Posted on 1/12/2026

Why Is My TPMS Light On? The Real Reasons Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System Activates Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated warning systems that monitor safety in real time. One of the most important—yet widely misunderstood—is the TPMS light, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System alert. Most drivers see the light and assume their tire is “just a bit low.” But TPMS is not a casual reminder—it is a federally mandated safety system that monitors pressure, temperature, and sensor communication to prevent tire failure, handling issues, and braking instability long before you feel a difference behind the wheel. In Oregon—especially in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Gladstone, and the surrounding Portland area—rain, seasonal temperature swings, hillside elevation changes, and long commuting distances frequently cause tire pressure fluctuations that trigger the TPMS light. This in-depth guide explains everythi ... read more