Q: What’s the difference between the Low Tire Pressure light and the TPMS light?

asked by on December 15, 2015

What’s the difference between the Low Tire Pressure light and the TPMS light?

Your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that is designed to keep tabs on the air pressure in each tire. When the system notices a tire is low, it automatically turns on the Low Tire Pressure light on your dash (it looks like a tire with an exclamation point in it). This light will stay on until you check the tires and adjust the pressure.

The TPMS light, on the other hand, is designed to come on when there is a problem with the monitoring system itself. For example, if a sensor in a wheel fails, the TPMS light will come on and stay on until the problem has been corrected.

Tip

The TPMS system doesn’t take the place of maintenance. You should still manually check your tire pressure at least once per month even if the light is not on.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Possible vacuum leak causing engine to rev while parked.
It is possible that you may have a vacuum leak and if you do the computer will generate a code for system too lean. I would have a technician come out and inspect the codes on the computer (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/75-point-safety-inspection)and see...
Truck stalling.
This might be a problem with the theft deterrent system, if you have another key you might try using that, otherwise you might need a certified mechanic to scan for engine codes and verify that the oil pressure switch is...
How do I put a CD on shuffle?
When set to shuffle mode, the tracks on the CD will be played in random order. To turn on shuffle mode, press the Random button for less than 0.8 seconds to activate Random mode. Press the button again to turn...
Advice on buying a used European car
Unfortunately, "used" and "reliable" are two words that typically don't go well together with European cars. They are expensive cars to repair and fix. A long time ago, the Volvos were good cars and a '93 240 wasn't a bad...
Check engine light. Code P2004 (Air Intake manifold. Runner control stuck open, bank 1.)
As you know this code is related to the intake manifold and may be caused by several potential issues such as the following: Intake Manifold Runner Binding Or Sticking (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/intake-manifold-runner-control-replacement) Faulty Manifold flow valve Manifold flow valve harness is open...
There is smoke coming from my car.
If you are having to top off the oil once a month, depending on how many miles you drive per month, this may suggest that your engine is burning the oil. If the smoke is a blue colored smoke, this...
Car feel jumpy when pressing gas pedal.
This may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement). The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position...
My Acura TL 1999 has a idling problem. It idles high to low. And it takes a while for the gears to switch when I'm reversing and in drive.
For the idle condition, check the (IAC) Idle Air Control Valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) and see if its plugged up. You can take it off and clean it and then put it back on. If the idle continues to be irreratic, then...
failed emissions test-P0008 and P0017 errors -automatic tear down to fix?
Hi Susan. Thanks for contacting us today. The responsible thing to do first is correctly diagnosing the reason the vehicle did not pass emissions and what is the root source. Unfortunately, OBD-II trouble codes do not diagnose a problem -...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Land Rover LR4
There’s There’s just something about a Land Rover. Maybe it’s that easily discernible English air, or the fact that it subtly calls out “luxury” while maintaining that off-road ruggedness that tells you it’s no prissy city car. The 2012 LR4...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Switch)
Common signs include lack of cold air coming from AC, temperature fluctuations, and the AC compressor not activating.
How to Replace the Speedometer Sensor on Most Cars
The speedometer has a sensor that fails if the speedometer or cruise control do not work, the Check Engine Light comes on, or the vehicle loses power.