What does it mean when your car says service TPM?

The message points to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS/TPM) needing service or recalibration. Check your tire pressures and have the system diagnosed if the warning persists.

TPMS/TPM monitors the air pressure in each tire and alerts you when pressure falls outside a safe range or when a sensor or the system itself is faulty. A "Service TPM" notice is a maintenance reminder indicating the monitoring system requires attention beyond a simple low-pressure warning.

Understanding TPMS and why the message appears

TPMS is designed to help you avoid driving on underinflated tires, which can lead to poor handling, increased tire wear, and higher fuel consumption. The "Service TPM" alert signals that the system needs maintenance, calibration, or sensor attention rather than just a single pressure reading.

Common causes for a "Service TPM" warning

These are the typical reasons you might see the message on your dashboard.

• One or more tires are underinflated or have an improper pressure reading.


• A TPMS sensor in a wheel is faulty or its battery is dead.


• A tire was recently changed or rotated, and the system needs to relearn the new configuration.


• A sensor or receiver in the TPMS has developed a fault in the control module or wiring.


• There is a temporary system glitch that may resolve after driving or a reset procedure.


• Slow leaks or punctures causing intermittent pressure changes trigger the warning.

In short, the message can result from low tire pressure, sensor issues, or calibration needs after maintenance or tire work.

What you should do now

To maintain safety and avoid unnecessary trips, follow these practical steps.

• Check all tire pressures when the tires are cold and inflate to the vehicle’s recommended psi (found on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner's manual).


• If a tire is underinflated, correct it and recheck the system after a short drive to see if the warning clears.


• If the light remains after inflating to spec, inspect for a slow leak or damaged tire and consider inspecting the TPMS sensors.


• Consult your owner’s manual for the proper TPMS relearn or reset procedure; some cars require a special reset sequence or driving a set distance at speed.


• If the warning persists or you’re unsure, schedule service with a licensed technician to diagnose sensor health and perform any necessary relearn or replacements.

Following these steps helps determine whether you can continue driving safely or need professional service promptly.

What to expect during service

A technician will typically diagnose TPMS fault codes with a scan tool, inspect wheel sensors and wiring, verify tire pressures, and reprogram or replace sensors as needed. After any sensor work, a relearn procedure is performed so the vehicle can correctly monitor air pressures for all wheels.

Because TPMS components vary by vehicle, the exact steps can differ. In many cases, the issue is resolved by inflating tires to spec, re-learning the sensors, or replacing a faulty sensor battery or the sensor itself.

Maintenance tips to prevent future TPM issues

Preventive care can reduce the likelihood of future TPM warnings.

• Regularly check tire pressures at least once a month and before long trips.


• Keep tires inflated to the recommended specification for your vehicle.


• Have tires rotated and balanced as recommended, and ensure any tire changes trigger a TPMS relearn if required.


• Replace TPMS sensors when needed (sensors can fail or batteries die over time).


• Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s reset/relearn procedures after any tire work or wheel changes.

Proactive maintenance helps keep the TPMS reliable and reduces unexpected warnings on the road.

Summary

A "Service TPM" message signals that your Tire Pressure Monitoring System needs attention—usually due to low tire pressure, a faulty sensor, or a calibration/relearn requirement after maintenance. Start by checking all tires to the recommended pressure, follow the relearn steps in your manual if applicable, and seek professional diagnosis if the warning persists. Keeping TPMS healthy enhances safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

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. 

Can I replace a TPMS sensor myself?

Yes, you can replace a TPMS sensor yourself, but it requires specialized tools and knowledge, and the process can be more difficult than it appears, especially without a tire machine to break the bead of the tire. The process involves removing the wheel, deflating the tire, breaking the tire bead to access the sensor, replacing the sensor, and then re-inflating and re-training the new sensors. 
Steps for replacing a TPMS sensor
This video demonstrates how to replace a TPMS sensor yourself: 57sklowny1969YouTube · Jan 24, 2019

1. Safety first: Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves. 
2. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, then use a jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle and remove the wheel. 
3. Deflate the tire: Use a valve core removal tool to let all the air out of the tire. 
4. Break the tire bead: This is the most difficult part without special equipment. You can use a tire machine or manually break the bead by using leverage with tools like a 2x6 piece of wood to push the tire away from the rim. 
5. Remove the old sensor: Once the tire bead is broken, you can access the sensor behind the valve stem and unscrew the nut that holds it in place. Some sensors have a thicker rubber stem that is pushed through the hole and may require a special tool to remove. 
6. Install the new sensor: Screw the new sensor into place, making sure to tighten it properly to avoid damage. 
7. Re-mount the tire: With the new sensor in place, it's time to put the tire back on the rim. This is often done by hand or with a tire machine. 
8. Inflate the tire: Fill the tire to the correct pressure as listed on the driver's side door jamb. 
9. Re-train the sensors: The new sensor needs to be programmed or "re-trained" to the vehicle's computer. This process varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle and often requires a special TPMS tool to get the system to recognize the new sensors. 
10. Re-install the wheel: Put the wheel back on the vehicle, lower it, and tighten the lug nuts. 
11. Check tire balance: Some DIYers claim you can skip re-balancing if you put the tire back in the same position, but others recommend re-balancing the tire for safety and a smoother ride. 

Considerations before replacing a TPMS sensor yourself

• Tools needed: You will need a TPMS programming tool and a valve core removal tool, as well as a jack, lug wrench, and tire iron. 
• Difficulty: Breaking the tire bead manually can be challenging, especially with certain types of tires, such as all-season tires. 
• Cost: While you can save money on labor by doing it yourself, you still need to purchase the replacement sensors. 
• Vehicle compatibility: Ensure you purchase the correct sensor for your vehicle, as some universal sensors may not be compatible with all makes and models and could cause false alerts. 
• Tire balancing: If the wheel is not re-balanced after replacing the sensor, the tire may not be balanced properly, which can lead to vibrations at higher speeds and a shorter tire lifespan. 
• Safety: Always prioritize safety. Work in a well-lit area and use caution when using a jack and other tools. 

What should I do if my car says TPMS?

If you're driving and the light comes on, stay calm and find a safe place to pull off the road. If you don't have a flat, drive carefully to the nearest service station to have your tires checked. If the light comes on when you start your car, inspect your tires visually before you hit the road.

What does service TPM mean?

"Service TPM" means Service Tire Pressure Monitoring System, indicating a problem with your vehicle's system for tracking tire pressure, not just that a tire is low on air. This "service" alert is triggered by issues like a faulty or dead sensor, a sensor that wasn't programmed correctly after a tire change, or a problem with the system's control module. 
What to do when you see "Service TPM"

1. Check your tire pressure manually: First, ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure, as a simple low-pressure alert might have been the initial problem. The correct pressure is usually on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb. 
2. Inspect the sensors: Look for any physical damage to the sensors, which are located in the wheel valve stems. 
3. Reset the system: You can try resetting the TPMS using your vehicle's onboard menu. If that doesn't work, a diagnostic tool is needed. 
4. Take it to a professional: If the service alert remains after checking the pressure and attempting a reset, the system needs professional diagnosis. A mechanic can scan the system to identify the specific faulty sensor or other issues. You may need to replace a dead sensor or have the system reprogrammed.