The dashboard indicator related to tire inflation monitoring in the Toyota RAV4 alerts the driver when one or more tires are significantly underinflated. This system relies on sensors to detect air pressure within the tires and trigger a warning light if the pressure falls below a pre-set threshold, usually around 25% below the recommended inflation level. For example, if the recommended tire pressure is 32 PSI, the light may activate when a tire drops to approximately 24 PSI.
Maintaining proper tire inflation is crucial for vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Underinflated tires can lead to increased rolling resistance, which translates to higher fuel consumption. Furthermore, they can cause uneven wear, reducing the lifespan of the tires. Most importantly, significantly underinflated tires can overheat and potentially lead to a tire blowout, posing a serious safety risk. The system provides an early warning, allowing the driver to address the issue before it escalates into a more significant problem. This technology has evolved over time, with earlier systems relying on indirect methods using the ABS wheel speed sensors, while modern systems typically use direct pressure sensors inside each tire.
