Tire Pressure Light On? Find out why!

Tire pressure light bugging you? Don’t fret, keep reading and we'll help you learn how to fix the problem, once and for all.

You’re driving on a busy road, and perhaps you’re getting a bit stressed because you’re already late. If you weren’t already nervous enough, you finally noticed it: that annoying light on indicating a problem with your tire pressure!

Don’t panic. Chances are, you are not at immediate risk when the tire pressure light pops on. However, if this article does not fix your tire pressure light, it is very important to take the right precaution and make sure that you take your car to a specialist so that you can actually learn what the problem is and solve it once and for all. Keep reading to learn more about why your tire pressure light could come on, and how you can fix it yourself.

Bumpy roads and hitting objects with your tires

Have you had an accident, or perhaps you ran over something pointy or bumpy? This might be the reason why your low tire pressure warning light on. If you think that the light might have appeared after you hit something with your car, it is probably worth going and getting it checked out as soon as you can or using a tire repair kit to fix the issue.

Bumping a curb or driving over a small hole might seem like no big deal, but they can actually damage the structural integrity of your tires, not to mention, contribute to the loss of pressure of the tires. It’s always better to check these things out. If you think that there might be visible signs of wear in your tires, you can actually go pull over and go for a visual inspection. Look for obvious signs of impact, but also for sagging and misshaping.

Weather changes: can the cold really affect the pressure of your tires?

Natural air loss in your tire can actually happen due to weather changes. The stress of the shifting temperatures season by season can put a strain on your tires, and each month, tires might actually lose anywhere from 1 to 1.5 pounds of pressure. If you have been going on 5 to 8 months without checking your car tire pressure, this might be a rather common cause of the light turning on. If you check your tire pressure quite regularly and still see the light go on, it might be that you’re experiencing a particularly cold day, which is affecting the pressure of your tire.

In conclusion, weathering really is one of the main causes of pressure loss in tires, and it can definitely be avoided overtime. This is why it is always very important to make sure that you inspect your tire pressure as often as possible. Generally speaking, it all depends on your vehicle and on how much you use it, but it’s always a good idea to inspect your pressure at least every 2-4 months. Whether you choose to take your vehicle to a professional for a check-up and service, or you prefer to actually buy your own tire pressure gauge, the possibilities are truly endless, and it’s all about what makes you feel more comfortable about the process as a whole. Checking the pressure of your tires is incredibly important, and the risks associated with low pressure while on the road should never be underestimated. Low pressure is a leading cause of damage and accidents because it can be easier to lose control of a vehicle with poorly pressured tires!

Sensor triggering

In some cases, there might be nothing wrong with your pressure at all. On the other hand, the TPMS sensor might be triggered by something else. For example, some cars actually require the TPMS to be reset right after adding pressure. If you think that this might be the case, we suggest you check out the specs for your particular vehicle or better yet, consult the person who has fixed your tire pressure, as they might be able to help you reset the TPMS sensor, so you are no longer bothered by the light warming.

In this day and age, cars are equipped with the latest technologies. In some cases, it takes a bit of a learning curve, particularly when it comes to understanding the purposes and inner workings of all the sensors available. One of the most common examples of tech misunderstandings is definitely the appearance of a mysterious tire pressure light. In some modern cars, simply resetting the sensor could fix the problem, but it really depends on a case-by-case basis.

What to do when in doubt?

If you are not sure about your situation, it’s better not to ignore the warning. Under pressured tires could actually lead to really unpleasant consequences. Always remember that under pressured tires can be more dangerous to drive with, and less stable on the road. This might lead to accidents and damage to your car, and worse of all, to people. If you want to make sure that you’re driving in the safest and best possible conditions for you, your family and everyone else around you, it is really important to remember to take the light warning seriously. 

Using a tire pressure gauge

If you want to be able to test your tire pressure on your own, you should consider purchasing a tire pressure gauge. As the name might imply, this is a specific tool, which enables vehicle owners to measure the pressure of their tires with a high degree of accuracy.

Here at Rhino USA, we engineered a flexible 75 PSI tire pressure gauge, capable of meeting most consumer needs. For less than 20 bucks, this heavy duty product enables users to check the pressure on their tires with pin-point accuracy. The benefits of such a small investment are many.

First things first, properly pressurized tires are much safer and allow for secure driving on the road. In addition to that, properly inflated tires actually lead to a much better value in the long run. With properly inflated tires, you can save fuel, since the engine won’t have to strain as much. In addition to that, you are also going to be able to greatly enhance the lifespan of the tires themselves. If you use tires that are incorrectly pressurized, you will wear them down quickly. On the other hand, properly pressurized tires are going to last a lot longer, and perform much better even as they age.

Find out more about our 75 PSI tire pressure gauge, and visit the following link for further information:

Featured Product: Rhino USA 75 PSI Tire Pressure Gauge

Ultimately, dealing with a light warning related to tire pressure can be a little bit unsettling, but you should not worry too much: simply take the necessary steps to follow up with the warning and make sure that everything works just as it should!

How To Inflate Tires

The easiest way to reinflate your tires is by looking up the nearest tire pressure check near you, which often times is the nearest gas station.  Most gas stations have a tire pressure check, where you also can reinflate your tires if your pressure is low. In most cases, this is a fairly simple process that only requires a couple of quarters. 

Another way to reinflate your tires if your tire pressure is low, is by using an air compressor and a tire inflator gauge. By hooking up your tire inflator gauge to an air compressor, you can easily reinflate your tires to the proper tire pressure whether you are on the road or on the trail!

How To Reset Tire Pressure Light

Resetting your tire pressure light can be different for each vehicle make and model. Some vehicles have a tire pressure reset button (TPMS reset) beneath the steering wheel. However, make sure you look up the exact make and model of your vehicle before performing a reset, or go to your local authorized car dealer for assistance.