Why Your Tire Pressure Light is Blinking: A Complete TPMS Guide
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is a life-hack electronic device that protects you and your vehicle from potential damage. As the word suggests, this device monitors and updates real-time tire pressure information to the driver, mainly through a visual display, a pictogram, or a warning light.
Why I call it a life hack device is that it alerts you about the possible inflation your tire undergoes and makes you vigilant about unpleasant future outcomes like tire wear or tear and, perhaps even worse, tire failure. So, the next time you notice the blinking of your tire pressure light, never avoid it, but consider it an alarm! The blinking tire pressure light in the dashboard can indicate specific issues with the TPMS system.
TPMS can be considered a significant addition to your vehicle.TPMS is a vital safety feature, and in some cars, they are embedded by manufacturers; if not, you can add it to the car after the purchase. Most of the vehicles issued after 2012 in Europe have this feature installed, and some older cars have this feature.
How Does TPMS Work?
TPMS functions with the help of infrared sensors attached to tire, which send signals to the ECU regarding the tire pressure. This sensor works based on a small battery with an average life of around seven years, but there are chances of the battery malfunctioning before this. TPMS also has a reset function, which you have to operate after fixing the pressure issues, which tells the device that the problems are resolved.
TPMS is an essential electronic device that’s a must-have. It is a life-hack device because:
- It informs you about the tire pressure, whether high or low, and avoids further problems.
- By giving warnings, it reduces the risk of accidents and injuries due to increased stress or heating. It helps to maintain appropriate pressure, enhancing the fuel efficiency and durability of tires, which restricts the massive drain of money in the future.
Understand Common TPMS Alerts
As I already mentioned, TPMS is an alarm, and to get its full benefits, it is essential to diagnose the signals it passes or informs. When we dig deep, it is evident that TPMS alerts can vary according to the issues; calls can be either steady or flashing, depending on the subject. Usually, flashing tire lights blink consecutively for 60 to 90 seconds and then remain undisturbed until the next time you turn on your vehicle. This will continue until the problem is resolved.
According to expert opinions, flashlights are more common, and you should be more cautious of them than steady lights. Solid lights indicate tire pressure issues like puncture, whereas flashing lights indicate severe complaints with the TPMS system and the need for immediate attention. So the next time your tire pressure lights blink, you must troubleshoot to identify the culprit.
Why is My Tire Pressure Light Blinking?
After reading this, you may wonder about the possible reasons behind such a flashing tire pressure light. If you know the possible reasons behind this, troubleshooting may be more manageable. Some probable reasons are discussed below:
- Sudden loss of tire pressure: An unexpected, instant drop in the tire pressure can stir- up a flashing light, which Stipulates puncture or even air leakage.
- Faulty signals: A defective sensor or sensor issues can confuse the functioning of TPMS and send me erroneous alerts, which lead to a flashing light. So note that TPMS may give false signals if they are improperly maintained.
- TPMS Battery damages: Blinking or flash lighting may indicate a dead or malfunctioning battery and related issues. So, we can’t rule out the possibility that flashlights can be warning signals to replace your sensor battery.
Follow-Up Actions If Your Tire Pressure Light Blinks
If your TPMS keeps sending you signals, I suggest you not hesitate; stir up! Your Safety is our priority. Here are some steps to follow if you notice Continuous blinking of TPMS lights:
1. Safely pull over: If you notice this while driving, I recommend you stop going and pull your vehicle over to a safety spot and check your tires before you make your next move.
2. Check tire pressure: Every vehicle has an ideal pressure level, which will be labeled on the door side of your vehicle. If you are not aware of your vehicle’s perfect tire pressure, then have a look at it as soon as possible. Another possible diagnosis related to flashing lights is that it may predict low or high tire pressure. With the help of a gauge, you can quickly identify pressure issues.
To check your tire pressure, here are some steps you can follow:
Note that a tire pressure gauge is a must-have in your glove box, and it comes in three different forms: a pencil type, a dial type, or a digital type. Make sure you have one today itself. With a gauge, the identification of tire pressure is super easy.
- As the first step, remove your stem valve cap and safely keep it aside.
- Then connect the end of your gauge to the stem valve and ensure it is firm and steady. The gauge will then display a reading of your tire pressure and compare this against the ideal pressure of your tire projected on the door side.
3. Fill the tire If needed: If the reading displayed on your gauge is lower than your ideal pressure, pump up your tire using an air compression. You can inflate the tire following the steps given below:
- Remove the valve stem cap on your tire.
- Then, connect the tip of the air hose of your pump to the valve and press the handle to blow up your tire.
- When done, check again with your gauge; if its reading matches the ideal pressure, then close the stem valve.
4. Check out for damages: Flashlights suggest potential Pressure problems. I advise you to closely watch for any injuries like punctures, cuts or other indicators and make sure what’s wrong and act accordingly.
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Blinking Tire Pressure Light: When to seek professional assistance?
It is a familiar doubt to ask when we should seek expert assistance if the TPMS light blinks. As an answer to this question, let me tell you, there are certain instances that we can’t handle on our own; I will list down a few such examples:
- Continuous pressure loss: Even after pumping up, if the tire loses its force, it indicates some severe root causes that require immediate fixation. For this, step into your nearest shop to get help.
- Non-stop flashing: If the flashing continues even after fixing the tire pressure, don’t wait; get immediate assistance from professional experts.
How to Prevent the Flashing Tire Pressure Light
Preventing an occurrence is better than solving it later. From my point of view, prevention is the most innovative option we can choose, especially regarding our Safety. Nobody likes to take a risk, staking our life. Here, I suggest some preventive measures to avoid TPMS Flashlights:
- Regular tire maintenance: “Good tires are the foundation of a safe ride,” so I propose regular monitoring and maintenance to enhance the longevity of tires, which saves your life and pocket.
- TPMS Battery replacement: Faulty signals from your TPMS can create chaos and may even lead to negligence. To ensure the accuracy of signals you receive, make TPMS battery replacement a priority.
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Conclusion
Tires are the shoes of your vehicle; if they are proper, longevity is an assurance. For Proper tire maintenance, I highly recommend TPMS, which may save your life and economy.
TPMS may not be a familiar concept, but it is an essential addition to your vehicle. TPMS acts as a security alarm that informs you about potential tire damage, especially about the tire pressure. This sensor helps you to diagnose troubles and reminds you to seek immediate fixation.
TPMS is a constant companion for your rides to whom you can entrust your Safety. So, the next time you pack your bag, please check that your TPMS is functioning properly.
This may be new information for you, but trust me, it’s worth sharing. Inform your friends and family of the same and make sure everyone is having a safe and secure ride. If TPMS is installed and properly maintained, you can buckle up courageously and brace up for long rides.
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