Is tire pressure on the dashboard?

Yes. In most modern cars, the dashboard shows tire pressure information through the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). You’ll typically get a warning if any tire is underinflated, and many vehicles also provide exact tire pressures on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen. In older or lower-trim models, you may only see a warning icon until you check the tires with a gauge.

How TPMS works

The system relies on two main approaches: direct TPMS and indirect TPMS. Direct TPMS uses sensors in each tire to monitor pressure and transmit readings to the car’s computer. Indirect TPMS relies on ABS wheel-speed data to infer underinflation by detecting changes in wheel circumference. The dashboard warning is the common element, but only direct TPMS can display per-tire pressures on some screens.

Display options on the dashboard

Dashboards present tire pressure information differently depending on the system and trim. Here are the common scenarios:

• Direct TPMS: Each tire’s pressure is measured by sensors in the valves and sent to the car. The instrument cluster may show exact pressures in psi or kPa, and a warning light triggers if any tire is underinflated.


• Indirect TPMS: No direct per-tire readings appear; the system infers underinflation from ABS data and triggers the warning light.

In short, whether you see numbers or only a warning depends on your vehicle’s TPMS configuration and trim level.

Reading tire pressures on the dashboard

If your vehicle provides numeric pressures, you’ll usually find them in the instrument cluster or the infotainment screen in a Tire Pressure or TPMS section. Here’s how you typically access it:

• Using the instrument cluster display: cycle through the information menu with the steering-wheel controls to locate a Tire Pressure screen that lists each tire’s current pressure.


• Using the infotainment system: open Settings or Vehicle, then select TPMS or Tire Pressure to view per-tire readings.


• In models without a numeric readout: rely on a handheld tire gauge to measure all tires manually and consult the door‑jamb sticker for the recommended pressure.

Tip: If the car’s TPMS shows a pressure reading but one tire seems low, recheck after it has cooled down to ensure accuracy, since warm tires read higher than cold ones.

What to do when the TPMS warning lights

When the warning light comes on, follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue:

1. Check all tires when cold with a reliable gauge and compare to the recommended cold tire pressure.


2. Inflate each tire to the recommended pressure; remember to include the spare if it has a TPMS sensor.


3. Recheck pressures and drive for a short while to allow the TPMS to recalibrate; some cars require a reset or cycling of ignition to clear the light.


4. If the warning remains after inflation and calibration, inspect tires for slow leaks, punctures, or damaged sensors; schedule service or have the TPMS sensor diagnosed.

Persistent TPMS warnings can indicate a faulty sensor, a weak battery in a sensor, or a leak that should be addressed promptly for safety and fuel efficiency.

Where to find the recommended tire pressure

The correct target pressure is vehicle-specific, not the maximum printed on the tire sidewall. Use the official source below:

• Door jamb sticker on the driver’s door frame, listing recommended cold tire pressures for front and rear tires (and sometimes for the spare).


• Owner’s manual, which provides pressure values for different load conditions or seasonal adjustments.


• In some vehicles, the manufacturer’s app or onboard documentation may display TPMS details.

Tip: The numbers are chassis-specific and can vary by load, temperature, and tire size. Always verify against the door sticker for the current vehicle configuration.

Summary

Most modern vehicles include TPMS as standard equipment. While the system will usually trigger a warning when a tire is underinflated, many cars also offer a numeric readout of each tire’s pressure on the dashboard. If your car doesn’t display numbers, you can measure with a gauge and compare to the door-sticker recommendation, and remember to reset or recalibrate TPMS after inflating or rotating tires. Regular checks help keep tires safe and efficient.

Why is my tire pressure light on but my tires are fine?

Your tire pressure light is on despite the tires being fine because the system may be reacting to a temperature change, or more commonly, a faulty sensor is triggering a false alarm. Other causes include a sensor in the spare tire being low or the system needing a manual reset after adjusting pressure.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to check the TPMS sensor: 43sMrAdkinsAutoYouTube · Nov 8, 2023
Common reasons for the light to stay on

• Temperature changes: Cold weather can cause air to contract, lowering pressure and triggering the light, even if the pressure is fine when the weather is warmer. 
• Malfunctioning sensor: The sensors inside the tires can malfunction or fail due to age, damage (from a pothole or curb), or a failing internal battery. A faulty sensor can send incorrect data to the car's computer. 
• Low spare tire pressure: Some vehicles have a sensor in the spare tire. If the spare is underinflated, it can trigger the light. 
• System needs a reset: After inflating tires, the system may need to be manually reset by driving for a few miles or by using a specific reset procedure in your car's settings. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the low-tire-pressure indicator: 1mHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
What to do next

1. Double-check pressure, especially in cold weather, and make sure the spare is properly inflated. 
2. Look for a reset procedure: in your owner's manual to manually recalibrate the system. 
3. If the light remains on, a mechanic can diagnose the issue, which is often a simple sensor replacement or recalibration. 

Can you check tire pressure on the dashboard?

THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND IT
Direct sensors are small, wireless devices inside each tire, which report the tire's pressure reading to your dashboard. Indirect sensors work by measuring wheel spin and can only tell if a tire's pressure is low.

What is the psi on the dashboard?

"PSI on dashboard" refers to a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light, which indicates that one or more tires are significantly underinflated by at least 25% below the recommended pressure. This can be caused by cold weather, slow leaks, or other damage. To address it, check and inflate all tires to the correct pressure found on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual, and be aware that some vehicles may require a driving period or a manual reset to turn the light off.
 
This video explains what PSI stands for: 43sContinental TireYouTube · Apr 2, 2020
What it means

• Low tire pressure: The most common reason for the TPMS light to come on is low tire pressure. 
• Rapid deflation: A sudden flat tire or blowout can also trigger the light. 
• Seasonal temperature changes: A drop in temperature can cause tire pressure to decrease, triggering the light. 
• TPMS malfunction: The light can also indicate a problem with the system itself, such as a sensor malfunction. 

What to do

1. Check and inflate all tires: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of all tires, including the spare. Add air to bring them up to the PSI recommended on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual. 
2. Drive for a bit: After inflating the tires, drive the vehicle for a few minutes (at speeds over 10-20 mph, if safe) to allow the system to recalibrate and the light to potentially turn off on its own. 
3. Reset the system if needed: If the light remains on, your car may have a TPMS reset button. Consult your owner's manual for the specific reset procedure, which may involve turning the car to the "on" position and holding the button until the light blinks. 
4. Seek professional help: If the light still won't turn off, it could indicate a sensor issue or that the tire needs repair. Have a professional inspect your tires and the TPMS system. 

What does the tire pressure light look like on your dashboard?

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light is a warning indicator on the dashboard that tells you when your tires are too low. The light is a picture of the cross section of a tire (shaped like a horseshoe) with an exclamation point inside it.