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

Breakdowns and roadside assistance

Check the tyre for damage from the outside first. If you can’t see any damage, top up low tyre pressure yourself at an air pump at the nearest petrol station. If you see damage, the tyre is flat, there are unusual noises, or the warning light is red or flashing, stop safely, don’t drive on and call SIXT breakdown assistance: +44 344 4993399 (24/7). If there is immediate danger, call 112.

How to proceed

  1. Check all four tyres 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 breakdown assistance.

  2. Find the correct tyre 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 vehicle handbook. Use the value that matches your current load.

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

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

What to look out for with tyre pressure

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

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

When to call SIXT breakdown assistance

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

  • The tyre loses air again after inflating

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

  • The warning light is red or flashing

A tyre that repeatedly loses air has a puncture. Driving on is dangerous, especially at higher speeds, and also permanently damages the tyre and rim. In this case, please call SIXT breakdown assistance: +44 344 4993399 (24/7)

Next step
Check the tyres from the outside and correct the tyre pressure at the nearest petrol station.

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