What Does TPMS Mean?

You’ve probably heard the term before, but what does TPMS mean on a car? TPMS, simply put, is an acronym that stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Now that you know what TPMS means on a car, what does it do? Basically, a Nissan TPMS sensor installed on each tire trips the TPMS fault light when it measures that the tire to which it’s attached has dropped below the recommended air pressure level. Normally, this TPMS warning light on your dashboard will turn on or flash, making it easy to know when you need to fill your tires with air in Huntington Park or South Gate. Our expert Nissan service center can help solve your tire needs.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features

“Why do tire pressure monitoring systems exist,” you might have asked? It’s quite simple: to track each of your tire’s pressure and to alert you if they fall too low. The TPMS dashboard warning light often looks like a flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle of it, and it’s usually yellow. A light with the illuminated letters “TPMS” generally means there’s an issue with your Nissan TPMS sensors. If you notice that your tire pressure light is on, it means your tires are under-inflated, which could cause:

• Poor traction
• A flat tire or blowout
• Decreased load-carrying capability
• Poor fuel economy

Over the short-term, ensuring that your tires have enough air can be important in maintaining optimal handling and control. Over the long term, it will help your tires last longer.

Proper Tire Inflation

A tire that’s inflated incorrectly can cause issues. But a properly inflated tire will result in:

• Reduced tread movement thereby increasing the life of the tire
• Reduced rolling resistance which will increase vehicle efficiency
• Increased water dispersion which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning

Wondering what the right tire pressure is for each of your vehicle’s tires? Be sure to consult your owner’s manual. In the meantime, you have many options when it comes to filling up your tires with air:

• You can take your vehicle to your favorite service center for full tire service.
• Many gas stations have tire filling areas separate from the pump station.
• If you need a little more air in your tires quickly, you might be able to use a bike pump.

Keep Your Vehicle Running Properly With Nissan of Downtown L.A.

Now that you know the basics of the TPMS light meaning and the significance of this safety-minded vehicle system, we invite you to give your vehicle all the attention it deserves at the Nissan of Downtown L.A. service center. Need tire maintenance performed now? Schedule service online.