Is it safe to drive with a blinking tire pressure light?
As a car owner, you may have experienced the unsettling moment when your tire pressure light starts blinking on your dashboard. This warning can be alarming, but understanding what it means and how to respond is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. In this article, we will explore the implications of a blinking tire pressure light and what steps you should take if you encounter this issue.
Understanding the Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure light is an essential feature in modern vehicles, designed to alert you when your tire pressure is either too low or too high. A blinking tire pressure light typically indicates a more serious issue than a steady light, often signaling that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is malfunctioning or that there is a significant drop in tire pressure.
What Does a Blinking Tire Pressure Light Mean?
A blinking tire pressure light can signify several potential problems:
- Low Tire Pressure: This is the most common reason for the light to blink. If your tire pressure is critically low, it can lead to tire blowouts or loss of control while driving.
- TPMS Malfunction: If the system itself is not functioning correctly, it may cause the light to blink. This could be due to a dead battery in the sensor or a fault in the system.
- Temperature Changes: Sudden changes in temperature can affect tire pressure. If the light blinks after a significant drop in temperature, it may indicate that your tires need to be checked.
Is It Safe to Drive?
Driving with a blinking tire pressure light is generally not safe. Here’s why:
- Increased Risk of Tire Failure: Low tire pressure can lead to tire blowouts, which can cause accidents.
- Handling Issues: Under-inflated tires can affect your vehicle's handling, making it harder to steer and stop.
- Fuel Efficiency: Driving on under-inflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency, costing you more at the pump.
What Should You Do?
If you notice a blinking tire pressure light, follow these steps:
- Pull Over Safely: As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over to a secure location.
- Check Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all your tires, including the spare.
- Inflate or Deflate Tires: Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended levels as indicated in your vehicle’s manual.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as punctures or bulges.
- Consult a Professional: If the light continues to blink after addressing the tire pressure, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic to diagnose any potential issues with the TPMS.
Conclusion
In summary, a blinking tire pressure light is a serious warning that should not be ignored. It is essential to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular tire maintenance and monitoring can help prevent these issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest tire pressure that is safe to 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 long can I drive with the tire pressure light 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.
How urgent is a tire pressure warning?
Just like any light on your dashboard, when the low-pressure light turns on, you'll want to investigate the situation right away. Driving on tires with low pressure may affect your vehicle's performance, handling, and, most importantly, your safety on the road.
Can you replace a TPMS battery yourself?
The potting compound is likely the reason most TPMS sensors don't have replaceable batteries. Potting compound prevents vibration, strain, and shock from damaging electronics. The sensor lives in a wheel that spins fast and rolls over potholes. The potting compound is what keeps it from failing quickly.
Why is my low tire pressure light on but my tires are fine?
The causes can be a malfunction, or the weather changes. Other reasons why your TPMS light may still be blinking is because your tire may be damaged, or you might have gotten a recent tire replacement. Overall, the reasons can be vast, which is why it is best to take your car to a technician for professional diagnosis.
How much does it cost to replace a tire pressure sensor battery?
The cost of replacing a TPMS sensor battery varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but generally speaking you should expect to pay anywhere from $20-$200 for each replacement battery, plus labor costs if you have it done at an auto repair shop or dealership.
Can AutoZone check TPMS sensors?
You can get them replaced at most tire shops like Walmart, Discount Tire, Firestone, and PepBoys. Plus, Walmart and AutoZone test your sensors for free so you can figure out if they're bad or not. Also, if you do want to get then replaced at Walmart, they're like 30ish dollars each, and they come with new valve stems.
How do I know if my tire pressure sensor is bad?
Sensor Malfunctions: If your tire pressure is within the recommended range, but the sensor triggers a warning light, it may be malfunctioning. Handling Differences: Should you notice handling changes like swerving or flat tires without a TPMS alert, the sensor might be failing to detect these crucial pressure drops.
Can I drive with low tire pressure?
Is It Okay to Drive 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.
Is it bad if my tire pressure light is blinking?
If the low tire pressure light is flashing, this is usually due to low batteries. The batteries should last from 5-7 years or around 100000 miles. Unfortunately the only way to replace these batteries is to take the tire off the rim.
