Why is my Tire Pressure Light Blinking? (Causes And Solutions)

A blinking tire pressure light typically indicates a malfunction within the TPMS. It serves to highlight issues beyond just tire pressure.

Before delving into the specifics of a blinking tire pressure light, it’s critical to understand its fundamental function.

The tire pressure warning light is a part of your vehicle’s TPMS, designed to alert you when the tire pressure in one or more tires falls below a safe threshold.

A steady light usually indicates low tire pressure, a fairly straightforward fix. However, a blinking light may suggest a more complex issue.

Why Is My Tire Pressure Light Blinking?

If your tire pressure light is blinking, it’s likely indicating a malfunction with the TPMS itself. The blink is typically designed to draw your attention to an issue beyond mere tire pressure.

Here are a few reasons why the light might be blinking:

1. Faulty TPMS Sensor

The most common reason for a blinking tire pressure light is a faulty or failing TPMS sensor. Over time, these sensors can wear out or become damaged, leading to false readings or a complete failure to monitor the tire pressure accurately.

2. Battery Failure

Each TPMS sensor has a small built-in battery. These batteries have a lifespan of approximately 5-10 years. When they begin to die, they can cause the tire pressure light to blink.

3. Extreme Weather Conditions

In some cases, the TPMS light may blink due to extreme weather conditions. Sudden drops in temperature can decrease tire pressure and cause a steady light, but persistently low temperatures can also affect the TPMS sensors, causing them to blink.

4. Recent Tire or Wheel Work

If you’ve recently had work done on your tires or wheels – such as a tire change, rotation, or wheel alignment – and the light starts blinking afterward, it could indicate that the TPMS has been accidentally damaged or improperly recalibrated during the service.

How to Respond to a Blinking Tire Pressure Light

Regardless of the reason behind the blinking light, it’s crucial not to ignore it.

Here’s what you should do if your tire pressure warning light starts flashing:

1. Check Tire Pressure

First, manually check the pressure in all your tires using a tire pressure gauge to ensure they are all within the manufacturer’s recommended range. This range can typically be found on a placard inside the driver’s side door or in the vehicle’s owner manual.

2. Consult a Professional

If the tire pressures are correct and the light continues to blink, it’s time to consult a professional. A blinking light often indicates a problem with the TPMS itself, which requires a skilled technician to diagnose and repair.

3. Regular Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is a key to avoiding TPMS issues. Regularly checking your tire pressure, rotating your tires, and having your vehicle serviced per the manufacturer’s guidelines can help avoid problems down the line.

Is it Safe to Drive with the TPMS Light On?

While your car can physically continue to run with the TPMS light on, it’s not advisable to ignore this warning sign.

1. In Case of a Steady Light

If the TPMS light is steady, it indicates that one or more tires are under-inflated.

Under-inflated tires generate excess heat as they work harder to maintain contact with the road. This excess heat could lead to tire failure, including tread separation and blowouts, which could result in a loss of vehicle control, leading to dangerous, potentially life-threatening situations.

Under-inflated tires also wear out more quickly and unevenly, compromising your vehicle’s handling, reducing fuel efficiency, and leading to poor braking performance. While your vehicle may not come to an immediate halt, driving with under-inflated tires definitely poses safety risks.

Therefore, if your TPMS light comes on and remains steady, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and check your tire pressure. If the tires are indeed low on pressure, inflate them to the recommended level as soon as possible.

2. In Case of a Blinking Light

A blinking TPMS light, which usually becomes steady after a minute, typically indicates a problem with the TPMS system itself, such as a faulty sensor or low sensor battery.

While a malfunctioning TPMS may not have an immediate impact on your driving, it means the system may not accurately warn you if your tire pressure becomes dangerously low in the future.

A faulty TPMS should be serviced as soon as possible to ensure that it can correctly perform its critical safety function. Until it’s fixed, you’ll need to manually check your tire pressures regularly to make sure they’re at the correct levels.

Preventive Measures for TPMS Health

Taking preventive measures is key to avoiding problems with your TPMS. Here’s how to ensure your system remains healthy:

1. Regular Tire Pressure Checks

Checking your tire pressure regularly is a simple way to prevent issues from arising. It helps ensure your tires are properly inflated, enhancing the lifespan of your TPMS sensors.

2. Scheduled Vehicle Servicing

Adhering to the manufacturer’s service schedule helps maintain the overall health of your vehicle, including the TPMS. Regular servicing allows potential issues to be detected and addressed before they cause significant problems.

Conclusion

While a blinking tire pressure light may initially be cause for concern, understanding what it represents helps you handle the situation appropriately.

In most cases, the blinking light indicates an issue with the TPMS itself. Addressing the issue promptly not only keeps your vehicle running optimally but also ensures your safety on the road. Remember, when it comes to vehicle maintenance, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive.