TIRE CENTER · Pressure & TPMS
TPMS basics & warning lights
Read the tire-pressure warning
TPMS means Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It adds a warning about pressure-related conditions. Check the actual vehicle manual for its indicator behavior.
Steady: check pressures
Flashing, then steady
A warning system is not routine tire care
No warning does not necessarily mean pressure is correct: it can fall below the recommendation before an alert appears. Not every system shows individual readings, and TPMS does not assess visible wear or damage. Continue monthly cold and pre-trip gauge checks and visual inspections.
Use the warning to act
The light stays on
- Safely assess all relevant tires rather than guessing which one triggered the alert.
- Address low pressure or damage using the vehicle’s recommendations. Follow its update procedure when applicable.
- An unexplained warning needs investigation. Never reset to hide a problem or assume driving will always clear it.
Sources and Technical Notes
Technical concepts reviewed 2026-10-10. Actual application instructions remain controlling.
- 49 CFR 571.138, FMVSS 138 (current eCFR) (opens in a new tab)
- Honda: TPMS indicators and indirect-system calibration (opens in a new tab)
Application-specific details and scope
Within its vehicle scope and prescribed test conditions/time limits, FMVSS 138 requires a low-pressure warning at 25% below placard pressure or the applicable tire-category minimum, whichever is higher. Combined malfunction indicators flash for 60–90 seconds before remaining illuminated; dedicated fault indicators also exist. This regulatory threshold is not a maintenance target or universal equipment specification.