(99.9 KTDY) – Lafayette, and Acadiana, raise your hand if the indicator on your dashboard that looks like a gumbo pot with a spoon has lit up. That little indicator light is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, but it sure looks like we need to break out the gumbo pot!
To other people across the country, this indicator looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation point, but to us, it looks like a gumbo pot on a burner with a big spoon in it.
When temperatures rise and fall, that indicator light can come on, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with tire pressure.
What the TPMS Light Is Designed to Do
The TPMS is a useful indicator that alerts you when tire pressure is too low and may pose a hazard while you are driving, according to Bridgestone Tires. So, does it mean there is something wrong with one of your tires? Not necessarily.
When The Tire Pressure Light Goes On, You Need To Do An Inspection
Bridgestone advises that when that indicator comes on, you physically inspect your tires to make sure there are no problems, such as a tread issue, a puncture, or air escaping from the tire or tires.
The Real Dangers of Driving on Tires with Low Pressure
Driving on a low tire can put you in danger, as it severely limits your ability to control your vehicle. In addition, even if you are not in immediate danger, you likely will do damage to your tire, especially the sidewalls of your tire. Riding on a tire with low air pressure can reduce your gas mileage.
What a shame that it’s not really a gumbo indicator letting you know it’s so cold you need to go home and start a big pot simmering on the stove…