What Does TPMS Mean?

Certain codes and dash alerts on your vehicle take precedence over others. This isn’t to say you should ignore any of them, but certain items require more immediate attention. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what does TPMS mean?” or if you’ve seen it on your dash, you’re probably aware of the urgency this code is meant to create. The TPMS meaning is created to alert you that one of your vehicle’s tires isn’t inflated to the recommended PSI, and it’s time to seek a service station to rectify the situation. We’ll go into more detail regarding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System to help you avoid any unexpected roadblocks during your Bakersfield travels. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Features

Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a warning sign to divert your attention toward the pressure of your tires. This dash alert looks like an underinflated tire with an exclamation mark in the middle on some vehicles. However, other models simply read “TPMS” with yellow backlighting. Failing to address this red flag could lead to the following: 

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

A quick pullover into a Porterville service station could temporarily keep you mobile, helping you to avoid an accident or extended time stranded with a flat. However, you should be aware that just because you inflate your tire doesn’t mean the problem won’t resurface – you could see the light again in short time. You must take your vehicle to a professional auto repair facility to permanently repair the issue. 

Properly Inflating Your Tires

It’s not just underinflation that leads to issues during your Tulare travels. Overinflating your tires must be avoided at all costs. When your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, you’ll experience the following advantages: 

• Reduce tread movement, thereby increasing the life of the tire
• Reduce rolling resistance which will increase vehicle efficiency
• Increase water dispersion which decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning
• Reduce the chances of your tires being thrown out of balance or your wheels out of alignment 

Consult the owner’s manual of your particular model to find out what the recommended PSI is for your tires. If the problem persists, it could be time for a replacement set. If you run into a situation that requires urgent reinflation, you have the following options: 

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

It’s never a bad idea to purchase a portable air compressor to keep in your vehicle. Not only will this allow you to inflate a slight air loss properly, but you’ll have the option of fully inflating a spare should you ever need to install one roadside. 

Delano Chevrolet GMC Will Service Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System Issues

If you continue to have nagging issues with your Tire Pressure Monitoring System, the solution is as easy as scheduling service at Delano Chevrolet GMC. Contact us at 661-709-3205, and don’t forget about our service specials!