TPMS Warning Light: What It Means and What to Do

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have been mandatory on new cars sold in the EU and UK since 2014. When the little horseshoe-with-an-exclamation-mark lights up on your dashboard, your car is telling you something it's worth listening to.

What TPMS actually does

There are two types. Direct TPMS uses a sensor inside each wheel that broadcasts the actual pressure to your car. Indirect TPMS uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors to detect when one tyre is rotating slightly faster (because it's smaller, because it's deflated).

Steady light vs flashing light

A steady light means low pressure in one or more tyres. A flashing light (usually for 60–90 seconds, then steady) means the system itself has a fault — typically a dead sensor battery or a sensor that's failed.

What to do when it comes on

• Don't ignore it. Driving on underinflated tyres ruins them and increases stopping distances.
• Check all four tyres cold (before driving). Use a reliable gauge.
• Inflate to the pressure on the doorframe sticker, not the maximum on the sidewall.
• Look for the obvious nail, screw or sidewall damage.
• If pressure drops again within a day or two, you've got a slow puncture.

How to reset TPMS

Most cars relearn pressures automatically after a few minutes of driving once correct pressures are restored. Some require a manual reset via the dashboard menu. A few (older BMWs, some Hondas) need a relearn drive cycle of several miles. We handle TPMS resets as part of every fit.

Sensor failure

TPMS sensors are battery-powered and last around 5–10 years. When they fail, the sensor needs replacing — we can supply and fit OEM-equivalent sensors at the kerbside, including the relearn.

Why this matters

Underinflated tyres lose grip, wear unevenly, increase fuel consumption and can overheat to the point of catastrophic failure. The TPMS light is the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever get. If yours is on, call 0330 043 5521 and we'll come check it.