What does it mean when my Honda says TPMS?

If your Honda vehicle displays a TPMS warning light, it means that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System has detected an issue with the tire pressure in one or more of your tires. This is an important warning that requires your attention to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle.

What is TPMS?

TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, is a safety feature in modern vehicles that continuously monitors the air pressure in each of the tires. The system is designed to alert the driver when the pressure in one or more tires falls below a certain threshold, which can indicate a potential problem, such as a slow leak or underinflation.

Why is TPMS Important?

Proper tire inflation is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: Underinflated tires can affect the vehicle's handling, braking, and stability, increasing the risk of accidents.


• Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance.


• Tire Wear: Underinflated tires wear out more quickly, leading to the need for premature tire replacement.

By alerting the driver to low tire pressure, the TPMS helps to address these issues and promote safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting tire performance.

What to Do When the TPMS Warning Light Appears

When the TPMS warning light illuminates on your Honda's dashboard, it's important to take the following steps:

1. Check the Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each of your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Compare the readings to the recommended tire pressure, which can be found in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb sticker.


2. Inflate the Tires: If the tire pressure is low, use an air compressor to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Be sure not to overinflate the tires.


3. Reset the TPMS: After inflating the tires, you may need to reset the TPMS system. Refer to your owner's manual for the specific steps to reset the system.


4. Monitor the Tires: If the TPMS warning light remains on or reappears, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as a slow leak or a problem with the TPMS sensors. In this case, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

By understanding the TPMS warning light and taking the appropriate actions, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your Honda's tires, as well as improve the overall performance and efficiency of your vehicle.

How do you fix the TPMS on a Honda?

Pressure you'll need to reset. The system to do so your vehicle must be in park with the parking brake set if necessary. And the ignition should be on on the touchcreen.

Does TPMS light mean flat tire?

No, TPMS does not directly mean "flat tire," but it stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and is a warning light that indicates a tire is underinflated, which could be a sign of a flat or other issues. When the TPMS light, often depicted as a flat tire with an exclamation point, illuminates, it signals that one or more tires are significantly underinflated. While a severe leak or blowout could be the cause, it can also be triggered by a slow leak or just a need for air due to temperature changes.
 
What to do when your TPMS light comes on

• Check your tires: Visually inspect your tires to see if any appear low. It's best to do this even if the light is just a general warning. 
• Use a manual gauge: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires. 
• Inflate as needed: If a tire is low, inflate it to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb. 
• Address a blinking light: If the TPMS light is blinking, it indicates a system malfunction rather than a specific low-pressure issue, and you should have the system checked by a professional soon. 
• Reset the system: After adding air, you may need to reset the TPMS. Check your car's owner's manual for specific instructions, as this can vary by model. 

Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine on my Honda?

If the TPMS light is on but your tires have the correct pressure, the most likely causes are a faulty sensor, the need for a TPMS reset or recalibration, or a low-pressure spare tire. You should check your spare tire's pressure and, if that's not the issue, try to recalibrate the system before having a tire shop or dealer diagnose a faulty sensor or other system malfunction.
 
Potential causes 
This video explains the reasons why the TPMS light might be on even if the tires are fine: 58sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Mar 6, 2023

• Faulty TPMS sensor: A sensor in one of the wheels can fail due to a dead battery, damage, or other malfunction. This is a very common reason for the light to be on when tire pressure is fine. 
• Need for recalibration: After a tire rotation or pressure adjustment, the system needs to be recalibrated. If it wasn't reset correctly, the light will stay on. 
• Low-pressure spare tire: Some vehicles have a TPMS sensor in the spare tire. If the spare is underinflated, it can trigger the warning light. 
• Faulty tire pressure gauge: If you've been using an inaccurate gauge, you may have overinflated your tires, or the system might be reporting an error based on a faulty reading. 
• TPMS system malfunction: Though less common, the TPMS control module or other internal parts could be malfunctioning. 

What to do next 
This video shows how to reset the low-tire pressure indicator on a Honda vehicle: 52sHondaYouTube · Aug 24, 2021

1. Check the spare tire: Inspect the spare tire and ensure it is inflated to the pressure recommended on the driver's side doorjamb sticker. 
2. Perform a TPMS recalibration: Follow your Honda owner's manual to reset the system through the touchscreen. This usually involves navigating to "Settings" > "Vehicle Settings" > "TPMS Calibration" > "Calibrate". 
3. Drive to complete the reset: After calibration, drive for at least 30 minutes at a speed between 30 and 65 mph to allow the system to fully reset. 
4. Visit a professional: If the light remains on after a recalibration, it is time to visit a tire shop or dealer. They have the tools to scan the system for a specific sensor failure and diagnose other issues. 

Can I still drive my car if the TPMS light is on?

You can drive short distances with a TPMS light on, but you should not continue driving without addressing the issue, as it indicates low tire pressure which can be a safety risk. Driving with underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, reduced braking, uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and in the worst case, a tire blowout. 
This video explains why it's dangerous to drive with the TPMS light on: 1mABC11YouTube · Dec 13, 2017
What to do when the TPMS light is on

• Reduce speed and pull over: As soon as it's safe, pull over to check your tires. 
• Check tire pressure: Use a reliable tire gauge to check the pressure in all four tires and compare it to the recommended pressure on the sticker on your driver's side doorframe or in your owner's manual. 
• Inflate tires: Add air to any tires that are low. The light should turn off after driving a short distance as the system resets. 
• If the light is blinking: A blinking light often means there is a malfunction with the TPMS system itself, not just low pressure. You should have the system inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible. 

Why you shouldn't ignore the TPMS light

• Safety: Low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling and braking, making it more difficult to control, especially in emergencies. 
• Tire damage: Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to overheat and wear down unevenly and prematurely. 
• Fuel efficiency: Your car's fuel efficiency decreases when tires are not properly inflated. 
• Blowout risk: In severe cases, the stress and heat from driving on severely underinflated tires can lead to a catastrophic tire failure.