What Happens If I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light?

October 27, 2022

Tires are crucial to a safe driving experience. Your car has a pressure detector that lets you know when you have low tire pressure. When the warning light appears on the dashboard, you should pay attention to it. You can quickly restore air pressure in the wheels and avoid any adverse repercussions of low tire pressure. Knowing what happens when you ignore the low tire pressure warning light will give you a sense of perspective and encourage you to fix the issue immediately.

Car dashboard with a low tire pressure warning light illuminated.

Tires are crucial to a safe driving experience. Your car has a pressure detector that lets you know when you have low tire pressure. When the warning light appears on the dashboard, you should pay attention to it. You can quickly restore air pressure in the wheels and avoid any adverse repercussions of low tire pressure. Knowing what happens when you ignore the low tire pressure warning light will give you a sense of perspective and encourage you to fix the issue immediately.


Tire Deterioration


Your tires are designed to work optimally at a particular air pressure. At that pressure, the tires can optimally handle the car's weight, including any load it is carrying. When you ignore the low tire pressure warning light, you dramatically increase the wear and tear on your tires.

Tires with low tire pressure have to flex more, and generate more heat. The heat causes the tire to break down and expands the air in the tires to cause a blowout, destroying the tire completely.


Driving


Low tire pressure will negatively affect your driving, increasing your risk of getting into a car accident.

You will get less traction from the tires, which endangers your safety, especially in cold and wet weather conditions. You also will reduce the car's ability to absorb impacts on the road, for example, when you hit potholes.

Low tire pressure will cause your vehicle to consume fuel less efficiently. If you are on a long journey, you may run out of fuel before you get to a fuel station. It also costs you more money due to the increased fuel consumption.


What To Do When The Warning Light Appears


When the low tire pressure warning light comes on, drive for a while to see if the light disappears. Cold weather could cause a drop in air pressure.

If the light persists, you should enter the next service station you see and increase the tire pressure. The low pressure may be symptomatic of a puncture or other tire issues.



Please bring your vehicle to Accomplished Auto if you need tire repair.

By clint January 29, 2026
Court Injunction Halts Repeal of NH Vehicle Inspections — Annual Safety Stickers Still Required in 2026
By clint January 21, 2026
Why a Properly Working Car Heater Is Essential for Comfort, Visibility, and Safety During New Hampshire’s Extreme Winter Cold
By clint January 15, 2026
How Severe Duty Driving Impacts Uber, Lyft & Delivery Vehicles in Concord, NH
By clint January 7, 2026
Understanding modern exhaust sensors, accurate diagnostics, and why proper testing saves you money
By clint January 7, 2026
This is a subtitle for your new post
Person using a wrench to work on a car battery in an engine bay. | Accomplished Automotive
October 31, 2025
Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, explains how battery health plays a major role in reliable cold-weather starting.
Four worn black tires close up, with shallow grooves. | Accomplished Automotive
September 19, 2025
Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, explains how to tell when your tires are worn beyond safe limits and why timely replacement is critical.
September 17, 2025
Looking for the best tires in Concord, NH? Accomplished Auto helps drivers in Concord, Pembroke, Bow, Hopkinton, and nearby towns choose all-season, all-weather, and winter tires for safe driving in New England.
August 29, 2025
Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, explains when it’s time for a fuel injection and ignition system cleaning to restore performance.
August 18, 2025
From Concord to Bow, Hopkinton & Loudon, Accomplished Auto provides serpentine belt inspection & replacement to keep your vehicle running smoothly.