How to Reset Tire Pressure Overview
Introduction
Many drivers overlook tire pressure. There is a misconception that tire pressure should be adjusted when the tires are cold. In reality, your tires need air to maintain their rolling resistance and support the weight of your vehicle at all times.
Step 1 – Get a Tire Pressure Gauge
You will need to have a tire gauge to reset your tire pressure. The indicator should be able to measure PSI (pounds per square inch), KPA (kilopascals), and BAR (atmospheres). The ideal range for air pressure in your tires is between 30-40 PSI for passenger cars, 35-45 PSI for light trucks, and 45-65 PSI for high-performance vehicles. This will depend on your driving conditions and the size of your car.
Step 2: Check the Tire Pressure. When the Tire is Cold
You should always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, which means the vehicle has had time to warm up first. Then, drive around, park in a warm garage, and recheck your tire pressure. If you notice your PSI reading is significantly lower at this point than before you drove around, you can proceed with adjusting or resetting your tire pressure.
Step 3 – Adjust or Reset Tire Pressure When the Tire is Warm
You should only have to adjust or reset your tire pressure if your PSI reading is lower than when you drove around and warmed up. Drive around again, park in a warm garage, and check when the vehicle is cooled down. You can also wait an hour or two before checking again.
Step 4 – The Finale
Once your tire pressure is adjusted or reset, you should drive with that pressure for a few days or weeks before checking again. This will help ensure the tire pressure will not be adjusted again.
Why is My Tire Pressure Light Still on After Filling the Tires?
The tire pressure monitoring system is a safety feature that automatically tells you if one of your tires is low in air. This is a great way to keep your tires properly inflated and save you from paying for emergency roadside service.
TPMS Warning Light
Your vehicle’s tire-pressure monitoring system uses sensors that measure how fast each wheel rotates, which helps it determine when one or more of your tires are low in air. This can alert you to a potential problem before a flat occurs, so it’s important to take note of the warning light and check your tires periodically.
Reset the TPMS Sensor
The most common reason this warning light stays on is that one or more of your car’s sensors is damaged. This problem is fairly common and usually requires a simple repair at your local auto parts store.
Using the Reset Button
You can reset your TPMS sensor by turning the key to the “on” position without starting the car. Hold down the TPMS reset button until the light blinks three times, then release it. Start the vehicle and wait about 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh.
Adding or Deflating the Tires
You should always inflate your tires to their recommended level before resetting the TPMS sensor. This will let the warning light go off once you’ve addressed the issue.
How to Reset a Tire Pressure Sensor
If you see your tire pressure light on in your Ridgeland-area car or truck, you may have noticed that it won’t go off even after you’ve pumped your tires. This could signify a simple issue with your vehicle’s sensor.
You’ll need to reset your tire pressure sensor to get the warning light off. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Turn Off Your Vehicle
Before you attempt to reset your TPMS, you will need to turn off your vehicle. You can do this by turning your key to the “off” position or unplugging the vehicle’s battery.
2. Locate Your TPMS Reset Button
TPMS reset buttons can be found underneath or near your steering wheel; consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure where it is.
3. Hold the button until the tire pressure indicator blinks three times, then release it.
4. Start Your Vehicle
If your TPMS indicator doesn’t turn off after you’ve successfully reset the sensor, it may be time to visit our service center at Wilson KIA. We’ll be able to quickly diagnose the issue and get your tires back up to the proper pressure.
5. Drive At or Above 50 MPH
You can also try resetting your TPMS by driving at or above 50 mph for about 10 minutes. This should help the sensor refresh and make it work again.
If you find that your TPMS light won’t go off, contact our Service Department at Motorwerks MINI for more information about how to reset it. We’re happy to assist you!
Conclusion
Remember, checking and adjusting your tire pressure is one of the easiest and cheapest fixes to ensure your vehicle runs safely. So pay attention to this essential part of your car maintenance routine!
