What Does Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Mean?
Ever experienced a flat tire or an underinflated tire? If you have, you must know how difficult it becomes to handle the car afterward. Now, however, you don’t have to worry about an impromptu flat tire.
With tire pressure sensors available in the modern vehicles (such as in Tesla), your car will detect the fault in the tire and alert you timely. You can then take appropriate measures immediately to handle the problem.
Yet, what happens if there is a fault in your Tesla’s all-important tire pressure sensor? Don’t worry; we have got you covered. Read on to learn all about what tire pressure sensors are, what tire pressure sensor fault is, the consequences of ignoring a tire pressure sensor fault, and the steps to take when you see a tire pressure sensor fault.
In addition, you will also learn about the preventative measures for tire pressure sensor fault, and lastly, you will learn about Thetapai and its robust Tesla OEM parts that you will love to have for your Tesla vehicles.
Understanding Tire Pressure Sensors
Before moving on to understand the intricacies of a tire pressure sensor fault, let us first gain an understanding of what a tire pressure sensor is.
What Are Tire Pressure Sensors
So, first of all, what exactly is a tire pressure sensor? Tire pressure sensors are essentially small, battery-powered electronic devices. They are installed in each tire of your Tesla vehicle. In the tire, their main purpose is to continuously monitor the air pressure inside the tires.
Owing to their role, these small sensors are part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), whose purpose is to alert drivers when tire pressure falls below or rises above the recommended levels.
There are two types of tire pressure sensors - direct and indirect.
Direct TPMS
Mounted inside each tire, these tire pressure sensors are named “direct” because they measure the tire’s air pressure directly. After that, through a wireless transmission, they pass on this information to the vehicle’s onboard computer. This computer system then displays the air pressure levels to you on the dashboard.
Indirect TPMS
As its name suggests, this tire pressure sensor does not measure the air pressure directly. Instead, it infers the tire’s air pressure through the wheel speed sensors already present in the car's anti-lock braking system (ABS).
In the case of an underinflated tire, the tire has a smaller diameter and tends to rotate faster than properly inflated tires. The indirect TPMS detects this variation in rotational speed and triggers a warning.
What Does a Tire Pressure Sensor Fault Mean?
Now, then, moving on to our main question: what does a tire pressure sensor fault mean? It means exactly what the words suggest - that there is a fault in the tire pressure sensors in your vehicle’s tires, thus hindering their ability to measure air pressure accurately.
There are some common reasons for a tire pressure sensor fault warning.
1. Sensor Malfunction
All electronic devices tend to malfunction due to internal wear and tear or outside weather conditions. Therefore, it is only natural that the tire pressure sensor would also malfunction due to considerable usage over time, internal components’ failure, or harsh weather conditions.
2. Battery Issues in the Sensor
Like all electronic devices, tire pressure sensors are charged by small batteries; these batteries tend to last for several years. However, once the batteries die out, the transmission of data to the vehicle’s computer is no longer possible, and it ends up giving a fault trigger warning.
3. Tire Damage or Leak
When a tire gets damaged or suffers a leak somewhere, this leads to a rapid loss in air pressure; this is also a situation where a fault warning is given. Tire damage or leak can happen due to a number of reasons, such as a puncture, a faulty valve stem, or sidewall damage.
4. Issues With the Sensor's Connection to the Vehicle’s System
Another situation that calls for a fault warning is when there is an issue with the connection between the tire pressure sensor and the vehicle’s computer system. Wiring problems, software glitches, or interference from other electronic devices are all issues that could lead to this problem.
Consequences of Ignoring a Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
We have discussed the situations when a tire pressure sensor becomes faulty. In all these situations, you, as a driver, will receive a faulty warning. This warning is given in Tesla vehicles through a warning light on the dashboard, which is accompanied by a message or chime.
A tire pressure sensor fault warning is a warning you should never ignore. There will be consequences if you do.
1. Improper Tire Pressure
If you ignore the tire pressure sensor fault, the next time you have an improper tire pressure, you will not be warned about it in time. As a result, you will have diffculty in controlling your vehicle.
The distance required to stop your vehicle, particularly in wet or slippery conditions, will increase. Lastly, the tire will wear unevenly due to improper tire pressure, thus reducing its lifespan.
2. Vehicle Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The performance of your vehicle will be immensely impacted because you will suffer a sluggish acceleration due to an underinflated tire.
Secondly, the fuel efficiency will be lowered due to an increase in rolling resistance - which essentially means that the engine will have to work harder to move the vehicle.
3. Increased Risk of Tire Blowouts
Driving with underinflated tires increases the risk of tire blowouts, especially at high speeds. Blowouts usually occur when underinflated tires overheat and fail. These reasons, thus, lead to hazardous accidents, putting your and others’ safety at risk.
Steps to Take When You See a Tire Pressure Sensor Fault
Now that you have understood the severe consequences of ignoring a tire pressure sensor fault, we will discuss ways to deal with it so as to prevent any severe consequences.
1. Immediate Actions to Take When the Warning Light Comes On
When you detect a tire pressure sensor fault in your Tesla, the first and foremost thing to do is to pull over and stop your vehicle. Driving in that state is extremely dangerous, so don’t do it.
Next, you need to carefully inspect all your tires for any visible sign of damage, including potential punctures or deflation.
2. Checking Tire Pressure Manually
Then, you need to manually check your vehicle’s air pressure. In order to do so, you need to first use a tire pressure guage to determine each of the tire’s current air pressure.
Next, you need to compare it with the standard levels of air pressure provided in your vehicle’s manual or the sticker on the vehicle’s side door. Lastly, you need to adjust the air pressure using an air compressor (in case it’s lower) or by releasing air (in case it’s higher).
3. Professional Diagnosis and Repair
While you can deal immediately with the issue when the warning light comes up, it is, nevertheless, recommended to consult a professional for a through diagnosis and repair. After all, you cannot do what they can do.
Professionals will be able to identify whether the issue is with the sensor, its battery, or the connection to the vehicle’s system. Then, they can replace the Tesla performance parts such as faulty sensors, repair wiring issues, or reset the TPMS system as needed.
Preventing Tire Pressure Sensor Faults
It is crucial to take preventative measures for tire pressure sensor faults.
1. Regular Maintenance Tips
In order to regularly maintain your tire pressure sensor, you need to consistently check your Tesla’s tire pressure once a month, and especially before a long trip. While you do so, also check for any potential signs of wear or punctures that could lead to improper tire pressure, and seek replacement Tesla parts if need be.
Don’t forget about your sensor batteries as well. Be mindful of their lifespan and replace them when the time comes.
These periodic tire inspections, both by you and a professional, are significant in identifying issues early and taking preventative measures for your safety while driving.
2. Quality Accessories
While regular checks are necessary, having quality accessories for your Tesla is just as imperative. They not only enhance performance but also protect the sensors, reducing their chances of becoming faulty.
Quality Tesla Accessories at Thetapai
When talking about superb accessories for your Tesla, there is no better place to turn to than Thetapai because it offers everything you would need for your Tesla’s top performance.
In Thetapai, you will find a range of Tesla OEM parts, including Tesla Model Y parts, Tesla Model X parts, Tesla Model 3 parts, and Tesla Model S Sunshade. Tesla S parts, X parts, and Y parts includes requisite components such as side mirrors, headlights, and tail lights.
The Tesla Console Organizer for Model X and Model S is one of the top-notch Tesla performance parts. This Tesla organizer is easy to install and provides additional storage space in your vehicle to keep things organized.
There are also Tesla Model S Door Handle Paddle Door Panel Clips - they are not only high-quality and durable but can also be seamlessly integrated into your Model S. You will even find Tesla parts for sale on Thetapai, making them more cost-effective.
You will never regret Tesla performance parts or replacement Tesla parts from Thetapai because it offers nothing but superior quality and seamless integration into your existing Tesla. What else do you need?
Conclusion
In conclusion, you must have now understood what the tire pressure sensors are and what the tire pressure sensor fault implies. You must also know by now why taking immediate action upon sighting a fault warning is important.
After all, ignoring a fault warning will result in improper tire pressure, which will in turn, poorly affect vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and lead to tire blowout. Thus, you should deal with it immediately and have it checked by a professional as well.
Other than this, you need to ensure that you have quality Tesla performance parts for your Tesla. Thus, buying replacement Tesla parts from Thetapai is an ideal option because it provides Tesla OEM parts.
Don’t waste time; check out Thetapai’s website for more information and to purchase quality Tesla accessories for your Tesla.