Tire Pressure Light: What It Means and What to Do
The Tire Pressure Light means at least one tire is significantly below its recommended pressure, or the tire pressure monitoring system has a fault.
- What it looks like
- A cross-section of a tire shaped like a horseshoe with an exclamation point in the center, sometimes with tread marks along the bottom.
- Color
- Amber/yellow. Steady means one or more tires are underinflated; flashing for about a minute at startup and then staying on means a monitoring-system fault.
Also called: TPMS light, low tire pressure light, horseshoe with exclamation point light, tire pressure monitoring light
Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
Why the tire pressure light comes on
Direct systems use a pressure sensor inside each wheel that transmits readings to the car; indirect systems use the ABS wheel-speed sensors to detect a tire turning faster because it has shrunk in diameter. In the US, the light is required to warn when a tire is about 25 percent below the recommended cold pressure. Cold weather lowers pressure, so the light often appears on the first cold morning of the season.
Steady vs flashing
A steady light means low pressure in one or more tires. A light that flashes for roughly 60 to 90 seconds at startup and then stays on means the monitoring system itself has a fault, such as a dead sensor battery, a missing sensor on a replacement wheel, or a sensor that needs relearning; in that case it cannot reliably warn you of low pressure.
Common causes
- Underinflated tire from a temperature drop
- Puncture or slow leak from a nail, damaged bead, or bent rim
- Leaking valve stem or valve core
- Dead battery in a TPMS sensor
- New tires, rotated wheels, or a spare without a sensor needing relearn
- Overinflation on some systems
What to do when the tire pressure light comes on
- Reduce speed and avoid sudden maneuvers until you can check the tires.
- Check all four tires, and the spare if monitored, with a gauge when cold.
- Inflate to the pressure on the door-jamb placard, not the maximum printed on the tire sidewall.
- Inspect for nails, cuts, or bulges, and have any leaking tire repaired or replaced.
- Drive several minutes after inflating; many systems turn the light off automatically, while some require a reset button or relearn procedure.
- If the light flashes at startup and then stays on, have the TPMS sensors diagnosed.
Symbols and colors vary by manufacturer; your owner’s manual has the exact meaning for your vehicle.
Tire Pressure Light FAQ
What does the tire pressure light mean?
The Tire Pressure Light means at least one tire is significantly below its recommended pressure, or the tire pressure monitoring system has a fault.
Can I keep driving with the tire pressure light on?
Slow down and check the tires at the nearest safe opportunity. If a tire looks flat, is losing air quickly, or the car pulls or vibrates, stop and change or repair it rather than driving on it, since an underinflated tire can overheat and fail.
Why does my tire pressure light come on when it's cold?
Air pressure drops as temperature falls, so tires that were borderline can fall below the warning threshold overnight. Add air to the placard pressure when tires are cold.
Why is my tire pressure light on when the tires look fine?
A tire can be well below its proper pressure without looking flat. Use a gauge; if all tires are correct, the system may need a reset or have a sensor fault.
Why is my TPMS light flashing?
Flashing at startup followed by a steady light indicates a system malfunction rather than low pressure. Common causes are a dead sensor battery or a wheel without a sensor installed.
Other dashboard warning lights
Sources
- 49 CFR 571.101 (FMVSS No. 101) — Controls and displays: telltale symbols and colors
- 49 CFR 571.138 (FMVSS No. 138) — Tire pressure monitoring systems
- NHTSA — Check for open safety recalls by VIN
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. When in doubt, stop in a safe place and follow your owner’s manual.