Is it okay to drive with the TPMS light on?

Generally, you can drive a short distance at reduced speed to a safe location to check and inflate your tires if the TPMS light is on and the car feels normal, but you should not continue driving for long or at highway speeds. If the steering pulls, you hear thumping, the light flashes, or a tire reads far below its recommended pressure, stop as soon as it’s safe—continuing can lead to a blowout or wheel damage.

What the TPMS warning light actually means

Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts you when one or more tires are significantly underinflated—typically around 25% below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire pressure (the value on the driver’s door placard, not the tire’s sidewall). Underinflation increases heat buildup, lengthens stopping distances, hurts fuel economy, and can cause tire failure.

Solid vs. flashing TPMS light

A solid TPMS light generally means low tire pressure has been detected. A light that flashes for 60–90 seconds at startup and then stays on often indicates a TPMS fault (dead sensor battery, sensor damage, or system issue). Some cars display individual tire pressures; others show only a warning symbol. If you see a TPMS fault, check pressures manually and schedule service, because the system may not warn you of future low pressure.

How safe is it to keep driving?

If the light is steady, the car tracks normally, and you’re near a service station, it’s usually reasonable to proceed cautiously for a short distance to add air. However, if a tire is severely low, a nail or cut is visible, or the vehicle feels unstable, stop immediately and address it before driving further.

Common reasons the TPMS light turns on

Understanding why the TPMS light activates can help you decide how urgently to act and what to check first.

• Normal pressure loss over time (1–2 psi per month)
• Temperature drop (about 1 psi for every 10°F decrease, often triggering lights on cold mornings)
• Puncture or bead leak causing a slow or rapid loss
• Recent tire service with pressures set too low (or a missed tire)
• Cracked valve stem, loose valve core, or corrosion
• TPMS sensor fault or dead sensor battery (often signaled by a flashing light at startup)

In many cases, a quick top-off restores proper pressure; in others—especially punctures or hardware issues—you’ll need repair or replacement to keep the light off and drive safely.

Immediate steps when the TPMS light comes on

A few checks can quickly determine whether you can continue carefully or need to stop right away.

1. Reduce speed and minimize steering/braking inputs; find a safe place to pull over.
2. Visually inspect all tires for obvious damage, severe squatting, or objects embedded in the tread.
3. Use a reliable gauge to check each tire “cold” pressure against the door placard. If your car shows live PSI, confirm with a handheld gauge if possible.
4. Inflate any low tire(s) to the placard pressure (psi/bar/kPa). Do not use the sidewall “max” pressure.
5. If a tire is very low (e.g., near flat), listen for hissing. If leaking, install a spare or arrange a tow; avoid driving on a flat, which can destroy the tire and rim.
6. Drive 10–20 minutes at moderate speed; many systems auto-clear once all tires are at spec. If your car requires a manual TPMS reset or calibration, follow the owner’s manual.

If the light stays on after pressures are corrected, you may have a hidden leak or a sensor/system fault—schedule inspection to restore full TPMS protection.

Red flags that mean you should not keep driving

Some symptoms point to immediate risk and warrant stopping as soon as it’s safe.

• Noticeable pull to one side, wobble, thumping, or vibration
• A tire that looks visibly low or reads far below spec (e.g., <20 psi for many passenger cars) or won’t hold air
• Heat or burning-rubber smell from a wheel area
• TPMS light triggered alongside stability/ABS alerts after striking debris or a pothole
• Run-flat tire detected as “zero pressure” (still driveable briefly, but only within the tire’s limits)

Driving on a significantly underinflated or damaged tire can quickly escalate to a blowout, loss of control, and costly wheel or suspension damage; stopping is the safer and cheaper option.

How to set the correct tire pressure

Setting the right pressure is simple, but there are a few best practices that improve accuracy and safety.

• Find the recommended cold pressure on the driver’s door jamb sticker (front and rear may differ).
• Measure when tires are cold—before driving more than a couple of miles or after the car sits for 3+ hours.
• Use a quality gauge; gas-station gauges can be inaccurate.
• Inflate to the placard value, not the sidewall “max.”
• Recheck after a short drive; temperature changes can normalize pressure.
• If your vehicle uses an “indirect” TPMS (ABS-based), recalibrate after setting pressures as the manual describes.

Once all tires are properly inflated and the system is reset or has relearned, the warning should clear; continued alerts typically indicate a leak or sensor issue.

Special cases and nuances

Cold-weather mornings

On chilly days, you might see the TPMS light at startup that disappears after driving as the tires warm up. Add air to meet the placard pressure at the current temperature—don’t rely on heat to “fix” a low tire.

Run-flat tires

Run-flats can be driven for a limited distance (often up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph) with zero pressure, but they still require prompt repair or replacement. Check your tire’s specific limits.

Spare tires and TPMS

Temporary spares typically require 60 psi and may not have sensors; installing one can keep the TPMS light on until the original wheel returns. Some full-size spares do include sensors.

Sealants and plugs

Emergency sealants can clog TPMS sensors; use a TPMS-safe product if you must, and inform the shop. A professional plug-patch from inside the tire is the durable repair for most tread punctures.

Sensor batteries and faults

TPMS sensor batteries usually last 5–10 years. A flashing light at startup often signals a dying sensor or system fault; pressures might still be fine, but the warning function may be compromised—have it serviced.

Legal and safety considerations

TPMS is mandatory on new light vehicles in the U.S. (model year 2007+) and the EU (new passenger cars since 2014). While it’s generally legal to drive with the light on, knowingly operating with unsafe tires can expose you to citations or liability after a crash. Treat the light as a prompt for immediate checks, not an optional reminder.

Prevention and good habits

Simple routines can minimize TPMS warnings and extend tire life.

• Check tire pressures monthly and before long trips, including the spare.
• Adjust for seasonal temperature swings; expect pressure to drop in fall and winter.
• Inspect tires for uneven wear, embedded objects, and sidewall damage.
• Rotate on schedule and align if you notice uneven wear or pulling.
• Replace valve caps and damaged valve stems; keep a portable inflator in the car.

Proactive care keeps pressures in the safe zone, reduces surprise warnings, and improves safety, fuel economy, and tire longevity.

Bottom line

You can usually continue briefly at reduced speed to reach air or a safe stopping place when the TPMS light comes on and the car feels normal—but you should not ignore the warning. Verify and correct pressures immediately, and stop driving if you detect a severe drop, handling changes, noise, heat, or visible damage. Restore the system’s full function by fixing leaks and sensor faults so it can protect you the next time.

Can I still drive if my TPMS sensor is bad?

You can drive with a bad TPMS sensor, but it is not recommended because you will not be alerted to dangerously low tire pressure, which can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, decreased handling, and potentially a dangerous blowout or other tire failure. It’s best to check your tire pressure manually and get the sensor replaced by a professional as soon as possible to ensure your safety. 
Risks of Driving with a Bad TPMS Sensor

• Tire Damage: Without the warning, you might not notice a slow leak or sudden deflation, which could lead to significant damage to the tire and wheel assembly. 
• Reduced Safety: A properly functioning TPMS is a safety device that helps maintain proper tire inflation, which is crucial for safe handling, steering, and braking. 
• Poor Performance: Underinflated tires can cause your vehicle to handle poorly, decrease fuel efficiency, and lead to faster and uneven tire wear. 

What to Do When You Have a Bad TPMS Sensor

1. 1. Check Tire Pressure Manually: Since the sensor isn’t working, manually check the pressure of all your tires (and your spare, if it has a sensor) when they are cold. 
2. 2. Inflate to Recommended PSI: If the pressures are low, inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level. 
3. 3. Seek Professional Help: Schedule an appointment with a tire service professional to have the faulty sensor diagnosed and replaced. 
4. 4. Consider Vehicle Inspection: Be aware that a non-functional TPMS can cause a vehicle to fail inspection in some areas. 

Is it safe to drive a car with the TPMS light on?

Driving with the Light On: If the tire pressure is confirmed to be fine, you can drive with the light on temporarily. However, it’s advisable to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure safety.

How long can I drive with the TPMS light on?

You can drive a short distance, generally less than 50 miles and at speeds below 50 mph, to a gas station or mechanic to address low tire pressure indicated by the TPMS light. However, this is only for mild pressure loss; if the tire appears visually deflated or if the TPMS light is flashing (signaling a sensor issue), you should pull over and stop in a safe place as soon as possible. Driving too long with low tire pressure is unsafe, reduces fuel efficiency, and causes uneven tire wear, potentially leading to tire failure. 
What to do when the TPMS light comes on:

1. Check your tires visually: Look for any obvious bulges or a completely flat tire. 
2. Get a tire pressure gauge: Use a reliable gauge to check the pressure in each tire. 
3. Inflate tires to the correct pressure: Find the recommended pressure on the sticker in your driver’s side doorjamb. 
4. Drive for a short distance: If you have mild pressure loss, drive cautiously to the nearest place to add air. 
5. Stop if the light stays on or flashes: A flashing light usually means a faulty sensor, and a light that stays on after adding air means the pressure is still too low. 

Risks of driving with a TPMS light on:

• Compromised handling: Underinflated tires can negatively affect your vehicle’s handling and stability. 
• Increased fuel consumption: Tires with improper inflation require more effort to roll, which leads to reduced fuel efficiency. 
• Accelerated tire wear: Driving on low-pressure tires can cause them to wear unevenly. 
• Tire failure: Excessive flexing and heat can break down the internal structure of a tire, leading to a blow-out. 

Is TPMS light urgent?

If your TPMS has indicated low tire pressure, your vehicle is not considered safe to drive. We recommend pulling over and checking your tire pressure as soon as you’re able. And if you aren’t able to do so right away, then try to find a safe place to stop as soon as possible.