If your TPMS light is flashing or your tyre sensors can’t be detected, don’t ignore it — it could lead to an MOT fail or unsafe driving. This guide explains how tyre pressure sensors work, what common TPMS faults mean, and the steps to take to get your system working again. Discover safe replacement options and expert tyre advice from Tyres.co.uk.
Tyre sensors, commonly termed the TPMS of your vehicle, are designed to let you know when the pressure in your tyres has dropped below the required pressure for safe driving.
These sensors are connected with a warning light on the dashboard which, when illuminated as a single solid light, lets you know that one or more of your tyres has dropped in pressure.
Under the TPMS, each tyre has its own sensor. But what happens when the system is faulty, and the sensors cannot be detected?
How Do You Know if Sensors Cannot Be Detected?
The most common sign of a faulty tyre sensor or TPMS is when the warning light starts flashing or stays on even when you know your tyre pressure is fine.
The warning light illuminates as a solid light when one or more tyres has become underinflated. If the light is flashing, then this is a sign that there’s a fault within the system. Similarly, if the light stays on after the tyre pressure has been fixed, then there’s likely some kind of fault in the system.
Why is the TPMS so Important?
Having a fully functioning TPMS system is important for both driver safety and when it comes to passing your annual MOT in the UK.
In 2015, a functioning TPMS system became a vital part of any vehicle’s MOT, with a faulty system resulting in an immediate failure.
This is largely because tyre pressure plays an integral role in the safety of the vehicle, giving drivers a very clear and visual sign that something is wrong with their tyre pressure – before they start to lose control of their steering and braking on the road.
