What to Do When Your Gumbo Pot Dashboard Light Comes On in Your Car

(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.

One of the most interesting things about the TPMS is that if you don't find any physical issues with your tires, it could be something easy to fix.

When the Warning Light in Your Car Doesn’t Mean a Flat Tire

Bridgestone explains,

......fluctuating temperatures may be causing your TPMS light to turn on and off. This typically occurs when pressure decreases overnight due to a drop in ambient temperature that causes the light to turn on; the light may turn off when pressure increases during the day due to rising ambient temperature and/or heat generated from the driving the vehicle.

 

The Tire Pressure Light Might Go Out When You Hit the Gas

So, if all other issues have been ruled out and it's a cold morning, you might want to drive around a bit to see if the light goes off. Once you get on the road, the tire heats up, and the pressure sensor might just go off. It happens frequently.

When It’s Time to Call a Mechanic

As always, if you have a problem or are unsure whether there is an issue, contact a mechanic for help.