Have you ever noticed a horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point on your car dashboard? That’s your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light. The light usually indicates that you need to check your tire pressure. But what should you do if your tire light is blinking or won’t turn off?

In most cases, your tire sensor light is an easy fix! Our guide walks you through how your TPMS works and all the ways to troubleshoot it.

Unsure if your tires are safe? Get a professional tire inspection at Hooper’s Tire Outlet to make sure your tires are up to speed!

How Does a TPMS Work and Why Is It Important?

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a built-in safety system that monitors the air pressure in your tires. There are two main types:

  • Direct TPMS: Uses sensors inside each tire to measure air pressure and send real-time readings to your car’s computer.

  • Indirect TPMS: Uses your car’s ABS wheel speed sensors to detect when a tire is rotating faster than the others, a sign it may be underinflated.

If the system detects low pressure (usually 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended level), it triggers the warning light on your dashboard. The indicator light is often a horseshoe shape with an exclamation point in the middle or may appear as the letters “TPMS”. 

As for the cause of low tire pressure, there are a few scenarios that can prompt the light to come on. 

You could have a slow air leak in your tire, making the pressure drop. Or a sudden change in temperature could cause the air in your tire to expand or contract. Properly inflated tires in the summer may contract during the colder months, triggering the TPMS light. 

Since tires warm as you drive, which raises their internal pressure, you may notice your TPMS warning light turns on in the morning but stays off on your way home.

Tire Light Meanings

1. Solid TPMS Light: Low Tire Pressure Warning

A solid tire light means at least one of your tires is underinflated. This could happen because of:

  • Temperature changes (cold weather can drop tire pressure)

  • A slow leak or puncture

  • Normal air loss over time

  • You’ve recently changed your tires

What to do:

  • Pull over at a gas station and visually inspect your tires.

  • Use a tire pressure gauge to check the PSI (pounds per square inch).

  • Compare it to the recommended pressure in your owner’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s door.

  • Add air if needed. Most gas stations have air pumps you can use.

If the light stays on after adjusting the pressure, there may be a leak. Have your tires inspected by a professional to determine if you need a tire repair or replacement.

2. Flashing TPMS Light: System Error or Faulty Sensor

A flashing TPMS light usually means there’s a problem with the system itself, not the tire pressure. This could be:

  • A dead or weak TPMS sensor battery

  • A damaged sensor

  • A communication error between the sensors and your car’s computer

What to do:

Schedule a visit to a tire shop or mechanic to have the TPMS checked and repaired. While you can still drive, you won’t have a working tire pressure warning system until it’s fixed.

I Changed My Tires, But the TPMS Light Won’t Turn Off

Whenever you adjust your tires in any capacity, you need to calibrate your TPMS by resetting the sensors. Tire adjustments include: 

Resetting your TPMS is standard procedure and allows the monitoring system to function properly. If the shop didn’t transfer or sync your sensors, the tire pressure light will stay on until you calibrate it.

How to Reset Your TPMS Warning Light

The reset process depends on your car model, so you’ll have to refer to your car manual for specific instructions. Having said that, there are some common steps to follow:

  • Inflate all tires to the correct pressure – Use a tire pressure gauge for accuracy. You can find the recommended PSI in your car manual or on the sticker in the driver’s doorjamb.

  • Use the TPMS reset button – This is often found under the steering wheel or in the glove box. Press and hold the button until the TPMS light blinks three times, then release. If you don’t have a button, the reset option may be found in the car’s settings menu.

  • Drive at 50 mph or more for 10–15 minutes – Some TPMS use wheel speed as an indicator. Driving can help the TPMS recognize the new pressure readings and update itself.

If the light still won’t go off, have the system inspected by a professional. You may have a faulty sensor that needs to be replaced rather than a tire pressure issue.

Final Tips for Keeping Your TPMS Light Off

If your tire pressure light is on, don’t ignore it! It could indicate a safety issue and helps you maintain your tires to prevent accidents or tire damage. But if your light is always on, even after calibration and inspection, then you likely have a faulty system and are safe to drive. 

Want to learn how to maintain your tires? Our experts at Hooper’s Tire Outlet have written detailed guides to help. Use our resources or talk to our team today.