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Tyre pressure (TPMS) warning light — what it means
TPMS means the car thinks one or more tyres are under-inflated — or a sensor battery/fault is spoofing a warning. Check pressures cold against the door sticker before you reset anything.
Also called: tyre, TPMS, pressure
What it means
One or more tyres are under-inflated or a sensor has failed.
What to do first: Check cold pressures against the door sticker. Inspect for punctures before resetting.
Common causes
- Under-inflation or a slow puncture
- Temperature drop overnight lowering pressure
- Failed TPMS sensor or recent wheel/tyre swap without learning
- Incorrect spare/space-saver confusion on some cars
Step-by-step
- 1Check all tyres cold with a gauge; use the door/fuel-flap label.
- 2Inspect for nails, sidewall damage and uneven wear.
- 3Inflate to spec, then follow the handbook reset/learn procedure if required.
- 4If the light returns quickly, assume a puncture or sensor fault.
MOT note
Tyres below legal tread or with cord showing fail MOT; TPMS faults can also be assessed on many cars.
FAQs
- Can I reset TPMS without fixing the tyre?
- You can clear a false warning after correct inflation, but resetting over a puncture is dangerous. Fix the cause first.
Related
Other warning lights
Icons from Wikimedia Commons dashboard tell-tales / ISO 7000. Manufacturer artwork varies — your handbook wins.