Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Explained

If you've ever had this alert appear on your vehicle’s dashboard (see symbol appeared on the dashboard in picture) that tells you when your tyre pressure is low, then your vehicle will be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

These systems are very useful and can be found in all vehicles that have a manufacturing date of 2014 and later. This safety feature is fitted to the wheels of all cars and some vans. It uses a sensor to detect sudden or gradual changes in tyre pressure and alerts the driver.

Keeping your tyres properly inflated is essential for your safety on the road. Not only will correct tyre pressures reduce the risk of suffering a dangerous high speed blowout, but it will also give you better handling and braking.

What's more, maintaining your vehicle's tyre pressure at the correct inflation means your tyres will last longer, you'll use less fuel and you'll even reduce your impact on the environment.

It's normal for your tyres to lose pressure over time so it's important that you check them at least once a month or before long journeys.

Check For Any Tyre Damage

My TPMS Warning Light Has Come On, Now What?

The low tyre pressure warning light (above right) can illuminate for many reasons, some of which are no cause for concern such as natural air leaks. During Autumn, with the sudden drop in temperature, the tyre pressure light is the most common warning light to appear on your dashboard.

Changes of as little as 1psi in the tyre pressure can cause the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS light to illuminate.

So What Is The Correct Procedure?

1. Adjust the tyre pressures to their correct setting when the tyres are cold
2. Drive the vehicle until the light goes off (this can sometimes take up to 10 mins)
3. In some cases there may be a button to press to reset the system

Please refer to your owner handbook for guidance and more information before contacting your local dealer.

When the adjusted tyre pressure is recognised, the TPMS warning light should go off and the information display should show the current tyre pressure. If after carrying out what is outlined above or in your owner's handbook you still have the TPMS light illuminated on your dashboard, please contact your local Colin Appleyard dealer who will carry out further investigation to determine if there is a problem.