What Does TPMS Mean?

You might have heard of a TPMS, but you might not be familiar with its function. TPMS stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System”, and it uses sensors to monitor the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires. If the system detects that one or more of your tires have low air pressure levels, then the TPMS light will flash on your dashboard. To make sure you know the basics about this important feature, Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service has put together a handy guide detailing this component and its functions.

After reviewing our guide, trust the service center at our dealership to handle all of your service needs and requests near Minneapolis!

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Symbol

Your TPMS system alerts you when the air pressure levels in your tires are too low, and when that happens, you’ll see the warning system on your dashboard as you drive around St. Paul. The symbol should look like a flat tire with an exclamation mark in its center. Sometimes, it can also look like the letters “TPMS”. Whatever the symbol looks like on your dashboard, it should appear in yellow colors.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Benefits

Why is it important to know your tires’ air pressure levels? Keeping proper air pressure levels in your tires can provide benefits you might not have even thought of, including:

• Increased traction
• Better load-carrying capability
• Less tread movement and longer tire lifespan
• Less rolling resistance and better vehicle efficiency
• Prevents flat tires or blowouts
• Better fuel economy
• Less likelihood of hydroplaning

How to Check Tire Pressure

If you see that your tire pressure levels are low, here’s how to easily check your tire’s air pressure levels:

1. Make sure your car is parked on a flat, level ground.
2. See which tire your TPMS is indicating needs attention.
3. Turn your car off, and check the tire that has irregular air pressure levels.
4. Twist off the tire cap, and push your tire gauge into the cap until the white end of the gauge pops out. This should read how much air pressure your tire has. If you don’t have a tire gauge, they’re inexpensive, and you can get one from our parts store.
5. Insert an air hose into the open cap of your tire, and pull it out to recheck the air pressure levels with your tire gauge.
6. Repeat this process until your tire levels are at the recommended level.
7. If you don’t know your tire’s recommended psi (pounds per square inch) levels, check the sticker under your driver’s side door, or check your owner’s manual.
8. Once the tire’s air pressure levels are where they should be, screw the top of the tire cap back on.

Keep in mind that if your tire has higher air pressure levels than recommended, your TPMS will alert you. If your tire has a high level of air pressure, twist off the cap, and use a small pen or something thin to push down on the open cap and release some of the air pressure. Check the pressure with your tire gauge until the psi levels are back to normal.

Places to Fill Up Your Tires

If you need to fill your tires up with air, here are some options for you:

• Gas stations with an air pump station
• Service center, like the one at Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service
• Bike jumps

There are plenty of places around Edina to fill up your tires with air. For all of your tire service needs, rely on the service team here at Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service, or visit our website for more service tips!

Schedule Tire Service in Richfield!

For more questions about your tire pressure monitoring system, contact Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service or visit our website. We have plenty of service specials to help you save more every time you bring your vehicle to us!