Air Today, Gone Tomorrow? Let’s Fix That!

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) serves as an early warning system for deflated or flat tires. Flat tires aren't the only thing you must worry about while driving. An under-inflated tire can also be a serious hazard on the road, and it'll hinder effective vehicle handling. The TPMS sensor is there to give you a tire pressure alert so you know when to bring your vehicle to Firebird Tire for an inspection. 

Car dashboard digital instrument cluster showing 0 speed and warning icons on a dark display

What Is the TPMS System

TPMS warning lights were implemented after a spate of accidents caused by under-inflated tires. Before that, drivers had to keep track of their tire pressure levels manually. The main TPMS benefit is, therefore, a modern, automated system that informs people when their tires need attention.


Most people recognize the TPMS via the warning light on the dashboard. It‘s a yellow light that usually comes with a dashboard image indicating what the problem might be. But as easy and effective as this system is, it needs a working internal computer to make the right measurements, and that means it‘s subject to the usual vehicle TPMS maintenance requirements. At Firebird Tire, we make a point of keeping your TPMS system in great shape. 


The Inner Workings of the TPMS 

Manufacturers install the tire pressure sensor inside the tires. Mechanical or electronic sensors read the tire's pressure levels and alert you if anything is amiss.


If the system is electronic, it'll send a wireless signal to the vehicle's onboard computer, letting it know the current pressure level, and the computer will send a warning signal to the driver. If the system is mechanical, it uses a built-in switch mechanism to send a warning signal to the computer. 


The TPMS sensors reset themselves whenever the driver inflates the tires, but they can become less accurate over time. Your tire pressure gauge might even lose its TPMS accuracy after you rotate or replace your wheels. That's why Firebird Tire always tests the accurate functioning of your TPMS system as part of our routine TPMS service checks.


There are two main kinds of TPMS sensors, and each has different functions: 

  • Direct TPMS Sensors:  They're installed within the tires to measure internal air pressure and transmit real-time data to your computer.
  • Indirect TPMS Sensors:  They're connected to the vehicle's ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) to measure tire pressure based on differences in how tires rotate. These are often not as accurate as direct TPMS sensors, but they're still a highly reliable indicator for knowing when TPMS repair is needed.


Vehicles can have both sensor types installed. 


How to Know Your TPMS Is Faulty

Tire pressure monitoring systems can degrade with time, like any other car components. To keep them operating at peak efficiency, bring your vehicle in for regularly scheduled TPMS maintenance at Firebird Tire's vehicle shop. 


Our technicians can help you identify and isolate TPMS problems before they escalate into something more serious. Knowing the signs of potential TPMS failure can help you decide when to see us. 


  • Dashboard Warning Lights:  TPMS technology will send a signal to your dashboard to let you know when tire pressure needs attention. If the TPMS malfunctions, you'll receive a separate warning light on the dashboard.
  • Wrong Pressure Readings: It's a good idea to conduct a manual tire pressure reading every now and then to verify your TPMS functions properly. When you bring your vehicle to Firebird Tire, we do that for you.
  • No Tire Pressure Reading At All:  When you don't receive a tire pressure alert, it's a sign of a bad signal between your TPMS and the vehicle's onboard computer system. This can also indicate other problems with your tire pressure monitoring tools, such as electrical ones, so it's important to inspect your vehicle regularly.
  • Permanent Warning Lights:  The TPMS issues a warning light after detecting a deflated tire. If that doesn't happen, it's a clear sign of a bad sensor, so system inspection is paramount.


Intermittent Warning Lights: Irregularly blinking lights can indicate an error with the computer or the signal from your TPMS. At Firebird Tire, we inspect vehicles thoroughly to determine and eliminate the root cause of this issue.


Trust Firebird Tire to Keep Your TPMS Pumping!

Firebird Tire has been proudly offering superior vehicle maintenance and repair services since 1986. From TPMS installation, TPMS replacement, and TPMS resets, our expert team is ready to keep your vehicle safe and secure. We even check your TPMS battery status to make sure it's still up and running. 


Call us at (623) 582-9212 or come see us at 22444 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027 today to have your TPMS inspected and repaired.