Tire Pressure Warning Light: What TPMS Is Telling You

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts drivers to potentially unsafe tire pressure or a monitoring-system fault. Learn what steady and flashing warnings can mean, how to check and adjust tire pressure correctly, and when a persistent warning requires professional inspection.

The tire-pressure monitoring system warning usually means one or more tires is significantly underinflated, though the exact message and behavior differ by vehicle.

Check pressure correctly

Use a reliable gauge and the vehicle’s recommended cold pressure from the driver-door placard or owner’s manual—not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

Look for damage

Inspect for a visibly low tire, puncture, or damage. Do not drive on a flat tire.

After adjustment

Some vehicles require driving or a TPMS reset procedure after correcting pressures. Follow the manual for the specific reset process.