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What to do when the tire pressure warning light comes on?

Breakdowns and roadside assistance

Check the tire for damage from the outside first. If you can’t see any damage, top up low tire pressure yourself at an air pump at the nearest gas station. If you see damage, the tire is flat, there are unusual noises, or the warning light is red or flashing, stop safely, don’t drive on and call SIXT roadside assistance: +1 888 7498543 (24/7). If there is immediate danger, call 911.

How to proceed

  1. Check all four tires from the outside: look for cuts, cracks, bulges in the sidewall and foreign objects such as nails or screws in the tread. If you find any, don’t drive on and call SIXT roadside assistance.

  2. Find the correct tire pressure: sticker on the driver’s door, often in the door opening at the B-pillar, on some vehicles also in the fuel flap or the owner’s manual. Use the value that matches your current load.

  3. Inflate at the air pump, ideally when the tires are cold.

  4. Reset the warning light: depending on the vehicle, in the on-board computer (vehicle menu) or as described in the owner’s manual. On many vehicles it also goes out by itself after a few kilometers of driving. If it stays on or comes on again, call SIXT roadside assistance.

What to look out for with tire pressure

  • Use the value from the sticker, not the value on the tire itself. The value on the tire is the tire’s maximum pressure, not the correct pressure for your vehicle.

  • Warm tires show slightly higher pressure than cold ones after a longer drive, which is normal. For an accurate reading, let the tires cool down first.

When to call SIXT roadside assistance

  • The tire is visibly damaged or a foreign object is stuck in the tread

  • The tire loses air again after inflating

  • The tire is already flat, or the vehicle pulls, vibrates or makes unusual noises

  • The warning light is red or flashing

A tire that repeatedly loses air has a puncture. Driving on is dangerous, especially at higher speeds, and also permanently damages the tire and rim. In this case, please call SIXT roadside assistance: +1 888 7498543 (24/7)

Next step
Check the tires from the outside and correct the tire pressure at the nearest gas station.

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