Here's the proper procedure:
1. Inflate your tires: Check the tire pressure in each tire, including the spare, using a reliable tire pressure gauge. The correct pressure is listed on a sticker usually found inside the driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure.
2. Wait: After inflating the tires to the correct pressure, drive the vehicle for a short distance (a mile or two) to allow the TPMS sensors to register the change. The light should turn off automatically.
3. If the light remains on:
* Check the tire pressure again: Make sure you accurately inflated the tires to the correct pressure.
* Check for slow leaks: If the tires seem to be losing air, even slowly, you likely have a leak that needs to be addressed by repairing or replacing the tire.
* Inspect the TPMS sensors: Rarely, a TPMS sensor might be malfunctioning. This requires a mechanic to diagnose and potentially replace the faulty sensor. This is typically more expensive than simply fixing a flat.
* Have the system reset: In some cases, a scan tool can be used to reset the TPMS system. This is best done by a mechanic who can also check for other potential issues.
Do NOT:
* Attempt to manually reset the light without addressing the low tire pressure. This is unsafe and could lead to further damage or accidents. The light is there for a reason.
In short, fix the low pressure, drive a bit, and the light should extinguish. If not, there's a problem that needs professional attention.
