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Your dashboard likely contains an array of amber or red indicator lights, but one in particular can inform you when your tires are at risk of wearing out. Heeding your tire pressure indicator can ensure your car performs optimally, and it might even save your life. Below, you’ll find a guide to pressure management from the auto experts at Bluefield, WV’s Estep Tire & Auto Services, the area’s trusted repair center since 1990.

What Is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System?

tiresThe tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses pressure or wheel speed sensors to keep you aware of your tires’ state. Your car’s on-board computer system calculates the relative speed of rotation for each wheel, and when one wheel is rotating more quickly than the others, the computer determines that the corresponding tire is low. Unlike many of your other dashboard lights, the primary job of the TPMS is to serve as a warning of any change in this pressure before diving conditions become hazardous.

Why Is the TPMS Important?

Your TPMS can alert you to changes in your tire pressure due to a puncture or weather conditions. This helps to prevent accidents caused by underinflation, and for this reason, nearly all vehicles sold in the United States after 2007 include a system to monitor tire pressure. Uneven or low pressure can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance and handling. Overinflation can likewise impact your car’s handling and cause premature wear of your tires over time.

What Should You Do When the Warning Light Illuminates?

If your TPMS warning light comes on, immediately check your tire pressure using a handheld gauge or take it into a gas station or your local auto repair shop. Tire repair, rather than replacement, is often a low-cost option to fix leaks and small punctures. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for a guide on proper inflation and optimal pressure.

Do you have questions about your tires? Estep Tire & Auto Services is a full-service auto repair shop in Bluefield, WV, and with over 28 years in business, they have the answers you need. They even offer a free front alignment check with a print-out. Call (304) 325-9134 or visit their website or Facebook page for more information.

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