What Does a Blinking Tire Light Mean TPMS Guide
Learn what the blinking tire light means, how to safely check tire pressure, and how to troubleshoot TPMS indicators with practical steps from Blinking Light.
Blinking tire light is the vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicator that warns of low tire pressure or a TPMS fault.
What the blinking tire light means
If you ask what does blinking tire light mean, the short answer is that it is a TPMS warning signaling a tire pressure issue or a malfunction in the monitoring system. According to Blinking Light, understanding this indicator helps homeowners avoid unsafe driving and unnecessary tire damage. The blinking pattern usually indicates the TPMS is actively alerting you rather than representing a single puncture. Before you drive again, pull over safely and verify the tire pressures. Locate the door jamb placard for the recommended PSI values for front and rear tires, then use a reliable gauge to check each tire, including the spare if applicable. If any tire is underinflated, inflate to the recommended level and recheck. If all tires read within the specified range and the light continues to blink, the issue may be a sensor fault or a dead battery in one of the TPMS sensors. In this guide, Blinking Light walks you through practical checks, quick tests, and steps to seek professional help when needed.
Quick Answers
What does blinking TPMS mean exactly?
A blinking TPMS warning typically indicates that the system has detected a potential issue with tire pressure or a fault in a TPMS sensor. It prompts you to verify pressures and assess sensor health before driving long distances.
The blinking TPMS warning usually means tire pressure may be low or the TPMS has a fault. Check pressures first and inspect sensors if needed.
Should I stop driving when the TPMS light blinks?
If you notice a blinking TPMS light, pull over safely as soon as possible. Check all tires for proper inflation and inspect for obvious damage before continuing, especially if you hear a hissing sound or notice a tire bulge.
Yes, pull over safely and check tires before continuing. Do not ignore a blinking TPMS warning.
How can I check tire pressure safely?
Use a trusted tire gauge to measure each tire’s pressure when the tires are cold, then compare with the door placard values. Inflate any underinflated tires to the recommended level and recheck after a few miles to let the TPMS relearn.
Check tires with a gauge when cold, inflate to the door placard values, and recheck after driving a short distance.
Does weather affect TPMS blinking or does it require recalibration?
Temperature changes can cause tire pressures to rise or fall, triggering the TPMS. If the pressure differences are small, the light may settle after a few miles. For frequent alarms, a TPMS recalibration or sensor check may be needed.
Temperature can cause TPMS fluctuations. If alarms persist, seek a calibration or sensor check.
Can TPMS fail cause blinking lights even with proper inflation?
Yes. A blinking light can indicate a faulty TPMS sensor, wiring, or battery failure rather than a true pressure issue. In such cases, professional testing is often required to locate the fault.
Yes, a fault in the TPMS sensor or wiring can cause blinking even if pressures are fine.
When should I replace TPMS sensor batteries?
TPMS sensors have batteries that wear out over time. If a sensor battery dies, the TPMS may stop reporting correctly. Replacement and a relearn procedure are typically required for proper operation.
Sensor batteries wear out; replacement plus relearn is usually needed to restore TPMS reliability.
Main Points
- Check tire pressure first and recheck after inflation
- If the light persists, suspect a TPMS sensor fault
- Follow model specific relearn procedures when required
- Consult professional help if you cannot reset the warning
- Maintain tires at the recommended pressure to prevent false alarms