Tire light

The ever popular tire light.....\
yes this is it. The famous horseshoe. Not sure how better to describe it but a few models use the image to the right illuminating a critical tire in red and a low tire in yellow. The image on the left will illuminate steady on a low tire and flash on a critical tire.

Now this was important for a number of reasons, but basically the systems are sensitive and because of this built in sensitivity the system can cause issues for the operator and make you less concerned when the light is on than you should be. I say this because in my 25 years no area on a vehicle is neglected more than tires. It is almost scary to me when you consider the consequences of a high speed blow out. Been there and done that and I do not recommend it.

So here is the nut shell of how they work. They are set up with a range say on most passenger cars 35 to 40 lbs of pressure is the range and depending on the model the light will come on if the tire drops below 35 or the tire is over inflated (also very dangerous and hard on the tire). Now I will say this, the technology is far from perfect as a matter of fact the only people that hate this light more than you are the service people who field the 60 phone calls a day and see at least 5 or 10 customer a days with the issue of the light.

Just get to know your tires, for real, look at them get down on your hands and knees with a flash light and inspect the inside edge and the outside edge, be aware of the tire pressure where it is and where it should be, if you are not sure the drivers door jam has a sticker in it and the back pages of your owners manual also tell you the pressure. However some dealers may change the rules a bit, colder climates may set pressures slightly higher so the lights do not pop on in zero temp weather. Just ask them if you are not sure. Please though for safety sake.

I cannot tell you the number of times I walk a guest to a vehicle to show them the metal cords hanging out of the inside edge of the tire, it is expensive and life threatening and this is just a handful of people that come in. Who knows about the rest of the population out there roaming around with the air hanging out of their tires. Be careful and above all like I said get to know your tires.

Some quick ideas on tire lights as I started out, look for stores like Costco and dealers like Toyota and Lexus that will offer Nitrogen, sometimes free, sometimes 15 to 40 bucks. Nitrogen is a real benefit, it will remain at a steady pressure saving your tire life and mileage I have experience with the product and endorse it 100%. It is safe and effective way to keep your tires safe, then when the light does come on you can almost be assured you have a leak, a nail, or are loosing air somewhere. The other idea on tire lights is elementary, go online, call the dealer, or break out the owners manual and read the 3 or 4 pages on the tire light system. The more you know the better and safer you will be.

Here are some key points for your info.

• If the temp has dropped below 30 the light may come on, as long as it is not flashing and you do not have a visual flat drive the car for a bit and as the tires heat up the light will go out.
• If the light comes on while driving, no matter what the hassle get out and check the tires, keep a gauge handy and air up if your low. Let me tell you 50 miles on a low tire can ruin the tire, change the alignment and cost you a pretty penny in fuel.
• A flashing light is two things, a tire under 10lbs or a bad sensor get it handled immediately
• Do not ignore the light unless you know the reason it is on, some owners install customer wheels and the light is on cause the sensors were removed, if you know that just be in the habit of checking, otherwise treat this light like an important life saving device, that is what it is.
• Most systems run on sensors (installed in the valve stem) and a radio signal transmits to a receiver in the vehicle. If you are buying a 2004 Lexus SC430 one of the first models with the system, the batteries are 10 plus years old, you will have to replace the sensors eventually because the batteries go bad, do this do not ignore it. I promise the 130.00 sensor is going to save you 1400.00 in tires.

Hardly a fool proof system as a matter of fact it is flawed all over the place, but really when was the last time you checked your tires with a gauge at fill up. Okay then your were already a flawed system, this system just does the work 75% of the time effectively. So you do not have to. Be safe and ride safe and hit me up with any questions.