Does Low Tire Pressure Stay on With Spare? (Quick Fix Guide)
Alright, here’s the situation. You’ve been there before, right? You’re driving along, enjoying your day when suddenly, a little icon lights up on your dashboard, a dreaded flat tire signal. Now, that’s a bummer! You pull over and rummage through your trunk to pull out the trusty spare until you can get your tire repaired. But here’s the kicker – that pesky low tire pressure light stays on, even with the spare tire.
Now, you might be wondering, “I’ve just put on the spare, why is that stubborn light still glaring at me?” Well, I’ve been there too, my friend, and I have spent more time than I’d like to admit scratching my head over the same question.
But here’s the good news – I’ve done the homework so you don’t have to! After much trial and error, tire changes, and countless hours poring over car manuals and forums, I’ve got answers for you. I am here to share my journey, shed some light on this mystery, and hopefully, save you some precious time and energy.
So buckle up, because together we’re going to solve this little puzzle. I promise we’ll navigate through this maze of low tire pressure lights and spare tires, and by the end, you’ll be a pro too. Let’s start this journey, shall we?
Does Low Tire Pressure Stay on with Spare?
Did you know that your spare tire could be the reason your low tire pressure light is still on? It’s a common misconception that our spare tires don’t have much to do with our car’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). But in reality, they play a bigger role than we might realize.
In my experience, understanding how a TPMS works and how it relates to your spare tire can help you troubleshoot issues and ensure your vehicle’s safety. So let’s dive into it.
Understanding Spare Tire and TPMS
Your car’s TPMS is a handy gadget. It’s designed to alert you when any of your tires, including the spare, are under-inflated. It uses sensors within each tire to monitor specific pressure levels.
There are two types of TPMS: direct, which uses pressure monitoring sensors in each tire, and indirect, which works in conjunction with your car’s Antilock Braking System’s wheel speed sensors. Either way, its primary job is to help prevent tire blowouts and improve your car’s braking and steering capabilities by providing real-time information.
As for your spare tire, it’s important to note that not all spare tires have TPMS sensors. However, some full-size spare tires do, and the sensor can be tested with a diagnostic tool.
Low Tire Pressure: Causes and Effects
Low tire pressure can have various causes, from temperature changes to road hazards like nails, glass, or potholes. Tires can lose air over time, leading to slow leaks or, in severe cases, rapid air loss.
It’s not just a matter of getting a flat tire. Low tire pressure can also affect your vehicle’s performance. It can increase the horsepower needed for propulsion and lead to an increase in fuel consumption.
On the upside, a lower tire pressure can increase acceleration due to more surface area of the tire touching the ground. But in my opinion, the downside outweighs the benefits, and it’s always best to maintain the recommended tire pressure for safety and optimal performance.
Don’t Forget The Spare
The spare tire is often the unsung hero of our road trips. It’s there when you need it, but it’s easy to forget about it when everything’s running smoothly. However, it’s vital to monitor your spare tire’s pressure regularly.
Importance of Monitoring Spare Tire Pressure
A spare tire with low pressure can cause your TPMS light to stay on. And in case you need to use it, an under-inflated spare tire can compromise your vehicle’s safety. Remember, tires naturally lose about one PSI of air pressure every month after being filled. So, it’s a good practice to check your spare tire at least once a month.
How Spare Tire Pressure Can Influence TPMS Readings
The TPMS reads the pressure of your spare tire, assuming it has its own sensor. If your spare tire pressure is low, your TPMS may alert you. This is a common reason why your tire pressure light may still be on, even if your other tires seem fine.
You May Need to Reset Your Tire Pressure Light
If you’ve checked all your tires and they all have adequate pressure, but your tire pressure light is still on, it could be because your TPMS needs to be reset.
Reasons to Reset Tire Pressure Light
Sometimes, even after you’ve fixed the problem (like inflating your tires to the correct pressure), the TPMS light stays on. This could be due to a lag in the system, or it might need to be manually reset.
Steps to Reset Your Tire Pressure Light
Resetting your TPMS light can be a straightforward process. Firstly, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle. In general, you’ll need to press and hold the TPMS reset button until the tire pressure light blinks three times. Then, start the car, and the light should go off within about 20 seconds.
How to reset TPMS low pressure warning
The process may vary slightly depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
Reset instructions for TPMS in Honda
In a Honda, for instance, you’ll need to turn the ignition on without starting the engine. Press and hold the TPMS button (located under the dash) until the TPMS light blinks twice. Then, drive the vehicle at a speed of 20 mph for at least two minutes to complete the reset process.
Reset instructions for TPMS in Toyota Spare
For a Toyota, the steps are similar. However, instead of pressing a TPMS button, you’ll need to use a paperclip or similar object to press the reset button located under the steering wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some common questions I often come across related to this topic.
Why is My Tire Pressure Light on When My Tires are Fine?
It’s likely because your spare tire pressure is low, or your TPMS needs to be reset. Make sure to check the spare and reset the TPMS as per your vehicle’s manual.
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
You should only use your spare tire for emergencies and drive no more than 70 miles on it. It’s meant to get you to a service station, not for long-term use.
How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
The recommended speed limit for driving on a spare tire is 50 MPH. Exceeding this can risk damaging the tire and compromising your safety.
In conclusion, low tire pressure can indeed stay on with your spare, and your TPMS is a critical component for maintaining your vehicle’s safety. Regular tire pressure checks, including your spare, can prevent unwelcome surprises and keep you safe on the road.