How to See Your Tire Pressure on Your Dashboard

In most modern cars, you can view live tire pressures by using the steering‑wheel buttons to open the vehicle information or tire-pressure screen in the instrument cluster; if your model supports it, you’ll see each wheel’s PSI after you begin driving for a few minutes. Some vehicles show tire pressures in the infotainment system under Car/Vehicle > Status/Service > Tire Pressure, while others only display a TPMS warning light (no numeric readings), in which case you’ll need an external gauge or app.

Where Tire Pressure Appears Depends on Your TPMS Type

Automakers use two main types of tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). Knowing which you have determines whether you’ll see numbers on the dash or just a warning symbol.

• Direct TPMS: Each wheel has a pressure sensor that transmits live PSI/KPA. Many cars with direct TPMS display individual readings in the instrument cluster and/or infotainment after driving briefly.
• Indirect TPMS: Uses ABS wheel-speed data to infer low pressure. These systems usually show a low-pressure warning light only (no numeric PSI), though some newer models provide an “OK/Not OK” status.

If your car only has indirect TPMS, you won’t find PSI on the dashboard—use a handheld gauge or compatible app, and rely on the warning light to detect underinflation.

Quick, Universal Steps to Check Tire Pressures on the Dash

Most recent vehicles follow a similar process using steering‑wheel controls and on‑screen menus. You may need the car in Run/On mode and to drive a short distance for the readings to populate.

1. Turn the ignition on (engine running is often required) and ensure the cluster or driver display is active.
2. Use steering‑wheel arrows or the “i/info” button to open the main menu.
3. Navigate to Vehicle Info, Truck Info, Vehicle Status, or similar.
4. Select Tire Pressure or TPMS. Wait a minute or drive; readings typically appear after the wheels rotate.
5. Compare values to the door‑jamb placard (driver’s door) for the correct “cold” PSI, not the tire sidewall max.

If you don’t see a tire-pressure entry, your model may not show live PSI. Check the infotainment’s Car/Vehicle menus, your owner’s manual, or the automaker’s app for alternatives.

Brand-by-Brand: Common Menu Paths

Menu names vary by model year and screen type. The examples below reflect common paths on late-model vehicles; your exact wording may differ.

• Ford (incl. F‑150, Explorer): Cluster menu > Truck Info or Vehicle Info > Tire Pressure.
• Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac: Driver Information Center (DIC) > Info pages > Tire Pressure.
• Toyota/Lexus: MID (cluster) > Vehicle Info > Tire Pressure (newer models). Many older/indirect systems show warning light only; Toyota app may display pressures on certain connected trims.
• Honda/Acura: Driver display > Vehicle settings/Info > TPMS > Tire Pressure (select trims). Others show only a warning and offer TPMS calibration, not PSI.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: Cluster > User Settings/Vehicle Info > Tire Pressure (often a dedicated page with all four wheels).
• Volkswagen: Infotainment > Car > Status or Service > Tires. Many VWs use indirect TPMS—numeric PSI may not be available.
• Audi: MMI > Car > Service & checks > Tire pressure; also visible in Virtual Cockpit on some trims after driving.
• BMW/MINI: iDrive > Car/Vehicle status > Tire Pressure (values appear after driving; offers “Initialize/Reset” after setting pressures).
• Mercedes‑Benz: Home/Steering‑wheel controls > Service > Tire pressure (MBUX). Values often populate after a short drive.
• Tesla (Model 3/Y/S/X): Press Controls > Service to see all tire pressures, or swipe the driver “Cards” to Tire Pressure; readings appear after driving a few minutes. The Tesla app may also show PSI once the car is awake and moving.
• Subaru: Info screen/cluster > Vehicle Monitor > Tire Pressure (direct TPMS trims). Some models show only the warning light.
• Nissan/Infiniti: Cluster > Vehicle Info > Tire Pressures. “Easy‑Fill” beep assists when inflating; some trims show live PSI.
• Mazda: Many models use indirect TPMS (no PSI); newer trims with direct sensors may show pressures under Vehicle Status.

If your path differs, search your owner’s manual for “TPMS,” “tire pressure,” or “vehicle status,” or check the automaker’s support site for your model year.

If You Only See the TPMS Warning Light

The standard TPMS icon looks like a horseshoe/U-shaped tire with an exclamation point. When it illuminates solid, at least one tire is significantly low; a flashing light often indicates a sensor fault. Many indirect systems won’t show numbers even when the light is on.

• Measure each tire with a reliable gauge when the tires are cold (parked for 3+ hours, out of sun).
• Inflate to the placard pressure on the driver’s doorjamb (front and rear may differ).
• If required by your car, perform a TPMS reset/initialize in the settings menu after setting pressures.
• If the light flashes or stays on after correction, a sensor may be faulty or not learned; consult a shop.

Even without live PSI on the dash, the warning light is an important safety alert—address it promptly to avoid poor handling, tire wear, or a blowout.

Tips, Caveats, and What To Expect

TPMS can be slow to update and sensitive to temperature. These practical notes can save time and confusion.

• Drive to update: Many cars won’t display PSI until you’ve driven a few minutes at speed.
• Cold vs. hot: Pressures rise about 1 PSI for every 10°F increase; set to placard values when cold.
• Units: You can often switch PSI/kPa/bar in settings (Vehicle/Units menu).
• Reset/initialize: After adjusting pressures or rotating tires, some systems need a TPMS reset/init to relearn baselines.
• Sensor life: Direct TPMS sensor batteries typically last 7–10 years; a flashing TPMS light can mean a dying sensor.
• Spare/sensors: Some cars monitor the spare; aftermarket wheels or missing sensors can trigger faults.
• Apps: Certain brands’ connected apps show tire pressures once the vehicle is awake and has recent data.
• Don’t use the sidewall number: That’s the tire’s max, not your vehicle’s recommended pressure.

Understanding these behaviors helps you trust what you see on the display and maintain the correct pressures year-round.

Troubleshooting When Numbers Don’t Show Up

If your car should display PSI but isn’t, a few checks can resolve it before a service visit.

• Confirm your model actually has direct TPMS with numeric display (owner’s manual/spec sheet).
• Make sure the vehicle is in the correct mode (Ready/On) and drive for several minutes.
• Check instrument-cluster “Info pages” settings—tire pressure may be disabled/hidden.
• Verify sensor IDs are learned after tire service or rotation; perform a TPMS relearn if applicable.
• Look for mixed sensors or missing valve-stem transmitters on aftermarket wheels.
• If a TPMS light flashes for 60–90 seconds then stays on, have the system scanned for sensor/battery faults.

Persistent issues usually trace to sensor batteries, relearn needs, or hidden display settings—problems a tire shop or dealer can quickly diagnose.

Summary

To see tire pressure on your dashboard, use the steering‑wheel controls to open the vehicle information or tire‑pressure screen in the instrument cluster, or check the infotainment’s Car/Vehicle status. Expect readings to appear after driving briefly on cars with direct TPMS; some models only provide a warning light, not numeric PSI. Compare values to your door‑jamb placard, keep pressures set when cold, and reset/initialize TPMS if your vehicle requires it.

What is the air pressure icon on the dashboard?

The air pressure icon on a car’s dashboard is a symbol of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It typically looks like a horseshoe-shaped or flat tire with an exclamation point in the middle, indicating that one or more tires have low air pressure. This warning light should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent safety issues, poor fuel efficiency, and accelerated tire wear by checking and inflating the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to reset the TPMS light: 25sHondaYouTube · May 15, 2019
What the Icon Means

• Low Air Pressure: . Opens in new tabThe light indicates the air pressure in one or more tires is 25% or more below the recommended level, according to AAA and jacosuperiorproducts.com. 
• Temperature Changes: . Opens in new tabA common cause is a drop in temperature, which can lower tire pressure, but the light may turn off as temperatures rise and tires warm up from driving, says Consumer Reports. 
• System Malfunction: . Opens in new tabThe light can also flash or stay on if there’s a problem with the TPMS itself, like a faulty sensor. 

What to Do When the Light Comes On

1. Check Your Tires: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all your tires. 
2. Find Recommended Pressure: The correct tire pressure is listed on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 
3. Inflate Tires: Add air to any tires that are underinflated. 
4. Address a System Problem: If the light comes on again or is accompanied by a flashing pattern, there might be a sensor issue that needs to be checked by a mechanic. 

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It 

• Safety Risk: Improper tire inflation can compromise vehicle handling and increase the risk of a tire blowout, notes Grease Pro.
• Tire Damage: Underinflated tires can wear unevenly and prematurely.
• Poor Fuel Economy: Your car’s engine has to work harder, leading to decreased fuel efficiency.

Where can I find tire pressure info on my car?

How to find the recommended tire pressure. Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door. It’s also usually listed in the owner’s manual, says Cars.com. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

How to tell which tire has low pressure?

To identify a low-pressure tire, check for a visible bulge where the tire meets the road, feel for a noticeably softer tire, or listen for changes in your car’s handling, such as a pull to one side or excessive bouncing. For a definitive answer, use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure against the recommended PSI found on your car’s door jamb. 
Signs of Low Tire Pressure

• Visual Bulge: A significantly deflated tire will appear to bulge or sag where it meets the road, rather than sitting firm and round. 
• Softer Feel: Press your thumbs or hands against the tire sidewall; if you can easily compress it, it’s likely underinflated. 
• Vehicle Handling: An underinflated tire can make the vehicle feel less responsive, cause difficulty in steering, or make the car “pull” to one side. 
• Bouncing: The vehicle may bounce or feel bumpier when driving over a tire with low pressure. 

How to Check and Confirm

1. Use a Tire Pressure Gauge: The most reliable method is to use a tire pressure gauge. 
2. Find Recommended Pressure: Locate the recommended cold tire pressure (PSI) for your vehicle. This information is usually on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual. 
3. Check Each Tire: Take a pressure reading from each tire. 
4. Compare to Recommended Pressure: Inflate or deflate the tire to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. 

Other Warnings

• TPMS Light: . Opens in new tabYour vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will illuminate a warning light on the dashboard to indicate low pressure, though this usually triggers when pressure is significantly low (around 25% below the recommendation). 
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: . Opens in new tabYou may find yourself visiting the gas station more often, as low tire pressure can negatively impact fuel economy. 

Does the car automatically detect the tire pressure or in some time?

As the acronym suggests, TPMS monitors tire pressure, and it does so automatically. Depending on the vehicle, you may even be able to see individual tire pressure readings. If tire pressure drops 25% from the set pressure, depending on the vehicle, a warning light will come on to alert you.