Car trouble · Tires & wheels

My tire pressure light is on

The horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point means at least one tire is low, or a sensor needs attention.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

  1. One or more tires are low

    most likely · Most people can do this

    How to check: Check all four tires with a gauge and fill them to the number on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, not the number on the tire.

  2. A cold snap lowered the pressure

    possible · Most people can do this

    How to check: If the light came on during the first cold morning of the season and all four tires read a little low, topping them up usually clears it after a short drive.

  3. A failed tire pressure sensor

    less likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: If the light flashes for a minute at startup and then stays on even with every tire at the right pressure, a sensor or its battery has likely failed.

Your car — the counter needs this

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My tire keeps losing airMy car shakes at highway speed
My tire pressure light is on — likely causes and the parts · DriverRuns