
You may never notice that horseshoe-shaped light on your dash, that is, until it lights up. The exclamation point in its center is a clear sign you should pay attention to. The light is part of your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and it's alerting you that the pressure is likely too low in one or more of your tires.
If the TPMS light comes on while driving, then as soon as you are able, check the pressure in each of your tires and add air where needed. If a tire is found to be damaged, be sure to have it repaired or replaced. Underinflated tires can create unsafe conditions, as this means too much of your tire is making contact with the road. This undue friction can lead to premature wear on tread edges or even blowouts. Underinflated tires also negatively impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
The TPMS light can also come on if one or more of your tires is overinflated. Overinflation results in decreased traction and early wear-and-tear in the center of your tire treads. For these reasons, it's always important to maintain the correct tire pressure as indicated in your vehicle user's manual.