How to Reset Your Tire Pressure Sensor (TPMS) in Under 5 Minutes
Have you ever seen that little yellow tire light come on your dashboard? That is the TPMS showing its best effort to alert you to a possible situation of one or more tires being low on air. Though you can find it handy, at times the light fails to go off after treating your tires. That’s when you reset your TPMS.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
First, What Exactly Is TPMS?
Your TPMS pays attention to tire pressure levels and lets you know when they fall too low. Low tire pressure doesn’t just affect your fuel economy, but also how long your tires last and even how safely your car handles.
Two types of systems:
- Direct TPMS: It tracks air pressure using a sensor in each tire.
- Indirect TPMS: Uses your vehicle’s anti-lock brake system to calculate tire pressure by measuring wheel speed.
No matter the type you have, the resetting process is quite straightforward once you get to know the right procedure.
Step 1: Check Your Tire Pressure
You need to make sure your tires are inflated to the right pressure first.
Here’s how:
- For the suggested tire pressure setting, check the sticker inside your driver’s door or in your owner’s manual — it will be listed there as some PSI.
- Find a tire gauge and check all 4 tires.
- If air is needed, add it; don’t forget the spare if your car has one with a sensor.
If you’re not sure how to do this correctly, check out this detailed guide: How to Check Tire Pressure at Home Like a Pro.
If your tires are all properly set, and you drive for a couple of minutes, the light may turn off on its own. If they do not, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Turn on the Ignition (But Don’t Start the Engine)
Now hop behind the wheel of your car and crank the key to ‘on’. The dash lights will come on, but the engine is off.
This will activate your vehicle’s systems so the TPMS sensor can be reset as you use it.
Step 3: Locate the TPMS Reset Button
On most cars, there is a TPMS reset button located under the dashboard, usually near the driver’s knee or close to the gas pedal (to open up any gap that was created).
If you don’t see it — the location can vary between car models — consult your owner’s manual.
Once you find it:
- Hold the button until blinks three times of TPMS indicator.
- Release the button.
- Start your car and let it run for about 5 minutes so the system can recalibrate.
That’s it — the light should turn off soon after.
Step 4: Drive for a Few Minutes
Sometimes the system needs to “relearn” the tire pressures. The easiest way to help it do that is by taking a short drive.
- Drive at around 50–60 km/h for 5–10 minutes.
- Keep a steady speed if possible.
By the time your drive is over, the TPMS should reset directly, and no longer have you staring at a warning light.
Step 5: If the Light Stays On
If the light does not disappear, don’t panic. Could be one of the following reasons:
- A slow leak in one of your tires.
- A misbehaving sensor isn’t sending signals properly.
- A battery in the sensor died, especially if your car is older.
Try also turning the ignition off, waiting a minute, and starting your car. If that doesn’t seem to do the trick, stop in the next tire shop for a fast exam.
You can also read Flat Tire? Step-by-Step Guide to Fix It Yourself if you suspect a slow leak or puncture.
Bonus Tip: The “Air Out” Trick
Some drivers use this trick when the light refuses to reset:
- Deflate all tires completely, including the spare.
- Refill them to the recommended pressure.
- Turn on your ignition and press the reset button again.
This forces the system to detect fresh readings. But use this method only if the normal reset didn’t work.
How Often Should You Reset TPMS?
- It does not require frequent resets. Normally, the system updates itself every time you inflate your tires.
- You could require a manual reset if:
- You’ve rotated or changed tires.
- You’ve added new tire sensors.
- You’ve driven with low tire pressure for a long time.
If you’re unsure about tire condition, you might find this article helpful: Top 7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tires (Before It’s Too Late!).
A quick reset keeps your system accurate and your car running safely.
Why It’s Important to Fix TPMS Right Away
Driving with incorrect tire pressure can lead to several problems — and not just with your tires.
Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore that warning light:
- Fuel economy drops: Underinflation forces your engine to work harder.
- Tire wear increases: Uneven or low pressure wears tires out faster.
- The handling becomes nervous: Low pressure affects your grip, especially in the rain.
- Mishaps might occur: A skid or tire blowout may result if the traction is not sufficiently reliable.
If you’re wondering about tire changes through the seasons, read When To Change Winter Tires In Calgary or Stay Safe on Calgary Roads: The Importance of Seasonal Tires.
A small reset now can save you a costly repair or worse in the future.
Why Choose Stealth Windshield Repair
At Stealth Windshield Repair in Calgary, we care about your vehicle’s safety — not just your windshield. We understand how the little things, such as a TPMS light staring in your face, can be tedious and even cause concern. That’s also why we’re here to help drivers know their vehicles more fully and better.
Here’s why car owners trust us:
- Experienced professionals who handle every job with care.
- Fast and reliable service for busy drivers.
- TPMS resets and safety checks, among other things, are car maintenance tips that are very easy to understand.
- Prices are low, but quality remains high.
We make sure that your vehicle is always in excellent condition and that your rides are quiet and easy, no matter if it is a windshield, wiper, or warning lights issue.
Final Thoughts
The process of resetting the tire pressure sensor may seem technical, but it does not take much time and effort once you know the right way. It shouldn’t take you more than five minutes, in most cases — inspect your tires, locate the reset button, and drive a little.
If the light doesn’t go away, most likely your car is making a simple request for closer attention — and that’s a job for someone like Stealth Windshield Repair.
Don’t neglect the pressure in your tires, the status of your sensors, or even the rows flashing on your dash — because avoiding accidents will always begin on that rubber-on-pavement level.
For more tire knowledge, check out Tire Measurements Explained: What Those Numbers on Your Tires Mean.