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Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Thursday, January 12, 2012 • 6:50am
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is an electronic system on a vehicle that monitors the air pressure in the tires with sensors. Starting with all 2008 model year vehicles, a TPMS is required by the federal government. The warning light symbol looks like a cross section of a vehicle tire with an exclamation point in it.
The TPMS warning light should come on for approximately one second when the ignition is first turned on. This is for a bulb check. After this initial illumination, it should go out if all of the tires are properly inflated and no faults are detected in the system.
A TPMS warning light is not required to come on until a tire is 25% underinflated. Tire pressure should be checked on a regular basis – every couple of weeks or so. However, many motorists do not check their tires. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the side wall of the tire. The recommended pressure is designed to provide a combination of a comfortable ride, load carrying ability, and rolling resistance.
If your TPMS warning light illuminates, the first thing you can do is check the pressure in all of the tires. In many cases, this also includes the spare tire as well. After inflating all tires to the recommended pressure, drive the car for a couple of miles so the system can reset itself. If the light stays on after this drive, it may need to be reset at a repair shop, may need to be reset manually, or it could indicate that there is a further issue with the system. If the TPMS light is flashing, it may be due to a fault in the TPMS system that will require further diagnosis. Possible causes are a bad TPMS sensor or a fault in the system’s computer.
If you have a question regarding the TPMS on your vehicle or any other questions, please feel free to send us an email at franksautonj@aol.com
Frank Constandi is the owner/operator of Frank’s Auto Repair & Auto Body, Inc. 56 S. Martine Avenue, Fanwood NJ 07023 (908) 322-4075, http://www.franksautorepair.net/
Four Wheeled Advice is a column dedicated to providing tips and advice about car maintenance written by Frank Constandi of Frank’s Auto Repair in Fanwood NJ.
The opinions expressed herein are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TheAlternativePress.com or anyone who works for TheAlternativePress.com. TheAlternativePress.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer.