If you’ve ever had a flat tire, you know how frustrating and time-consuming the experience can be. It never happens at a convenient time and it’s all too common that damage can occur that requires a replacement tire rather than just a repair. Almost all cars today have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that indicates when you have low air pressure in one or more tires so you can address it in time, but the TPMS system itself may also need service.
If you have a tire pressure sensor light or warning coming up on the dash, it’s time to get it into Xavier’s Auto Center. Our expert techs will identify the fault and fix it so you can get back to your routine quickly.
How the TPMS system works
Low tire pressure can affect your car’s handling in a negative way, contributing to the potential for an accident. To help avoid accidents and resulting injuries, carmakers began installing TPMS systems into new vehicles. An early warning when the tire pressure is below normal is intended to spur the driver to visit a service center before it’s too late.
There’s one tire pressure sensor installed in each wheel, typically attached to the valve stem. This sensor sends a signal to a control module via a low-frequency radio signal. If the pressure reference is outside of the normal operating range, a tire pressure warning light is illuminated on the dash. With direct TPMS systems, it indicates which tire is low while indirect systems turn on a general TPMS light. It’s then up to you to check the pressure and inflate tires or have slow leaks repaired.
What goes wrong with TPMS?
TPMS systems are relatively simple but they can still have issues. For example, a change in the ambient temperature outside can increase or decrease pressure enough to illuminate the TPMS light. If you have the warning light come on solid, it’s telling you the tire pressure in one or more tires is incorrect. If the light is flashing, it’s a notice of a system problem, likely a tire pressure sensor failure.
Xavier’s Auto Center to the rescue
If you need tire pressure monitoring system service of any kind, we can help. Our ASE-certified technicians are capable of repairs large and small, from checking tires to make sure they’re properly inflated to replacing a TPMS sensor or patching a leaky tire. We’re a trustworthy facility that can perform all your maintenance and repair services, and we back every repair with a worry-free 24-month/25k-mile warranty.