Driving with damaged or underinflated tires can be extremely dangerous, leading to reduced handling and poor fuel economy. Fortunately, modern vehicles have several safety features, including the svc tire monitor system. But what does it mean? How is it related to your vehicle’s safety and maintenance?
We will walk you through all you need to know, from the causes to how to reset this tire pressure monitor system. Let’s learn more about the matter with our article!
In this article:
Service Tire Monitor System Meaning
The tire pressure monitoring system (or TPMS for short) will engage once your tire is low. Your dashboard’s message center will illuminate or flash an error message alerting you to the low tire situation. Depending on the model, some cars will even display the tire pressure for each tire.
In most cases, when tire pressure is low, your engine tire pressure warning light comes on before going out. A severe issue arises, though, if the tire light remains on. This often indicates that there is a 25% air pressure deficit in the tires. Your tires may be perfectly fine.
Monitors can break or wear out just like any other component. So, your service tire monitoring system may also be damaged.
This monitor system uses sensors to measure the air pressure in your tires. The tire pressure sensors are typically situated inside your tire and connect to the rim. Everything that goes through a traumatic voyage, like this sensor, eventually loses its effectiveness.
Is Service Tire Monitoring System Important?
Yes. It is crucial for various reasons in addition to letting you know that your TPMS needs to be serviced.
Tire pressure may be below ideal levels or dropped to suboptimal levels when the alert is visible. The tires themselves may also be damaged and unable to keep the correct pressure. This can lead to the following issues:
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Reduced vehicle handling capabilities
- Less payload capacity
- Potential blowout or flat tire
Why Your Service Tire Monitor System Light On
When the tire pressure monitor warning light illuminates on the dashboard, it indicates that you are experiencing TPMS-related problems brought on by a few reasons, such as a dead battery, a faulty tire pressure monitor sensor, or a sensor that requires reprogramming.
Battery Problems
The battery powers all in-car electronics and, along with the alternator, keeps all of the vehicle’s accessories running continuously – the TPMS, however, is exempt. This is so that the battery cannot be connected to the TPMS because it is embedded within the rim.
Because of this, a TPMS sensor typically comes with a separate, tiny battery that is not connected to the car’s primary battery at all. The battery inside the housing for the TPMS sensor will ultimately die as well, after 5-6 years, as all tire sensor batteries tend to drain over time.
Flat Tires
The most frequent cause of the TPMS indicator turning on is underinflated tires. These devices are made to detect this because most tires gradually lose the ability to maintain proper tire pressure over time.
Proper inflation and a restart of the vehicle can quickly cure this. The issue is probably not with your tires in case the warning light stays on.
Having a slow puncture may also result in this. When this check engine light illuminates, you need to check your tires for damage.
Bad Sensor
These TPMS tire sensors, as was stated at the outset, are also known to malfunction occasionally since they are always working under stress, particularly when you frequently travel on rough roads. They are more susceptible to increased amounts of vibration, as they are located immediately on the inside of the rim.
This is among the most frequent causes of the tire pressure warning light to illuminate, and it is a straightforward fix that only requires sensor replacement. Experts estimate the lifespan of TPMS sensors to be between 5 and 10 years, depending on your driving habit.
Road Condition
The proximity of these sensors to the road causes them to be rocked continually when driving. As a result of your encounter with bad road conditions, such as aggressive potholes, they occasionally misinterpret the data they are gathering. Such a potential disruption may trick your tires’ tire sensor to falsely believe that they are underinflated.
Typically, restarting the car will fix this problem. Suppose the problem still exists; the tire sensor may have been broken, or your tires may actually be losing air as a result of a direct blow.
How To Fix Service Tire Monitor System
Resetting the tire pressure indicator is the simplest way to fix your car’s service monitor system. There are two ways to reset the system when the sensors occasionally need further assistance.
Driving for 10 minutes at highway speeds is the first step toward resetting tire pressure monitoring systems. The tire pressure warning light is supposed to go off when you start the car again or after your current drive.
If the approach described above is unsuccessful, try to reset the TPMS light using the following steps.
- Step 1: Switch on the ignition without running the engine.
- Step 2: Locate the TPMS button, then press and hold it until your alert flashes/goes away.
- Step 3: Drive for a while, stop, and start the car again. Your monitor system is now fixed!
In the unfortunate events where the above methods don’t work, take your TPMS-equipped vehicle to a reliable repair shop and let the professionals handle the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Service A Tire Monitor System?
The average cost is between 50 and 100 dollars, including labor, to replace your system’s sensors. Notice that the price can vary depending on many factors, such as whether they can change the TPMS sensor without removing the wheel as a whole.
Is It Safe To Drive With Service Tire Monitor System?
Yes. Although driving with a service tire monitor system alert on Chevy or other cars is generally safe, it is crucial to have the problem inspected and fixed as soon as possible. This way, you can rest assured that your car is in good condition and safe to drive.
Can I Shut Off My Tire Monitor System?
Yes. Although you can shut it off if you want, doing so is not advised, and you will need to modify it for your automobile. The simplest way to disable it is to switch pin 2’s red wire to pin 6’s blue wire.
The Bottom Line
What is the Service Tire Pressure System? This automatic device can help monitor the pressure in your tires and notify you when it becomes dangerously low. The tire pressure warning light should immediately go out once your tires are inflated. Suppose it persists for a lengthy period of time; you need to reset the service tire monitor system.
However, notice that the STMS is not a substitute for regular tire maintenance and inspections. To keep your tires in top condition, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, inspect your tires for damage or wear, and have your tires rotated and balanced on a regular basis. With the right care and attention, your tires will provide safe and reliable performance for years to come.
