Tire safety and performance is dependent on critical elements such as air pressure, which need to be closely monitored at all times.
Because of this, tires come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). But, can you turn the system off? If you’d like to find out, keep reading!
Can You Turn Off The Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
Tire pressure monitoring systems can be turned off in some vehicles, but it’s not advisable for safety purposes. However, a TPMS device can be reset after you’ve inflated your tires and checked them. Your system light will only turn off when you have adequately filled your tires, according to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
To learn more about the tire pressure monitoring system, whether you can turn it off and whether it’s legal to turn it off, keep reading this article for more useful information!
How Can I Turn Off My Car’s Tire Pressure Monitoring Light?
When there’s a problem with your tire pressure, the TPMS light on your dashboard will turn on. You can only turn this off after you’ve filled your tires to the correct pressure according to the manufacturer’s PSI (pounds per square inch).
However, there are times this might not work, and the warning light will stay on. When this happens, even after you’ve filled your tires, there are a few techniques you can use to try reset the system:
1. Drive At 50mph For 10 Miles
This is one of the easiest methods to turn off your TPMS light. When you drive at 50mph, this resets the sensor, and the next time you switch on the car, the light should be off. However, some vehicles reset their sensors at higher speeds.
2. Use TPMS Reset Button
Every tire comes with a sensor; therefore, in some cases, the sensor system needs resetting, and you can do this by turning the ignition key to the “on” position without starting the vehicle.
Next, press and hold down the reset button, commonly located under the steering wheel until the TPMS light blinks thrice. Release the button, start the car, and let it run for about 20 minutes to recalibrate the sensors.
If you can’t find the TPMS reset button, refer to the owner’s manual.
3. Inflate and Deflate The Tires
If the reset button doesn’t work, try inflating the tires 3 PSI above the recommended levels and then deflate them completely, including the spare tire.
Afterward, you can inflate the tires to the correct air pressure as indicated on the sidewall.
4. Disconnect and Reconnect The Vehicle’s Battery
When the vehicle is off, disconnect the battery cable. Next, turn the car on and honk the horn for three seconds to discharge any power still stored in your vehicle, and then reconnect the battery.
What Is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
Commonly referred to as TPMS, this electronic system is a feature installed in cars to monitor the air pressure and to help drivers stay safe.
Since 2008, the United States Department of Transportation has mandated that all passenger vehicles manufactured from then must have the TPMS installed in them.
The TPMS was introduced via the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act.
The TPMS was enacted by congress due to the increase in tire-related accidents and a response to a recall of about 6.5 million Firestone tires after complaints of rollovers.
This system lets drivers get real-time tire-pressure information when the air pressure drops below the recommended levels, and has helped drivers maintain the safety of their cars.
Can I Disable The Tire Pressure Monitoring System?
For safety reasons, the TPMS device is a critical part of your car and should not be interfered with deliberately. However, some drivers question whether one should disable the tire pressure monitoring system.
In some cars, you can’t disable the device, but you can always reset it after you’ve checked and inflated your tires for the light to go off.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, effective from 2008, all cars manufactured must have the TPMS installed.
Since the enactment of the TREAD Act, it’s been forbidden to tamper or disable the TPMS system. Therefore, you shouldn’t interfere with its functionality.
Should You Drive With Your TPMS Light On?
If your TPMS light is on, you should check your tire pressure immediately and avoid driving. It’s dangerous to drive with the light on because it increases the chances of getting into an accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 612 tire-related accidents in 2019. Therefore, you should inflate your tires to avoid getting punctures, tire blowouts, and tire wear.
Does The TPMS Light Turn On When Tires Are Overinflated?
While most drivers expect that the TPMS only sends a warning when your tires are underinflated, they also alert you when they’re overinflated.
TPMS systems are designed to alert you of any pressure problems; therefore, they’ll notify you when there’s any slight change.
Do I Need To Replace TPMS When Replacing Tires?
Although you don’t need to change your TPMS device when replacing new tires, it’s advisable to check and service the system.
These checks should confirm whether your system is functioning as it should. As well, your mechanic should advise on the best time to replace the TPMS sensors.
Why Is Your TPMS Light Not Going Off?
If you’ve confirmed that the tire pressure is correct and used the methods to reset the system and the light is still on, this could mean that the sensors are damaged.
When this happens, your TPMS device might also be damaged, or the batteries may have expired; therefore, it needs to be replaced.
If you want to know more, you can also see our posts on whether or not is it safe to fill tires in cold weather, why is tire pressure light is still on after filling tires, and under inflated tires symptoms.
Conclusion
Vehicle tires are very crucial, and that’s why they need to be monitored using TPMS. When the warning light comes on, you can switch it off in some cases, but it’s not advisable for safety reasons.
Instead, it’s better to fix the issue and correct the tire pressure problems until the light goes off. If you fix this and the warning light doesn’t switch off, you can reset the system or replace it.