Tire pressure monitors are the latest in auto technology that alerts drivers to low tire pressure. The system is one of the most important features on your vehicle, but how long does it take for a TPMS to relearn if you have recently added air? Let’s find out in this article.
What is TPMS, and how does it work?
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) is an automobile safety system that uses pressure sensors installed in each tire to monitor the air pressure in the tires
When low tire pressure conditions are detected, this system illuminates a warning light on your vehicle’s instrument panel, indicating that you need to add air to your tires. The system also triggers a warning sound if the driver happens to have his or her audio system turned on.
How long does TPMS take to relearn after a tire has been replaced or rotated?
A tire sensor is able to calibrate itself automatically as soon as it detects an inflation pressure that is equal to the standard tire pressure. As long as the replacement tire is inflated to the correct pressure, you can drive on it without having to wait for the TPMS light to go out. Note that TPMS relearns normally done within 20-30 minutes but can last up to longer if the tires are severely over or underinflated.
Why should you care about the time it takes for TPMS to relearn?
For vehicles that are equipped with multiple sensors, it is necessary for the sensors to be calibrated with each other. Note that this is normally done when the vehicle is first put into service and then updated periodically as changes are made to the tires, wheels, or suspension system components.
What can you do if your car’s TPMS light stays on after replacing the tires?
A faulty sensor could be stuck in the on position due to a fault in its electronics, or it may have failed mechanically. TPMS valves may also fail if they cannot bring the tire pressure back up to normal.
If you are certain that your tire pressure was correctly set after replacing/rotating the tires, then you should take your car to one of our authorized dealers for them to look at. Keep in mind that TPMS relearn is done automatically, so even if the light stays on for a long time, it doesn’t mean that TPMS has failed.
Your car’s sensor lights are blinking: what does this mean, and what should you do?
In this situation, first, make sure you have correctly installed your new or rotated tires. If you have confirmed that your tire pressure was indeed correctly set, then your TPMS system is likely already in the relearning phase. You can find out by checking to see if the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated on your dashboard. If it does, soon after this, you should also notice that the sensor lights are blinking. This is perfectly normal and expected during the relearning process.
If the TPMS light stays on even after you have made sure all your tire pressures were correctly set, then it is likely that air is trapped in one of the sensors. One quick way to solve the problem is to use the TPMS relearn procedure that’s built-in in your vehicle. To do this, simply switch on your ignition and turn your steering wheel towards the “LEFT-LOCK” position (“RIGHT -LOCK” with RHD vehicles) ten times within 10 seconds. A small pop or click will indicate that you have successfully entered the relearn procedure. Wait for the TPMS sensor lights on the dashboard to stop blinking before you switch off your ignition.
How can I tell if my TPMS sensors are working properly?
If they aren’t, then the light will remain on, and you should have your vehicle checked out by one of our authorized dealers as soon as possible.
Note: The pressure sensors installed in your tires do not require regular maintenance. Keep them properly inflated, and your vehicle will be fine. If you aren’t sure about the tire pressure levels, make it a priority to check them as soon as possible. Keep TPMS service tools handy with you.
Your TPMS will take a few minutes to relearn your driving habits. It’s important that you do not drive outside of the boundaries set by the system, as this may cause errors in your readings and lead to an expensive repair bill. We recommend taking it easy for at least 5-10 miles after installing new tires or resetting the sensors on your TPMS. We hope you found this article informative!