Whether you’re at a gas station in the UK or visiting a service centre, make sure the TPMS is active and working properly. Still wondering, how do you reset the tyre pressure light when it’s flashing? This may indicate a deeper system issue or the need for a manual reset. Ignoring it can lead to tyre failure, shorter tyre lifespan, and even accidents—over 33,000 of which are reported annually by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Keeping your tyre pressure in check is essential for your safety and peace of mind on the road.
Ensure all tyres are properly inflated to the recommended PSI on the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. This helps the TPMS detect the correct tyre pressure and turn off the light.
A flashing tire pressure light usually points to a deeper issue within your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)—not just low tire pressure. From experience at places like Marietta Toyota, I’ve seen this often caused by faulty sensors, dead internal batteries, or calibration issues after tyre rotations or replacements.
TPMS sensors, located inside the wheel, rely on small batteries. When these sensor batteries die, they stop communicating with the vehicle, triggering the light. Even functioning sensors can misfire if they aren’t properly calibrated or if there’s a software malfunction in the system.
Sometimes, the system reads an issue when a sensor is damaged or the software fails to recognize working sensors. It’s also possible the tyres are simply underinflated—but the flashing light usually means a system malfunction, not just pressure loss. If the light keeps flashing, it’s best to have it diagnosed by a reliable service team like the one at Marietta Toyota to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is an electronic system that monitors your tire pressure. It helps detect if the tyre pressure is low, and when this happens, it triggers the tyre pressure light. However, the two are not the same. The TPMS is the system that actively monitors your tyres’ pressure, either through sensors or by measuring the rate of revolution of the wheels. A visual alert, like the tyre pressure light, is activated when the system detects a problem.
The light serves as a reminder to check the tyre pressure, whereas the TPMS is the technology behind it. While direct TPMS systems reset automatically after inflation or rotation, indirect TPMS systems need to be manually reset. The tyre pressure light is simply an indicator on your dashboard, activated by the TPMS when it detects that the pressure is too low, as confirmed by different brands.
When changing new tyres, you don’t always need to replace the TPMS sensors, but it’s a good time to check their condition. If you have an indirect system, a mechanic must manually reset it after changing tyres. In direct systems, reusing the sensors is common unless they’re damaged, or corroded, or the battery is near the end of its 5 to 10-year lifespan. Some service parts like valve cores, stems, and grommets may need replacement. After installation, the system may need to relearn the location of each tyre, which involves technical procedures best done by a professional. Places like A1express tyres offer reliable and prompt service for such issues.