What does it mean when your car says check tpm system?
When you see a “Check TPMS” warning on your dashboard, it usually means there is a tire pressure issue or a fault in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In most cases, one or more tires are underinflated, but the message can also signal a sensor or system fault. Here’s what you need to know and how to respond.
Understanding TPMS and its warning
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It helps ensure tires are inflated to the vehicle maker’s recommended pressure, improving safety, fuel economy, and tire longevity. There are two main flavors of TPMS: direct TPMS, which uses sensors inside each tire, and indirect TPMS, which relies on wheel-speed sensors to infer pressure. A warning can be triggered by genuinely low tire pressure, a faulty sensor, or a calibration issue within the system.
Direct TPMS
Direct TPMS uses a pressure sensor mounted in or on each tire’s valve stem. These sensors report actual tire pressure to the car’s computer. If a sensor’s battery dies or its signal is disrupted, the system may illuminate the warning even if the tires are properly inflated.
Indirect TPMS
Indirect TPMS does not measure tire pressure directly. Instead, it analyzes wheel-speed data to detect discrepancies that suggest one or more tires are underinflated. It relies on proper calibration and can be affected by changes in tire size, temperature, or recent tire work.
Common causes of a TPMS warning
The following list covers the most frequent reasons a car might display “Check TPMS.”
- One or more tires are underinflated relative to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- A tire has a slow leak or puncture causing low pressure.
- A direct TPMS sensor battery is dead or a sensor is damaged/corroded.
- A tire sensor was damaged during tire service or not properly reinstalled.
- A reset or relearn is needed after tire rotation, replacement, or battery disconnect.
- A fault in the TPMS control module or wiring.
- Extreme temperature changes can temporarily affect tire pressure readings.
If any tire is visibly low or you notice a hissing sound or a nail in a tire, address the issue promptly. If all tires appear properly inflated and the warning remains, a system fault is likely present and requires inspection.
What to do when you see the TPMS warning
Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the issue. The steps are designed to help you confirm whether the problem is real (low tire pressure) or a system fault requiring professional attention.
- Park safely and inspect all tires for obvious damage, punctures, or excessive wear.
- Check tire pressures with a reliable gauge and compare with the vehicle’s recommended cold-pressure values (usually on the driver’s door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual).
- If any tire is low, inflate it to the recommended pressure and recheck. Recheck after driving a few miles, since heat can raise pressure readings.
- If you recently rotated tires, replaced tires, or disconnected the battery, perform the TPMS relearn/reset procedure as described in the owner’s manual or infotainment system. Some cars require a specific button sequence or menu option to relearn TPMS.
- Drive the vehicle for 10–20 minutes at highway speeds to allow many TPMS systems to relearn, if the vehicle’s procedure supports it.
- If the warning stays on after the tires are properly inflated and the relearn procedure is completed, or if you didn’t perform a relearn, seek professional help to diagnose potential sensor or wiring faults and to verify the system’s calibration.
Continuing to drive with significantly underinflated tires can compromise safety, fuel economy, and tire life. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps, contact a trusted mechanic or a tire shop for a TPMS diagnostic.
When to seek professional help
If the TPMS warning persists after correctly inflated tires and a relearn, or you notice uneven tire wear, a tire sidewall bulge, or a damaged wheel, schedule a professional inspection. A technician can test sensors, verify sensor battery life, check wiring and the TPMS controller, and perform a proper relearn if needed. Regular maintenance—keeping tires at the recommended pressure and addressing tire wear—helps prevent TPMS warnings and promotes safe driving.
Summary
The “Check TPMS” warning usually indicates either at least one tire is underinflated or there is a fault in the TPMS itself. Start by checking and adjusting tire pressures to the recommended level, then perform any required relearn procedures. If the light stays on after these steps, or you suspect a sensor or system fault, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician. Regular tire maintenance and prompt attention to warnings keep you safe on the road.
What does it mean when my car says check tpm system?
If the letters “TPMS” have recently appeared on your dashboard, your Tire Pressure Monitoring System is trying to get you to put some air in your tires. What does “TPMS” mean exactly? If you see this dashboard warning light, one or more of your tires has fallen at least 25% below the recommended air pressure level.
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.
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 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.
