What does TPMS mean on my Subaru Legacy?
If you've noticed the TPMS light on your Subaru Legacy's dashboard, you might be wondering what it means and why it's important. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a crucial feature designed to enhance your safety and improve your vehicle's performance. In this article, we'll dive into what TPMS is, how it works, and what to do if the light comes on.
What Is TPMS?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system in your Subaru Legacy that monitors the air pressure in your tires. Its primary purpose is to alert you when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions. This system is a standard feature in most modern vehicles, including the Subaru Legacy, as part of efforts to improve road safety and fuel efficiency.
How Does TPMS Work?
There are two main types of TPMS: direct and indirect. Subaru vehicles, including the Legacy, typically use a direct TPMS. Here's how it works:
- Direct TPMS: Sensors are installed inside each tire to measure the actual air pressure. These sensors transmit data to your car's onboard computer, which triggers the TPMS light if the pressure drops below a safe level.
- Indirect TPMS: This system uses the vehicle's ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) sensors to estimate tire pressure based on wheel speed. While less common in Subaru models, it’s worth noting as an alternative method.
When the TPMS light illuminates on your dashboard, it means the system has detected an issue with your tire pressure. This could be due to a slow leak, a puncture, or even changes in temperature affecting the air pressure.
Why Is TPMS Important?
Driving with properly inflated tires is essential for several reasons:
- Safety: Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, increased stopping distances, and a higher risk of blowouts.
- Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which helps improve your car's fuel economy.
- Tire Longevity: Maintaining the correct tire pressure prevents uneven wear, extending the life of your tires.
What Should You Do If the TPMS Light Comes On?
If the TPMS light appears on your Subaru Legacy's dashboard, follow these steps:
- Pull over safely and visually inspect your tires for any obvious signs of damage or deflation.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each tire. Compare the readings to the recommended pressure levels listed in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door frame.
- If the pressure is low, inflate the tires to the recommended levels. Many gas stations and auto shops have air pumps available for this purpose.
- If the light remains on after adjusting the pressure, or if you notice a flat or damaged tire, visit a trusted auto repair shop for further inspection and repair.
Conclusion
The TPMS in your Subaru Legacy is a vital safety feature that ensures your tires are in optimal condition for driving. By understanding what TPMS is and how it works, you can take proactive steps to address any issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you're ever unsure about your TPMS or tire condition, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional auto repair service for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to drive with TPMS light on?
You will not be able to see this damage, which can increase over time. This is why you should maintain proper inflation pressure and try to avoid driving when the TPMS light is on. If you absolutely must drive a short distance on a tire with severely low pressure, drive very slowly and use extreme caution.
What is the TPMS light on a Subaru Legacy?
The TPMS light indicates that one or more of your tires on your Subaru is low on pressure. This might be a result of a puncture or a leak, or it could just the result of a big swing in the outside temperature.
Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?
Either the TPMS units or system are defective, need new batteries, or the tire pressure is too high or too low.
How serious is TPMS light?
Your TPMS light could save your life
Don't ignore it, don't delay dealing with it. Stop driving and get your tire changed. That light is telling you that you're driving a dangerously under-inflated tire. That can cost you anything from a ruined tire to a lost life.
Where is the TPMS reset button on a Subaru?
The TPMS reset button is typically underneath the steering wheel, but double check your owner's manual.
Where is the TPMS reset button?
Set the parking brake. Look for a button to the left of the steering column labeled with the TPMS icon if it's there push and hold it until the TPMS indicator in the instrument panel blinks twice.
Where is my TPMS reset button?
Set the parking brake. Look for a button to the left of the steering column labeled with the TPMS icon if it's there push and hold it until the TPMS indicator in the instrument panel blinks twice.
How do I clear my TPMS warning?
On press the home button on the touch. Screen then touch vehicle settings touch tpms calibration then select calibrate if calibration failed to start appears repeat the previous. Step the calibration.
How can you tell which TPMS sensor is bad?
Air Filling and Releasing. Fill each tire until it reaches its recommended tire pressure. Then, gently release air from each tire and monitor the car display panel. If you release pressure from one tire and it doesn't trigger the system, it might mean that the sensor is defective.
Why does my Subaru say TPMS?
When the TPMS indicator light illuminates, it means that at least one tire is significantly under-inflated. Improperly inflated tires negatively affects the traction, stability, braking, and steering of your vehicle. Gas mileage can decrease, and the lifespan of all four tires can be shortened due to uneven tire wear.
