With everything that car owners must regularly check and maintain, it can be understandable when certain processes slip through the cracks. Since this isn’t ideal, refamiliarizing yourself with some of the more forgotten ones is not a bad idea.
Your car’s tire pressure is a perfect example of this. Many tires that are underinflated look fine to the average driver. That means you could be driving on flat tires and not even realize it. Fortunately, almost every modern car has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) built into it. If you want to get the most out of it, you’ll want to make sure you understand how it works and how to respond when issues arise.
The definition of a tire pressure monitoring system is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a device that constantly checks the current air pressure of your tires and alerts you if there’s an issue. Most of these systems alert drivers when the pressure has dropped about 25% below the recommended range. However, newer cars often display real-time pressure readings for each individual tire.
If you drive an older vehicle, watch out for the distinctive yellow warning light that resembles a flat tire with an exclamation point in the center. If this light ever comes on, at least one of your tires has fallen below the safe pressure threshold and needs immediate attention.
While the end goal is the same for all TPMS devices, not all of them function the same way. Some are direct, while others can indirectly determine the approximate tire pressure. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions about replacement or upgrade options.
Direct TPMS devices are the ones you’ll more commonly see these days, as they can directly measure and report the pressure of individual tires. They do this by installing a pressure sensor on each tire's inside. These sensors are battery-operated, so they could die at some point, but they’re made to last 10 years or so without any issues.
Since they’re not connected to your vehicle in any way, that means they transmit results wirelessly. While this could lead to potential inaccuracies, this technology has become very reliable in recent years, meaning this should rarely be a concern for you. Once direct TPMS devices are in place, you won’t have to think about them again for a very long time.
Indirect systems take a different approach. While they’re hardwired into the car, removing the need for batteries and wireless connectivity, you’ll need to go through the hassle of recalibrating the system every time you refill your tires or rotate them.
This is because indirect systems don’t actually measure tire pressure. Instead, they connect to your vehicle’s wheel speed and anti-lock brake systems. They determine approximate tire air pressure levels by checking to see if your wheels are spinning quicker than normal and by how much. Unsurprisingly, this system produces less precise results than direct systems.
Because of this, the only real reason to go with an indirect TPMS these days is if you’re trying to save some cash. However, the potential for inaccurate readings and trouble caused by constant recalibration makes this choice quite inefficient.
Understanding the type of TPMS you have is the first step of the process. Now, you’ll need to learn how to respond appropriately to warnings when they appear. Ignoring these warnings can lead to severe tire damage or, in extreme cases, potential accidents. If you ever notice your TPMS light illuminated on the dashboard, follow the easy steps below.
One thing that’s nice about tire pressure warnings is they’re not an indicator that it’s time to panic. Even though driving on tires that are 25% deflated isn’t ideal, there’s no need to rush to your closest refill station and inflate them. You can plan a time that works best for you.
Despite this, you still shouldn’t wait too long. Setting aside some time within the next few days is usually the best idea. If you can’t get to it in the next week, try to avoid driving as much as possible until you take care of it.
This is all assuming that you don’t have a hole in your tire. If that’s the case, you’ll want to stop driving and get it taken care of right away.
In most cases, you can refill your tires at your nearest gas station. Not every station has one of these refill centers, so be sure to check online or call before heading to one. When searching for one while driving, try to focus on gas stations that offer other services like a minimart or a car wash. They’ll be more likely to have a hose you can use to refill your tires.
If you don’t feel comfortable refilling tires on your own, there are plenty of online tutorials to watch, but it never hurts to go to your local repair shop. The mechanics will have everything needed to refill your tires. Plus, they’ll be able to check to make sure you don’t have a flat.
Proper tire pressure varies by vehicle and tires, so always check the manufacturers’ specifications rather than guessing. The best way to make sure you do this is to check the inside frame of your driver’s side door. There will be a label that lists the exact pressure requirements for your specific make and model.
Once you start filling your tires, you’ll want to remove the hose periodically and use a tire pressure gauge to see what level you’re at. Keep regularly checking until you reach the stated pressure. If you go to a place with a more modern air hose system, the machine might be able to actively update you on the current pressure, saving you from the constant guess-and-check process.
After you’ve refilled your tires, you’ll want to keep an eye on your TPMS and tires for a few days. If the system reactivates or you notice your tires flattening again, this could be a sign of a deeper problem. In many cases, there’s likely a pinhole letting air out slowly, but it could be due to a bent rim or a malfunctioning TPMS.
Regardless of the reason, if this happens, you’ll want to go to your local repair shop. They’ll be able to assess the situation and recommend the next best steps. Whether that’s shopping for new TPMS sensors or car rims online at WheelerShip or repairing a faulty system, taking care of this problem right away will help ensure safe travels for you in the future.
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REVISED SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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The WheelerShip LLC PO Box 1634 Smithtown, NY 11787