TPMS Service Video

The tire pressure monitoring system watches all four tires and warns you when one drops well below its placard pressure. The warning typically comes on when a tire falls about 25 percent under specification.

This video explains what the dashboard light is telling you and how direct and indirect systems differ. It also shows why the light can return after a rotation or tire swap, even when every tire is full.

A solid light usually means a tire is low and needs air or has a leak. A flashing light that turns solid after startup points to a system fault instead, such as a sensor that stopped reporting. Either pattern is worth checking before a long highway drive.

Direct systems use a sensor in each wheel, while indirect systems estimate pressure from ABS wheel-speed data. On direct systems, sensors must be relearned to their wheel positions after a rotation or replacement. When the light will not clear, our suspension, steering, and wheel service explains the full process.

Cold snaps across Grant County can drop tire pressure several PSI overnight. That trips the warning on tires that were already borderline, even when nothing in the system has failed.

If your TPMS light comes on or will not clear, call Affordable Automotive Services at (509) 764-0000. Drivers from Ephrata, Quincy, and Warden can book online through our Moses Lake auto shop homepage.