TyreSafe has launched a new campaign to help drivers understand the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and what to do if a light appears on their dashboard.

Many drivers are still unaware of what TPMS is

Although it’s potentially a life-saving feature, many drivers are still unaware of what TPMS is. But the new TyreSafe animation highlights that ignoring warnings is not an option and explains what drivers should do.

Introduced as a mandatory safety feature on all new cars since 2014, TPMS is designed to monitor all the car’s tyre pressures and alert the driver if they fall below the recommended settings. Driving with underinflated tyres not only wastes fuel and increases tyre wear, but also significantly exposes the risk of a ‘blowout’ – a potentially life-threatening event.

Should a driver see the TPMS light come on while driving, they should slow down, drive more cautiously and find a service area or garage where the pressures can be checked as soon as possible.

Some systems will also need to be manually reset once the tyres are correctly reinflated.

The TyreSafe animation also has advice should the light reappear soon after, which may mean a sensor needs replacing or there is a fault with the system. This will need to be sorted either way as a functioning TPMS is a requirement to pass the MOT.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe chair, said: “TPMS is an essential part of modern vehicle safety systems. If tyres aren’t at the right pressure, the vehicle’s handling and braking will be compromised. But our research suggests a significant number of drivers ignore the warning light when it appears and carry-on driving – putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk.

“You need to take action now, to understand what to do if the TPMS warning light does on come whilst driving. Take a few moments to watch our animation so you can act if this happens to you.”

To access the TyreSafe animation on TPMS, click here.