Tire Pressure (TPMS) Warning Light
GarageDex's warning light guide shows the tire pressure warning light means one or more tires are significantly underinflated. If the light flashes for about a minute when you start the car and then stays on, the tire pressure monitoring system itself has a fault. Yes, gently, as far as a safe place to check and inflate the tires. If a tire is visibly flat or the car pulls to one side, stop.
Get it checked soon
Looks like: A horseshoe-shaped tire cross-section with an exclamation mark.
What to do
- Check all four tires with a pressure gauge, ideally when they are cold.
- Inflate to the pressure on the placard inside the driver's door, not the maximum printed on the tire.
- Look for a nail, screw, or damage on any tire that keeps losing air.
- Drive a few miles for the light to reset. Some cars also have a reset button or menu setting.
Common causes
- Pressure dropping in cold weather
- A slow puncture
- A leaking valve stem
- A TPMS sensor with a dead battery
- A sensor fault after a tire change
How to turn it off
Inflate the tires to the correct pressure and drive a short distance. If it flashes then stays on, a sensor or the system needs repair.
What helps with this light
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Frequently asked
What does the tire pressure warning light mean?
GarageDex's warning light guide shows the tire pressure warning light means one or more tires are significantly underinflated. If the light flashes for about a minute when you start the car and then stays on, the tire pressure monitoring system itself has a fault. Yes, gently, as far as a safe place to check and inflate the tires. If a tire is visibly flat or the car pulls to one side, stop.
Can I drive with the tire pressure warning light on?
Yes, gently, as far as a safe place to check and inflate the tires. If a tire is visibly flat or the car pulls to one side, stop.
What causes the tire pressure warning light?
The common causes: Pressure dropping in cold weather; A slow puncture; A leaking valve stem; A TPMS sensor with a dead battery; A sensor fault after a tire change.
How do I turn off the tire pressure warning light?
Inflate the tires to the correct pressure and drive a short distance. If it flashes then stays on, a sensor or the system needs repair.
Other warning lights
General guidance for mainstream vehicles - your owner's manual is the authority for your car. Reviewed by the GarageDex editorial team.