What's that big exclamation point on my Dashboard?

I am seeing a lot of web searches coming in for "dashboard exclamation point", so I decided to update this classic post.

Now that the temperature is dropping, a lot of drivers are noticing a new symbol which might have appeared in their dashboard. It looks something like this...

That huge exclamation point certainly looks scary, But don't worry,  this symbol is actually and alert for your cars Tire Pressure Monitoring System, (TPMS) kicking in.

When is gets colder outside, air contracts and reduces your tires air pressure (PSI) slightly. Usually, the reduction is not enough to be dangerous, but certainly enough to trigger the sensor.

How do you fix this problem? First, don't waste your money going to a mechanic. Go check your tires recommended PSI, (usually inside driver-side door) fill it up, and wait for the sensor to eventually turn itself off when driving. Don't fill it to the max psi rating that's printed on the tire.

'Tis the Season for TPMS

I am seeing a lot of web searches coming in for "dashboard Exclamation point", so I decided to re-post this classic article that i wrote a few years ago on TPMS.

So now that it is starting to get cold here in the Northeast, a lot of motorists are now noticing a new symbol which may have appeared in their dash over the holiday weekend. It looks a little something like this...

[caption id="attachment_17" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="courtesy Safecar.gov"][/caption]

That huge exclamation point makes you feel like your engine is about to explode if you don't go to a shop right now, but relax, this is just your cars Tire Pressure Monitoring System, (or TPMS) kicking in. When is gets colder, air contracts and reduces tire pressure slightly. Usually not enough to be dangerous, but certainly enough to trip the sensor.

How do you fix this problem? Go check your tires recommended PSI, (usually inside driver-side door) fill it up, and wait for the sensor to eventually turn itself off (This could be when you restart your car, or could take a week).

'Tis the Season for TPMS

So now that it is starting to get cold here in the Northeast, a lot of motorists are now noticing a new symbol which may have appeared in their dash over the holday weekened. It looks a little something like this...

[caption id="attachment_17" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="courtesy Safecar.gov"][/caption]

That huge exclamation point makes you feel like your engine is about to explode if you don't go to a shop right now, but relax, this is just your cars Tire Pressure Monitoring System, (or TPMS) kicking in. When is gets colder, air contracts and reduces tire pressure slightly. Usually not enough to be dangerous, but certainly enough to trip the sensor.

How do you fix this problem? Go check your tires recommended PSI,(usually inside driver-side door) fill it up, and wait for the sensor to eventually turn itself off (This could take a week or two).