EdupradaTire pressure corresponds to the volume of air present in the car’s tires. For good handling, the pressure should be neither too high nor too low. So, to control it, modern vehicles are equipped with an automatic system called TPMS.
However, in some situations it is necessary to reset the tire pressure so that the TPMS can give the alert if the pressure drops.
When to reset tire pressure?
Having sufficient pressure in your car’s tires is essential for driving comfort and good road holding . Indeed, with tires that are overly or underinflated, the vehicle has difficulty maintaining its trajectory, particularly when cornering. In addition, this can increase the risk of punctures.
In order to monitor the air pressure in the tires in real time, modern cars have a system known as TPMS for Tire Pressure Monitoring System . Using a sensor in each tire, the TPMS calculates the pressure and warns the driver if it drops via the tire pressure indicator on the dashboard.
However, on some occasions it is necessary to reset the TPMS so that it can control the tire pressure based on a new value. Therefore, you must reset the tire pressure when:
- A change of tires ;
- A modification of the reference pressure of the tires : this involves adapting to the conditions of use of the vehicle (traffic on the motorway, empty, with load, etc.);
- A wheel swap : this practice is strongly discouraged.
How to reset TPMS?
The method for resetting tire pressure depends on the make and model of vehicle one owns. However, here are the main steps to reset your car’s TPMS:
- Inflate your tires to the correct pressure : the necessary value is indicated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet or on the technical sheet located at the bottom of the driver’s door;
- Press the reset button : on most cars equipped with a TPMS, there is a button on the steering wheel that allows you to recalibrate the sensors . You must turn on the ignition then press the button for 3 seconds or until the light flashes;
- Drive for 20 minutes : by driving at a constant speed, the TPMS sensors present in the tires can calibrate again.
Good to know: resetting tire pressure can also be done using an electronic TPMS reset tool that plugs into the tire valve .
How much does it cost to reset tire pressure?
Resetting tire pressure is a free procedure (in most cases) that does not require any special tools or resources. In fact, tire inflation can be done free of charge by going to a service station . You can also buy a tire inflator , but this is not the most economical solution.
On the other hand, if you decide to buy a tire pressure reset tool , you have to pay between €60 and €200.
Resetting the tire pressure is essential to allow the TPMS to indicate an abnormal drop in pressure. Thus, the driver will immediately be informed of the lack of pressure via the pressure indicator light which will light up on his dashboard. If, despite the reset, the tire pressure warning light does not come on, this means that the sensors are out of order.