What Does TPMS Mean?
TPMS stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System.” This system uses tire pressure sensors to monitor the air pressure of your tires. If it senses one or more of your vehicle’s tires aren’t at the recommended pressure, the TPMS warning light on the dashboard will turn on or flash. Most new vehicles have TPMS, making it easy to prevent tire failure and maintain good vehicle handling when driving around Arlington. Learn more about the TPMS in your vehicle with the Wolfchase Nissan service team today!
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features
So what does the TPMS do? The main purpose of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is to track the pressure in your tires and alert you if the levels are too low. If they are lower than the recommended tire pressure, the TPMS dashboard warning light will flash. This might look like a flat tire with an exclamation mark in the middle, or it might be the illuminated letters “TPMS.” If the tire pressure light is on, your tires are underinflated. This could result in:
- Poor traction
- Decreased load carrying capability
- A flat tire or blowout
- Poor fuel economy
Even a short-term fix can protect your tires from a potential accident. In the long run, keeping your tires properly inflated can prevent your tires from wearing out prematurely and even optimize fuel economy.
Proper Tire Inflation
Both over- and under-inflation of tires can lead to a variety of problems for Memphis drivers. When your tires are properly inflated, you’ll benefit from:
- Reduced tread movement, thereby increasing the life of the tire.
- Reduced rolling resistance, which will increase vehicle efficiency.
- Increased water dispersion, which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning.
In order to find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual. Keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated is simple to do. There are several options when it comes to filling up your tires:
- Many gas stations have tire filling areas separate from the pump station.
- You can take your vehicle to your favorite service center for full tire service.
- If you need a little more air in your tires quickly, you can even use a bike pump!
How to Reset Your Tire Pressure Light
- Drive at or above 50 mph to reset the sensor for 10 minutes. This can cause your sensor to reset the next time you turn on the car.
- With the vehicle off, turn the key to the “On” position, but don’t start the car. Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times, then release it. Start the car and wait 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh. The tire pressure monitor reset button is usually located beneath the steering wheel. If you can’t find it, check your vehicle’s user’s manual.
- Inflate your tires to be three PSI over their recommended amount, then deflate them completely. Be sure to include the spare tire, as it may have a sensor as well. Once they’re all deflated, reinflate to the recommended tire pressure.
- With the vehicle off, disconnect the positive battery cable with a wrench. Turn the car on and honk the horn for about three seconds. This will discharge any power still stored in the vehicle. Then reconnect the battery.
Keep Your Vehicle Running Properly With Wolfchase Nissan
If you’re interested in a new vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system or you’re interested in learning about the system in your current vehicle, contact the team at Wolfchase Nissan. Our team can offer a wide range of service and car-care tips, from tips related to your TPMS to how often to rotate your tires.
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