HOW TO READ AND SET THE TIRE PRESSURE ON A TOYOTA RAV4

Introduction

Want to figure out how to keep your RAV4 tires performing at their best? Having your tires properly inflated and regularly monitored is the easiest gateway to ensuring better handling, performance, fuel efficiency, and your overall safety. This is why I am writing this blog post to help guide you on how to read and set the tire pressure so you may enjoy an unagitated, easy-going beautiful journey on the road. So, let’s get started!

There are two ways of reading the tire pressure on your RAV4, either through the infotainment system or through the Toyota app. Sounds great right? You can actually just read the tire pressure off of the screen right in front of you and get a reading on all four tires of your SUV without having to go to the mechanic. This is a huge convenience,  one that you can almost proudly flex on.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all RAV4s come equipped with this spectacular feature. The presence of this feature depends on the specific trims, models, and country you buy it from.

What is the “Feature”?

Now coming to the feature, what is it that lets you know the tire pressure on your RAV4? Guys, cutting through the suspense, it’s simply called the Tire Pressure Monitor System, or TPMS for short. Toyota describes this feature as follows:

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (comes) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert

So the TPMS is responsible for taking a real-time reading of all four tires of your RAV4 and reporting the readings to the driver and also turning on the TPMS light when any one or more of the tires is under-inflated.

This is so you can get your tire pressure checked by a mechanic or a Toyota dealership because tires naturally lose air over time. Changes in external temperature also result in drops in tire pressure which makes regular maintenance a necessity.

What does it look like?

Here is a screenshot taken from the official Toyota page concerning the warning lights that may show up. This is how a low tire pressure warning message shows on the instrument display. 

 

What Does it Indicate?

The Tire Pressure Monitor System sends signals when it senses a dangerously low tire pressure in one or more tires. This is usually because there is an actual decrease in tire pressure. However, it can also be because of rotation or changing the size.

Which RAV4s have the TPMS?

If you go through Toyota’s official website as I did and search for which Toyota RAV4 model has the Tire Pressure Monitor System installed, you wouldn’t find much. At most, maybe you can smartly come up with the idea to use their comparison feature to sneak into which model has the feature. But, even with that you would only know about which grade or trim of the latest 2024 RAV4 has the TPMS. Having already done the work for you, I am glad to say that Toyota has been generous this time as all of its 2024 RAV4 models come factory-equipped with this crucial feature.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Adjust Tire Pressure

You can take your car to the dealership or local mechanic when the tire pressure is too low. However, you can also give it a try yourself. So I’m writing this guide for the guys who want a hands-on approach to solving the matter themselves.

1. Check all of the tires and refill them using an air pump. If the indicator light stays on, check all the tires and refill, repair, or replace any that are below the proper pressure.
2. Ensure that the tire pressures are correct.
3. Then to reset the system, turn the engine on, and press and hold the reset button. This can be found right below the steering wheel area on the instrument panel.
4. Make sure that you hold the button until you see the TPMS light in the instrument display slowly flashes three times.
5. Lastly, wait for several minutes with the engine running. This is to let the system to record the new pressure of each tire. Then turn off the engine
6. If this doesn’t work you may change the tires and repeat the process.

RAV4 Tires’ Wearing Out?

The premature wearing down of the tires can often be the result of under-inflation as tires with lesser pressure will experience more friction. This can easily lead to a decreased fuel economy of your RAV4.

Additionally, remember that even if one tire of your RAV4 is worn out and needs to be replaced then you have to also replace all of the other ones unless you can precisely match the company, design, and size. This is because even mirror differences in the tire pressure can lead to a significant imbalance in the shift in weight of the SUV as well as other problems.

This is why it is important to keep an eye on the TPMS or make regular visits to the mechanic to detect any issues in tires and tire pressure in time. You should know Toyota recommends a monthly tire pressure check at least once per month.

Side note: If you are using a spare tire especially if it is for a temporary use, it may require a different pressure compared to the rest of the tires.

Signs Something Is Wrong

When you turn on your RAV4 and the tire pressure light comes on and starts to blink as soon as you start the car, it is likely that there is an issue. This may require you to get your car checked by a mechanic or inspected at a Toyota dealership.

Sources

All the information here has been collected from the official Toyota website and also another website on Toyota.

Conclusion

Knowing how to read and set the tire pressure on a Toyota RAV4 is fundamental to vehicle maintenance. It ensures safety, optimizes performance, and contributes to fuel efficiency. Follow the steps in this article. Avoid common mistakes. Also, check tire pressure often. Doing this lets you know the tire pressure for your Toyota RAV4.

FAQs

Q1: How frequently should I check my Toyota RAV4’s tire pressure?

You should check your Toyota RAV4’s tire pressure at a minimum of once a month before long trips. This will ensure a smooth journey without potential hassle.

Q2: Can I rely on the tire pressure monitoring system in my Toyota RAV4?

Yes, the tire pressure monitoring system provides valuable data. However, for more accuracy, it is recommended to check the tire pressure manually with a gauge.

Q3: Is there a specific time of day to check tire pressure?

Yes, there is. It is advisable to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, as the readings are more likely to be accurate. Therefore, one should avoid checking right after driving. This is because the tires heat up making the pressure increase.

Q4: What should I do if my tire pressure light comes on?

If the tire pressure light illuminates, it indicates low pressure in one or more tires. Pull over to a safe location and check the tire pressure. Inflate the tires as needed.

Q5: Can extreme temperature changes affect tire pressure?

Yes, extreme temperature changes can lead to tire pressure fluctuations. Monitor and adjust the tire pressure accordingly.

Q6: Where is the tire pressure display?

The tire pressure display in a Toyota vehicle is typically located in the instrument cluster or on the dashboard. It may appear as a digital readout or a warning light symbol indicating low tire pressure. Moreover, some models may also display tire pressure information on the infotainment screen or in the multi-information display located within the instrument cluster.

Q7: How do you check the tire pressure on a Toyota?

To measure the tire pressure on a Toyota, first, ensure the tires are cold. Locate the tire pressure label, usually inside the driver’s door jamb, and refer to the recommended pressure. Then, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire and adjust as necessary using an air compressor or by releasing air if overinflated.

Q8: How do I set the TPMS?