What happens when the TPMS light comes on?

The TPMS light signaling a tire pressure monitoring warning usually means one or more tires are underinflated or there is a fault in the TPMS itself. In most cases, you should check tire pressures and address any underinflation, and if the warning persists, have the system inspected.

Understanding TPMS and how it works

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is designed to alert drivers when tire pressure falls outside the recommended range, helping to prevent tire damage, improve fuel efficiency, and maintain safe handling. There are two main implementations:

Direct TPMS

Direct TPMS uses sensors mounted inside each wheel that measure air pressure and transmit the data to the vehicle’s computer. It provides a precise reading for each tire and can warn you exactly which tire is low. The sensors run on batteries, which typically last several years and eventually may fail.

Indirect TPMS

Indirect TPMS does not measure air pressure directly. Instead, it uses wheel-speed sensors (often part of the ABS system) to estimate pressure by comparing tire rotation patterns against a reference. It can signal a potential underinflation if the pattern changes, but it cannot identify the specific tire without additional cues.

What triggers the TPMS warning

Several factors can trigger the TPMS warning light, and understanding them helps determine the right response.

• Underinflation in one or more tires due to wear, punctures, or slow leaks


• Seasonal or rapid temperature changes that lower tire pressure


• A tire that becomes punctured or slowly loses air while driving


• A faulty TPMS sensor or dead sensor battery in direct TPMS


• A malfunction in the TPMS module, wiring, or related control systems


• Recent tire service or replacement that requires system reinitialization

In most cases, the warning points to underinflation, but a malfunctioning sensor or system fault can also trigger the light. If the light comes on alongside other warning indicators or behaves erratically, seek professional inspection.

What to do when the TPMS light comes on

Acting promptly can prevent tire damage and maintain safe driving performance. The following steps are commonly recommended by manufacturers and automotive safety advocates.

• Check tire pressures with a reliable gauge and compare with the vehicle’s recommended pressure, usually posted on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual.


• Inflate each tire to the recommended psi, including the spare if it has a sensor or is part of the TPMS in your vehicle.


• Recheck pressures after driving a short distance (about 10–15 minutes) to allow readings to stabilize and the system to recalibrate in some vehicles.


• Inspect tires for visible damage, punctures, or slow leaks. If you find a problem, repair or replace the affected tire as needed.


• If the light remains on after inflation and visual inspection, there may be a TPMS sensor fault or a calibration issue. Do not ignore the warning—have the system checked by a technician.


• Be mindful of weather and load: cold weather or carrying heavy loads can cause the light to trigger even if tires are properly inflated.

With most vehicles, inflating tires to the correct pressures will cause the light to go out after a short drive or a system relearn procedure. If the light stays on, or if it flashes, consult the owner’s manual or visit a service center for a diagnostic check of the TPMS sensors and control module.

Should you reset or recalibrate TPMS?

Reset or recalibration procedures vary by make and model. Some cars relearn automatically after tires are inflated to the correct pressure and driven for a while; others require manual steps or a diagnostic tool to retrain the sensors. Always refer to the owner’s manual for the exact method learned by your vehicle.

1. Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.


2. Drive for 10–20 minutes at highway speeds (or as advised by your manual) to allow an auto-relearn to occur in many vehicles.


3. If your car has a TPMS learn/reset button or menu option, follow the manual to initiate a relearn.


4. If the light does not reset after these steps, a professional diagnostic tool may be required to reprogram or replace sensors.

Resetting the system is not always necessary, but proper calibration helps ensure the warning is accurate and reliable after tire maintenance.

When to seek professional help

Visit a dealership or qualified tire technician if you notice any of the following:

• The TPMS light stays on after inflating tires to the recommended pressures and driving as advised


• You notice visible tire damage, cuts, bulges, or slow leaks


• The light flashes or behaves erratically, or you recently replaced tires or sensors


• Multiple tire indicators appear or the system seems unresponsive

Professional service can diagnose sensor health, recalibrate the system, and replace faulty components, ensuring reliable tire monitoring going forward.

Summary

The TPMS light is a safety alert that usually signals one or more tires are underinflated or that there is a fault in the TPMS itself. Start by checking and correcting tire pressures to the recommended level, inspect tires for damage, and drive to see if the warning resets. If the light persists or you notice other warning signs, have the system inspected by a qualified technician to check sensors, wiring, and relearn procedures. Regular tire maintenance remains the best defense against unnecessary warnings and unsafe driving conditions.

Is it safe to drive with the TPMS light 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. 

What triggers the TPMS?

Factors such as changes in temperature, driving conditions, and even time can cause tire pressure to fluctuate. If the pressure falls below or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications, the TPMS light will alert you to take action.

How to fix TPMS warning light?

To fix a TPMS warning light, first, inflating the tires to the correct pressure is the primary step. If the light remains on after inflating, you may need to recalibrate the system by pressing a reset button, using your vehicle's infotainment system, or driving for a short time. If the light still won't go off, the issue could be a faulty sensor, and you may need a professional to diagnose and replace it.
 
1. Check and adjust tire pressure 

• Inflate all tires, including the spare, to the correct pressure, which can be found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual.
• The light should turn off automatically after driving for a few minutes. 

2. Recalibrate the system (if the light stays on) 
This process varies by vehicle, so consult your owner's manual for the exact steps. 

• Using a TPMS reset button:
  • Turn the ignition to the "on" position without starting the engine. 
  • Locate and press and hold the TPMS reset button (often under the steering wheel) until the light blinks three times, then release it. 
  • Start the car; the light should go off within 20 minutes of driving. 
• Using the infotainment system (on models with a touchscreen):
  • While parked with the ignition on, go to the "home" or "vehicle" menu. 
  • Navigate to "Settings," then "Vehicle," and find "TPMS Calibration" or a similar option. 
  • Touch "Calibrate" or "Start". The system will require you to drive for a while to complete the process. 
• Driving to recalibrate:
  • Some cars will recalibrate automatically. Drive the vehicle at a steady speed of 30-50 mph for 10-30 minutes to trigger the reset. 

3. Try a "hard reset"

• Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the positive battery cable. 
• Turn the ignition to "on" and honk the horn for about 3-5 seconds to discharge any residual power. 
• Reconnect the battery cable and start the car to see if the light is off. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the TPMS light using a reset button: 1mHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
4. If the light still persists 

• The sensors themselves may be faulty and need replacement. 
• USB chargers in the power outlet can sometimes interfere with the TPMS signal, so unplug any and see if the light turns off. 
• If the light remains on after trying these steps, take your car to a professional service center for a diagnosis. 

Why is my TPMS light on but tires are fine?

Your TPMS light may be on despite your tires being properly inflated due to a malfunctioning sensor, a dead sensor battery, a recent tire rotation, or extreme weather conditions. A sensor can become damaged from impacts or age, a dead battery can prevent it from sending a signal, and in cold weather, air contracts, which can trigger the warning. A recent tire rotation might also cause a temporary alert that requires a reset. 
This video explains some common reasons why your TPMS light might be on even if your tires appear to be fine: 58sFixITYouTube · Jan 18, 2025
Common reasons for the TPMS light to stay on

• Sensor Malfunction: The sensor itself can be faulty due to age, damage from impacts, or corrosion, causing it to send false readings. 
• Dead Sensor Battery: Each TPMS sensor has a small battery that typically lasts 5 to 10 years before it needs replacement. 
• Weather Changes: Cold temperatures cause air to contract, leading to a drop in tire pressure that can trigger the light even if the tires appear fine. 
• Recent Tire Rotation or Replacement: If the tires were recently rotated or replaced, the system may need a few miles of driving or a manual reset to recognize the new tire positions. 
• Valve Stem Issues: A slow leak from the valve stem can cause the pressure to drop gradually, keeping the light on. 
• Improperly Inflated Spare: If you recently used your spare tire and didn't inflate it, the system may trigger the light. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check your TPMS settings and perform a manual reset: 52sHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
What to do

1. Check all tires and the spare: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all four tires and the spare. Inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb. 
2. Drive for a few minutes: After inflating the tires, drive the vehicle for 10-20 miles to give the system time to recalibrate. Some systems will reset automatically, while others may require a manual reset. 
3. Perform a manual reset: Some vehicles have a "TPMS Reset" button, often located in the glove box or on the dashboard. Pressing and holding this button for a few seconds may resolve the issue. 
4. Seek professional help: If the light remains on, take your vehicle to a professional to diagnose the problem. A mechanic can pinpoint a faulty sensor or a slow leak that is not immediately visible.