, increasing the risk of a blowout, poorer handling, and higher fuel consumption. If you see a TPMS warning, check your tires promptly and plan for service.

Tire pressure monitoring systems come in two main varieties. Direct TPMS uses battery-powered sensors mounted in each wheel to report pressure data to the car’s computer. Indirect TPMS relies on ABS wheel-speed sensors to infer when a tire’s pressure is off. If a sensor stops communicating or fails, the system may show a fault message or disable monitoring on that tire. Understanding how your system works helps you decide how to drive and when to seek service.

What is a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and how does it work?

TPMS is designed to alert you when a tire’s air pressure falls below a safe level. Direct TPMS uses sensors in each wheel to measure actual pressure and transmit it to the vehicle’s computer. Indirect TPMS uses wheel-speed data from the ABS system to estimate pressure differences and flag potential underinflation. A broken sensor can cause the warning light to stay on, blink, or fail to trigger when a tire is underinflated.

Is it safe to drive with a broken TPMS sensor?

In general, driving with a broken TPMS is not ideal. You may be driving with underinflated tires without knowing it, which can increase the risk of tire failure, reduce fuel efficiency, and impair handling. If you must drive after a TPMS fault appears, take precautions: verify all tire pressures manually and avoid long trips until the sensor is repaired.

Below are practical steps drivers can take if the TPMS warning indicates a fault.

Before you drive, consider these steps to verify tire safety when the TPMS is not functioning correctly:

Check the pressure of all tires (including the spare) with a reliable tire gauge while tires are cold.

Inflate each tire to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure, typically found on the door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual. Do not exceed the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall.

Inspect tires for visible damage, nails, bulges, or cords showing through the tread.

If any tire cannot be inflated to the recommended pressure or shows damage, do not continue driving; arrange service or roadside assistance.

After inflating, recheck the tires’s pressures to ensure they hold air, and monitor for rapid deflation.

In summary, these checks can reduce risk in the short term, but a broken TPMS should be repaired promptly so you have accurate, ongoing tire pressure information.

Replacement and repair options

If you need to restore TPMS functionality, there are common repair paths. The following options cover typical scenarios for direct and indirect TPMS systems.

Direct TPMS sensor replacement in the wheel: A faulty sensor or dead battery is replaced, and the system is relearned or reprogrammed to the vehicle. This is the most common fix for direct TPMS faults.

Sensor battery or housing replacement: Some sensors have battery life of several years; when the battery dies, the entire sensor is usually replaced since batteries are not user-serviceable.

Indirect TPMS issues: If the fault lies in the ABS or wheel-speed sensors used by indirect TPMS, a professional diagnosis may be needed; after repairing the sensors or software, the system may require a relearn procedure.

Cost and time: Replacement and relearning typically require a shop visit. Costs vary by vehicle and region, but plan for parts, labor, and potential wheel balancing or sensor relearning time.

These options are commonly offered by tire shops and dealerships. The exact repair path depends on whether your car uses direct or indirect TPMS and the nature of the fault. A qualified technician can confirm the cause and provide a repair plan.

When to seek immediate help

Seek service promptly if you notice any of the following: a persistent TPMS fault light after inflating tires, a tire with visible damage or slow leaks, or signs of a tire failure like vibration, pull, or unusual noise. If you are unsure about the tire pressure or the sensor’s status, err on the side of caution and contact roadside assistance or a tire professional.

A TPMS fault light remains on after tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.

A tire shows signs of damage, puncture, bulge, or slow leak that you cannot safely address on the spot.

You must drive long distances or in remote areas and want assurance that tire pressures are accurate before departure.

In most cases, a broken TPMS should be repaired promptly to restore accurate tire-pressure monitoring and reduce driving risk. While temporary manual checks can help, rely on professional service to restore full functionality.

Summary

Driving with a broken tire pressure sensor is technically possible, but it compromises safety. A manual check of tire pressures, careful driving to a repair location, and a timely TPMS repair or replacement are the prudent steps. Understanding whether your car uses direct or indirect TPMS helps you navigate repairs, relearning procedures, and costs. The goal is to restore reliable, automatic monitoring so you’re alerted early to underinflated tires in the future.

How long can you drive with a tire pressure sensor fault?

You can drive a short distance to find a safe place to check your tires, but you should not drive for an extended period with a tire pressure sensor fault warning. Ignoring the light risks premature tire wear, poor handling, and potential tire blowouts, so it's important to check the pressure and inflate as needed as soon as safely possible. If the light flashes for a minute or two and then stays on, it indicates the TPMS system itself is not working, and you should have it checked at a shop to ensure the system is functioning correctly for future safety alerts.
If the light means low tire pressure:

Pull over when it is safe to do so. Find a safe spot to stop and check the pressure in all four tires.
Add air to the low tire. If the pressure is low, inflate it to the recommended PSI.
Consider the cause. If the light comes back on, there may be a slow leak that requires repair.
If the light stays on after filling. You may need to drive for a short distance for the sensor to recalibrate, or the system may need to be reset.

If the light means the TPMS sensor has a fault:

Check tire pressure manually. Since the system isn't working, you must manually check the pressure in each tire to ensure they are at the correct PSI.
Get the system serviced. A fault light means the system isn't functioning properly, so it is best to have the sensors checked and replaced by a professional as soon as possible.
Drive carefully. Without the system to warn you of low pressure, you risk driving on an underinflated or flat tire, so drive with extra caution and check tire pressure manually and frequently.

Can I drive with a broken tire pressure sensor?

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 much should it cost to replace a tire pressure sensor?

Replacing a single tire pressure sensor (TPMS) typically costs $50 to $250, depending on factors like the vehicle make and model, sensor type, and labor costs. Replacing all four sensors can be more cost-effective per sensor, with total costs potentially ranging from $400 to over $950 depending on whether you buy OEM or aftermarket parts and the labor rate of the shop.
Cost breakdown

Parts: A single sensor can cost anywhere from $20 to over $100, with OEM sensors being more expensive than aftermarket options.
Labor: Expect to pay between $50 and $100 in labor per sensor for installation. Some shops may offer package deals for replacing all four at once.
Total cost for one sensor: Combining parts and labor, the cost for one sensor can range from $50 to $250.
Total cost for all four: Replacing all four sensors could cost $400 to $950 or more, especially at a dealership.

How to save money

Purchase parts yourself: Buy your own sensors from a parts store or online and have a tire shop install them.
Wait for new tires: If you plan to get new tires soon, replace the TPMS sensors at the same time to combine labor costs.
Shop around: Get quotes from different independent mechanics and tire shops, as prices can vary significantly.

Other considerations

Aftermarket vs. OEM: Aftermarket sensors can be cheaper, but they may have compatibility issues or a shorter lifespan.
Vehicle make and model: Luxury or newer vehicles may require more expensive or specialized sensors.
DIY: If you have the right tools, you can replace the sensor yourself, but you'll need a special tool to activate the new sensor after installation.

Can AutoZone fix TPMS sensors?

At AutoZone, we carry replacement TPMS sensors for most makes and models. And if you need help resetting the TPMS light, we can offer helpful advice or refer you to a shop in our professional network.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.