Will Tire Pressure Light Being ON Fail the Smog Test? (2023)

FAQs

Can I pass smog with a check tire pressure light on? ›

Answer: The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System) will not cause a smog check failure. The TPMS light can be ON and a vehicle pass the smog inspection.

Neither the tire pressure light nor the broken speedometer/odometer will cause your vehicle to fail the smog inspection.

Yes. TPMS needs to be functioning properly in order to pass inspection.

Natural Air Loss and Cold Weather

This means that if it's a very cold morning (say 40-50 degrees below the day's normal temperature), your low tire pressure warning light could be a false-positive…as the temperature increases, your tire pressure will return to normal.

Check engine lights are common reasons for failed smog checks and will require 100-200 miles of driving following the check in order to pass. Muffler issues can also be a common reason for a failed inspection and may require more intensive financial care from the vehicle owner.

As discussed, on paved roads under ideal conditions, you should not drive farther than 50 miles or longer than one hour when your tires have low pressure.

If your tire-pressure warning light comes on, don't ignore it; you could be getting a flat. Low pressure could result from a leak or simply from the tendency of a tire to lose about a pound of air pressure every month, as well as a pound for every 10-degree drop in temperature.

If the light is illuminated, it means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire failure. It's important to understand the importance of proper tire inflation, and how TPMS can help you avoid a dangerous situation.

You should only attempt to reset the light after first addressing the tire pressure in every tire. Once your tires are at the appropriate pressure, the light may go off on its own. If it doesn't go off right away, driving at 50 mph for about 10 minutes should help the tire pressure sensor reset.

Yes, there is a sophisticated yet non-invasive method of disabling your tire pressure monitoring system. All you have to do is use an emulator designed to bypass the TPMS. The TPMS bypass emulator is a small box-like device equipped with technology to “turn off” your tire pressure monitoring system.

How much does it cost to replace a TPMS sensor? ›

TPMS Replacement Costs and What to Expect

In the event TPMS sensors need to be replaced, the cost can range from approximately $50-$100 each depending on vehicle type.

Inflate your vehicle's tires to three PSI above the recommended level, then completely deflate them. Ensure you do this for your spare tire also, as it may hold a sensor. Once every tire is deflated, inflate them to the recommended tire pressure to reset the tire light.

Resetting Your Tire Pressure Light

If your TPMS light remains on after inflating the tires to the proper pressure, try these steps: Drive the car at 50 mph for about 10 minutes. This should reset the tire sensors, and the next time you start the car the TPMS light should be off.

If the tire pressure warning light on your dashboard remains on after a long while, it's an indication that one or more of the tires is leaking air. If the TPMS warning light flashes on for 1 second, then off for 3 seconds repeatedly, this is an indication that the vehicle has issues with one or more of the sensors.

Other common reasons for air leakage which can cause the low tire pressure light but tires are fine issue include damage to the wheel rim due to physical shocks on the road like flying pebbles or debris, or a faulty tire valve that bleeds air gradually.

The best way to minimize NOx formation is to reduce flame temperature, reduce excess oxygen, and/or to burn low nitrogen-containing fuels.

What if my car fails the smog inspection? If your car fails the smog inspection, you should contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Referee Program. They can help you find out what your next steps are.

Start the car, and wait 20 minutes for the sensor to refresh. The TPMS reset button is usually located beneath the steering wheel. If you are unable to find it, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual. Inflate all tires to 3 PSI over their recommended amount, then deflate them completely.

Get Back on the Road With AutoZone

Shop for your replacement sensor by year, make and model to get the perfect part to keep you up to speed on your tire pressure so you can always stay inflated and safe while you're on the road.

What happens if you don't replace TPMS sensors? ›

What Happens If You Don't Replace TPMS Sensors When Required? If you neglect to replace worn out tyre pressure sensors, they will not work as they should and they will not be able to properly monitor the inflation of your tyres.

"Since 2008, federal law requires TPMS on all passenger vehicles and light trucks.

Yes, there is a sophisticated yet non-invasive method of disabling your tire pressure monitoring system. All you have to do is use an emulator designed to bypass the TPMS. The TPMS bypass emulator is a small box-like device equipped with technology to “turn off” your tire pressure monitoring system.

The purpose of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low and could create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire failure.

If you don't activate the sensor in the spare tire, the system will give a false read. Alternatively, an active sensor in the spare tire will be recognized by the vehicle, so it may be the source of the warning light as well. Always check the spare tire when servicing TPMS.

NHTSA-2000-8572) on July 26, 2001. The NPRM proposed to require passenger cars, light trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, except those vehicles with dual wheels on an axle, to be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Do I need to replace TPMS when replacing tires? You don't need to replace your TPMS sensors when buying new tires, but it's often convenient to do so if the sensors are more than a few years old. Most TPMS sensor batteries last five to ten years, so older sensors may not last as long as your new tires.