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Most modern cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when your tires need air. Most of the measurements are accurate, but like any other part of your vehicle, it can fail.
Learn why these sensors fail and what to do when they stop working.
How does a tire pressure monitoring system work?
TPMS measures tire pressure in two ways: directly and indirectly.
Direct TPMS uses sensors that measure tire pressure and sends that data to a computer in the vehicle where it is displayed for the driver to review. The indirect system collects data from the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and measures pressure by measuring the rotational speed of each wheel while driving.
What is a tire pressure sensor failure?
A TPMS failure occurs when an error occurs within the system.
A warning light illuminates to indicate that the vehicle is unable to obtain information from one or more tires. You can recognize a failure if your TPMS continually issues warnings, displays incorrect readings, or does not display any readings at all.
What causes these disorders?
There are many reasons why a tire pressure sensor may fail and a warning light may come on in your vehicle.
Most commonly, the sensor is faulty or the TPMS battery is degraded and needs to be replaced. Sensors can also be damaged if your tire makes significant contact with a pothole or curb. Other causes include improper installation, corrosion, and ice.
What should I do if my TPMS is broken?
Before cars had technology to control most of their functions, tire pressure had to be checked the old-fashioned way. Removing the tire’s valve stem cap and inserting a gauge into the stem will tell you whether the tire is over or under the recommended pressure.
If you have a tire pressure gauge handy and frequently manually check tire pressure, electronic monitor failure is not a big problem. You can pay to have your TPMS repaired or buy parts and do the work yourself, but it will not affect the operation of your vehicle.
No matter what you do, always measure yourself. These are inexpensive and sold at auto parts stores and online for less than $20.
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
