TPMS is short for Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems. It is a way of constantly monitoring the tyre pressure in each tyre and alerting the driver with a visual or audible warning if it detects a change in pressure.
Firstly exercise caution, the light is indicating that that one or more of your tyres may be below the recommended inflation pressure.
If you are driving at higher speeds (motorway), immediately take firm hold of the steering wheel with both hands because, in the event that you are experiencing a blowout (rapid deflation), you'll need to be prepared to maintain control of your vehicle. Then, slowly decelerate and move out of traffic.
If you have an electrical compressor in the boot check the tyre pressure in all four of your tyres. If you do not have an electrical compressor you will need to go to a petrol station or alternatively call into one of our depots.
If you check your pressure at a petrol station (or roadside) and find one of the tyres has low air, add air until the pressure reaches the manufacturer’s specifications, which can be found on the inside of the driver's side door panel or fuel flap.
Even if the TPMS light goes out, which it normally does, you will still need to check for the cause of the deflation.
Remember driving on an under inflated tyre can cause the tyre undue damage, reduce MPG, and present safety hazards so get it checked as soon as possible.
TPMS valves can be expensive to replace, the average being £80.00. Theoretically sensor valves should last for years, but due to wear and tear, corrosion , damage to parts and even failed batteries, the sensor valve can become faulty or even fail prematurely.
For these reasons Magowan Tyres offers a sensor valve service. The fitment of a new service kit includes replacing the valve stem sleeve and nut, valve cap, valve core and rubber grommet, all which help to ensure an air-tight seal. In doing this it will help extend your sensor valve life considerably.
To ensure the sensor remains in good condition, many manufacturers recommend replacement of the valve cap and core components every time a tyre is changed.
A sensor valve normally requires replacing after around 5 years or up to 100,000 miles, although this can vary depending on vehicle use. High mileages and frequent low-pressure alerts can reduce this considerably.
Should you require a new TPMS sensor, at Magowan Tyres we can supply a cost-effective replacement sensor for a fraction of the price of a dealership replacement.
Driving with the TPMS Light on is not a good idea as it means one (or more) of your tyres maybe under inflated. This can cause undue damage to the tyre and potentially lead to a tyre failure. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for monitoring your TPMS system, as manufacturers may set their TPMS lights to trigger differently.
Sometimes the TPMS Light goes on and off, which can be due to fluctuating temperatures. If the pressure drops overnight, then increases during the day, the light may turn off once the vehicle warms up or once the temperature rises during the day. If the light comes back on once the temperatures cools down, you will know the weather is causing the pressure in the tyres to fluctuate. It is a good idea to check the tyres and add or remove any air as required.
If the TPMS light flashes for 1 to 1.5 minutes after you start your car, then remains on, this means the system is not functioning correctly. You should bring your vehicle in as soon as possible. If you do need to drive, be careful as the TPMS system may no longer alert you of low tyre pressure.
Tyres that wear evenly last longer before needing repair or replacement. In fact, some tyre manufacturers advise that driving a tyre just 5 psi below the recommended pressure could lessen a tyre's tread life by as much as 25%. As a typical tyre may also lose 1 to 2 psi a month if not checked and adjusted, uninformed motorists may be heading faster toward tyre replacement than necessary.
Being alerted early by your TPMS can go towards helping you save money with tyre repair and replacement.
If your TPMS light is on at MOT inspection and your car is manufactured after 2012, then yes, it will now result in an immediate MOT failure.
We are a local family business with over 50 years experience in the tyre and motor servicing industry.
Our premises are state of the art, incorporating all of the latest technologies to ensure business is conducted efficiently and to a high level of customer satisfaction. Our retail depot is based in Derry.
