Guide to handling a flat tire situationGuide to handling a flat tire situation
WHAT IS A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)?
Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is your vehicle's automated system which monitors the air pressure of your tires.
WHY DOES MY TPMS LIGHT COME ON?
When your tire's air pressure drops below 25 percent of the recommended manufacturer number located on your vehicle's door placard and inside your owner's manual the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is triggered and a warning light will appear on the dashboard.
WHY DOES MY VEHICLE HAVE A TPMS?
The U.S. government's Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act requires that any vehicles manufactured in 2006 and thereafter have a TPMS. The system is intended to help drivers maintain safe air pressure in the case that it becomes too low. However, this is not to replace proper tire maintenance.
HOW DOES MY TPMS WORK?
There are two types of TPMS systems within your vehicle's framework direct and indirect.
Your vehicle's direct TPMS uses a sensor located in the wheels. It measures the air pressure of each tire. If the pressure drops 25 percent below the recommended air pressure, the TPMS will be triggered and you will see the vehicle's warning light on the dashboard. While the indirect TPMS uses the Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) to monitor the wheel speeds of each tire. If there is a tire that has a different speed than the other tires, it will trigger the warning light as this means it is too low.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY TPMS TRIGGERS MY WARNING LIGHT?
If your vehicle's TPMS triggers the warning light, located on your dashboard, fill the low tire with the proper air pressure and this should make the light turn off. If you are experiencing any issues with your TPMS or are in need of new tires, Belle Tire has more than 250,000 brand name tires available and ready for installation.
WHY DOES DIRECT TPMS MAKE MY TIRE MAINTENANCE MORE COSTLY?
Vehicles that have direct TPMS may cost more than tires that do not have the system because of the extra parts such as the o-ring, cap and valve core. In addition, the system has to reset when, for example, replacing a tire.
All tire purchases at Belle Tire, come with a lifetime of free valve stem replacements and more. You will also get free alignment checks, tire rotations, spin balancing, flat repairs and more. Learn about perks here..