The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning light on your dashboard looks like a cross-section of a tyre with an exclamation mark. When it lights up, it means one or more of your tyres has dropped significantly below the recommended pressure — and you need to act fast.
What Triggers the TPMS Light
TPMS sensors trigger when pressure drops 25% or more below the recommended level — which already represents a significant and dangerous loss. The light can also illuminate due to a faulty sensor or after a temperature drop (cold air contracts, lowering pressure). If the light comes on while driving in cold weather, check pressures before assuming a puncture.
What to Do When It Comes On
Do not ignore it. Reduce speed immediately if you are on a fast road. Find a safe place to stop and inspect each tyre visually — look for obvious flats, bulges or foreign objects. If all tyres look normal, check pressures with a gauge. If one tyre is visibly flat or low, call us. If pressures appear fine, the sensor itself may be faulty and will need attention.
Key Takeaways
- TPMS is a warning, not a pressure gauge — always check with a physical gauge
- A TPMS warning at 25% under-pressure already means your tyres are compromised
- Direct TPMS systems have a sensor in each wheel; indirect systems use ABS to infer pressure
- After reinflating, the light may take a few miles to turn off
A TPMS warning should never be ignored. If you have a flat or cannot identify the cause, call Multi Mobile Tyres and we will assess and fix the issue wherever you are.
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