Is it safe to drive with TPMS error?

Not advisable to rely on a TPMS error for safe driving. A malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System can mask actual underinflation or indicate a fault in the monitoring hardware. If you see a TPMS warning, manually check all tires for proper inflation and arrange a diagnostic service as soon as possible. For short trips to a safe location, proceed with caution, but avoid long drives or high speeds until the issue is resolved.

What TPMS is and how it works

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It monitors tire pressure to help prevent underinflation, which can affect handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency. There are two main configurations: direct TPMS, which uses sensors in each tire, and indirect TPMS, which relies on wheel-speed data from the ABS system to estimate pressure. A warning or error can arise from actual low pressure, sensor faults, a dead battery, or calibration issues in the system.

Direct vs indirect TPMS

Understanding the difference helps explain why a warning might appear even when tires look properly inflated.

• Direct TPMS uses sensors inside each tire to report actual pressure to the vehicle’s computer. A dead sensor battery, damaged sensor, or communication issue can trigger a fault even if pressure seems correct.


• Indirect TPMS uses ABS wheel-speed signals and software estimates to infer pressure. It can give false warnings after tire changes, temperature shifts, or calibration problems.

Concluding: Both systems aim to prevent driving on underinflated tires, but a fault or warning means you should verify pressures manually and have the system diagnosed by a professional.

Immediate steps if a TPMS warning or error appears

If you encounter a TPMS warning, take these practical steps to assess safety before continuing to drive.

• Check tire pressures manually with a reliable gauge on all four tires (and note that the spare is not always monitored by TPMS in many vehicles).


• Inflate each tire to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold-inflation pressure, shown on the door placard or in the owner’s manual.


• If any tire is below the recommended pressure, drive slowly to the nearest service location to have it inflated and inspected; avoid long trips or high speeds.


• If all tires are properly inflated but the TPMS light remains on, the system may be faulty or need recalibration after a tire service; schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician.


• Consider recent tire changes, rotations, or temperature changes, which can affect TPMS readings and may require reset or recalibration of the system.

Concluding: Promptly addressing a TPMS warning minimizes risk. Even if you can reach a safe location, have the system checked to restore reliable tire monitoring.

Safety considerations and driving risk

Driving with underinflated tires increases wear, reduces fuel efficiency, and can compromise braking and handling. A TPMS fault means you might not receive alerts about pressure changes in the future. If you cannot verify tire pressures or if any tire appears damaged or visibly deflated, stop and seek assistance rather than continuing to drive.

Summary

TPMS errors should not be ignored. Always verify tire pressures manually, correct any underinflation, and arrange a professional diagnosis for the monitoring system. In most cases you can drive a short distance to a service location at a reduced speed, but avoid long trips or high speeds until the fault is repaired. Regular maintenance and timely sensor service help keep the TPMS reliable for safer driving.

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. 

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.

Can I still drive if my TPMS sensor is bad?

While it's technically possible to drive a car with a bad TPMS sensor valve, it's not advisable for several reasons. Firstly, as outlined above, doing so compromises your safety and that of other road users. Secondly, it can result in increased running costs due to reduced fuel efficiency and accelerated tyre wear.

How long can you drive with the TPMS light on?

You should not drive for long with a TPMS light on, as it indicates a safety hazard from low tire pressure. Check your tire pressure immediately, and if it's very low, only drive a short distance at a low speed to get to a gas station or repair shop. If the pressure is correct and the light remains on, there could be a faulty sensor, and you should still have it checked as soon as possible. 
Immediate actions to take

• Check your tire pressure: As soon as it's safe, visually inspect all four tires. If one appears obviously flat, use your spare and get the damaged tire fixed immediately. 
• Drive for a short distance: If the pressure is only slightly low, you can drive a short distance to get air, but avoid high speeds. 
• Find a gas station or air compressor: Go to the nearest gas station or service center to inflate the tires to the recommended PSI, which is usually listed on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb. 

If the light stays on after inflating

• Drive a bit to reset the system: Some TPMS systems need to be driven for about 10 minutes at a speed of around 50 mph to register the new pressure and turn off the light. 
• Check your tire pressure again: If the light doesn't turn off after driving, check the pressure again when the tires are cold (at least three hours after driving). 
• Get a professional check: If the light is still on after confirming the tires are properly inflated, the issue is likely a malfunctioning TPMS sensor. A professional can diagnose and fix this, but you should still have it checked soon as you can't rely on the system to alert you to a real problem. 

Why you shouldn't ignore the light

• Safety: Extremely low tire pressure is a safety risk that can lead to a blowout, poor handling, and longer braking distances. 
• Tire and fuel costs: Driving with low tires reduces fuel efficiency and can cause accelerated and uneven tire wear. 
• False sense of security: If the TPMS light is on due to a sensor issue, you won't be alerted to an actual low tire pressure problem in the future.