TPMS Warning Light On? What It Means and Why You Should Get Service in Hanover
Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light just turned on, and while it might look like a simple dashboard icon, it’s one of the most important safety features in your car. It signals a change in tire pressure or a sensor issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
In this guide, Alex’s Autoworks, Hanover’s trusted shop for TPMS service and tire repair, breaks down what the light means, how the system keeps you safe, and when to seek professional help. We’ll walk through the top causes, what to do next, and how expert diagnostics protect your tires and your peace of mind.
Why TPMS Matters More Than You Might Think
Your TPMS constantly monitors the air pressure in your tires. When pressure drops around 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended level, it triggers the warning light. This feature helps prevent problems like:
- Dangerous blowouts caused by underinflated tires
- Uneven tread wear and poor handling
- Reduced fuel efficiency
Your TPMS is a built-in safety system that protects your tires, vehicle performance, and fuel economy.
What Your TPMS Light Might Be Telling You
The TPMS light can behave differently depending on the issue. Use the table below as a quick guide:
TPMS light behaviors with meanings and recommended actions.
| Light Behavior | Possible Meaning | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Steady light | One or more tires are underinflated | Inflate tires to the proper PSI |
| Flashing, then steady | System malfunction or dead sensor | Schedule a TPMS diagnostic |
| Light during cold mornings | Pressure drop from temperature change | Recheck pressure after the weather stabilizes |
| Light stays on after adding air | Faulty sensor or calibration issue | Visit a shop for a TPMS reset or replacement |
If the light stays on even after adjusting tire pressure, it’s best to have a professional, like those at Alex’s Autoworks, inspect the system before the problem worsens.
Why Your TPMS Light Might Be On
While low air pressure is the most common cause, other issues can trigger the system. Here are the most frequent culprits behind that glowing warning:
1. Tire Pressure Changes with Weather
Cooler Pennsylvania mornings can cause tire pressure to drop overnight. For every 10-degree temperature decrease, tires can lose 1–2 PSI.
2. Slow Leaks or Punctures
A small nail or damaged valve stem can allow gradual air loss that activates your TPMS. These leaks are often too slow to notice until the system alerts you.
3. Worn-Out Sensors
TPMS sensors usually last 5–7 years. Their internal batteries eventually die, requiring tire pressure sensor replacement to restore accurate readings.
4. Incorrect Reset After Tire Service
If your tires were recently rotated, replaced, or repaired, the TPMS system may not have been recalibrated correctly. This can cause false warnings or system errors.
5. Damaged Wheel or Corroded Sensor Housing
Moisture and road salt can corrode the sensor’s housing, especially during harsh Pennsylvania winters. Over time, this can interrupt communication between the sensor and the dashboard.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your light to stay on, a quick tire inspection or TPMS diagnostic can reveal the issue and save you from unnecessary tire damage.
How TPMS Affects Safety and Performance
Even slightly low tire pressure can reduce your car’s handling, braking, and overall stability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safe vehicle operation and can help prevent tire failures that lead to accidents.
Underinflated tires generate excess heat and wear out faster, while overinflated ones lose grip and are more likely to burst. When your TPMS light comes on, it’s your vehicle’s early warning to avoid these problems.
If you’ve been searching for tire repair in Hanover, PA, schedule a quick inspection at Alex’s Autoworks. Our certified technicians will make sure your tires are safe and your TPMS is working correctly.
Modern Systems That Need Modern Care
There are two main types of TPMS systems:
- Direct TPMS: Uses individual sensors inside each tire to send pressure data to your vehicle’s computer.
- Indirect TPMS: Uses ABS wheel speed sensors to estimate pressure differences.
Both systems are precise and require the right tools and knowledge to service properly. TPMS sensors can be damaged during tire replacement, lose battery life over time, or fall out of sync with your vehicle’s system. That’s why recalibration, sensor replacement, or system resets should always be handled by trained professionals. At Alex’s Autoworks, our ASE-certified technicians are equipped to accurately diagnose and service TPMS systems, so you can drive with confidence knowing your tires are properly monitored.
Benefits of Regular TPMS Service
A well-functioning TPMS offers more than just a warning light. It helps you:
- Improve fuel efficiency by keeping tires properly inflated
- Extend tire lifespan through even tread wear
- Maintain smoother handling and ride comfort
- Detect hidden tire leaks before they cause damage
Adding TPMS checks to your tire maintenance schedule helps ensure safety, savings, and performance year-round.
How Often Should You Have Your TPMS Checked?
It’s smart to have your TPMS inspected once a year or any time you get new tires. Schedule a check sooner if:
- The TPMS light flashes or stays on
- You recently had tire or wheel service
- You notice vibration, handling issues, or slow leaks
- You drive in changing temperatures
Our team in Hanover can test each sensor, recalibrate your system, and ensure accurate readings before you get back on the road.
When Ignoring TPMS Can Cost You
A TPMS light might seem harmless, but postponing service can lead to expensive problems. Driving on underinflated tires causes premature tread wear and may lead to replacing all four tires sooner than expected. Ignoring small leaks can result in tire blowouts or even rim damage, while faulty sensors can create false readings that hide real pressure issues. Skipping recalibration after tire service can also produce inaccurate data that affects safety and performance.
A quick TPMS service near Hanover can prevent these issues, extend tire life, and keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.
Real Value from a Shop That Knows TPMS service in Hanover
At Alex’s Autoworks, TPMS service isn’t just a quick reset. It’s a full system check that ensures your vehicle’s tire health, alignment, and performance all work together as intended. Here’s what makes our approach different:
- Advanced diagnostic equipment: Factory-level tools ensure precise calibration.
- Digital vehicle inspections: Customers receive clear DVI reports with photos and notes before approval.
- Integrity and trust: No upselling, just honest communication about what’s needed.
- Community-driven values: Proud supporter of the Conemaugh Valley School District athletic programs.
We combine technical precision with genuine care for our customers’ peace of mind. Our priority is always your safety, and that starts with tires you can trust.
If you’re in the area and notice that TPMS light, schedule your TPMS inspection or tire pressure sensor replacement today.
Tire Health Beyond TPMS
Your TPMS is part of a larger picture of tire care. Keep your tires healthy with a few simple habits:
- Check tire pressure monthly for accuracy, even with TPMS.
- Rotate tires every 6,000–8,000 miles to promote even wear.
- Schedule alignments regularly to prevent uneven tread wear.
- Inspect tires seasonally, as temperature changes can affect pressure and trigger alerts.
Staying ahead on tire maintenance saves money, improves safety, and helps your TPMS work more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About TPMS Service
What does the TPMS warning light mean?
The TPMS warning light means one or more tires are underinflated or there’s a system fault. It alerts you to pressure or sensor issues that affect handling and safety. Checking your tire pressure or scheduling TPMS service should be your next step.
Can you drive with the TPMS light on?
You can drive short distances, but it’s not safe to ignore the light. Low tire pressure increases the risk of blowouts and uneven wear. Inspect your tires soon or schedule a TPMS diagnostic service.
Why does the TPMS light come on after inflating tires?
If it stays on after filling the tires, your system may need a reset, or a sensor might be malfunctioning. Some vehicles recalibrate automatically after a short drive, while others need a professional TPMS reset.
How much does it cost to replace a TPMS sensor?
The cost to replace a TPMS sensor can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, and whether your system uses direct or indirect sensors. On average, you can expect a range between $50 and $250 per tire, including both the part and labor for recalibration. For an exact quote based on your vehicle, feel free to give us a call. We’re happy to help.
How long do TPMS sensors last?
TPMS sensors typically last 5 to 7 years. Once the battery fails, the system may send false alerts or stop working entirely. Replacing sensors during tire service helps maintain reliable readings.
Book Your TPMS Inspection at Alex’s Autoworks in Hanover, PA
Your TPMS light is your car’s way of asking for attention, and at Alex’s Autoworks, we make that service simple, transparent, and dependable. From advanced diagnostics and recalibration to complete tire pressure sensor replacement, our ASE-certified team ensures your tires perform safely and efficiently.
Our services are backed by our 2-year/24,000-mile warranty, giving you added confidence with every mile.
If your TPMS light is on, don’t wait for it to turn into a costly repair. Visit Alex’s Autoworks, located at 3380 Centennial Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, or call (717) 698-1535 to speak with our team. You can also schedule your appointment online for fast, reliable TPMS service that keeps you confident on the road.