A tyre pressure monitoring system, commonly called TPMS, is a safety feature that monitors your vehicle’s tyre pressure and alerts you when one or more tyres become significantly underinflated.
Instead of waiting until a tyre looks visibly flat, the system can warn you through a dashboard light or display. However, TPMS should support regular tyre checks rather than replace them. (Michelin Africa)
What is a tyre pressure monitoring system?
TPMS stands for Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Its main job is to detect changes in tyre pressure and alert the driver when the pressure falls below the vehicle’s programmed threshold.
Depending on the vehicle, the dashboard may simply show a low-pressure warning light or display the pressure of individual tyres.
How does TPMS work?
There are two main types of tyre pressure monitoring systems: direct and indirect.
Direct TPMS
A direct system uses pressure sensors fitted inside the wheels, commonly as part of the valve assembly.
The sensors measure the pressure and send information to the vehicle’s computer. Some systems can also provide individual tyre pressure readings and temperature information. (Michelin Africa)
Indirect TPMS
An indirect system does not directly measure the air pressure inside the tyre.
Instead, it uses information from the vehicle’s wheel-speed sensors, often shared with the ABS system. When a tyre loses pressure, its effective rolling diameter can change, causing it to rotate differently from the other wheels. The vehicle can detect this difference and trigger a warning. (Michelin Africa)
What does the TPMS warning light mean?
The common TPMS warning symbol looks like a tyre with an exclamation mark inside it.
If the light comes on and stays illuminated, check your tyre pressures as soon as it is safe to do so. A tyre may have lost pressure because of a puncture, slow leak, temperature change or another problem. (NHTSA)
Do not simply switch off the warning and continue driving without checking the tyres.
Why does the TPMS light come on and then disappear?
You may occasionally see the TPMS warning light when starting the car and notice that it disappears later.
Temperature changes can affect tyre pressure. For example, a tyre may have marginally low pressure when cold and return above the warning threshold as it warms during driving.
Even if the light goes away, check the tyre pressure manually rather than assuming everything is fine. (NHTSA)
What if the TPMS light keeps flashing?
A flashing TPMS light can indicate a problem with the monitoring system itself rather than simply low tyre pressure.
Depending on the vehicle, this can happen when a sensor has failed, cannot communicate correctly with the car or requires attention after tyre or wheel work.
If the light flashes and then remains illuminated, have the TPMS system inspected.
Does TPMS mean you don’t need a tyre pressure gauge?
No.
TPMS is an additional safety feature, not a replacement for checking your tyres.
Regularly check your tyre pressure with an accurate gauge and compare it with the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The correct figure can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on a vehicle information label. (TyreSafe | Safe Tyres Save Lives)
Can a TPMS sensor need replacing?
Yes.
Direct TPMS sensors contain electronic components and, in many cases, batteries that eventually wear out. Sensors can also become damaged during tyre work or fail because of corrosion or other issues.
If a sensor stops working, the vehicle may need a replacement sensor followed by the appropriate programming or relearning procedure.
What happens when you replace a tyre?
When a tyre is removed or replaced, care needs to be taken with the TPMS sensor if the vehicle uses a direct system.
A technician should avoid damaging the sensor during tyre fitting and make sure the system is working correctly afterwards.
Some vehicles may also require the TPMS to be reset or recalibrated after tyre replacement, rotation or pressure adjustment. The exact procedure depends on the vehicle. (FORVIA HELLA)
Why is correct tyre pressure important?
Correct tyre pressure affects how your vehicle handles and how the tyres wear.
Driving with underinflated tyres can contribute to increased tyre wear and rolling resistance, while also affecting vehicle handling. Keeping the tyres at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure helps maintain proper tyre performance. (Michelin Africa)
This is particularly useful for drivers who regularly deal with long-distance journeys, heavy traffic and changing road conditions.
What should you do when the TPMS warning appears?
If the warning comes on:
- Find a safe place to stop.
- Inspect the tyres for obvious damage.
- Check the pressure of all tyres with a reliable gauge.
- Inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure if necessary.
- Look for a puncture or continuing air loss.
- If the warning remains or the tyre keeps losing pressure, have the vehicle inspected.
If a tyre is visibly damaged or severely underinflated, avoid driving on it unnecessarily.
TPMS is useful, but don’t wait for the warning
A tyre pressure monitoring system can alert you to a pressure problem before you notice it yourself, making it a useful part of modern vehicle safety.
But a warning light should not be the first time you think about your tyres. Regular pressure checks, visual inspections and proper tyre maintenance remain important.
For Nigerian drivers dealing with potholes, road debris and long journeys, catching a slow puncture or pressure problem early can prevent a more serious tyre issue later. Travo.ng can also assist with relevant travel, transport and mobility arrangements when vehicle problems affect your plans.
