What Happens If I Ignore A Low Tire Pressure Warning

August 15th, 2023 by
You’re off on an errand run and the low tire pressure warning light comes on in your car. You’re in a hurry with no extra time to stop. Is it really bad? What happens if you don’t check them now? While you might be in a hurry and tempted to keep going without filling up the tires right away, it’s generally not a good idea to ignore this warning.  

What Is The Low Tire Pressure Warning?

The low tire pressure warning on your Nissan is part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS is technology that uses sensors to keep an eye out for the air pressure in your tires. If the pressure is too high or drops too low, the system will alert you with a warning light.  
 
 
 

What To Do When Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light Comes On

The first thing you want to do is check the pressure in your tires as soon as possible. The quickest process at this point is to keep a tire pressure gauge in your car and measure the pressure yourself. Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and measure.

If stopping where you are is not an option, try reducing your speed and avoid sudden maneuvers. Find the nearest gas station or Nissan dealer. Most stations have air pumps where you can measure the pressure and inflate/deflate your tires.

 
 
 

What Happens If I Ignore A Low Tire Pressure Warning?

Driving with improperly inflated tires can be detrimental to fuel efficiency, handling and overall road safety. In other words, the tires are not doing their job correctly.
Safety: Proper tire pressure is crucial for safe driving. Underinflated tires can affect your car’s handling, stability, and braking performance. They might increase the risk of a blowout, especially at high speeds or when driving on rough roads.
Tire wear: Driving on underinflated tires can cause uneven wear. This can lead to reduced tire lifespan and might necessitate replacing your tires sooner than expected, which can be costly.
Fuel efficiency: Underinflated tires can decrease your car’s fuel efficiency. When tires are not properly inflated, the rolling resistance increases, which requires more energy and fuel to move the vehicle.
Handling and control: In emergency situations, such as sudden turns or stops, underinflated tires can compromise your ability to control the vehicle effectively.
Damage: Continued driving on underinflated tires can cause internal damage to the tire’s structure, making it more susceptible to failure over time.
 
 
 

If Needed, How Do I Reset The Tire Pressure Monitoring System

After you have properly adjusted the tire pressure, the TPMS light should reset itself. If it doesn’t turn off, you can reset it manually.
1. Drive the vehicle at or above 50 mph for about 10 minutes and the sensor should reset the next you drive the car.
2. With the vehicle off, turn the key to the “On” position, but don’t start the car. Locate the tire pressure monitor reset button, usually found beneath the steering wheel. Hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times. Release it, then start the car and wait 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh.
 
 
 

A Helpful Tip From Wendle Nissan

Before going on a long road trip, add tire pressure check to your pre-trip checklist. Be sure to also check the spare tire.
 
 
 

Wendle Nissan Is Here For Your Tire Needs

If you need assistance with checking your tire pressure, stop by our Nissan Service Center and our service staff will be happy to check your tires. If an issue is found that requires tire replacement, we can take care of that for you. We offer lots of well-known tire brands at competitive prices. Tires play a critical role in the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. Properly inflate your tires and be safe and secure on your wheels. 
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