Posted on 11/28/2025
Seeing the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light flicker on is never a great feeling. Sometimes it is a simple reminder to add air. Other times, it is a sign of a slow leak or a sensor problem that needs attention. Either way, that light is there to protect tire life, fuel economy, and safety. Here is what it usually means and the most common reasons it appears. What the TPMS Light Means Your car monitors tire pressure through sensors at each wheel. When pressure drops roughly 25 percent below the recommended level, the warning light comes on. You might see a steady amber light, a flashing light at startup, or a message on the dash that calls out a specific tire. Even a small pressure drop can lengthen stopping distances, reduce traction in the rain, and cause uneven tire wear, so it is worth checking soon after the light appears. 1. Cold Weather or Temperature Swings Air contracts when temperatures fall. A chilly morning can lower pressure ... read more