This tool provides general guidance — not professional mechanical advice. Always have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle before making any repair decisions.
#1 Most Likely
Tire pressure warning light
Typical Cost
$0 – $200
Tire inflation: free at most gas stations. Tire plug or patch for a slow leak typically costs $15–$30. TPMS sensor replacement typically costs $50–$200 per sensor. NEEDS_SOURCE — verify against published repair data. Urgency reflects worst-case cause (blowout at highway speed from severely underinflated tire). Prices vary by vehicle make and region.
- One or more tires significantly underinflated
- Slow leak from a nail or screw in the tire tread
- Temperature drop causing tire pressure to fall below the warning threshold
- Failed or low-battery TPMS sensor giving a false warning
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light indicates one or more tires may be significantly low on air. Low tire pressure increases the risk of a blowout, causes increased wear on tire edges, and reduces fuel economy. In the worst case, a severely underinflated tire can fail suddenly at highway speed. Check tire pressures and inflate to the recommended PSI (found on the driver door jamb sticker) as soon as possible.
What a mechanic will check
A mechanic will likely check all four tire pressures plus the spare, inspect tires for embedded nails or slow leak damage, and verify TPMS sensor operation. If the light remains after inflation, a TPMS sensor may have failed or require re-learning after tire rotation.
What to say to your mechanic
“My tire pressure warning light came on. Can you check all four tire pressures and inspect the tires for any signs of a slow leak or damage? I also want to know if a sensor may need replacement.”
Script based on industry repair procedures