What condition triggers the tire pressure warning light?

The tire pressure warning light is designed to alert the driver when tire pressures are critically low, which can significantly affect vehicle safety and performance. When tire pressure drops four to six pounds below the manufacturer's specified level, this drop is typically enough to activate the warning light.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for optimal tire performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. When pressure falls below the recommended threshold, it can lead to issues such as decreased traction, increased tire wear, and higher risk of tire blowouts. Therefore, the warning light serves as an important safety feature to notify the driver when the tire pressure is within a dangerous range that requires immediate attention.

Other options relate to different conditions involving tire pressure but do not meet the specific criteria set by most vehicle monitoring systems for triggering the warning light. For example, a drop of just 2 pounds may not be significant enough to activate the warning system, while excessively high tire pressures could indicate a need for adjustment but does not usually trigger the light unless they reach a critical failure point.