An essential feature of modern vehicles designed to help you monitor the condition of your tires is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). While this system is very effective in alerting you when there is a problem, occasionally, you may need to calibrate the TPMS to ensure it is reading tire pressure correctly. In this guide, we’ll explain the importance of calibrating your TPMS, why it’s necessary, and provide a simple, step-by-step solution for performing this task.
Why Calibrate Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ?
🛠️ Ensuring accuracy of tire pressure readings
Your vehicle’s TPMS relies on sensors in each tire to monitor and report tire pressure. However, these sensors can sometimes become inaccurate over time due to changes in tire pressure or after certain maintenance tasks such as rotating your tires or replacing tires. Calibration ensures that the system reads the correct tire pressure and alerts you only when necessary.
A calibrated TPMS guarantees that the system does not give false warnings, helping you avoid unnecessary stops at service stations or, worse, driving with under-inflated or over-inflated tires.
🚗 Improving safety and fuel efficiency
Incorrect tire pressure can cause uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling, all of which can increase your risk of an accident. By making sure your TPMS system is calibrated, you can keep your tires in optimal condition. This, in turn, improves vehicle safety and helps you maximize fuel economy by ensuring your tires are always inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
How to Calibrate Your TPMS: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for calibrating your TPMS varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, the general procedure is relatively simple and can often be done at home without the need for professional assistance. Below, we have provided a simple step-by-step guide to calibrate your system:
Step 1: Check the tire pressure
Before you start calibrating the TPMS, it’s essential to check your tire pressure to make sure it’s at the recommended level. The correct pressure for your tires is usually listed on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb or on a sticker in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Use a digital tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each tire.
Make sure the pressure is in line with the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for each tire. Inflate or deflate as needed.
Double check that all tires are at the correct pressure before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Turn on the ignition
In most cases, your vehicle needs to be in the “ON” position, but the engine should be off during the calibration process. To do this:
Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position (where the dashboard lights up).
Make sure the vehicle is in park and the brakes are engaged.
If your vehicle uses push-button start, press the start button without pressing the brake to start the vehicle without starting the engine.
Step 3: Locate the TPMS reset button (if applicable)
Many vehicles are equipped with a TPMS reset button, often located under the steering wheel or near the dashboard on the driver’s side.
This button is essential for manually calibrating the system.
Look for the TPMS reset button (it may be labeled with a tire symbol or “SET”).
Once you find it, press and hold the reset button for about 3 seconds. The TPMS light on your dashboard should come on and then stay on.
If you don’t see a button, don’t worry. Some newer cars automatically calibrate the system when the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
Step 4: Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes
After pressing the reset button, most vehicles require you to drive a short distance to complete the calibration process.
Driving at 35 mph or higher for about 10 to 15 minutes allows the system to detect the correct tire pressure and update the sensor reading.
Take the vehicle for a test drive on a flat, safe road.
If the calibration is successful you may notice the TPMS light on your dashboard blink for a few minutes before turning off.
Step 5: Verify that the TPMS light is off
After driving the vehicle for the recommended time, the TPMS light should automatically turn off. If the light stays on, or if it starts flashing, this indicates a problem with the calibration and you may need to try the process again or consult a professional.
If the light stays on, check the tire pressure again and repeat the calibration process.
If the problem persists, consult your vehicle’s manual or go to a professional to reset or replace the faulty sensor.
Solve common problems with TPMS calibration
While calibrating the TPMS is usually a simple task, there are times when you may encounter problems that require more attention. However, there may be some common problems:
🛠️ Faulty TPMS sensor
Over time, the TPMS sensors inside your tires can become worn or damaged. If this occurs, the system may be unable to report accurate pressure readings even after calibration. In this case, you need to replace the faulty sensors.
Warning sign: If you see the TPMS light stay on after calibration, this is a good indicator that one or more of the sensors may be faulty.
Solution: Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic or tire shop to have the sensors checked and replaced if necessary.
🔋 Dead battery in TPMS sensor
TPMS sensors run on batteries and these batteries can wear out over time. If your car’s TPMS sensor isn’t working properly, it could be because the battery inside the sensor is dead.
Warning signs: The TPMS warning light may come on or off even if your tires are properly inflated.
Solution: If the sensor’s battery is dead, the sensor must be replaced. This is usually the job of a tire shop or mechanic.
🚗 Incorrect tire pressure
Sometimes, the problem may not be with the TPMS but with the tire pressure. An underinflated or overinflated tire can cause the system to read incorrect values.
Warning signs: The TPMS light may flash, indicating that there is a significant discrepancy in tire pressure.
Solution: Double check the tire pressure, making sure it matches the recommended level given in the owner’s manual. Correct any discrepancies and reorder the system if necessary.
When to seek professional help for your TPMS calibration
If you’ve followed our steps above and the system still isn’t working properly, it may be time to seek professional help. There are several situations where you should consult a professional:
Persistent TPMS Light: If the TPMS light remains on despite proper calibration, it may indicate a serious problem with the system that requires a professional diagnostic tool.
Sensor Malfunction: If you suspect that one or more of your TPMS sensors are broken, a mechanic can help you replace the sensors or reprogram them using special tools.
TPMS System Malfunction: If the system malfunctions and you’re not sure how to fix it, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Calibrating your TPMS is a simple but essential task to maintain the health of your tires and the safety of your vehicle. By regularly checking your tire pressure, performing a calibration if necessary, and troubleshooting any potential problems with the system, you can ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and safely.
Remember that while TPMS systems are designed to help you stay on top of tire maintenance, it’s important to always manually check your tire pressure and perform any necessary calibrations to avoid any surprises down the road.